North Texas, August 23, 2025
News Summary
North Texas embraces the fall season with a variety of family-friendly events including pumpkin patches, harvest festivals, parades, and live music. From late August through November, communities will host numerous gatherings such as Westfest, GrapeFest, and the State Fair of Texas. Many events are either free or have mixed admission prices, and attendees are encouraged to check schedules and weather updates regularly. These celebrations highlight the rich cultural heritage of the region while providing entertainment and activities suitable for all ages.
Dallas — North Texas kicks off the fall season with a broad lineup of family-oriented events, including pumpkin patches, harvest festivals, parades, live music, and cultural celebrations. Major weekend festivals begin in late August and continue through November, with varied admission prices, multiple free events, and schedule adjustments possible due to weather.
Key takeaways
- Dates: Events run from late August through early November, with major gatherings concentrated in September and October.
- Types of events: Pumpkin displays, hayrides, hot air balloons, music festivals, heritage celebrations, and seasonal food and rides.
- Admission: Many events offer a mix of free access and ticketed entry; advance checking of prices and schedules is advised.
- Weather and scheduling: Organizers may change dates or times in response to weather; attendees should verify details on official event pages before traveling.
Major events and details
Westfest (West)
When: August 29–31 (Labor Day Weekend). Where: Downtown West. Focus: Celebration of Czech heritage with music, food, dancing, and polka competitions. Admission: $22 for ages 13+ on August 29; $15 on August 30–31; $6 for children 6–12; free for 5 and under.
Black Academy of Arts and Letters Jazz Festival (Dallas)
When: August 29–31. Where: Fair Park. Focus: Live jazz performances across multiple stages. Admission: $95 for a single day; $190 for a three-day weekend pass.
Mid-Autumn Festival (Dallas)
When: September 6, 1 p.m.–7 p.m. Where: Flag Pole Hill Park. Focus: Celebration of Asian heritage with cultural performances and family activities. Admission: Free.
Autumn Fest (Little Elm)
When: September 11–14. Where: Little Elm Park. Focus: Carnival rides, games, and musical tributes including rock and Tejano. Admission: Free on September 11; $10 on September 12–13; $5 on September 14.
GrapeFest (Grapevine)
When: September 11–14. Where: Historic Main Street, Grapevine. Theme: Honoring the centennial of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby.” Admission: $12 adults; $6 children and seniors; $25 weekend pass.
Hot Air Balloon Festival (Plano / Collin County)
When: September 18–21. Focus: Over 30 balloons, live music, and fireworks. Admission: $10 adults; $5 ages 3–12 and seniors; free for others. Flight schedules and launches are weather-dependent.
Denton Blues Festival (Denton)
When: September 19–21 at Quakertown Park. Focus: Multiple blues artists and bands. Admission: Free.
Autumn at the Arboretum (Dallas Arboretum)
When: September 20–November 2. Feature: Pumpkin village featuring about 100,000 pumpkins and seasonal displays. Admission: $25.95 adults; $21.95 children 2–12; free under 2.
State Fair of Texas (Fair Park)
When: September 26–October 19. Highlight: Classic fair attractions including rides, livestock exhibits, midway games, and regional food. Admission: General adult prices vary from roughly $15 to $25 depending on day; child rates vary by age.
Wild West Festival (Old Town Lewisville)
When: September 26–27. Focus: Cowboy-themed activities and family programming. Admission: Free for children under 12; $15 for others.
Fine Art Festival (Richardson)
When: October 4–5 at Cottonwood Park. Feature: Over 200 artists displaying work. Admission: Free.
31 Days of Denton Halloween (Denton)
When: October 1–November 1. Focus: A month-long series of daily Halloween-themed activities across the city.
Otsukimi Moon Viewing Festival (Plano)
When: October 4. Focus: Japanese cultural celebration with arts and family activities. Admission: Free.
Historic Downtown Carrollton Railroad Festival
When: November 8. Focus: Celebration of railroad history with family programming. Admission: Free.
Additional seasonal offerings
Through the season, numerous pumpkin patches, Oktoberfest gatherings, pet-focused Howl-O-Ween events, Day of the Dead celebrations, and smaller community harvest festivals are scheduled across North Texas cities. Many venues provide family-oriented activities such as hayrides, corn mazes, photo backdrops, and children’s entertainment. A number of events offer free admission or child discounts; others charge per person or sell day and weekend passes.
Planning tips for attendees
- Verify dates and times on event websites or official event pages, as schedules can shift due to weather or logistical changes.
- Check admission categories and age cutoffs, since prices and free-entry thresholds vary by event.
- Expect weekend crowds at large events such as the State Fair and GrapeFest; arrive early for parking and programming you do not want to miss.
- Many festivals include food vendors and limited seating; bring cash or a payment method accepted on-site and plan for outdoor conditions.
Background
Seasonal fall programming in North Texas traditionally combines cultural festivals, agricultural displays, and entertainment-driven fairs. The late-August to November window is commonly used by cities and community organizations to stage recurring events that attract families, regional visitors, and local residents. This year’s calendar maintains that mix, with both longstanding events and single-day cultural observances included across Dallas-Fort Worth and surrounding communities.
FAQ
Which event is best for families with young children?
Many events are family-focused. Free or low-cost options include the Mid-Autumn Festival, Denton Blues Festival, Otsukimi Moon Viewing Festival, and community pumpkin patches. The Autumn at the Arboretum offers child-friendly displays but requires paid admission for most visitors.
Are there events that are free to attend?
Yes. Several events listed have free admission, including the Mid-Autumn Festival, Denton Blues Festival, certain days of community festivals, and some cultural observances. Check individual event details for any suggested donations or paid attractions inside the event area.
How should I prepare for weather-related changes?
Confirm event status on the day of attendance via the organizer’s official communications. Expect outdoor events to modify schedules due to rain, wind, or extreme heat. Bring appropriate clothing and consider alternate indoor plans if needed.
Are pets allowed at these events?
Pet policies vary by event. Outdoor festivals frequently allow leashed pets, but certain family or food-focused venues may restrict animals. Review the event’s policies before bringing a pet.
| Event | Dates | Location | Admission (sample) | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Westfest | Aug 29–31 | West | $22 / $15 / $6 / Free | Czech heritage music and polka |
| Black Academy Jazz Festival | Aug 29–31 | Fair Park, Dallas | $95 day / $190 weekend | Live jazz performances |
| Autumn at the Arboretum | Sep 20–Nov 2 | Dallas Arboretum | $25.95 adults | Pumpkin village (100,000 pumpkins) |
| State Fair of Texas | Sep 26–Oct 19 | Fair Park, Dallas | $15–$25 (approx.) | Rides, exhibits, food |
| Hot Air Balloon Festival | Sep 18–21 | Plano / Collin County | $10 adults / $5 kids | 30+ balloons, fireworks |
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Additional Resources
- Dallas News: Fall Festival Activities
- NBC DFW: Fall Festivals October 2024
- D Magazine: Things to Do This Fall
- Fox 4 News: Fall Activities DFW
- WFAA: Big Sporting Events and Festivals
- Wikipedia: Autumn
- Google Search: Fall Festivals in Dallas
- Google Scholar: Fall Festivals Dallas
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Fall Festival
- Google News: Dallas Fall 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.
