Dallas, October 17, 2025
News Summary
This weekend, Dallas-Fort Worth residents can enjoy a variety of events including the final days of the State Fair of Texas, an NFL game featuring the Cowboys, and several concerts. Major acts include John Conlee and Grupo Toppaz, with opportunities for free outdoor music as well. Cultural celebrations like Diwali also add to the festivities. With a mix of ticketed and free activities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy across the region.
Dallas — A busy weekend of concerts, festivals and sports will draw Dallas-Fort Worth residents to venues across the region, led by the final weekend of the State Fair of Texas at Fair Park and a Sunday NFL game at AT&T Stadium.
Key events and openings
The final weekend of the State Fair of Texas is happening at Fair Park in Dallas. Fair hours: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday. The fair’s concluding days are expected to offer standard attractions, food vendors and family activities through Sunday evening.
The Dallas Cowboys are set to play against the Washington Commanders on Sunday at AT&T Stadium at 3:25 p.m. Ticket availability spans a range of prices with Ticket prices start at around $23. Fans attending should plan for stadium entry procedures and expected traffic around Irving and the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
Major concerts and performances
Country singer John Conlee will perform at Arlington Music Hall at 7:30 p.m. on Friday. John Conlee is a member of the Grand Ole Opry. The concert adds a traditional country offering to Friday night options for metro-area audiences.
Regional Mexican band Grupo Toppaz is set to perform at 10 p.m. Saturday at Rio Bravo Arlington. Ticket prices start at around $40. This late-evening show is among several regional and Latin-music options available this weekend.
Micky and The Motorcars will play a free concert from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. Friday at Levitt Pavilion. Homebody, a female-fronted string band from Fort Worth, will join them. The Levitt Pavilion event provides a no-cost option for live music outdoors, with family-friendly seating and local park access.
Community and cultural events
The Diwali celebration by Madhuban Parivaar is scheduled for 6 p.m. Saturday at 2700 Cypress Hills Court. A puja ceremony begins at 4:30 p.m., followed by dance performances and complimentary food booths. The event is positioned as a community cultural celebration with food and performing arts for attendees.
Additional arts, theater and entertainment offerings
The weekend lineup also includes orchestral, theatrical and comedy events across the region. The following scheduled performances and runs are available through the dates noted:
- Dallas Symphony Orchestra presents “Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue” with performances through Saturday at Meyerson Symphony Center.
- The Firehouse Theatre presents “Young Frankenstein” running until November 2.
- Second Thought Theatre presents “Incarnate” until November 1.
- Improv Addison hosts comedian Carlos Mencia for six shows through Sunday.
- Iliza Shlesinger will perform at Majestic Theatre on October 17 and 18.
- Nate Bargatze, known for his clean comedy, will perform at American Airlines Center through Saturday.
- The Dallas Opera is presenting “Carmen” at Winspear Opera House through October 26.
- Other events include the Do Good Fest featuring Collective Soul, John Legend’s concert, and various family-friendly theater productions.
Major League Volleyball has announced the Dallas Pulse team, set to begin play in 2026, adding another women’s team to the league. Tickets for various events are available, starting as low as $0 for some family-friendly activities.
Practical information
Event times, venue procedures and ticket prices vary by organizer. Attendees should confirm start times and ticketing details before travel. Several free and low-cost options are available for families and community members.
Background and context
This weekend’s program represents a mix of longstanding regional attractions, touring headline acts and community cultural events. The State Fair of Texas traditionally draws large crowds to Fair Park in Dallas for its final weekend, while stadium and theater events across Dallas-Fort Worth present a range of ticketed and free entertainment through Sunday and beyond. Major League Volleyball’s expansion announcement signals growth in professional women’s sports in the region with the Dallas Pulse joining the league in 2026.
FAQ
- When is the State Fair of Texas happening?
- The final weekend of the State Fair of Texas is happening at Fair Park in Dallas.
- What are the fair hours?
- Fair hours: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday.
- When and where is John Conlee performing?
- Country singer John Conlee will perform at Arlington Music Hall at 7:30 p.m. on Friday.
- Is John Conlee affiliated with a notable institution?
- John Conlee is a member of the Grand Ole Opry.
- When and where is Grupo Toppaz performing?
- Regional Mexican band Grupo Toppaz is set to perform at 10 p.m. Saturday at Rio Bravo Arlington.
- What are the ticket prices for Grupo Toppaz?
- Ticket prices start at around $40.
- Is there a free concert this weekend?
- Micky and The Motorcars will play a free concert from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. Friday at Levitt Pavilion.
- Who will join Micky and The Motorcars at Levitt Pavilion?
- Homebody, a female-fronted string band from Fort Worth, will join them.
- When and where is the Diwali celebration?
- The Diwali celebration by Madhuban Parivaar is scheduled for 6 p.m. Saturday at 2700 Cypress Hills Court.
- What is the schedule for the Diwali event?
- A puja ceremony begins at 4:30 p.m., followed by dance performances and complimentary food booths.
- When is the Dallas Cowboys game?
- The Dallas Cowboys are set to play against the Washington Commanders on Sunday at AT&T Stadium at 3:25 p.m.
- What are the ticket prices for the Cowboys game?
- Ticket prices start at around $23.
- Are there other cultural and entertainment events?
- Dallas Symphony Orchestra presents “Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue” with performances through Saturday at Meyerson Symphony Center. The Firehouse Theatre presents “Young Frankenstein” running until November 2. Second Thought Theatre presents “Incarnate” until November 1. Improv Addison hosts comedian Carlos Mencia for six shows through Sunday. Iliza Shlesinger will perform at Majestic Theatre on October 17 and 18. Nate Bargatze, known for his clean comedy, will perform at American Airlines Center through Saturday. The Dallas Opera is presenting “Carmen” at Winspear Opera House through October 26. Other events include the Do Good Fest featuring Collective Soul, John Legend’s concert, and various family-friendly theater productions.
- Are there low-cost or free options this weekend?
- Tickets for various events are available, starting as low as $0 for some family-friendly activities.
| Event | Date/Time | Location | Ticket Info |
|---|---|---|---|
| State Fair of Texas (final weekend) | Friday–Sunday; see fair hours | Fair Park, Dallas | Fair hours: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday |
| Dallas Cowboys vs. Washington Commanders | Sunday, 3:25 p.m. | AT&T Stadium | Ticket prices start at around $23 |
| John Conlee concert | Friday, 7:30 p.m. | Arlington Music Hall | Varied ticket prices |
| Grupo Toppaz | Saturday, 10 p.m. | Rio Bravo Arlington | Ticket prices start at around $40 |
| Micky and The Motorcars (free) | Friday, 7:30–10:30 p.m. | Levitt Pavilion | Free |
| Diwali by Madhuban Parivaar | Saturday; puja at 4:30 p.m., celebration at 6 p.m. | 2700 Cypress Hills Court | Complimentary food booths |
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Additional Resources
- CultureMap: Weekend Events
- Wikipedia: Dallas
- Axios: Dallas-Fort Worth Weekend Events
- Google Search: Dallas events
- My Curly Adventures: Halloween Events in Dallas
- Google Scholar: Dallas cultural events
- NBC Dallas-Fort Worth: Fall Festivals
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Dallas
- Mommy Poppins: Weekend Events for Families
- Google News: Dallas entertainment
Author: STAFF HERE DALLAS 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.
