Things to Do in DFW This Weekend: Sept 19-21

Last weekend, we kicked off our new Shake Your Roots Off series, and we’re back again with another roundup of the best things happening around Dallas-Fort Worth.

At Rootbound Partners, we believe life isn’t just about work. It’s about recharging, connecting, and making memories with the people who matter most. That’s why, every Friday, we’ll be sharing a curated list of events across DFW, so you don’t have to spend time digging, scrolling, and stressing about your weekend plans.

Whether you’re planning a family adventure, sneaking in a date night, or just looking for something free and easy, we’ve got you covered. Check out what’s happening this weekend and go shake your roots off!

Family Fun (Little Kids)

• Fiesta de Herencia — Fri, Sept 19, 6-8 pm @ The Link Plaza, Richland Hills, TX
  Kids can enjoy music, food, a fun park vibe, free event.
  Kids Out and About Ft. Worth

• Deaf Day at Fort Worth Zoo — Sat, Sept 20, 10 am-6 pm @ Dallas Zoo 
  A special day structured for Deaf or Hard of Hearing families, but fun for everyone with zoo exhibits and inclusive activities.
  Kids Out and About Ft. Worth

• Intro to Fishing — Sat, Sept 20, 5:30-6:30 pm @ Shelly D. Lanners Administrative Offices, Mansfield, TX
  Beginners welcome, equipment & bait provided; nice short evening event.
  Kids Out and About Ft. Worth

• Dallas VegFest — Sun, Sept 21 @ Kiest Park, Dallas
  Free, family-friendly festival with food, fitness, vendors, activities for little kids.
  Visit Dallas

   

Big Kids & Teen Activities

• Benson Boone: American Heart Tour — Sat, Sept 20 @ Dickies Arena, Fort Worth, TX
  Dickies Arena

• Peter Pan: Off to Neverland (Dance/Ballet Performance) — Fri-Sun, Sept 19-21 @ Winspear Opera House & Bass Performance Hall
  Texas Ballet Theater

• Fall Youth Mixed Media Wax Workshop (Grades 8-12) — Sat, Sept 20, 10:30 AM-2:30 PM @ South Dallas Cultural Center
  Dallas News+1

• Live Music / Shows @ Trees Dallas —
   • Emery, The Classic Crime, Good Terms — Fri, Sept 19 Trees Dallas
   • “PROMISCUOUS – A 2000’s CLUB BANGERS THROWBACKS PARTY” — Sat, Sept 20 Trees Dallas
   • Kota The Friend — Sun, Sept 21 Trees Dallas

Parents’ Night Out / Drop-Off Events

• Parent’s Night Out (Ages 5-12) — Fri, Sept 19 @ 6:00-9:00 PM — Victory Forest Community Center, Fort Worth, TX
  Active Kids

• TLE Mansfield — Parents Night Out — Fri, Sept 19 @ Mansfield, TX
  Eventbrite

• Top Kids Parents’ Night Out — Sat, Sept 20 @ Top Kids Gym & Sports, Keller, TX — Ages ~4-12; pizza/snacks etc.
  Kids Out and About Ft. Worth

Pet-Friendly Events

• DogFest DFW — Sat, Sept 20, 4:00-7:00 PM @ Community Beer Co., Dallas, TX
  Visit Dallas

• The Boho Market at Preston Hollow Village — Fri, Sept 19 @ Preston Hollow Village, Dallas, TX
  BringFido

• Sunday Hund-day at Addison Oktoberfest — Sun, Sept 21 @ Addison, TX
  BringFido

Date Night Ideas

• Peter Pan (Texas Ballet Theater) — Fri, Sept 19 at 8:00 pm @ Winspear Opera House, Dallas, TX
  A ballet performance of Peter Pan—romantic, magical, great to dress up and share a special evening.
  texasballettheater.org

• Plano Balloon Festival — Fri-Sun, Sept 19-21 @ Red Tail Pavilion / Oak Point Park, Plano, TX
  Evening balloon glow, food vendors, live music. Romantic outdoors option, especially near dusk.
  dallas.culturemap.com

• Howell Farms Pumpkin Nights — Fri, Sept 19 evening @ Howell Family Farms, Arlington, TX
  Walk through beautifully lit pumpkin displays, themed environments. Scenic, casual, a bit whimsical.
  dallas.culturemap.com

