If you’re looking for things to do in Dallas this October 2024, we have the perfect list for you!
If you live in the DFW area, you know that October is a welcomed month, as it brings cooler temperatures. October is filled with a wide range of activities for families, date nights, and communities as a whole.
These are the top things to do in Dallas this October 2024:
DFW Fall Fest
Location: Frisco Fresh Market
Entry Fee: Free
Date and time – October 19, 2024, 10 am-2 pm
Tickets/ Reservation: DFW Fall Fest
Get ready for the ultimate fall celebration in DFW with live music, delicious food, and fun activities for everyone!
The DFW Fall Fest is a wonderful free event that will be held at the Frisco Fresh Market this year. The event has live entertainment, generous giveaways, free swag from local businesses, petting zoo, sweets, treats, and so much more.
Did we mention it’s free? If you’re looking for things to do in Dallas this October 2024, DFW Fall Fest is one you won’t want to miss out on!
You Might Also Like: Best Fall Festivals in Frisco
The State Fair of Texas
Entry Fee: Children 2 and younger are free, 3 years and older, prices range from $15-25
Date and time: September 27-October 20
Special guest: Jo Dee Mesina- September 27th
The State Fair of Texas is a long-time love for us Texans. Our State Fair sits on several acres and has entertainment for everyone, including carnival rides, crazy food (have you ever seen a corndog dipped in rice crispies and fried three times?), Big Tex, photo backdrops, and endless fall fun.
Highlights at the State Fair of Texas in 2024:
- Performance by Jo Dee Mesina on September 27th at 8:30 pm
- Cirque Du Soleil
- Creative Arts Cooking
- Stunt Dog Shoes
- Pig Races
- Discovery Farm
- The Rodeo
- Billy the Kidd show
There are so many things to do in Dallas this October 2024, and the State Fair of Texas is one of them!
Dallas Arboretum
Location:8525 Garland Road, Dallas
Dates: September 16-Nov 5, 9 am-5 pm
Entry Fee: Admission $13-22//Members: Free
Bring the whole family to the Dallas Arboretum, and enjoy hundreds of thousands of pumpkins placed throughout the property. The acclaimed Pumpkin Village features themed pumpkin houses and, of course, a maze. This is one place you need to experience this October!
Dallas Oktoberfest
Location: 8100 Doran Circle, Dallas, Texas
Dates: October 5, 2024, 10 AM-10 PM
Entry Fee: $12. Children age 4 and younger: Free
With delicious restaurant offerings from brats to ice cream, the Dallas Oktoberfest is a cultural experience you won’t want to miss! Oktoberfest offers live music, bites, brews, and family-friendly good times.
Come enjoy a wide range of traditional German food and beers. Prost!
Halloween Nights at the Dallas Zoo
Location: 650 S. R.L. Thorton Fwy. Dallas
Dates: TBD
Entry Fee: $10 per person for everyone 3 and older
Fun fact: South of downtown is the biggest and largest zoo in Texas, the Dallas Zoo. Each year, the Dallas Zoo has Halloween Nights! Pack up the whole family to enjoy encounters with various animals, costume contests, candy, and Halloween-themed activities for all ages.
Dia de los Muertos Festival
Location: Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center, 2301 Flora St., Dallas
Dates: October 29, 2024, 7:30 PM- 9:30 PM
Entry Fee: Tickets start at $39
Dia de los Muertos is a local favorite here in the Dallas area. You’ll experience a vibrant Evening of the Dead concert. The Dallas Symphony Orchestra‘s annual event showcases traditional Latin music and culture, colorful festivities, decorated ofrendas, and fun events for everyone.
Come and join this culture-filled event to pay homage to those who have gone before us.
Plano Balloon Festival
The Plano Balloon Festival fills the skies with a kaleidoscope of colors and brings joy to families and children.
With its captivating hot air balloons, tethered balloon rides, exciting activities like parachute demonstrations and live entertainment and music, the festival offers a magical experience for everyone!
You Might Also Like: The Plano Balloon Festival 2024 Guide
Haunted Houses
If you are looking for things to do in Dallas this October 2024, try a haunted house! Dallas Haunted Houses guide provides a detailed description of all the haunted houses in the Dallas area, along with details of the “scare factor,” age suggestions, promo videos, reviews, and a full description of what you will encounter.
Pumpkin Patches
Dates: October-Novemeber
Dallas offers a wide variety of Pumpkin patches, so be sure to check for the location nearest to you. However, we’ve noted a few of our local favorites that we know you and your family will enjoy!
You Might Also Like: Best Pumpkin Patches in DFW
Rodeo
Location: State Fair of Texas and the Cowtown Coliseum
Dates: Vary with location
Entry Fee: Included with state fair admission/ prices vary depending on date and seat choice.
When considering things to do in Dallas this October 2024, the Rodeo comes high on my list! Spectators can watch events like bull riding, barrel racing, and calf roping performed by professional cowboys and girls competing for big prizes.
From the patriotic atmosphere to the mutton busting, a Texas rodeo is a wonderful, family-friendly time for all!
Fort Worth Botanic Gardens
Location: 3220 Botanic Garden Blvd.
Dates: Open daily from 8 AM- 3 PM
Entry Fee: Tickets range from $6-$12
The Fort Worth Botanic Gardens offers a stunning location and the perfect opportunity for you and your family to enjoy local food vendors, Taiko drummers, art exhibitions, tea ceremonies, and more. The Botanic Gardens give you a chance to enjoy some of the most exquisite floral arrangements, trees, and beautiful backdrops in the DFW.
Italian Festival
Location: Levy Event Center, 501 E Las Colinas Blvd, Irving, Texas
Date and time: Saturday, October 12th, 12 – 9 PM
The Italian Heritage Festival in Irving is a proud celebration of Italian culture right here in DFW. The festival features live music, traditional dance performances, and fun activities like grape stomping and pasta-eating contests.
Unique to this festival are the cooking demonstrations by renowned chefs, allowing you to learn about authentic Italian cuisine from different areas of the country.
Grapefest
Location: 636 Main Street, Grapevine, Texas
Dates: Tuesday, October 8th- Friday, October 29
Grapefest in Grapevine is a delightful wine festival that celebrates the region’s rich wine-making history. Visitors can enjoy wine tastings from local and international wineries, live music, and delicious food from various vendors.
The event includes unique activities like the People’s Choice Wine Tasting Classic and the GrapeStomp competition. A special feature of Grapefest is its focus on family-friendly fun, with a KidZone offering rides and games.
One More Good Idea
Mark your calendars now! We know you’ve found a ton of fun things to do in Dallas this October 2024.
Make this October one to remember—head to the Rodeo, bring the fam to DFW Fall Fest, and have Kolsch at Oktoberfest. We wish you a wonderful fall!