Things to Do in DFW This Weekend: October 10-12

Shake Your Roots Off: DFW Weekend Guide (Oct 10–12)

Fall is in full swing across DFW, and this weekend’s lineup is packed with ways to get outside, explore, and reconnect from pumpkin villages and Italian festivals to live music under the stars. Whether you’re planning a family adventure, a night out, or just looking for something fun that doesn’t break the bank, there’s a little something here for everyone.

So grab your cozy sweater, sip that pumpkin spice latte, and dive into this week’s list of 50+ events happening around Dallas–Fort Worth.

✨ Now go Shake Your Roots Off — you’ve earned it!

Family Fun (Little Kids)

• Bug Lab Exhibit — Fri–Sun, Oct 10–12, 10:00 am–5:00 pm @ Perot Museum, Dallas
  Interactive insect exhibit with giant models and hands-on activities for curious kids.
  Perot Museum

• Dog Days at the Fort Worth Botanic Garden — Sat–Sun, Oct 11–12 @ Fort Worth Botanic Garden
  Bring your pup for a family stroll through the gardens; kids love seeing all the dogs! (Dog admission $5)
  Fort Worth Botanic Garden

• ¡Celebramos! Blessing of the Animals — Sun, Oct 12, time TBD @ Fort Worth Botanic Garden
  Celebrate your furry (and feathered!) friends in this cultural family event honoring animals.
  Fort Worth Botanic Garden

• Hay Day Hustle — Sat, Oct 11, 8:00 am (Fun Run), 8:30 am (5K) @ UNT Dallas / Runyon Creek Trail
  Family-friendly fall fun run with a kids’ zone, vendors, music, and photo ops.
  Dallas Parks & Recreation

• Free Mini Photo Session with Shoott! — Sat–Sun, Oct 11–12 @ Multiple DFW Locations
  Free 30-minute outdoor photo sessions for families; no upfront cost or sitting fee.
  Shoott

• SPARK! in the Park — Sat, Oct 11, 10:00–11:00 am @ Klyde Warren Park, Dallas
  Creative play pop-up for kids with art activities and crafts on the great lawn.
  Klyde Warren Park

• Movies in the Park: Grapevine — Fri, Oct 10, gates open 6:30 pm, movie ~7:45 pm @ Grapevine Main Plaza
  Outdoor movie night under the stars — bring blankets, snacks, and the kids!
  Grapevine Parks & Rec

Big Kids & Teen Activities

• Rainbow Vomit — All weekend, Oct 10–12 @ Exposition Park, Dallas
  An immersive, surreal art installation full of color, interactive props, and insta-moments teens love.
  Rainbow Vomit (Dallas)

• Immersive Gamebox / VR Experience — Fri–Sat nights, Oct 10–11 @ Deep Ellum / Dallas
  Virtual reality, escape-room style games and team challenges for teens.
  Immersive Gamebox

• Concert or Headliner Event (Teen-Friendly) — Sat, Oct 11, 7:00 pm @ Dickies Arena, Arlington
  The Lumineers “Automatic World Tour” — big show with energy and appeal for teens.
  Dickies Arena

• Open Mic / Poetry Night — Sat, Oct 11, 8:00 pm @ Local Cafe or Art Space (check Deep Ellum venues)
  Teens share poetry, spoken word, music — low cost, artsy vibe.
  (Venue to be confirmed)

• Street Art Walk & Selfie Tour — Sat or Sun, Oct 11–12 @ Deep Ellum / Bishop Arts District
  Walk through graffiti murals, public art, photo spots, and local shops — great for teen explorers.
  Dallas Arts District / Deep Ellum

• Late Night Arcade / Game Lounge — Fri or Sat, Oct 10–11, evening hours @ Dallas Game Lounges
  Neon arcades, console gaming, etc.
  (Check local arcade listings in Dallas / Plano)

-Friendly Events

• Dog Days at the Fort Worth Botanic Garden — Sat–Sun, Oct 11–12, during garden hours @ Fort Worth Botanic Garden
  Leash up your pup and enjoy a stroll through the gardens. Dog admission is $5, and water stations are available throughout the grounds.
  Fort Worth Botanic Garden

• ¡Celebramos! Blessing of the Animals — Sun, Oct 12, time TBD @ Fort Worth Botanic Garden
  Celebrate your pets at this family-friendly cultural event honoring animals of all kinds.
  Fort Worth Botanic Garden

• Mutts Canine Cantina Movie Night — Fri, Oct 10, movie at dusk @ Mutts Canine Cantina, Dallas
  Grab a burger, relax on the patio, and let your pup play while watching an outdoor movie.
  Mutts Canine Cantina

• Dogtoberfest at Grandscape — Sat, Oct 11, 11:00 am–3:00 pm @ The Lawn at Grandscape, The Colony
  Celebrate fall with your furry friend! Enjoy costume contests, agility demos, local vendors, and doggy photo ops.
  Grandscape

• Puppy Yoga at Community Beer Co. — Sun, Oct 12, 10:30–11:30 am @ Community Beer Co., Dallas
  Flow through a light yoga session while puppies from a local rescue roam and snuggle — a win for both humans and pups!
  Community Beer Co.