• The Niceties (Play at Theatre Three) — Fri, Sept 19-Sun, Sept 21 @ Theatre Three, Dallas, TX
  If you enjoy thought-provoking theater, this play offers a chance to engage and discuss afterward.
  dallas.culturemap.com

Sports & Outdoor Events

• Texas Rangers vs. Miami Marlins — Fri, Sept 19 @ 7:05 PM @ Globe Life Field, Arlington, TX
  Catch some MLB action under the lights; cheap(er) tickets available and always a fun crowd atmosphere.
  arlington.org

• Stockyards Championship Rodeo — Fri, Sept 19 @ 7:30 PM & Sat, Sept 20 @ 7:30 PM @ Cowtown Coliseum, Fort Worth, TX
  Traditional rodeo: bull riding, barrel racing, broncs + western vibes.
  cowtowncoliseum.com

• Ultimate Bullfighters — Sun, Sept 21 @ 2:30 PM @ Cowtown Coliseum, Fort Worth, TX
  High-energy bull-fighting event; intense, showy, outdoorsy-sport meets spectacle.
  cowtowncoliseum.com

• Rock Dallas Trail Run — Sat, Sept 20 (early morning) @ Grapevine North Shore Trail, Flower Mound, TX
  Choose your distance (5k, 15k, half marathon) through scenic trails along Grapevine Lake. Good challenge and nature time.
  runguides.com

Concerts & Live Music

• Badshah Live In Concert — Fri, Sept 19 @ 8:00-11:00 PM @ The Arena, Dallas, TX
  A large scale Bollywood/Indian hip hop/pop star performance; energetic, great for a vibrant night out.
  Curtis Culwell Center

• Above & Beyond – Bigger Than All Of Us North America — Sat, Sept 20 @ 7:30 PM @ Dos Equis Pavilion, Dallas, TX
  Electronic / trance set, perfect for fans of immersive light/music experiences.
  Ticketmaster

• Benson Boone: American Heart Tour — Sat, Sept 20 @ 8:00 PM @ Dickies Arena, Fort Worth, TX
  Pop concert with emotional songs, strong vocals and a big arena production.
  Dickies Arena

• Emery — 20th ANNIV. of THE QUESTION — Fri, Sept 19 @ 6:00 PM (Doors), Show at 7:00 PM @ Trees, Dallas, TX
  A milestone show for fans of post-hardcore / emo / rock; likely more niche but very devoted crowd.
  Prekindle

Festivals, Fairs, & Markets

• Addison Oktoberfest — Through Sun, Sept 21 @ Addison Circle Park, Addison, TX
  Traditional German fare, beer & live music, festive atmosphere. Good if you want something casual but fun with energy.
  dallas.culturemap.com
• Best of Breads (Dallas Farmers Market) — Sat, Sept 20 (9:00 AM-5:00 PM) & Sun, Sept 21 (10:00 AM-5:00 PM) @ The Shed, Dallas Farmers Market, Dallas, TX
  Celebrate bread! Artisanal loaves, live music, tastings, kid’s activities & more.
  Dallas Farmers Market

• DFW Fiber Fest 2025 — Fri, Sept 19-Sun, Sept 21 @ Irving Convention Center, Irving, TX
  A festival dedicated to fiber arts: lots of artisan vendors, workshops, handmade goods.
  DFW Craft Shows

• Autumn at the Arboretum – ¡Mundo México! — starts Sat, Sept 20 (@ Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Garden)
  Pumpkin Village, themed displays (celebrating Mexican regions), photo ops, fall vibes.
  Visit Dallas+2dwell-inc.com+2

Fun Runs, 5Ks & Marathons

• USA Women’s Half Marathon — Sat, Sept 20 @ 7:00 AM @ White Rock Lake, Dallas, TX
  Scenic half-marathon around White Rock Lake; includes post-race amenities like music, yoga, massage, etc.
  USA Women’s Half Marathon – Dallas TX+2RunGuides+2

• Summer Meltdown Half Marathon Dallas — Sat, Sept 20 @ 7:00 AM @ Anderson Bonner Park, Dallas, TX
  Offers multiple distances: half marathon, quarter, 5K, 1 mile, and kids dash.
  RunSignup

