Dallas, September 4, 2025
News Summary
September in North Texas boasts a plethora of exciting events, including the long-awaited State Fair of Texas and The Grape Gatsby wine celebration. Visitors can also enjoy fall festivals, food events, and concerts across the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Key highlights include immersive pumpkin displays in Arlington and a plethora of local music performances. With regional attractions and upgraded hospitality options, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this bustling month.
Dallas — September in North Texas brings a packed calendar of concerts, fall festivals, food events and regional attractions, with major gatherings scheduled across the Dallas–Fort Worth area and beyond. The month features a mix of long-running attractions and new festival debuts, including the return of the State Fair of Texas and a multi-day wine celebration in historic downtown Grapevine.
Key events and dates
The busiest weekends will center on wine, music, food and seasonal attractions. Eight key concerts and festivals are highlighted across the region this month, including:
- The Grape Gatsby wine celebration in Grapevine, running September 11–14, featuring wine tastings, grape-stomping contests, carnival games, live music and vendors.
- State Fair of Texas at Fair Park in Dallas, returning September 26–October 19, with midway rides, innovative fried foods, cultural exhibits, concerts, and the iconic Big Tex display.
- Arlington fall festivals starting September 19 and continuing through November 3, showcasing immersive pumpkin displays, themed tunnels, large sculptural displays such as a giant dragon, and undersea scenes.
- Regional concerts and performances by big-name artists across North Texas venues throughout September.
Other regional festivals and attractions in September
Several events outside the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex are scheduled in early and mid-September and may draw visitors from North Texas:
- Pecan Street Festival in Austin on September 13–14, with artisan vendors and live performances from a dozen acts; admission and parking are free.
- Tanglefoot Festival in Temple on September 12–13, an inaugural country music event featuring more than 20 acts and 16 barbecue pitmasters, with tickets starting at $108.51.
- Six Flags Fiesta Texas in San Antonio launching Fright Fest nights beginning September 6, with four new haunted mazes and live shows.
- Solar Flare Music Festival in Houston on September 5–6, presenting 44 Texas bands alongside immersive experiences and artisan vendors, with tickets priced between $20 and $35.
- Valley of the Moon Festival in Waco running September 3–October 1, featuring weekly live music.
- Levitt AMP Waco Music Series also running weekly from September 3 through October 1 at Bridge Street Plaza, offering free live music from a rotating lineup of artists.
Accommodations and travel notes
Hospitality providers and regional airports are also updating offerings to serve visitors during the busy month. Examples include new or enhanced lodging options and expanded air service plans:
- Onera Fredericksburg added 23 luxury treehouse units with private decks and outdoor soaking tubs; starting rates are reported at $180 for September stays.
- Worthington Renaissance Fort Worth introduced a packaged guest experience focused on local tours and dining credits, with rates starting at $264 per night.
- Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) will see new long-haul connectivity in the near future when Royal Jordanian plans to launch nonstop flights to Amman, Jordan in May 2026, creating direct access to one of the world’s oldest cities and strengthening DFW’s international gateway role.
What visitors can expect
Attendees should expect a mix of family attractions, seasonal displays and live entertainment. Major fairs and festivals will combine carnival-style attractions and cultural exhibits with food and beverage programming. Music festivals and concert series across the state will feature regional and national acts, with a range of ticket prices and some free community shows. Theme-park seasonal programming will include specially themed nights and new haunted attractions.
Practical considerations
- Event dates and programming may vary; visitors are advised to confirm schedules and ticketing directly with event organizers or venues prior to travel.
- Peak attendance is likely on weekends and during multi-day festivals; booking accommodations and planning transportation in advance can help avoid sold-out situations.
- Some events and packages list starting prices; actual costs may vary based on dates, seating, and additional options.
Background
September is traditionally a transition month for Texas events, moving from summer tourism into fall festival season. The State Fair of Texas is one of the region’s longest-running annual attractions, serving as a cultural and culinary showcase. Wine festivals and farm-to-table programming in North Texas and neighboring Central Texas communities have grown in scale over recent years. Music and food festivals continue to expand regionally, offering a mix of ticketed and free public programming designed to attract both local attendees and visitors from neighboring cities.
FAQ
When does the State Fair of Texas run?
The State Fair of Texas is scheduled at Fair Park in Dallas from September 26 through October 19.
What is The Grape Gatsby and when is it held?
The Grape Gatsby is a multi-day Texas wine celebration in downtown Grapevine held September 11–14, featuring tastings, grape-stomping, live music and vendors.
Are there free music events in the region this month?
Yes. The Levitt AMP Waco Music Series offers free weekly live music from September 3 through October 1 at Bridge Street Plaza. The Pecan Street Festival in Austin also offers free admission and parking.
What new flights are planned from DFW?
Royal Jordanian plans to launch nonstop service from Dallas Fort Worth International Airport to Amman, Jordan in May 2026, providing new international connectivity.
Where can I find family-friendly fall displays nearby?
Arlington’s fall festivals, beginning September 19 and running through November 3, feature immersive pumpkin displays, themed tunnels and large sculptural scenes suitable for families.
| Event | Dates | Location | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Grape Gatsby | Sept 11–14 | Grapevine | Wine tastings, grape-stomping, carnival games |
| State Fair of Texas | Sept 26–Oct 19 | Fair Park, Dallas | Midway rides, fried foods, exhibits, Big Tex |
| Arlington Fall Festivals | Sept 19–Nov 3 | Arlington | Immersive pumpkin displays, themed tunnels |
| Pecan Street Festival | Sept 13–14 | Austin | Artisan vendors, 12 music acts, free admission |
| Tanglefoot Festival | Sept 12–13 | Temple | 20+ country acts, 16 BBQ pitmasters |
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Additional Resources
- D Magazine: Things to Do in Dallas
- Wikipedia: Dallas
- WFAA: Events in DFW
- Google Search: Texas events September 2025
- CultureMap: Texas Travel and Festivals
- Google Scholar: Texas festivals
- StyleBlueprint: Southern Events in September
- Encyclopedia Britannica: September festivals
- Star-Telegram: Entertainment in Texas
- Google News: Texas concerts September
Author: STAFF HERE DALLAS WRITER
DALLAS STAFF WRITER The DALLAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDallas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Dallas, Dallas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the State Fair of Texas, Deep Ellum Arts Festival, and Dallas International Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Dallas Regional Chamber and United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, aviation, and semiconductors that power the local economy such as AT&T, Southwest Airlines, and Texas Instruments. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