Sports & Outdoor Events

• Dallas Cowboys vs. Philadelphia Eagles Watch Parties — Sun, Oct 12, 3:25 pm @ Various DFW Locations
  Catch the big rivalry game at fan-favorite watch spots like Hero (Victory Park), Truck Yard, or BoomerJack’s.
  Dallas Cowboys

• Hay Day Hustle 5K & Fun Run — Sat, Oct 11, 8:00 am @ UNT Dallas / Runyon Creek Trail
  Family-friendly fall run and walk with a kids’ zone, music, and photo ops.
  Dallas Parks & Recreation

• Texas Rangers Postseason Watch Party — Fri–Sun, Oct 10–12, game times vary @ Globe Life Field Plaza, Arlington
  Watch playoff baseball on the big outdoor screen with food trucks and live entertainment.
  Texas Rangers

• Fort Worth Oktoberfest 5K — Sat, Oct 11, 9:00 am @ Panther Island Pavilion, Fort Worth
  Run in your lederhosen, then stay for beer, pretzels, and live German music.
  Panther Island Pavilion

• Trinity River Paddle Fest — Sat, Oct 11, 10:00 am–2:00 pm @ Panther Island Pavilion, Fort Worth
  Kayak, canoe, or paddleboard along the Trinity River with free gear rentals and local vendors.
  Tarrant Regional Water District

Concerts & Live Music

• The Lumineers: Automatic World Tour — Sat, Oct 11, 7:30 pm @ Dickies Arena, Fort Worth
  Folk-rock favorites The Lumineers bring their high-energy world tour to DFW for one night only.
  Dickies Arena

• Yacht Rock Symphony — Sat, Oct 11, 7:30 pm @ Will Rogers Auditorium, Fort Worth
  A smooth-sailing symphonic tribute to classic hits from the ’70s and ’80s performed by the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra.
  Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra

• BlackHawk — Fri, Oct 10, 8:00 pm @ Longhorn Ballroom, Dallas
  Legendary country trio performing their greatest hits at a newly restored Dallas icon.
  Longhorn Ballroom

• Steven Wilson: The Overview Tour — Fri, Oct 10, 7:30 pm @ Majestic Theatre, Dallas
  Progressive rock legend Steven Wilson delivers an immersive live show blending sound, visuals, and storytelling.
  Majestic Theatre

• Casey Donahew — Sat, Oct 11, 8:00 pm @ Billy Bob’s Texas, Fort Worth
  Texas country star Casey Donahew performs fan favorites in one of the state’s most iconic honky-tonks.
  Billy Bob’s Texas

• Jazz Under the Stars — Fri, Oct 10, 7:00–9:00 pm @ Klyde Warren Park, Dallas
  Free outdoor concert featuring local jazz musicians, lawn seating, and skyline views.
  Klyde Warren Park

Festivals, Fairs & Markets

• DFW Italian Heritage & Food Festival — Sat–Sun, Oct 11–12, 11:00 am–9:00 pm @ The Irving Convention Center, Irving
  Celebrate Italian culture with authentic cuisine, live music, wine tastings, and artisan vendors.
  DFW Italian Festival

• Plano International Festival — Sat, Oct 11, 11:00 am–5:00 pm @ Haggard Park, Plano
  A global celebration featuring cultural performances, kids’ crafts, food from around the world, and a fitness & wellness fair.
  Plano International Festival

• Main Street Market — Sat, Oct 11, 9:00 am–4:00 pm @ Downtown Grapevine
  Outdoor market featuring handmade goods, boutique vendors, and local artisans — great for early holiday shopping.
  City of Grapevine

• Autumn at the Arboretum: Pumpkin Village — Fri–Sun, Oct 10–12, 9:00 am–5:00 pm @ Dallas Arboretum
  One of DFW’s most beloved fall attractions, featuring over 100,000 pumpkins, themed displays, and family photo ops.
  Dallas Arboretum

• Deep Ellum Outdoor Market — Sat, Oct 11, 11:00 am–5:00 pm @ Main Street & Crowdus, Dallas
  Local art, jewelry, vintage finds, food trucks, and live music in one of DFW’s most vibrant neighborhoods.
  Deep Ellum Outdoor Market

• McKinney Oktoberfest — Fri–Sun, Oct 10–12, times vary @ Historic Downtown McKinney
  Authentic German beer, bratwurst, polka bands, and games for the whole family in a festive downtown setting.
  McKinney Oktoberfest

