What: Greek Food Festival of Dallas
When: Friday, Sept. 23rd – Sunday, Sept. 25th @ 11:00AM
Where: Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church
13555 Hillcrest Rd., Dallas, TX 75240
Why: The 60th annual Greek Food Festival will feature the usual array of all things Hellenic, including a variety of authentic foods and treats made with love by Greek chefs from recipes passed through the generations. There will also be entertainment from New York-based Greek band Thymios and the Holy Trinity Hellenic Dancers, a marketplace brimming with imports and the creations of Greek and Greek-American artists and artisans, cooking demonstrations, games, tours, a kids zone, and more.
What: Oaktopia Fest 2016
When: Friday, Sept. 23rd & Saturday, Sept. 24th @ 3:00PM
Where: Denton Courthouse Square
110 W. Hickory St., Denton, TX 76201
Why: The 2016 Oaktopia Fest will feature big name acts and local favorites, including Norah Jones, Rae Sremmurd, Beirut, Dr. Dog, Wavves, Nikki Lane, DJ Lo Down Loretta Brown (aka Erykah Badu), White Denim, Best Coast, Andrew WK, Mates of State, Grandpa vs Prowler (Danny Masterson and Michael Pena), and more. There will also be panels, street performers, live artists, activities, art installations, vendors, yoga, and a whole lot of surprises.
What: McKinney Oktoberfest
When: Friday, Sept. 23rd – Sunday, Sept. 25th @ 4PM (Fri), 10AM (Sat) and 12PM (Sun)
Where: Historic Downton McKinney
111 N. Tennessee St., McKinney, TX 75069
Why: Downtown McKinney is ready to tap the keg for the annual Oktoberfest event, three days of authentic German fun. The fest offers traditional food, music, costumes, dancing, kids activities and more. The “beer garden” covers a total of 14 blocks throughout McKinney’s Historic Downtown square so guests can stroll with German beer in one hand & a bratwurst in the other.
What: Plano Balloon Festival
When: Friday, Sept. 23rd – Sunday, Sept. 25th @ 4:00PM (Fri) and 6:00AM (Sat & Sun)
Where: Oak Point Park and Nature Reserve
2801 E. Spring Creek Pkwy., Plano, TX 75074
Why: The InTouch Credit Union Plano Balloon Festival is a spectacular three-day event that offers something for everyone: entertainment on the FOX 4 community stage and KLUV main stage, Saturday evening spectacular fireworks show, special kids activities, sky divers, an enormous variety of food, merchandise and handmade products showcased, and, of course, the incredible hot air balloons. The balloons will launch Friday at 6 pm, Saturday at 7 am and 6 pm, and Sunday at 7 am and 6 pm (weather permitting).
What: Lewisville Western Days Festival
When: Friday, Sept. 23rd & Saturday, Sept. 24th @ 5:00PM (Fri) and 10:00AM (Sat)
Where: Old Town Lewisvill
Church St. and Charles St., Lewisville, TX 75057
Why: The two-day heritage fest features three stages of live music, Saturday morning parade, World Tamale Eating Championship, food and craft vendors. This year’s event has an expanded Western Village featuring the Ghost Horse Native American Dancers, Legends of Texas gunfighters, mechanical bull attraction, a working Old West jail for photo ops and blacksmith demos. The Kid Kountry Playground offers children’s rides and games. The Eli Young Band (9/23) and The Old 97’s (9/24) are musical headliners for the annual Western Days festival in Old Town Lewisville
What: Fort Worth Oktoberfest
When: Friday, Sept. 23rd & Saturday, Sept. 24th @ 5:00PM (Fri) and 1100AM (Sat)
Where: Panther Island Pavilion
395 Purcey St., Fort Worth, TX 76102
Why: Ft. Worth Oktoberfest celebration, presented by Spaten Brewery of Munich, features German food, music, dancing, games, indoor and outdoor biergartens, with a little bit of Texas thrown in. The fun continues on Friday and Saturday with a stein hoisting competition, bier barrel rolling race, dachshund dash and more. Entertainment includes traditional German music from Brave Combo, Alpenmusikanten, Walburg Boys, the Alpine Village Band and more. An Oktoberfest 5k and 1k run as well as 15-mile bike ride are scheduled on Saturday morning. Festival foods include sausages, schnitzel, soft pretzels, strudel and crepes.
