From bubbly tastings to Bavarian beats, these fall festivals across North Texas pair perfectly with the crisper air and the coolest cities and neighborhoods. Here is a roundup of 10 can’t-miss events across our metropolitan area, from August through November, with dates, top highlights and official sites for easy planning.

 

DALLAS

Riverfront Jazz Festival — Aug 29-31
Fair Park turns into a multi-stage celebration of jazz, R&B, soul and blues over Labor Day weekend. Expect national headliners, local talent, food vendors and arts marketplaces. Details: TBAAL’s Riverfront Jazz Festival at Fair Park. (Visit Dallas, fairparkdallas.com)

 

GRAPEVINE

39th Annual GrapeFest — Sep 11-14
The largest wine festival in the Southwest pours on tastings, champagne-cork shoots, grape stomps and live music along Historic Main Street. (Grapevine Texas)

 

PLANO

H-E-B | Central Market Plano Balloon Festival — Sep 18-21
Dazzling balloon launches and evening glows headline this family favorite, with fireworks, a kids’ zone, 5K/10K, food courts and live performances at Oak Point Park. (Visit Plano, blog.planoballoonfest.org)

 

FORT WORTH

Fort Worth Oktoberfest — Sep 25-27

A Munich-style party in Trinity Park: oom-pah bands, dachshund races, stein hoists, carnival rides and a 5K. Don’t miss the “Tapping of the Kegs.” (fortworthoktoberfest.com)

 

DALLAS

State Fair of Texas — Sep 26-Oct 19
The icon of Texas fall returns with Big Tex, midway thrills, concerts and the Big Tex Choice Awards — this year expanded to spotlight inventive “Sips” alongside outrageous sweet and savory finalists. (State Fair of Texas, Eater Dallas)

 

LAKEWOOD

Oktoberfest Dallas — Sep 27
Just north of White Rock Lake, at Flag Pole Hill, this one-day fest brings Bavarian bites, beer and live bands — perfect for Lakewood locals or anyone who loves a taste of Germany. ([ECLH] Oktoberfest Dallas)

 

FRISCO

Frisco Oktoberfest at The Star — Oct 4
A lively day on Tostitos Championship Plaza with German fare, polka, stein-holding, keg rolling and a brat-eating contest — prost! (Visit Frisco, Eventeny)

 

FORT WORTH

ArtsGoggle — Oct 11
Near Southside’s Magnolia Avenue transforms into an arts corridor with 1,000+ visual artists, multiple music stages, food and drink — a free, hyper-local creative showcase. (Tanglewood Moms, Dallasites 101)

 

SOUTHLAKE

Southlake Oktoberfest — Oct 17-19
More than 100,000 visitors flock to Town Square for Bavarian music, a bustling marketplace, kids’ activities and plenty of beer gardens. Admission and parking are free. (southlakechamber.org, visitsouthlaketexas.com)

 

WEATHERFORD

Chili Cook-Off 2025 — Nov 8

Enjoy the Veterans Day parade in downtown Weatherford at 10 a.m., then head to Peacock’s Feed & Boutique for chili tastings, live music, vendors, a bounce house, a petting zoo and more. (experienceweatherford.com)

 

BONUS FOR PUMPKIN PHOTO-OPS

Autumn at the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden runs deep into fall — from September 20 through November 2 — with the famed Pumpkin Village: 100,000+ pumpkins, gourds and squash. It’s a spectacle not to be missed — and it’s perfect for your social media posts. (Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden)