Dallas, September 18, 2025
News Summary
Dallas–Fort Worth kicks off its peak fall festival season with a variety of family-friendly events this weekend. Key highlights include Autumn at the Arboretum, the Plano Hot Air Balloon Festival, and neighborhood fall fairs. The region also features several museum and park programs designed for both children and adults, along with exciting new attractions such as the freshly opened Peppa Pig Theme Park. Seasonal blooms and interactive exhibits add to the entertainment, ensuring families have plenty of options to enjoy.
Dallas
Major family-friendly events fill Dallas–Fort Worth this weekend
Peak fall festival season kicks off in DFW. A broad lineup of events across Dallas and Fort Worth offers family-friendly entertainment, seasonal displays, interactive exhibits and new attractions. Key highlights include Autumn at the Arboretum, the Plano Hot Air Balloon Festival, neighborhood fall fairs and multiple museum and park programs aimed at children and adults.
Top events and openings
Autumn at the Arboretum returns with enhanced features. Plano Hot Air Balloon Festival set to take place, promising spectacular views. Addison’s Oktoberfest and Fall Fest in downtown Garland are among family-friendly activities. Latinidad Festival will be held in the Dallas Arts District with engaging activities. Bug Fest at the Perot Museum offers scientific fun for kids.
Peppa Pig Theme Park in North Richland Hills officially opened on March 1. Peppa Pig Theme Park features five rides, seven themed playscapes, and a water play area. Admission to Peppa Pig Theme Park starts at $27.99.
Special programs, dates and locations
Train-A-Palooza taking place at Grapevine Convention Center on March 8-9. Ext-ROAR-dinary Dino Fest at EpicCentral in Grand Prairie runs from March 8-23. Dinosaur-themed activities include fossil digging and storytimes during Dino Fest. Astra Lumina, an immersive night walk, set in Trinity Forest Adventure Park, runs through April 6. Circus Vazquez features global performers at Riders Field, with shows through March 30.
Outdoor family activities at Klyde Warren Park during “Spring Break in the Park.” Dallas Blooms at the Dallas Arboretum showcases over 500,000 spring blooming bulbs through April 13. Fort Worth Botanic Garden hosts Butterflies in the Garden exhibit through April 30. Special events at Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum include a speaker series from March 11-20.
Dallas Black Dance Theatre presents “Dancing Beyond Borders” on March 15, celebrating its 25th anniversary. Broadway at the Bass features “Les Misérables” from March 18-23. Family-oriented activities continue at Fort Worth Stockyards throughout spring break. Great Wolf Lodge offers discounts on stays during Spring Break from March 6-April 27. Unique experiences like “Forest of Shadows” immersive night walk coming in October 2024.
Tulipalooza Festival in Waxahachie showcases over 300,000 tulips and features food vendors and live entertainment. Reservations are sold out for Neiman Marcus in downtown Dallas before its closing on March 31. Locals encouraged to enjoy the historic and cultural significance of the iconic Neiman Marcus store before it closes.
What families should know this weekend
- Event variety: Offerings range from botanical displays and butterfly exhibits to night walks and interactive museum programming, allowing families to choose outdoor or indoor options depending on weather and age groups.
- Timing and tickets: Several events run through mid- to late April, while seasonal fairs and festivals have specific weekend or short-run dates. Some attractions, including Peppa Pig Theme Park, list specific admission starting points and others require advance reservations for timed entries or sold-out performances.
- Accessibility and safety: Venues vary in size and layout. Visitors are advised to check individual venue information on arrival procedures, parking and family amenities.
Background and seasonal context
This collection of events reflects a transition between spring displays and the city’s peak fall festival season, with both recurring annual attractions and recent additions to the region’s family entertainment options. Botanical and cultural institutions are staging seasonal exhibitions timed for spring blooms and school breaks, while theme parks and festivals add rides, performances and interactive activities designed for a broad age range.
FAQ
When does Peppa Pig Theme Park open?
Peppa Pig Theme Park in North Richland Hills officially opened on March 1.
What features does Peppa Pig Theme Park include?
Peppa Pig Theme Park features five rides, seven themed playscapes, and a water play area.
How much does admission cost?
Admission to Peppa Pig Theme Park starts at $27.99.
What is the status of seasonal festivals in DFW?
Peak fall festival season kicks off in DFW.
What are the dates for Train-A-Palooza?
Train-A-Palooza taking place at Grapevine Convention Center on March 8-9.
When is the Dino Fest and what does it include?
Ext-ROAR-dinary Dino Fest at EpicCentral in Grand Prairie runs from March 8-23.
Dinosaur-themed activities include fossil digging and storytimes during Dino Fest.
How long does Astra Lumina run?
Astra Lumina, an immersive night walk, set in Trinity Forest Adventure Park, runs through April 6.
How long will Circus Vazquez perform?
Circus Vazquez features global performers at Riders Field, with shows through March 30.
What should visitors know about Dallas Blooms?
Dallas Blooms at the Dallas Arboretum showcases over 500,000 spring blooming bulbs through April 13.
Are reservations still available for Neiman Marcus in downtown Dallas?
Reservations are sold out for Neiman Marcus in downtown Dallas before its closing on March 31.
Is there a local tulip festival?
Tulipalooza Festival in Waxahachie showcases over 300,000 tulips and features food vendors and live entertainment.
Is the community advised to see Neiman Marcus before it closes?
Locals encouraged to enjoy the historic and cultural significance of the iconic Neiman Marcus store before it closes.
| Event | Location | Dates / Run | Key Features / Admission |
|---|---|---|---|
| Autumn at the Arboretum | Dallas Arboretum | Seasonal (this weekend) | Autumn at the Arboretum returns with enhanced features. |
| Plano Hot Air Balloon Festival | Plano | This weekend | Plano Hot Air Balloon Festival set to take place, promising spectacular views. |
| Peppa Pig Theme Park | North Richland Hills | Opened March 1 | Peppa Pig Theme Park features five rides, seven themed playscapes, and a water play area. Admission to Peppa Pig Theme Park starts at $27.99. |
| Ext-ROAR-dinary Dino Fest | EpicCentral, Grand Prairie | March 8-23 | Ext-ROAR-dinary Dino Fest at EpicCentral in Grand Prairie runs from March 8-23. Dinosaur-themed activities include fossil digging and storytimes during Dino Fest. |
| Dallas Blooms | Dallas Arboretum | Through April 13 | Dallas Blooms at the Dallas Arboretum showcases over 500,000 spring blooming bulbs through April 13. |
| Tulipalooza Festival | Waxahachie | Spring festival | Tulipalooza Festival in Waxahachie showcases over 300,000 tulips and features food vendors and live entertainment. |
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Additional Resources
- Mommy Poppins: Things to Do in Dallas This Weekend
- CultureMap Dallas: Spring Break 2025 Events in DFW
- Fort Worth Today: Kid-Friendly Activities in Fort Worth
- Star-Telegram: Fort Worth Entertainment Events
- Community Impact: Events Around Dallas-Fort Worth
- Wikipedia: Dallas
- Google Search: Dallas events
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Dallas
- Google Scholar: Dallas festivals
- Google News: Dallas family events
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.