Races & Runs

• Hay Day Hustle 5K & Fun Run — Sat, Oct 11, 8:00 am (Fun Run), 8:30 am (5K) @ UNT Dallas / Runyon Creek Trail
  A family-friendly fall race featuring music, vendors, and a post-run celebration with food and games.
  Dallas Parks & Recreation

• Fort Worth Oktoberfest 5K — Sat, Oct 11, 9:00 am @ Panther Island Pavilion, Fort Worth
  Race in your lederhosen or dirndl, then enjoy a free beer and pretzel at the finish line — prost!
  Panther Island Pavilion

• Pumpkin Spice 5K, 10K, & Half Marathon — Sat, Oct 11, 7:30 am @ Trinity Park, Fort Worth
  Seasonal run complete with pumpkin-themed medals, warm drinks, and fall fun.
  Run Project

• Hoot & Scoot Fun Run — Sat, Oct 11, 9:00 am @ Coppell Nature Park
  A nature-based fun run through scenic trails with owl-themed prizes for kids and adults.
  Coppell Nature Park

• Frisco Fresh Start 5K — Sun, Oct 12, 8:00 am @ Frisco Square, Frisco
  Community 5K promoting wellness and family fitness, with live DJ and finish line photo booth.
  Frisco Square

Theater, Dance & Performances

• Twilight in Concert — Fri, Oct 10, 7:30 pm @ Majestic Theatre, Dallas
  Experience the original Twilight film with a live orchestra performing the full soundtrack — a mix of nostalgia and cinematic magic.
  Majestic Theatre

• Noises Off — Fri–Sun, Oct 10–12, showtimes vary @ Kalita Humphreys Theater, Dallas
  A fast-paced, laugh-out-loud farce about a chaotic stage production where everything that can go wrong does.
  Dallas Theater Center

• The Book of Mormon — Fri–Sun, Oct 10–12, showtimes vary @ Bass Performance Hall, Fort Worth
  Broadway’s nine-time Tony Award-winning musical returns, blending sharp humor and unforgettable performances.
  Bass Performance Hall

• Texas Ballet Theater: Dracula — Fri–Sun, Oct 10–12, 7:30 pm & 2:00 pm shows @ Winspear Opera House, Dallas
  A hauntingly beautiful ballet inspired by Bram Stoker’s classic — perfect for spooky season date nights.
  Texas Ballet Theater

• The Addams Family: A New Musical Comedy — Fri–Sun, Oct 10–12, showtimes vary @ Theatre Arlington
  The spooky, kooky family comes to life in a hilarious and heartwarming musical perfect for the whole family.
  Theatre Arlington

Hidden Gems

• Rainbow Vomit — Fri–Sun, Oct 10–12, 10:00 am–8:00 pm @ 3609 Parry Ave, Dallas
  A technicolor art experience where guests walk through a vibrant, immersive world of light, color, and creativity — part gallery, part playground.
  Rainbow Vomit

• Sweet Tooth Hotel: Discotech — Fri–Sun, Oct 10–12, 12:00–8:00 pm @ 1511 Elm St, Dallas
  Explore a 5-room immersive art exhibit celebrating music and pop culture with interactive installations and glowing neon rooms.
  Sweet Tooth Hotel

• The Dallas Pinball Festival Pop-Up — Sat–Sun, Oct 11–12, 10:00 am–6:00 pm @ Irving Convention Center, Irving
  Hundreds of classic and modern pinball machines to play, plus retro arcade games and vendors.
  Dallas Pinball Festival

• Vintage Market Days: “Hello Autumn” — Fri–Sun, Oct 10–12, 10:00 am–5:00 pm @ Southfork Ranch, Parker
  A curated vintage shopping experience featuring antiques, home décor, clothing, and handmade goods in a charming country setting.
  Vintage Market Days

• Dallas Comedy Club: Improv Jam — Sat, Oct 11, 10:00 pm @ 3036 Elm St, Dallas
  Open-mic style improv where anyone can join in — unexpected, hilarious, and always different.
  Dallas Comedy Club

Free / Low-Cost Activities

• Jazz Under the Stars — Fri, Oct 10, 7:00–9:00 pm @ Klyde Warren Park, Dallas
  Free outdoor concert featuring local jazz musicians, skyline views, and plenty of lawn space for families.
  Klyde Warren Park

• Movies in the Park: Grapevine — Fri, Oct 10, gates open 6:30 pm, movie ~7:45 pm @ Grapevine Main Plaza
  Bring a blanket, grab snacks from nearby vendors, and enjoy a free movie night under the stars.
  Grapevine Parks & Recreation

• Arlington Art Walk — Fri, Oct 10, 5:00–9:00 pm @ Downtown Arlington
  Explore local galleries, street performers, and pop-up art installations during this monthly art walk.
  Downtown Arlington

• Outdoor Yoga at Klyde Warren Park — Sat, Oct 11, 9:00–10:00 am @ Klyde Warren Park, Dallas
  Free morning yoga session for all levels. Bring your mat, water, and enjoy the fall breeze.
  Klyde Warren Park

• Downtown Plano Art & Wine Walk (Entry Optional) — Thu, Oct 9 (pre-weekend option), 5:00–9:00 pm @ Downtown Plano
  Stroll through local shops and galleries; browsing and live music are free, or buy a ticket to join the tasting.
  Downtown Plano

• PNC Patio Sessions — Fri, Oct 10, 6:00–8:00 pm @ Flora Cantina, Dallas Arts District
  Free live local music on the patio with food and drinks available for purchase.
  Dallas Arts District

Events with Animals

• Dog Days at the Fort Worth Botanic Garden — Sat–Sun, Oct 11–12, during garden hours @ Fort Worth Botanic Garden
  Bring your pup and explore the gardens together. Enjoy outdoor beauty, pet-friendly vendors, and photo ops.
  Fort Worth Botanic Garden

• ¡Celebramos! Blessing of the Animals — Sun, Oct 12, time TBD @ Fort Worth Botanic Garden
  Family-friendly celebration honoring animals with blessings, cultural performances, and community fun.
  Fort Worth Botanic Garden

• Puppy Yoga at Community Beer Co. — Sun, Oct 12, 10:30–11:30 am @ Community Beer Co., Dallas
  Enjoy a light yoga class surrounded by adoptable puppies from a local rescue. All proceeds support animal adoption programs.
  Community Beer Co.

• Petting Zoo at Autumn at the Arboretum — Sat–Sun, Oct 11–12, 9:00 am–5:00 pm @ Dallas Arboretum
  Kids can meet farm animals while exploring the famous Pumpkin Village and fall displays.
  Dallas Arboretum

• Howl-O-Ween Pup Crawl — Sat, Oct 11, 12:00–4:00 pm @ Historic Downtown Grapevine
  Dress up your dogs and enjoy a pup-friendly bar crawl benefiting local animal rescues.
  Grapevine Main Street Association

Museum Events

• Bug Lab Exhibit — Fri–Sun, Oct 10–12, 10:00 am–5:00 pm @ Perot Museum of Nature and Science, Dallas
  Explore the fascinating world of bugs through larger-than-life models, interactive displays, and immersive experiences.
  Perot Museum of Nature and Science

• Late Nights at the DMA: Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month — Fri, Oct 10, 6:00–11:00 pm @ Dallas Museum of Art, Dallas
  Free after-hours event featuring live music, gallery talks, film screenings, and family art-making activities.
  Dallas Museum of Art

• Cowgirl Gathering Exhibit — Fri–Sun, Oct 10–12, 10:00 am–5:00 pm @ National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame, Fort Worth
  Celebrate the legacy of women in the American West through interactive exhibits and art displays.
  National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame

• Art and Nature Walk: Nasher Sculpture Center — Sat, Oct 11, 10:00 am–noon @ Nasher Sculpture Center, Dallas
  Join a guided walk connecting outdoor sculpture, mindfulness, and the beauty of fall in the garden.
  Nasher Sculpture Center

• Black Cowboys: An American Story — Fri–Sun, Oct 10–12, 10:00 am–5:00 pm @ African American Museum, Dallas
  Compelling exhibit exploring the untold stories of Black cowboys and their vital role in shaping the American West.
  African American Museum

Workshops & Classes

• Candle Making Workshop: Autumn Scents Edition — Sat, Oct 11, 2:00–4:00 pm @ Dallas Arboretum, Dallas
  Create your own fall-scented candles using natural soy wax and essential oils in this hands-on workshop.
  Dallas Arboretum

• Pottery & Prosecco Night — Fri, Oct 10, 6:30–9:00 pm @ Trade Oak Cliff, Dallas
  Sip prosecco while learning beginner wheel-throwing techniques in a relaxed, creative environment.
  Trade Oak Cliff

• Floral Arranging: Fall Blooms — Sat, Oct 11, 11:00 am–12:30 pm @ McKinney Wine Merchant, McKinney
  Learn floral design techniques while sipping local wine — perfect for a creative weekend outing.
  McKinney Wine Merchant

• Parent & Child Cooking Class: Fall Favorites — Sat, Oct 11, 10:00 am–noon @ Central Market Cooking School, Fort Worth
  Cook up cozy fall recipes like apple crisp and butternut squash soup with your little sous chef.
  Central Market Cooking School

• Art in the Park: Family Watercolor Workshop — Sun, Oct 12, 1:00–3:00 pm @ Klyde Warren Park, Dallas
  A guided watercolor class for beginners with all supplies provided. Perfect for families or solo creatives.
  Klyde Warren Park