What: 31st Annual GrapeFest
When: Thurs. Sept. 14th – Sun. Sept. 17th @ 10:00AM
Where: Downtown Grapevine
636 S. Main St., Grapevine, TX
Why: GrapeFest is Grapevine’s four-day celebration of wine and family fun. Sample wines from Texas, New York and Canada; cast a vote in The People’s Choice Wine Tasting Classic. Enjoy live entertainment on multiple stages, shop artisans booths in the Marketplace, taste delicious festival foods, and stomp grapes just like Lucy Ricardo. Kids can visit the midway for games and rides, and pop-up activity stations from Legoland and Sea Life Aquarium.
What: Addison Oktoberfest- 30th Anniversary
When: Thurs. Sept. 14th – Sun. Sept. 17th @ 6:00PM (Thurs. & Fri) and 12:00PM (Sat & Sun)
Where: Addison Circle Park
4970 Addison Circle Dr., Addison, TX 75001
Why: Celebrating its 30th anniversary, Addison’s Oktoberfest is the most authentic Oktoberfest celebration outside of Munich. This year, over 70,000 fans will come together to share a love of polka, German food and, of course, the same Paulaner Bier that will be served at Bavaria’s favorite festival. As a part of its award-winning tradition, Addison Oktoberfest will also feature much of the same music, polka dancing, and sing-a-longs one would find in Munich, plus great German food and activities. Oktoberfest guests will enjoy fun contests such as dachshund races, bier barrel bowling, German Idol yodeling contest, German spelling bee
What: Irving Main Street Event
When: Fri. Sept. 15th & Sat. Sept. 16th @ 10:00AM
Where: Irving Heritage Park
217 Main St., Irving, TX 75060
Why: This annual street festival in the heart of the Irving Heritage District celebrates the hometown feel of Irving with attractions for all ages. Each year thousands of people attend this family affair, which offers live music, the Manifolds on Main Street Car Show, free rides and activities for children, food and shopping. Admission is free on both days, Friday evening features live music and free children’s activities. On Saturday, the festival expands to include a car show, additional children’s entertainment and a Craft Marketplace with vendors selling crafts, jewelry, decor, apparel and more.
What: PARK(ing) Day Dallas 2017
When: Fri. Sept. 15th @ 11:00AM – 6:00PM
Where: Downtown Dallas
Main St. and Akard St., Dallas, TX 75202
Why: Organizations, businesses, artists and designers will transform metered parking spaces along Main Street in downtown Dallas into temporary public “park” installations for the annual PARK(ing) Day Dallas event. From 11 a.m. until 6 p.m., these creative pop-ups will host performances, art and fun displays. Just stroll down Main Street (between Field & Harwood) and enjoy the short-term showcases.
What: Viva Mexico- Mexican Independence Day Celebration
When: Fri. Sept. 15th @ 5:00PM – 8:30PM
Where: Dallas City Hall
1500 Marilla St., Dallas, TX 75201
Why: The Consulate General of Mexico in Dallas, Francisco de la Torre, hosts a celebration outside Dallas City Hall marking the 207th anniversary of Mexican independence. The event will include an official ceremony and the traditional Grito, which reenacts the impassioned call to arms by Father Hidalgo, “¡Viva Mexico!” Entertainment will include mariachi bands, folklorico dancers, music groups and a DJ. Food and drink vendors will be on site. The event is free to attend and open to the public.
What: Denton Blues Festival
When: Fri. Sept. 15th – Sun. Sept. 17th @ 6PM (Fri) and 1PM (Sat & Sun)
Where: Quakertown Park
321 E. McKinney St., Denton, TX 76201
Why: The Denton Black Chamber of Commerce presents the annual blues fest featuring music, food & kids’ events. The festival kicks off with karaoke, and continues on Saturday and Sunday with a lineup of artists including Redd Velvet, Walter “Wolfman” Washington, Dana Fuchs and more. Admission is free.
What: Zac Brown Band
When: Fri. Sept. 15th – Sun. Sept. 17th @ 7:00PM
Where: Starplex Pavilion
3839 S. Fitzhugh Ave., Dallas, TX 75201
Why: Three-time GRAMMY-winning multiplatinum artists Zac Brown Band will kick off their 40+ date “WELCOME HOME” 2017 North American tour and release their new album of the same name, the follow-up to ‘JEKYLL + HYDE’ the band’s fourth consecutive #1 debut on the Billboard 200 chart.
