Shake Your Roots Off: DFW Weekend Guide (October 17–19)

Fall is officially showing off in DFW — and this weekend’s lineup is overflowing with ways to get out, explore, and enjoy it all. From pumpkin villages and Oktoberfests to live music, free art walks, and even puppy yoga, there’s something for every mood, every family, and every corner of North Texas.

Whether you’re chasing that crisp autumn air, planning a family day out, or sneaking in a little self-care before Monday, we’ve rounded up 50+ ways to Shake Your Roots Off this October 17–19.

✨ Go on — you’ve earned it.

Family Fun (Little Kids)

• Autumn at the Arboretum: Pumpkin Village — Fri–Sun, Oct 17–19, 9:00 am–5:00 pm @ Dallas Arboretum
  Explore 100,000+ pumpkins, hay bale mazes, fairy-tale displays, and photo ops galore — a fall must-see for families.
  Dallas Arboretum

• Boo at the Zoo — Fri–Sun, Oct 17–19, 9:00 am–5:00 pm @ Fort Worth Zoo
  Trick-or-treat stations, animal shows, and fall decorations make this a family favorite. Costumes encouraged!
  Fort Worth Zoo

• The Big Bounce America — Fri–Sun, Oct 17–19, times vary @ Trinity River Park, Fort Worth
  The world’s largest bounce house is back! Family sessions include slides, obstacle courses, and inflatable fun for all ages.
  The Big Bounce America

• Movies in the Park: The Little Mermaid (2023) — Fri, Oct 17, gates open 6:30 pm, movie ~7:45 pm @ Frisco Square
  Outdoor movie night with pre-show games and local food vendors — free admission!
  Frisco Parks & Recreation

• Storytime at Klyde Warren Park — Sat, Oct 18, 10:00–11:00 am @ Klyde Warren Park, Dallas
  Free children’s storytime and crafts on the lawn, hosted by the Dallas Public Library.
  Klyde Warren Park

• SEA LIFE Sensory-Friendly Morning — Sun, Oct 19, 9:00–10:30 am @ SEA LIFE Grapevine Aquarium
  Early-access quiet hours with reduced noise and lights — perfect for families seeking a calmer experience.
  SEA LIFE Grapevine

Big Kids & Teen Activities

• Screamin’ Green Hauntoween at Crayola Experience — Fri–Sun, Oct 17–19, 10:00 am–6:00 pm @ Crayola Experience, Plano
  A colorful Halloween celebration with slime-making, crafts, scavenger hunts, and trick-or-treat stations.
  Crayola Experience Plano

• Six Flags Fright Fest — Fri–Sun, Oct 17–19, times vary @ Six Flags Over Texas, Arlington
  Roller coasters by day, haunted attractions by night. Thrills for teens who love a good scare!
  Six Flags Over Texas

• Immersive Gamebox: Squid Game Challenge — Fri–Sun, Oct 17–19, various times @ Deep Ellum, Dallas
  Team up and test your skills in an interactive, tech-driven gaming experience based on Squid Game.
  Immersive Gamebox Dallas

• Skate the Square: Rollerskating Pop-Up — Sat, Oct 18, 2:00–8:00 pm @ The Square at Grandscape, The Colony
  Rent skates or bring your own and roll under the string lights — live DJ and glow theme after sunset.
  Grandscape

• Fort Worth Ghost Bus Tour (PG-13) — Fri–Sun, Oct 17–19, evenings @ Downtown Fort Worth
  Hop on a haunted bus tour and hear chilling stories of the city’s most famous ghost sightings.
  Fort Worth Ghost Bus Tours

• Art Battle Dallas — Sat, Oct 18, 6:00–9:30 pm @ Deep Ellum Art Co., Dallas
  Watch local artists go head-to-head in a live painting competition — fun, fast-paced, and totally teen-approved.
  Deep Ellum Art Co.