• 3rd Annual Aid Via Action 5K — Sat, Sept 20 @ 8:00-11:00 AM @ Bachman Lake Park, Dallas, TX
  A 5K to raise funds for surgical care in Northern Guatemala; entertainment planned.
  RunSignup+2findarace.com (UK)+2

• Dallas Sneaks at the Ballpark 5K (Back on My Feet) — Sat, Sept 20 @ 9:00 AM (Circle up 8:00 AM) @ Riders Field, Dallas, TX
  Free to register; run/walk; linked to Rough Riders game & fundraising.
  Back on My Feet

• Area 51 (Irving, TX) — Sat, Sept 20 — distances include 5K, 10K, half marathon @ Irving, TX
  A race with multiple distance options.
  Running in the USA

• Be Healthy Burleson 5K/10K — Sat, Sept 20 — location: Burleson, TX
  Choice of 5K or 10K; community / health-oriented run.
  Running in the USA

• Ush One See 1 Mile Fun Run-Texas — Fri, Sept 19 @ (times vary) @ Trophy Club, TX
  Short 1-mile fun run; good warm-up / low-commitment option.
  Running in the USA

• Run Lantana 5K & 10K — Sat, Sept 20 @ 8:25 AM @ Argyle, Denton County, TX
  Friendly community race; great if you want to get outdoors early and enjoy some rolling hills.
  findarace.com

Theater, Dance, & Performances

• Peter Pan (Texas Ballet Theater) — Fri, Sept 19 @ 8:00 PM; Sat, Sept 20 @ 2:00 & 8:00 PM; Sun, Sept 21 @ 2:00 PM @ Winspear Opera House, Dallas, TX
  A vibrant, modern dance reinterpretation of Peter Pan with bold visuals (neons, mohawks etc.). Fun, magical, gorgeous production.
  AT&T Performing Arts Center+3Texas Ballet Theater+3AT&T Performing Arts Center+3

• The Wiz (Touring) — Fri, Sept 19 @ 7:30 PM @ Music Hall at Fair Park, Dallas, TX
  A soul/gospel-funk musical reimagining of The Wizard of Oz. Uplifting, colorful, lively.
  Ticketmaster+2Dallas Theater+2

• Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland (Bruce Wood Dance + Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra) — Fri-Sun, Sept 19-21 @ Bass Performance Hall, Fort Worth, TX
  Dance paired with orchestral music to bring Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland to life. Elegant, whimsical, a full sensory experience.
  CultureMap Fort Worth

• The HAHA Hour (Stand-Up Comedy) — Fri, Sept 19 @ 10:00 PM @ Club Theater | Dallas Comedy Club, Dallas, TX
  Local comedians on stage for a late-night comedy showcase. Laughs and good vibes for those night owls.
  prekindle.com

Farmers Markets

• Friday Night Market at The Boardwalk (Plano) — Fri, Sept 19 | 7-11 PM @ The Boardwalk, Plano, TX
  Local vendors, food, drinks, live entertainment by the waterfront.
  Harrow Team

• Coppell Farmers Market — Sat, Sept 20 | 8 AM-12 PM @ Old Town Coppell, Coppell, TX
  55+ food vendors, local farmers, baked goods, a chill morning market vibe.
  Harrow Team

• The Clearfork Farmers Market (Fort Worth) — Sat, Sept 20 | 8 AM-12 PM @ The Trailhead at Clearfork, Fort Worth, TX
  Ranchers, farmers, artisan vendors in a scenic outdoor setting.
  Harrow Team

• Historic McKinney Farmers Market at Chestnut Square — Sat, Sept 20 | 8 AM-12 PM @ Chestnut Square, McKinney, TX
  Local produce, artisan goods; historic town-square setting.
  Harrow Team

• Farmers Market @ The Shed (Dallas) — Sat, Sept 20 (9 AM-5 PM) & Sun, Sept 21 (10 AM-5 PM) @ The Shed, Dallas Farmers Market, Dallas, TX
  Seasonal produce, meats, artisan breads, eggs, local artisans and food producers.
  Dallas Farmers Market+1

• Plano Farmers Market 2025 — Sat, Sept 20 | 10 AM-2 PM @ Plano, TX
  A neighborhood market with staples like eggs, honey, breads, etc.
  Harrow Team

• Downtown Arlington Farmers Market — Sat, Sept 20 | 10 AM-2 PM @ Downtown Arlington, TX
  Fresh produce, artisan goods, casual local shopping vibe.
  Harrow Team