What: Dallas Comic Show
When: Sat. Sept. 16th – Sun. Sept. 17th @ 11:00AM
Where: Richardson Civic Center
411 W. Arapaho Rd., Richardson, TX 75080
Why: The Dallas Comic Show returns to the Richardson Civic Center for a fun weekend filled with awesome guests and panels. Free parking, affordable admission, a great alternative to big box events that are sometimes too hectic for fans. Guests include Lori Petty, Tom Sizemore, Kevin Nash, Twin Peaks‘ Kimmy Robertson and Harry Goaz, Joe Jusko, Daniel Way, Josh Howard, Girl Geek Brunch and Scarlett Wolf.
What: Dallas Pride Festival in the Park
When: Sat. Sept. 16th @ 11:00AM – 7:00PM
Where: Reverchon Park
3505 Maple Ave., Dallas, TX 75219
Why: For its 34th year, the Dallas gay pride celebration will span 2 days with a festival in Reverchon Park. A new addition to Pride Weekend this year is Beat, a Saturday night Pride Party. The Dallas Pride Music Festival in the Park is a family fun gathering with entertainment by Kristine W and Alyssa Edwards, kids zone, pet adoptions, teen zone, and community and merchant vendors.
What: Rodeo on the River
When: Sat. Sept. 16th @ 3:00PM – 7:00PM
Where: Trinity Falls
7801 Trinity Falls Pkwy., McKinney, TX 75071
Why: Saddle up and head out to Trinity Falls where rodeo-themed fun will entertain cowpokes of all ages.
Featuring three bands, food truck fare, Tupps brewery ales and more, Rodeo on the River takes place at The Club at Trinity Falls. Fun and games will include trick roping, miniature ponies, a rodeo clown, photo booth and armadillo races. Proceeds from the event benefit ManeGait equine therapy in McKinney.
What: Trivia and Trails Adult Safari
When: Sat. Sept. 16th @ 4:00PM – 7:00PM
Where: Dallas Zoo
650 South R.L. Thornton Fwy., Dallas, TX 75203
Why: Reconnect with your inner child and explore the Zoo at dusk in this adults-only Zoo experience. Beer will be available for purchase at the start of the program as you unwind and work with your friends in an animal trivia challenge while enjoying some light bites. Instructors will lead you on a tour of the Zoo as our dusk-loving animals get cozy for the evening. Interactive activities and hands-on experiences will round out the night.
What: Not Your Average Charity Cornhole Tournament
When: Sat. Sept. 16th @ 5:00PM – 9:00PM
Where: AT&T Stadium
1 AT&T Way, Arlington, TX 76011
Why: Be part of the largest charity cornhole tournament ever and actually play on the field. Corporate team sponsorships are still available which come with 2 Teams for tournament, 8 spectator tickets and custom set of cornhole boards with your logo on boards and bags which get played on during the tour meant and taken home after meats. Prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd. With special guest from Dallas Cowboys alumni. All players and spectators also get a tour of the stadium. Spectator tickets are $20 a person and includes a tour of the stadium and locker rooms. To sign up your team or get your tickets, email staff@operationonceinalifetime.com
What: Okrapalooza!
When: Sun. Sept. 17th @ 11:00AM – 2:00PM
Where: The Lot
7530 E. Grand Ave., Dallas, TX 75214
Why: Celebrity chefs prepare their most delicious okra dishes for this fun cook-off that supports Promise of Peace Community Garden. This year’s theme is “Cleopatra” in recognition to the Egyptian queen’s love of okra and its healthy benefits. Admission includes okra dish tastings and live music by Mack Price, Mack Price Jr. and the Ackermans. There will also be a silent auction and craft beer by Lakewood Brewing,
What: Fiesta Diez y Seis at Historic Pike Park
When: Sun. Sept. 17th @ 11:00AM – 6:00PM
Where: Pike Park Recreation Center
2807 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, TX 75201
Why: Celebrate Diez y Seis de Septiembre – Mexican Independence Day – at Pike Park, the historical site of Hispanic cultural celebrations since the early 1900s. The Dallas Mexican American Historical League presents the fiesta which features live music, traditional food, a classic car show, community booths and more