Pet-Friendly Events

• Dogtoberfest at Mutts Canine Cantina — Sat, Oct 18, 12:00–4:00 pm @ Mutts Canine Cantina, Dallas
  Join the paw-ty with dog costume contests, local vendors, and giveaways — plus burgers and brews for the humans.
  Mutts Canine Cantina

• Dog Days at the Fort Worth Botanic Garden — Fri–Sun, Oct 17–19, during garden hours @ Fort Worth Botanic Garden
  Bring your pup for a stroll through the gardens and enjoy fresh fall air surrounded by nature.
  Fort Worth Botanic Garden

• Paws in the Park — Sat, Oct 18, 10:00 am–2:00 pm @ Central Park, Lewisville
  Family-friendly event featuring pet adoptions, agility demos, and live music.
  City of Lewisville

• Howl-O-Ween Pup Crawl — Fri, Oct 17, 5:00–9:00 pm @ Historic Downtown Grapevine
  Dog costume contest, local brews, and special treats for your four-legged friends — all for a good cause.
  Grapevine Main Street Association

• Barktoberfest at Lazy Dog Restaurant — Sun, Oct 19, 11:00 am–3:00 pm @ Lazy Dog, Euless
  Patio event featuring “doggy flights” (treat tastings) and raffle prizes benefiting local shelters.
  Lazy Dog Restaurant

Sports & Outdoor Events

• Texas Rangers ALCS Watch Party — Fri–Sun, Oct 17–19, times vary @ Globe Life Field Plaza, Arlington
  Cheer on the Rangers on a massive outdoor screen with food trucks, games, and giveaways.
  Texas Rangers

• Dallas Cowboys vs. Giants Watch Parties — Sun, Oct 19, 3:25 pm @ Multiple DFW Locations
  Catch the game at Hero, Truck Yard, or BoomerJack’s — Sunday vibes, sorted.
  Dallas Cowboys

• Tour de Cure North Texas — Sat, Oct 18, 7:30 am @ Southfork Ranch, Parker
  Cycling event supporting the American Diabetes Association with routes for all experience levels.
  American Diabetes Association

• Trinity River Paddle Fest — Sat, Oct 18, 10:00 am–2:00 pm @ Panther Island Pavilion, Fort Worth
  Kayak, canoe, or paddleboard the Trinity River with free rentals and local vendors.
  Tarrant Regional Water District

• Klyde Warren Park Yoga & Sound Bath — Sun, Oct 19, 9:00–10:00 am @ Klyde Warren Park, Dallas
  Start your Sunday grounded with a free yoga session followed by a sound bath meditation.
  Klyde Warren Park

• Hay Maze at Hall’s Pumpkin Farm — Fri–Sun, Oct 17–19, 10:00 am–8:00 pm @ Hall’s Pumpkin Farm, Grapevine
  Navigate the corn maze, take a hayride, and pick pumpkins for a classic fall day.
  Hall’s Pumpkin Farm

Concerts & Live Music

• Hozier: Unreal Unearth Tour — Fri, Oct 17, 7:30 pm @ Dos Equis Pavilion, Dallas
  Irish singer-songwriter Hozier brings soulful vocals and powerful stage presence to DFW.
  Dos Equis Pavilion

• Turnpike Troubadours — Sat, Oct 18, 8:00 pm @ Dickies Arena, Fort Worth
  Oklahoma’s red dirt favorites light up Fort Worth with their heartfelt country storytelling.
  Dickies Arena

• Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band — Fri, Oct 17, 8:00 pm @ Texas Trust CU Theatre, Grand Prairie
  Blues-rock guitar legend celebrates the 25th anniversary of Trouble Is….
  Texas Trust CU Theatre

• Jazz Under the Stars — Fri, Oct 17, 7:00–9:00 pm @ Klyde Warren Park, Dallas
  Free outdoor concert featuring live jazz and skyline views.
  Klyde Warren Park

• Deep Ellum Live Music Crawl — Fri–Sat, Oct 17–18, 7:00 pm–midnight @ Multiple Venues, Dallas
  Explore Dallas’ music district with sets at Trees, Club Dada, and The Freeman.
  Deep Ellum

• Stockyards Rodeo + Live Music — Sat, Oct 18, 7:30 pm @ Cowtown Coliseum, Fort Worth
  Classic rodeo followed by live Texas country in the heart of the Stockyards.
  Cowtown Coliseum

Festivals, Fairs & Markets

• State Fair of Texas (Final Weekend) — Fri–Sun, Oct 17–19, 10:00 am–9:00 pm @ Fair Park, Dallas
  It’s your last chance to ride the Texas Star, eat something deep-fried, and see Big Tex before he says goodbye for the season.
  State Fair of Texas

• Autumn at the Arboretum: Pumpkin Village — Fri–Sun, Oct 17–19, 9:00 am–5:00 pm @ Dallas Arboretum
  A fall favorite featuring 100,000+ pumpkins, hay bale mazes, and seasonal displays — perfect for families and photos.
  Dallas Arboretum