• Denton Community Market — Sat, Sept 20 | 9 AM-1 PM @ Downtown Denton, TX
  Producer-only market, local farms & artists, live music, kid-friendly atmosphere.
  Harrow Team

• Bartonville Farmers Market — Sun, Sept 21 | 10 AM-2 PM @ Bartonville, Denton County, TX
  Local farms and artisans; small-town feel.
  Harrow Team

• Fort Worth Community Market — Sun, Sept 21 | 10 AM-2 PM @ Fort Worth, TX
  Support local makers: handmade goods, produce, small business vendors.
  Harrow Team

• Irving Farmers Market — Sun, Sept 21 | 10 AM-2 PM @ Irving, TX
  A Sunday market with produce, handcrafted items & goodies.
  Harrow Team

Food & Drink Events (wine walks, brewery fests, food truck rallies)

• Truck Yeah! at The Sandy Pickle — Fri, Sept 19 @ 4:00-10:00 PM @ The Sandy Pickle, Dallas, TX
  A weekly food truck series with rotating local vendors offering savory eats and sweets.
  The Village Dallas

• Funnel Cake Ale Taproom Release + Live Music: Jon Christopher Davis — Fri, Sept 19 @ ~6:00-9:00 PM @ Community Beer Company, Dallas, TX
  Beer release inspired by fair food, paired with live music; festive brew-house vibes.
  Community Beer Co.

• Live Music: Dan Allen + Oktoberfest Bash — Sat, Sept 20 @ 11:00 AM-11:00 PM @ TUPPS Brewery, McKinney, TX
  Brewery-day event with live music, festive drinks, good food options.
  TUPPS Brewery & Taproom in McKinney, TX

• Great Texas Food Truck Rally — Sat, Sept 20 @ 2:00-10:00 PM @ Reunion Tower Lawn, Dallas, TX
  30 food trucks, live music, beer garden; casual gathering for food lovers.
  Dallas Observer

• 3rd Annual Beer, Bourbon, and Brisket Festival — Sat, Sept 19 @ 4:00-9:00 PM @ Panther Island Pavilion, Fort Worth, TX
  Sampling tickets, live entertainment, BBQ & drinks; more of an all-in food/drink fest.
  Dallas Observer

• Food Truck: Smackin Mac — Julian at Southpointe, Mansfield — Fri, Sept 19 @ 4:30-7:00 PM @ 1300 Lowe Road, Mansfield, TX
  Local food trucks, casual meet-up, good for an early dinner outside.
  SMACKIN MAC

Hidden Gems (quirky pop-ups, offbeat attractions)

• Klyde Warren Park Pop-Ups + Dallas Sounds Amplified: Gracen Wynn — Fri, Sept 19 @ 11:30 AM-1:30 PM @ Klyde Warren Park, Dallas, TX
  Free outdoor concert + pop-ups (BuDha Girl Tuk Tuc pop-up, merch/photo ops, vendor booths). Great midday escape.
  Klyde Warren Park

• Plano Art Walk — Fri, Sept 19 @ Historic Downtown Plano, TX
  Self-guided art walk through downtown; local galleries, murals, perhaps some pop-ups.
  Facebook

• Pumpkin Nights @ Howell Family Farms — Fri, Sept 19- Sun, Sept 21 @ Howell Family Farms, Arlington, TX
  Fantastical immersive pumpkin displays, unusual installations (dragon, undersea, ghost ship), creative photo-ops; less of a typical fair, more of an experience.
  Dallasites101

• Draper James Pop Up — Fri-Sun, Sept 19-21 @ Hotel Crescent Court, Dallas, TX
  Boutique pop-up shop; good for discovering curated merch / unique finds.
  D Magazine

• The Traveling Man Sculptures (Deep Ellum) — Anytime, walkable in Deep Ellum, Dallas, TX
  A set of three large metal sculptures (Awakening, Waiting on a Train, Walking Tall) that feel like a story you can wander through. Good for evening strolls & photos.
  Atlas Obscura+2Visit Dallas+2

Free / Low-Cost Activities

• Dallas VegFest — Sun, Sept 21 @ Kiest Park, Dallas, TX
  Free, family-friendly festival with food, fitness, vendor booths and fun activites.
  Visit Dallas

