What: State Fair of Texas
When: Friday, Sept. 30th – Sunday, Oct. 23rd @ 10:00AM – 9:00PM
Where: Fair Park
1300 Robert B. Cullum Blvd., Dallas, TX 75210
Why: The 24-day, four-weekend extravaganza that is the State Fair of Texas is back. You can try all the new concoctions, check out the midway, enjoy free concerts every day, or take a trip to the top of the Top ‘o Texas Tower. The beauty is that there’s never a shortage of things to do, so what are you waiting for? The theme for 2016 is “Celebrating Texas Agriculture,” daily activities include the Starlight Parade at 7 p.m. and the Illumination Sensation lights and fireworks show at 8 p.m.
What: Terry Costa presents Allure Fall Bridal Trunk Show
When: Friday, Sept. 30th – Sunday, Oct. 2nd @ 10:00AM
Where: Terry Costa
12817 Preston Rd., Ste #138, Dallas, TX 75230
Why: Terry Costa will present the Allure Bridals Trunk Show, giving guests the chance to be among the first to see the Fall 2016 Bridal Gown Collection.
What: Adult Night: Time Travel
When: Friday, Sept. 30th @ 7:00PM – 9:00PM
Where: Legoland Discovery Center
3000 Grapevine Mills Pkwy., Grapevine, TX 76051
Why: Have you always wanted to visit LEGOLAND Discovery Center but don’t have any little ones in your life? Are you crazy about LEGO bricks and looking for people who share your passion? Well here’s your chance. Join LEGOLAND Discovery Center the last Friday of every month for a “no kids allowed” adult night. Enjoy a themed-night at the attraction, challenge the Master Model Builder and compete in build competitions for prizes.
What: Belong Tour
When: Friday, Sept. 30th & Saturday, Oct. 1st @ 7:00PM(Fri) and 9:00AM(Sat)
Where: American Airlines Center
2500 Victory Ave., Dallas, TX 75201
Why: The Belong Tour is a two-day experience challenging women to discover their purpose, pursue their passion, and live out their faith. It is a call for women of all walks of life and faith to connect more deeply with their own dreams and purpose—and within their relationships and communities. The tour will be headlined by Patsy Clairmont, Angela Davis, Jen Hatmaker, Sharon Irving, Shauna Niequist, and Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter Nichole Nordeman – a diverse group of highly sought after authors, speakers, and artists. Through humor and vulnerability, they will create an environment that invites authentic connection and sharing, encouraging women to dig deeply and live their lives in a big way.
What: Viva Dallas Burlesque presents Burton Burlesque
When: Friday, Sept. 30th & Saturday, Oct. 1st @ 9:00PM & 11:30PM
Where: Viva’s Lounge
1350 Manufacturing St., Dallas, TX 75207
Why: The works of director Tim Burton are the inspiration for the 4th annual Burton Burlesque – from Beetlejuice and Edward Scissorhards to Dark Shadows and Wonderland. Different shows on Friday and Saturday, early and late shows each night. 18 and older. Great Australian Meat Pie Co. food truck will be on hand for your dinner needs, and Viva’s has a full bar.
What: Dog Days of Denton
When: Saturday, Oct. 1st @ 9:00AM – 3:00PM
Where: North Texas Fairgrounds
2217 N. Carroll Blvd., Denton, TX 76201
Why: It’s all about dogs at this celebration which features a canine couture fashion show, pet tricks, singing dog contest, live entertainment, demos by dogs and their trainers, “Glamfur” photos, agility course, arts & craft vendors, festival foods and more. Formerly known as the Dog Days of Summer, the festival is in its 22nd yr. Admission is free; some activities require a fee.
What: Retropalooza
When: Saturday, Oct. 1st – Sunday, Oct. 2nd @ 9:00AM – 3:00PM
Where: Arlington Convention Center
1200 Ballpark Way, Arlington, TX 76011
Why: This celebration of all things retro features free-play arcade and console games, cosplay, vintage toys, vendors booths, panels and just about any form of nostalgic pop culture you can think of.
What: 3rd Annual Deep Ellum Urban Race
When: Saturday, Oct. 1st @ 10:00AM
Where: Life in Deep Ellum
2803 Taylor St., Dallas, TX 75226
Why: In this fresh take on the traditional scavenger hunt, you and your team will conquer the diverse neighborhood that is Deep Ellum. Think The Amazing Race, but with a Deep Ellum feel. With challenges ranging from pop culture trivia to local history, your team will decode clues, solve puzzles, and follow breadcrumbs that will lead you around Deep Ellum and straight to the finish line. After the race, kick back at the after party and enjoy cold drinks, music, games and prizes. Besides cash prizes for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners, additional prizes are awarded for Best Costume, Best Tweet and more.
