10 HOT Local Fall Events

Autumn at the Arboretum — (Through Nov. 3) The Dallas Arboretum transforms into a pumpkin wonderland during Autumn at the Arboretum, featuring intricately designed pumpkin villages, seasonal gardens, and stunning views of White Rock Lake. Families can enjoy pumpkin carving demonstrations, hay bale mazes, and themed exhibits.

Pumpkin Nights — (through Oct. 31) Visit Howell Family Farms in Arlington to immerse yourself in fantastical lands, all built from 7,500 hand-carved real and synthetic pumpkins. This year you can expect a pumpkin tunnel, an enchanted forest, a haunted pirate ship, a Dia De Los Muertos display, fire shows, pumpkin eats and drinks, and more. 

Texas Renaissance Festival — (Weekends through Dec. 1) Held in Waxahachie, the Texas Renaissance Festival transports visitors to a 16th-century European village with jousting knights, live entertainment, and artisan demonstrations. Kids can enjoy costume contests, rides, and feasting on giant turkey legs while exploring themed weekends like Oktoberfest and Pirate Adventure.

Denton’s Day of the Dead Festival — (Oct. 25-27) An inclusive, family-focused festival, celebrating culture and community, that pays homage to the many wonderful things the fall has to offer —the goodness of the harvest, the Dia de los Muertos holiday, and all things Halloween! Enjoy a whole weekend of community, candy, and celebration in Downtown Denton, featuring Coffin Races, Twilight Lantern Parade, a pumpkin patch, Cirque du Horror and costume contests.

¡Celebramos! at the Fort Worth Botanic Garden — (Through Oct. 27) A Celebration of Latin American Culture & Heritage, presented by Charles Schwab includes performances and exhibitions, dining and shopping opportunities, and more. Among the garden’s full schedule of events for Hispanic Heritage Month, they will displaying its annual marigold carpet beginning October 26. Plus, you’ll get free admission on Oct. 27.

Flower Mound Smoke & Whiskey Fest — (Oct. 26) The Flower Mound Smoke and Whiskey Fest is a Texas State BBQ Championship and Fundraiser for the Summit Club of Flower Mound. Enjoy tasting BBQ samples and vote for their favorite in the People’s Choice competition. There will be live music, vendors, and a chance to taste Texas whiskeys in the Whiskey Corral. The event will be held rain or shine at the Flower Mound River Walk. 

The Wizard Train — (Oct. 31) Wizards, grab your wands and robes, head to Platform 9 ¾ (aka the Grapevine Vintage Railroad), and embark on a 45-minute adventure to another world! Enjoy festively decorated train cars, characters, magic tricks, puppet talks, toads and snakes, wizard-world sweets and treats, and more! They’re also hosting a “Witches Brew” train Oct. 25 and a “Trick ‘R Treat” train on Oct. 27. Get tickets early!

Fort Worth Stockyards Ghost Tours — The Paranormal Activity in the Historic Fort Worth Stockyards is one of the most active and written about in the United States. Our Ghost Tour takes you on a 90-minute walking tour through the Fort Worth Stockyards, where we will share stories of paranormal activity, as well as detailed history of the Stockyards. Bordello’s, the shoot outs, the hangings and much more!

Haunted Houses — DFW offers a variety of haunted attractions like Cutting Edge Haunted House in Fort Worth, where families can brave terrifying mazes, encounter spooky creatures, and experience adrenaline-pumping scares together.

Frisco Arts Walk & Run — (Oct. 26) Frisco’s Arts Walk & Run showcases local artists, musicians, and performers with interactive art displays, live music stages, and creative workshops for kids. Families can participate in a scenic 5K run, explore food trucks, and discover unique artworks throughout the event.