It’s time for Texas fall, ya’ll!
As the leaves turn golden, the air becomes crisp, and everyone celebrates surviving another sweltering summer, Arlington comes alive with festivals your whole family will fall for.
From outdoor adventures to cultural experiences, these are the 11 best fall festivals in Arlington, TX, that your family will talk about all year long:
Outdoor Fun at River Legacy Nature Center
Hidden along the banks of the Trinity River, the River Legacy Nature Center is a sanctuary for nature and outdoor lovers. Their annual Fall Into Nature Festival is a must-visit for families and individuals seeking the magic of fall.
The festival features a plethora of activities, including guided nature walks, live music, a dunk tank, festive food, animal encounters, storytelling sessions, craft stations, and more! Test out your Halloween costume, pick out the perfect pumpkin, and enjoy your new favorite fall tradition at the beautiful River Legacy Nature Center.
Details
- When: October 5, 2024
- Where: 701 NW Green Oaks Boulevard, Arlington, TX 76006
- Cost: TBD
Mission Metroplex: A Festival with a Purpose
Mission Metroplex organizes a wholesome fall festival for the whole family. It will have everything that delights a child: games, hayrides, bouncy houses, face painting, a huge carnival with prizes, a big bag of candy for each child, and so much more.
But what makes this festival extra special is that it gives your family the opportunity to give back, support your community, and teach your children about the more meaningful things in life. Participate in silent auctions, raffles, and donation drives, with all proceeds going towards Mission Metroplex’s programs.
Details
- When: TBD
- Where: 500 W Abram St, Arlington, TX 76010
- Cost: Free Admission
The Parish Fall Festival: A Time-Honored Tradition
This beloved Arlington tradition is hosted by St. Vincent de Paul Church and brings the community together for a day of celebration and camaraderie.
The Parish Festival offers everything you love about fall festivals in Arlington, TX: traditional fair games, carnival rides, live entertainment, a bake sale, and delicious food.
You can also do your holiday shopping early at their marketplace of handmade crafts, jewelry, and all sorts of unique and giftable goods. The Parish Fall Festival is a wonderful opportunity to experience the warmth and hospitality of the Arlington community.
Details
- When: October 20, 2024
- Where: 5819. W. Pleasant Ridge Road Arlington, TX 76016
- Cost: Free Admission
Feel the Magic of Pumpkin Nights
Pumpkin Nights is an enchanting festival that transforms Arlington into a magical wonderland of glowing pumpkins and fun light displays.
Held at Howell Farms, this event features over 5,000 hand-carved pumpkins arranged in stunning displays along a half-mile walking path.
Pumpkin Nights is like nothing you have ever seen before! Some of our favorite themed areas are Pirate Cove and Forbidden Pumpkin City. Come for the magic, and stay for the live entertainment, food trucks, and pumpkin patch.
Details
- When: September 19 to October 31, 2024
- Where: 4016 W Division St, Arlington, TX 76012
- Cost: Tickets vary greatly; check the website for full details
Celebrate German Culture at Oktoberfest Food Festival
Celebrate German culture in the heart of Texas!
Held annually at Six Flags Over Texas, the family-friendly Oktoberfest Food Festival features authentic German food, including bratwurst, pretzels, and sauerkraut, paired with a wide selection of traditional beers.
Polka bands, folk dancing, and a variety of fun activities like stein-holding contests, costume competitions, carnival rides, and craft booths. Save money on flights and enjoy the famous festival right here in Arlington!
Details
- When: Saturdays, September 14 to 28, 2024
- Where: Six Flags Over Texas, Arlington, TX 76011
- Cost: Tickets vary greatly; check the website for full details
Get Spooky: Fright Fest at Six Flags Over Texas
For those who enjoy a good scare, Six Flags Over Texas hosts Fright Fest, a Halloween-themed event that transforms the amusement park into a haunted wonderland.
During the day, the park offers family-friendly activities such as trick-or-treat trails and costume contests. As night falls, the scares intensify with scare zones, eerie music, and actors dressed as ghosts, ghouls, and monsters roaming the park.
Details:
- When: September 13 – November 3, 2024
- Where: Six Flags Over Texas, Arlington, TX 76011
- Cost: Tickets vary greatly; check the website for full details
Levitt Pavilion Free Fall Concert Series
The Levitt Pavilion in Arlington hosts a free fall concert series under the stars. From local bands to nationally recognized artists, the family-friendly atmosphere makes it a perfect spot to enjoy a picnic while soaking in the sounds of fall.
Details
- When: August 30 – October 12, 2024
- Where: 505 E. Border St. Arlington, TX
- Cost: Free to Attend
West Main Arts Fest
Bring the whole family through 4 blocks of artists and marker booths, food trucks, bands, beer/wine gardens, street performers, and kids’ games. The West Main Arts Fest is a lively and free festival that has something for everyone.
Details
- When: September 14, 2024
- Where: Downtown Arlington
- Cost: Free Admission
Texas Christkindl Market
The Texas Christkindl Market one starts in November, and it’s an Arlington favorite! This festival was created nine years ago by Arlington residents to support local artists.
The vibe was inspired by the traditional Christmas markets of Germany; the Texas Christkindl Market in Arlington brings a touch of European charm to the fall season. Vendors at the Texas Christkindl Market will be selling their made-with-love handcrafted gifts, holiday decorations, and German foods. Expect performances by local choirs and dance groups.
Details
- When: November 22 – December 23, 2024
- Where: 1650 E Randol Mill Road, Arlington, TX 76011
- Cost: Free Admission
Top Fall Festivals Near Arlington, TX
DFW Fall Fest: A FREE Event for the Whole Family
DFW Fall Fest is a vibrant celebration of autumn that offers silly, kid-loving live entertainment, DIY craft stations, face painting, a petting zoo, balloon art, special treats from Frisco Fresh Market, and dozens of family-related vendors.
It’s free, open to everyone, and only 42 miles from Arlington! Our blog also offers a comprehensive fall guide for families in the DFW area.
Details
- When: October 19, 2024
- Where: 9215 John W. Elliott Dr. Frisco, TX, 75033 (Frisco Fresh Market)
- Cost: Free Admission
Fall Foliage: Fort Worth Botanic Garden Fall Japanese Festival
Just a short drive from Arlington, the Fort Worth Botanic Garden hosts the Fall Japanese Festival, a beautiful event that celebrates the changing of the seasons.
The garden’s Japanese section comes alive with vibrant fall foliage, providing a stunning backdrop for traditional Japanese tea ceremonies, martial arts demonstrations, performances by taiko drummers and traditional dancers, and wonderful Japanese food.
Details
- When: November 2 to 3, 2024
- Where: 3220 Botanic Garden Blvd, Fort Worth, TX 76107
- Cost: Check website for details
Fall into Family Fun
Fall festivals in Arlington, TX, always remind us why we love Texas in the fall. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures and concerts, floating pumpkins, handmade gifts, or just a fun day out with the family, these festivals provide the perfect opportunity to embrace the spirit of the season.
Lastly, don’t forget to start signing up for winter academic camps, as the cold will be here before you know it.
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