• Free Events via Do214 (Zach Person feat. GA-20 at Levitt Pavilion Arlington) — Fri, Sept 19 @ 7:30 PM @ Levitt Pavilion, Arlington, TX
  Outdoor concert; bring a blanket or chairs and enjoy live music under the stars.
  Do214

Events with Animals

• Open Farm Days @ Cathy’s Critters — Sat & Sun, Sept 20-21, 10:00 AM-4:00 PM @ Cathy’s Critters, Princeton, TX
  Petting zoo, exotic animals, pony rides, “outback” tour, and more fall farm-fun activities.
  Cathy’s Critters+1

• Safari Nights @ Dallas Zoo — Sat, Sept 20, evening — time varies @ Dallas Zoo, Dallas, TX
  Evening zoo event with keeper chats & animal encounters plus live music under the stars.
  Dallas Zoo+1

• Big Orange Pumpkin Farm – Preston Trail Farms — Sat, Sept 20-Sun, Sept 21 (and through the season) @ Preston Trail Farms, Gunter, TX
  Includes a petting farm, hay rides, pumpkin patch & fall-farm atmosphere.
  Preston Trail Farms

• Fall Pumpkin Days @ Mainstay Farm — Sat, Sept 20 & Sun, Sept 21, daytime hours @ Mainstay Farm, Cleburne, TX
  Farm days with 30+ attractions, a pumpkin patch, photo ops & family-friendly farm experience.
  Mainstay

Museum Events

• Film Screening: The Mourning Of, a film by Merced Elizondo — Sat, Sept 20 @ 2:00-3:00 PM @ Dallas Museum of Art, Dallas, TX
  A special screening as part of their Hispanic Heritage Celebration programming.
  Dallas Museum of Art

• Bug Fest – WFAA Family First Day — Sat, Sept 20 @ 10:30 AM-2:30 PM @ Perot Museum of Nature & Science, Dallas, TX
  A hands-on day of bugs, discovery activities for families; insect exhibits & fun biology stuff.
  Perot Museum

• Sensory Cart / Public Guided Tour / Drawing from the Masters — Sat & Sun, Sept 20-21 @ Meadows Museum, Dallas, TX
  Multiple events: Sensory experiences in the galleries, a guided tour, and an “Drawing from the Masters” session.
  Meadows Museum

• Crow Museum of Asian Art – Opening Reception of New Exhibits — Sat, Sept 20 @ (morning or midday) @ Crow Museum of Asian Art, UT Dallas campus/Richardson, TX
  Exhibition opening reception; explore newly available shows, galleries in celebration.
  Crow Museum

Workshops & Classes

• Kids Aerial Open House — Sat, Sept 20 @ 2:00-3:30 PM @ Shine Fitness Studio, Dallas, TX
  A trial class where kids (6-12 years) can explore aerial apparatuses; good for trying something new.
  Shine Fitness Studio

• STEM at the Park with Girlstart + Community Ballet Class — Sat, Sept 20 @ 10:30 AM-12:00 PM @ Klyde Warren Park, Dallas, TX
  Morning of STEM: explore bird adaptations, build gliders, plus a free ballet class for families.
  Klyde Warren Park

• Free Kids Event: Vehicle Creations (Featuring Kwik Stix™) — Sat, Sept 20 @ 11:00 AM-3:00 PM @ Lakeshore Learning, Dallas Pkwy, Dallas, TX
  Kids craft workshop using Kwik Stix to decorate vehicle cut-outs. Free event.
  Eventbrite

• “Watercolor: Vessels, Vases and Volume” Class — Sat, Sept 20 (time approx. midday) @ Oil & Cotton studio, Dallas, TX
  A watercolor class focused on objects with form—vases, vessels, etc., for developing still-life technique.
  Oil & Cotton

• Dallas Makerspace: Pottery & Crafts Workshops — Sun, Sept 21 @ 10:00 AM-12:30 PM @ Dallas Makerspace, Carrollton, TX
  Multiple options: “Throwing on the Pottery Wheel,” UV Resin Earring class, and Wood Lathe 101, etc.
  Dallas Makerspace Calendar

• Meet the Garden Coaches / Garden Workshop — Sat, Sept 20 @ 10:00 AM-12:00 PM @ North Haven Gardens, Dallas, TX
  Gardening workshop: tips + coaching to improve your garden, native plants etc.
  nhg.com