10 Hot: Best Local Fests

Late summer and early fall in North Texas are packed with can’t-miss festivals that blend family fun, live music, local flavor, and community spirit. From the iconic fairs and rodeos to music, wine, and beer festivals, these annual events offer the kind of memorable outings that turn a regular weekend into a highlight of the season.

Trophy Club Margarita Festival
Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026
2980 SH 114, Roanoke
eventeny.com/events/trophy-club-margarita-festival-26780/
The Trophy Club Margarita Festival brings together festive drinks, local vendors, live entertainment, and a community party vibe. If you’re a fan of margaritas, this fun, adults-forward event delivers with enough food, drink, music, and social energy to make it a popular stop for groups looking for a lively evening close to home.

Grapefest in Grapevine
Thursday, Sept. 17 – Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026
Historic Downtown Grapevine
grapevinetexasusa.com/grapefest
Now in its 40th year, Grapevine’s signature wine festival pours on the charm with tastings, grape stomps, live music, artisan vendors, and family fun in the heart of North Texas wine country. The event’s festive downtown setting makes it equally appealing for adults and kids, while the lively entertainment lineup keeps the energy high all weekend long.

Highland Village Balloon Festival
Friday, Aug. 14 – Sunday, Aug. 16, 2026
Unity Park, 2200 Briarhill Blvd., Highland Village
lionsballoonfest.com
The 28th Annual Highland Village Balloon Festival will take place August 14-16. The event will feature fun for the whole family! Enjoy the wiener dog races, kid zone, live
bands, car show, 5K run, food, arts & crafts, and of course, the iconic hot air balloons.

Dallas Riverfront Jazz Festival
Friday, Sept. 4–Sunday, Sept. 6, 2026
Fair Park, 925 S. Haskell Ave., Dallas
tbaalriverfrontjazzfestival.org
The Riverfront Jazz Festival showcases a rich mix of jazz, R&B, soul, and gospel across a weekend of live performances in Dallas. With multiple stages, food vendors, and a
polished festival atmosphere, it offers a sophisticated but approachable cultural outing for music fans and families.

Fiesta Charra & Lewisville Western Days
Fiesta Charra — Sunday, Sept. 6, 2026
Bill Weaver Arena, 101 Parkway Dr., Lewisville
Western Days — Friday, Sept. 25 – Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026
Old Town Lewisville
cityoflewisville.com (for info about both festivals)
Fiesta Charra is a celebration of Mexican culture that brings the excitement of a traditional, rodeo-style charreada. Western Days includes live music on six stages, a tamale
eating contest and Western-themed activities. Both are free (Western Days before 6 pm).

Addison Oktoberfest
Thursday, Sept. 17–Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026
Addison Circle Park, 4970 Addison Cir., Addison
addisonoktoberfest.com
Addison Oktoberfest serves up German food, beer, music, dancing, and family activities in one of North Texas’s most iconic fall festivals. Modeled after Munich’s famous celebration, this event combines German flair and fare with kid-friendly carnival fun and a festive atmosphere that makes it a perennial favorite for all ages.

Rhythms at the Riverwalk
Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026
Flower Mound River Walk
rhythmsattheriverwalk.com
Rhythms at the River Walk turns Flower Mound’s scenic waterfront into a lively community gathering with live music, food, and the ever popular Duck Derby. All in the name
of good cause, the event’s charming setting and approachable atmosphere make it an easy choice for families and neighbors looking for a casual way to celebrate and sup-
port the community.

Denton Arts & Jazz Festival
Friday, Sept. 11–Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026
North Texas Fairgrounds
2217 North Carroll Blvd, Denton
dentonjazzfest.com
One of the most beloved local traditions, Denton Arts & Jazz Festival brings top-tier jazz, visual art, food, and family-friendly activities to the North Texas Fairground for its 35th year. With free admission and a welcoming environment, this standout creative celebration draws music lovers, art fans, and families from across North Texas.

Dog Days of Denton
Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026
Quakertown Park
700 Oakland St., Denton
discoverdenton.com/events/annual-events/dog-days-of-denton
Dog Days of Denton remains a tail-wagging favorite that brings out over 7,000 dog lovers for a playful celebration of pups, people, and community spirit. This free, family-friendly event features canine contests, vendors, expert demos, a food and beer garden, and festive fun, all while supporting local dog park efforts.