What: Funny or Die presents Oddball Comedy & Curiosity Festival Tour
When: Friday, Sept. 23rd @ 5:15PM
Where: Gexa Energy Pavilion
1818 1st Ave., Dallas, TX 75210
Why: For the fourth consecutive year, Live Nation and Funny Or Die present the return of the world’s biggest comedy tour. Funny Or Die presents Oddball Comedy & Curiosity Festival Tour 2016 will feature performances by the world’s greatest comedians, including Dane Cook, Sebastian Maniscalco, Tom Segura, Iliza Shlesinger, Bobby Lee, Ali Wong, Jermaine Fowler, Big Jay Oakerson and Hosted by Roastmaster Jeff Ross. Note that parking is included in this year’s ticket for the event and that the event takes place a week prior to the State Fair of Texas.
What: 3rd Annual PlayPride LGBT Competition
When: Friday, Sept. 23rd – Sunday, Sept. 25th @ 7:30PM
Where: Bishop Arts Theatre Center
215 S. Tyler St., Dallas, TX 75208
Why: A surprise of epic proportions is in store for the 3rd Annual PlayPride LGBT Competition. Six playwrights will battle it out for a chance to win $1,000 in cash and prizes. Winners will be determined by audience vote
What: Rent 20th Anniversary Tour
When: Friday, Sept. 23rd – Sunday, Oct. 2nd @ 7:30PM & 2:00PM
Where: Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House
2403 Flora St., Dallas, TX 75201
Why: In 1996, an original rock musical by a little-known composer opened on Broadway… and forever changed the landscape of American theatre. Two decades later, Jonathan Larson’s Rent continues to speak loudly and defiantly to audiences across generations and all over the world. And now, this Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award®-winning masterpiece returns to the stage in a vibrant 20th anniversary touring production. A re-imagining of Puccini’s La Bohème, Rent follows an unforgettable year in the lives of seven artists struggling to follow their dreams without selling out. With its inspiring message of joy and hope in the face of fear, this timeless celebration of friendship and creativity reminds us to measure our lives with the only thing that truly matters – love.
What: Colvin & Earle in concert
When: Friday, Sept. 23rd @ 8:00PM
Where: Majestic Theatre
1925 Elm St., Dallas, TX 75201
Why: As Colvin & Earle, longtime friends and admirers Shawn Colvin and Steve Earle have united to record their self-titled debut, a true standout in careers already filled with pinnacles and masterpieces. Few things can touch the magic of artists so in tune that they seem to be able to read each other’s minds. Colvin & Earle live is a prime showcase for their inimitable vocals, mesmerizing guitar playing and witty storytelling. The evening promises to be a rich and inspiring musical experience as the pair share the stage performing songs from their new album and extensive catalogues as well as some of their favorite songs by other classic songwriters.
What: Viridian Farmers Market presents Pop-Up Art Show
When: Saturday, Sept. 24th @ 8:00AM – 3:00PM
Where: Overlook Park at Viridian
1210 Viridian Park Ln., Arlington, TX 76005
Why: The work of nearly a dozen local artists will complement farm fresh produce and artisanal delicacies during a pop-up art exhibition during the Viridian Farmers Market. Paintings, sculptures and handcrafted items will be available for viewing and purchase. Viridian is collaborating on the temporary art exhibition with Arlington Proud, a network of 60 creative individuals that gathers local artists for events like the Viridian Farmers Market. In addition to objects d’art, shoppers will be able to purchase organic vegetables and other locally produced products from vendors such as Grow It Forward Farm, Mac & Cream, Billyz Beanz Coffee and T-Rex Pickles. Live music will be provided by Tony Ray, and Pokey O’s Tarrant County food truck will be on hand with cookies and ice cream for purchase.
What: Live Well| Go Green Expo
When: Saturday, Sept. 24th @ 9:00AM
Where: Curtis Culwell Center
4999 Naaman Forest Blvd., Garland, TX 75040
Why: The expo will be offering up the best of “green” entertainment and education, including health screenings, new conservation tips, and no-fee recycling (batteries, electronic devices, medications, etc.) and document shredding. An outdoor area includes archery, kayaking, and a 24-foot climbing wall.
What: 2nd Annual Taste of Firewheel
When: Saturday, Sept. 24th @ 11:00AM -3:00PM
Where: Firewheel Town Center
245 Cedar Sage Dr., Garland, TX 75040
Why: Firewheel Town Center will host the second annual Taste of Firewheel. The family food festival, will feature delectable tastes, free live music, family-friendly activities, and fabulous shopping. The aromas of the various cuisines will fill the streets and captivate the senses of guests, who will be invited to sample fares from local restaurants. Additionally, children’s entertainment at the Kidgits Kid Zone will include an inflatable slide and obstacle course, Radhatter, activities and more. Taste tabs will double as “votes” for a restaurant’s partner charity. The winning charities will receive a Simon Gift card donation.