• Lone Star Food Truck Festival — Sat–Sun, Oct 18–19, 11:00 am–7:00 pm @ Panther Island Pavilion, Fort Worth
  30+ food trucks, live music, craft beer, and kid-friendly fun on the riverfront.
  Panther Island Pavilion

• Grapevine Chocolate & Wine Festival — Fri–Sat, Oct 17–18, 12:00–8:00 pm @ Historic Downtown Grapevine
  Sip, sample, and shop your way through artisan chocolates, Texas wines, and local gourmet vendors.
  Grapevine Main Street Association

• Celina Oktoberfest — Sat, Oct 18, 11:00 am–10:00 pm @ Downtown Celina
  Bavarian traditions meet Texas charm with beer tents, stein-holding contests, live music, and pretzels the size of your head.
  City of Celina

• West Main Arts Festival — Sat, Oct 18, 11:00 am–7:00 pm @ Downtown Arlington
  150+ artists, makers, food vendors, and live performances on multiple stages.
  Downtown Arlington

• Plano International Festival — Sat, Oct 18, 11:00 am–5:00 pm @ Haggard Park, Plano
  Celebrate global cultures through performances, crafts, food, and family-friendly fun.
  Plano International Festival

• The Boho Market at The Hill — Sat, Oct 18, 10:00 am–4:00 pm @ The Hill Shopping Center, Dallas
  An open-air market featuring handmade goods, local artisans, and sustainable lifestyle brands.
  The Boho Market

Races & Runs

• Monster Dash 5K & Fun Run — Sat, Oct 18, 8:00 am @ Trinity Park, Fort Worth
  A Halloween-themed run where costumes are encouraged! Family-friendly with prizes, music, and a post-race festival.
  Fort Worth Runners Club

• Race for the Cure – Susan G. Komen Dallas — Sat, Oct 18, 7:30 am @ NorthPark Center, Dallas
  Join thousands of participants for this inspiring race supporting breast cancer awareness and research.
  Susan G. Komen Dallas

• Pumpkin Spice 5K & 10K — Sat, Oct 18, 7:30 am @ Panther Island Pavilion, Fort Worth
  Seasonal favorite featuring scenic river views, fall décor, and pumpkin-flavored post-race treats.
  Run Project

• Wag, Walk & Roll 5K — Sun, Oct 19, 9:00 am @ River Legacy Park, Arlington
  Bring your dog, stroller, or bike — this inclusive race raises funds for local animal rescues.
  City of Arlington

• Dallas Turkey Trot Tune-Up Run — Sun, Oct 19, 8:00 am @ White Rock Lake, Dallas
  A prep run for the upcoming Turkey Trot — choose 5K or 10K routes and enjoy post-run pastries.
  Dallas Running Club

Theater, Dance & Performances

• The Lion King (Broadway Tour) — Fri–Sun, Oct 17–19, showtimes vary @ Music Hall at Fair Park, Dallas
  Disney’s award-winning musical returns with breathtaking puppetry and timeless songs.
  Dallas Summer Musicals

• Texas Ballet Theater: Dracula — Fri–Sun, Oct 17–19, 7:30 pm & 2:00 pm @ Winspear Opera House, Dallas
  A hauntingly elegant ballet inspired by Bram Stoker’s gothic classic.
  Texas Ballet Theater

• Wait Until Dark — Fri–Sun, Oct 17–19, 8:00 pm @ Theatre Arlington, Arlington
  A suspenseful thriller about a blind woman outsmarting criminals — gripping and beautifully staged.
  Theatre Arlington

• ComedySportz: Improv Battle — Fri–Sat, Oct 17–18, 8:00 pm @ Dallas Comedy Club, Dallas
  Two teams of comedians compete in fast-paced improv games inspired by audience suggestions.
  Dallas Comedy Club

• The Addams Family: A New Musical Comedy — Fri–Sun, Oct 17–19, showtimes vary @ Casa Mañana Theatre, Fort Worth
  The spooky and lovable family takes the stage in this laugh-out-loud musical for all ages.
  Casa Mañana Theatre

• Texas Storytelling Festival: Ghost Tales Edition — Sat, Oct 18, 6:00–9:00 pm @ Denton Civic Center, Denton
  Spine-tingling ghost stories and folklore shared by professional storytellers under the October moonlight.
  Texas Storytelling Association

Farmers Markets

• Dallas Farmers Market — Sat–Sun, Oct 18–19, 9:00 am–5:00 pm @ 920 S Harwood St, Dallas
  Local produce, baked goods, florals, and fall favorites like pumpkin bread and cider.
  Dallas Farmers Market