What: Granbury Paranormal Expo
When: Saturday, Oct. 1st @ 10:00AM – 5:00PM
Where: Granbury Square Plaza
205 E. Pearl St., Granbury, TX 76048
Why: Looking for some spooky fun? Head to Granbury for the 5th annual Paranormal Expo. This street festival features ghost hunters, psychics, horror, sci-fi, cosplay, Zombie Pub Crawl, and more. Special celebrity guest Alex Vincent (Andy Barclay from Child’s Play 1 & 2) will hold a Q&A session about his work on the horror franchise and he is sure to stir up a scare. The Past Life Lady, the Austin Ghost Tour Gals, and Tugg the Superhero Bull Terrier will also be making spooky appearances at this fun event that the whole family will enjoy. Free admission.
What: Cottonwood Art Festival
When: Saturday, Oct. 1st & Sunday, Oct. 2nd @ 10:00AM – 7:00PM
Where: Cottonwood Park
300 South Cottonwood Dr., Richardson, TX 75080
Why: Now in its 47th year, the semi-annual Cottonwood Art Festival is a juried art show that showcases more than 240 artists from around the world. The festival also includes a lineup of top local bands, food trucks, and a craft beer garden. Visit the ArtStop area for children’s activities. Free parking and admission.
What: Plano International Festival
When: Saturday, Oct. 1st @ 11:00AM – 5:00PM
Where: Haggard Park
901 E. 15th St., Plano, TX 75074
Why: Experience the diversity of Plano with sights, sounds and tastes from more than 100 cultures from around the world. The festival features a naturalization ceremony, parade of flags, international art exhibit, multicultural music and dance performances, fitness and wellness fair, international fashion show and children’s educational activities. Sample bites from around the world in the ethnic food court.
What: 3rd Annual Oak Cliff Lively Fest
When: Saturday, Oct. 1st @ 11:00AM – 8:00PM
Where: Kiest Park
2200 W. Kiest Blvd., Dallas, TX 75224
Why: The 3rd annual Oak Cliff Lively Fest is a family-friendly Reggae/Roots inspired celebration of multcultural arts, music and diversity. Visitors can enjoy live performances, DJs, food, vendors, live art, and good vibes. There will be a play area for children with bounce house and other activities. Admission is free.
What: Addison Field Day
When: Saturday, Oct. 1st @ 12:00PM – 5:00PM
Where: Addison Circle Park
4970 Addison Circle Dr., Addison, TX 75001
Why: Join in on the fun and excitement with AdvoCare’s inaugural Field Day, benefiting the AdvoCare Foundation. Come out to enjoy old-school field day games, from the potato sack race to water balloon toss. In addition to your favorite field day activities, we will have local food trucks, the exclusive DJ of the Dallas Cowboys (DJSC) and special appearances by celebrity athletes. Dallas-based YMCA Metropolitan Dallas is one of the AdvoCare Foundation 2016-2017 grantees. Be sure to bring your picnic blankets and preferred lawn games.
What: Dallas Children’s Theater presents Seussical
When: Saturday, Oct. 1st – Sunday, Oct. 23rd @ 1:30PM & 4:30PM
Where: Dallas Children’s Theater
5938 Skillman St., Dallas, TX 75231
Why: Oh, the thinks you can think when Dr. Seuss’ best-loved characters collide and cavort in an unforgettable musical caper. The Cat in the Hat, Horton the Elephant, Gertrude McFuzz, Mayzie LaBird, JoJo, and others are your guides in this fantastical, magical exploration of family and friendship through the Jungle of Nool, Circus McGurkus, and the tiny world of Whoville. Discover what it takes for Horton to withstand ridicule and danger to save the day in this cornucopia of adventure that truly offers something for everyone.
What: Drawing from the Masters
When: Sunday, Oct. 2nd @ 1:30PM – 3:00PM
Where: Meadows Museum
5900 Bishop Blvd., Dallas, TX 75275
Why: Enjoy afternoons of informal drawing instruction as artist Ian O’Brien leads you through the Meadows Museum’s galleries. Each session will provide an opportunity to explore a variety of techniques and improve drawing skills. Designed for adults and students ages 15 and older, and open to all abilities and experience levels. Drawing materials will be available, but participants are encouraged to bring their own sketchpads and pencils. Free with admission; no advance registration required