What: Grand Prairie Premium Outlets’ Fall Block Party
When: Saturday, Sept. 24th @ 12:00PM
Where: Grand Prairie Premium Outlets
2950 W. Interstate 20, Grand Prairie, TX 75052
Why: Area residents and visitors are invited to celebrate crisper air, falling leaves, and great deals at Grand Prairie Premium Outlets’ Fall Block Party. From Pokemon lures to rock climbing, the afternoon will offer free activities the whole family will enjoy. Guests can sing to their hearts content at open-mic karaoke, have their picture made on a giant inflatable couch, jump in the bounce house, enter to win great prizes, and shop the extra discounts on top of already low outlet prices.
What: Dallas Bites! presents Dallas’ Most Amazing Patios Tour
When: Saturday, Sept. 24th @ 2:30PM -6:00PM
Where: Meet at Krispy Kreme
5118 Greenville Ave, Dallas, TX
Why: Get out there and discover the joy of dining al fresco in Dallas. You’ll savor great bites at some of Dallas’ must-do patios including the home of chicken wings so unique, they are ranked among the Top 10 in America, an Asian street eats haven, laid-back Ozona on Greenville and much more. Drinks at venues are on your own. Price includes private motorcoach transportation, food at venues, tour guide and great beverages on the motorcoach.
What: SMOKED Dallas BBQ & Music Fest
When: Saturday, Sept. 24th @ 2:30PM -10:00PM
Where: Main Street Garden
1920 Main St., Dallas, TX 75201
Why: The third edition of the popular Smoked Dallas will feature edible offerings prepared by award-winning traditional pitmasters and celebrated chefs doing their take on barbeque. After 5 pm, BBQ is available for sale while supplies last since the tasting portion of the event has concluded, but music, dancing, drinks, fun, and dancing continues until 10 pm. Tickets for the evening concert offering can be purchased along with BBQ dining tickets, or as a standalone entertainment experience.
What: Chefs for Farmers presents Street Food Night Market
When: Saturday, Sept. 24th @ 7:00PM
Where: Dallas Design District
1519 Hi Line Dr. #C, Dallas, TX 75207
Why: Take a trip around the world in one magical Saturday night as Dallas goes global with CFF’s very first Street Food Night Market. Leave your passport at home, but bring your biggest appetite as chefs from Texas and the entire nation gather together to dish out street food favorites.
What: Movie Night on the Bridge
When: Saturday, Sept. 24th @ 7:00PM
Where: Ronald Kirk Bridge
109 Continental Ave., Dallas, TX 75207
Why: When the sun goes down, Continental Avenue Bridge becomes an outdoor movie theater with the beautiful downtown Dallas skyline as a backdrop. The city’s finest food trucks will be serving up great bites, so bring your friends, family and neighbors for this fantastic free event. September 24 – Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
What: Glen Hansard in concert
When: Saturday, Sept. 24th @ 7:30PM
Where: Majestic Theatre
1925 Elm St., Dallas, TX 75201
Why: Glen Hansard, who won an Oscar for the song “Falling Slowly” from the movie Once, comes back to Dallas in support of his 2015 album, Didn’t He Ramble. He’ll be joined by opening act Colm Mac Con Iomaire.
What: Fall Farmers Market & Sunday Funday!
When: Sunday, Sept. 25th @ 1:00PM – 4:00PM
Where: Light Farms
1234 Homestead Ct., Celina, TX 75009
Why: Light Farms will host its quarterly Sunday Funday Festival & Market. The event is free and open to residents and the general public alike, featuring local vendors from across North Texas and food trucks including Easy Slider Truck and Kona Ice. The event will also showcase live music by Vincent Neil Emerson & The Old Souls, fun, interactive activities for kids, and pet adoptions from Collin County Animal Service.
What: Prophets of Rage – Make America Rage Again Tour
When: Sunday, Sept. 25th @ 7:00PM
Where: Gexa Energy Pavilion
1818 1st Ave., Dallas, TX 75210
Why: Assembling as a politically-charged response to 2016’s tumultuous election year, the newly-formed Prophets of Rage features Tom Morello, Tim Commerford, Brad Wilk, Chuck D, B-Real, and DJ Lord. Best described by Morello as an, “elite task force of revolutionary musicians determined to confront this mountain of election year bullshit,” the group combines the sonic firepower of Rage Against The Machine, Public Enemy, and Cypress Hill.