• Clearfork Farmers Market — Sat, Oct 18, 8:00 am–noon @ 4801 Edwards Ranch Rd, Fort Worth
  Farm-fresh veggies, local honey, and handmade goods with live music riverside.
  Clearfork Farmers Market

• Coppell Farmers Market — Sat, Oct 18, 8:00 am–noon @ 768 W Main St, Coppell
  Beloved community stop offering locally grown produce, artisan coffee, and baked goods.
  Coppell Farmers Market

• McKinney Farmers Market at Chestnut Square — Sat, Oct 18, 8:00 am–noon @ Chestnut Square Historic Village, McKinney
  Fresh produce, jams, and crafts in a charming historic setting.
  Chestnut Square Historic Village

• Grand Prairie Farmers Market — Sat, Oct 18, 8:00 am–1:00 pm @ 120 W Main St, Grand Prairie
  Fresh fruits, veggies, and baked goods with a live DJ and kids’ fall crafts.
  Grand Prairie Farmers Market

• Frisco Fresh Market — Sat–Sun, Oct 18–19, 8:00 am–4:00 pm @ 9215 John W. Elliott Dr, Frisco
  100+ vendors, food trucks, and local artisans for a lively weekend market.
  Frisco Fresh Market

Food & Drink Events

• Grapevine Chocolate & Wine Festival — Fri–Sat, Oct 17–18, 12:00–8:00 pm @ Historic Downtown Grapevine
  Sip, sample, and savor artisan chocolates, Texas wines, and gourmet treats.
  Grapevine Main Street Association

• Lone Star Food Truck Festival — Sat–Sun, Oct 18–19, 11:00 am–7:00 pm @ Panther Island Pavilion, Fort Worth
  30+ food trucks, live music, and craft brews along the river.
  Panther Island Pavilion

• Celina Oktoberfest — Sat, Oct 18, 11:00 am–10:00 pm @ Downtown Celina
  German beer tents, live music, stein-holding contests, and pretzels the size of your head.
  City of Celina

• Dallas Coffee Lovers Festival — Sat, Oct 18, 10:00 am–4:00 pm @ Four Corners Brewing Co., Dallas
  Local roasters, latte art, and cold brew tastings — caffeine heaven.
  Dallas Coffee Lovers Festival

• Harvest Wine Dinner at Times Ten Cellars — Sun, Oct 19, 6:30–9:00 pm @ Times Ten Cellars, Dallas
  Five-course autumn-themed dinner with local wine pairings and live acoustic music.
  Times Ten Cellars

• Plano International Festival – Food Court — Sat, Oct 18, 11:00 am–5:00 pm @ Haggard Park, Plano
  Global street food and desserts from 20+ countries in one place.
  Plano International Festival

Hidden Gems

• Sweet Tooth Hotel: Discotech — Fri–Sun, Oct 17–19, 12:00–8:00 pm @ 1511 Elm St, Dallas
  Immersive art meets neon lights and music in this five-room interactive exhibit.
  Sweet Tooth Hotel

• Rainbow Vomit — Fri–Sun, Oct 17–19, 10:00 am–8:00 pm @ 3609 Parry Ave, Dallas
  A technicolor explosion of art, photography, and imagination — part gallery, part playground.
  Rainbow Vomit

• Vintage Market Days: Hello Autumn — Fri–Sun, Oct 17–19, 10:00 am–5:00 pm @ Southfork Ranch, Parker
  Curated vintage shopping with antiques, handmade décor, and boutique finds.
  Vintage Market Days

• The Wild Detectives Bookstore Bar — Fri–Sun, Oct 17–19, open until late @ Bishop Arts District, Dallas
  A cozy bookstore-bar hosting live music, author readings, and craft cocktails.
  The Wild Detectives

• Garden After Dark: Glow Night — Sat, Oct 18, 7:00–10:00 pm @ Fort Worth Botanic Garden
  The gardens come alive with glowing art installations and ambient live music.
  Fort Worth Botanic Garden

• Dallas Comedy Club: Improv Jam — Sat, Oct 18, 10:00 pm @ 3036 Elm St, Dallas
  Jump into a spontaneous improv night — hilarious and unpredictable.
  Dallas Comedy Club

Free / Low-Cost Activities

• Klyde Warren Park Fall Fun Day — Sat, Oct 18, 10:00 am–2:00 pm @ Klyde Warren Park, Dallas
  Pumpkin decorating, live music, and lawn games for the whole family.
  Klyde Warren Park

• Movies in the Park: Encanto — Fri, Oct 17, gates open 6:30 pm, movie ~7:45 pm @ Town Square, Flower Mound
  Free outdoor movie night with food vendors and games.
  Town of Flower Mound

• Arlington Art Walk — Fri, Oct 17, 5:00–9:00 pm @ Downtown Arlington
  Local art, pop-ups, and street performers — free and walkable.
  Downtown Arlington

• Outdoor Yoga at Klyde Warren Park — Sun, Oct 19, 9:00–10:00 am @ Klyde Warren Park, Dallas
  Free morning yoga session for all levels.
  Klyde Warren Park

• PNC Patio Sessions — Fri, Oct 17, 6:00–8:00 pm @ Flora Cantina, Dallas Arts District
  Free live local music with food and drinks available for purchase.
  Dallas Arts District

Events with Animals

• Boo at the Zoo — Fri–Sun, Oct 17–19, 9:00 am–5:00 pm @ Fort Worth Zoo
  Trick-or-treat stations, themed décor, and animal encounters.
  Fort Worth Zoo

• Puppy Yoga at Community Beer Co. — Sun, Oct 19, 10:30–11:30 am @ Community Beer Co., Dallas
  Gentle yoga surrounded by adoptable puppies — proceeds benefit rescue programs.
  Community Beer Co.

• Petting Zoo at Autumn at the Arboretum — Fri–Sun, Oct 17–19, 9:00 am–5:00 pm @ Dallas Arboretum
  Meet farm animals while exploring Pumpkin Village.
  Dallas Arboretum

• Howl-O-Ween Paw Parade — Sat, Oct 18, 10:00 am–1:00 pm @ CityLine Plaza, Richardson
  Dog costume parade, contests, and adoptable pets.
  CityLine Richardson

• SEA LIFE Aquarium: Turtle Talks — Sat–Sun, Oct 18–19, hourly @ SEA LIFE Grapevine
  Educational presentations about sea turtle rescue and conservation.
  SEA LIFE Grapevine

Museum Events

• The Science of Guinness World Records — Fri–Sun, Oct 17–19, 10:00 am–5:00 pm @ Perot Museum, Dallas
  Discover the science behind record-breaking feats in this interactive exhibit.
  Perot Museum

• Late Nights at the DMA: Art After Dark — Fri, Oct 17, 6:00–11:00 pm @ Dallas Museum of Art, Dallas
  Free after-hours event with live music, film, and creative workshops.
  Dallas Museum of Art

• Black Cowboys: An American Story — Fri–Sun, Oct 17–19, 10:00 am–5:00 pm @ African American Museum, Dallas
  Exhibit celebrating the legacy and impact of Black cowboys.
  African American Museum

• Cowgirl Gathering Exhibit — Fri–Sun, Oct 17–19, 10:00 am–5:00 pm @ National Cowgirl Museum, Fort Worth
  Explore art and stories honoring pioneering women of the West.
  National Cowgirl Museum

• Nasher Sculpture Center: Family Art Walk — Sat, Oct 18, 10:00 am–noon @ Nasher Sculpture Center, Dallas
  Guided walk connecting outdoor sculpture, mindfulness, and art.
  Nasher Sculpture Center

Workshops & Classes

• Candle Making Workshop: Fall Scents Edition — Sat, Oct 18, 2:00–4:00 pm @ Dallas Arboretum, Dallas
  Create your own soy candles with autumn-inspired fragrances.
  Dallas Arboretum

• Floral Arranging: Harvest Blooms — Sat, Oct 18, 11:00 am–12:30 pm @ McKinney Wine Merchant, McKinney
  Learn floral design while sipping local wine.
  McKinney Wine Merchant

• Pottery & Prosecco Night — Fri, Oct 17, 6:30–9:00 pm @ Trade Oak Cliff, Dallas
  Make pottery while sipping prosecco — perfect creative unwind.
  Trade Oak Cliff

• Parent & Child Baking Class: Halloween Treats — Sat, Oct 18, 10:00 am–noon @ Central Market Cooking School, Fort Worth
  Bake spooky cupcakes and cookies together.
  Central Market Cooking School

• Mindful Painting Workshop: Autumn Reflections — Sun, Oct 19, 1:00–3:00 pm @ The Cove, Richardson
  Combine meditation and painting in a peaceful guided class.
  The Cove

• Art in the Park: Watercolor Workshop — Sun, Oct 19, 1:00–3:00 pm @ Klyde Warren Park, Dallas
  Free watercolor class with all supplies included — great for beginners.
  Klyde Warren Park