The Ultimate Guide to Fall Activities in Dallas-Fort Worth for 2025
When the Texas heat finally breaks and a crisp autumn breeze rolls in, Dallas Fort Worth (DFW) truly comes alive. The fall season transforms the metroplex into a vibrant hub of festivals, spooky adventures, and cozy cultural experiences. Whether you're a local looking for weekend plans or a visitor eager to see what makes DFW special, there's an abundance of fall activities waiting for you.
Planning the perfect autumn outing can feel overwhelming with so many options. That’s why we’ve curated this guide to the top things to do in DFW this fall. From family-friendly pumpkin patches to thrilling ghost tours and lively festivals, you'll find everything you need to create unforgettable memories. Get ready to explore the best of Dallas Fort Worth this season!
Must-Do Festivals and Fairs
Fall in DFW is synonymous with festivals. These events capture the spirit of the season with food, music, and community celebrations that are perfect for all ages.
State Fair of Texas
No fall in Dallas is complete without a trip to the State Fair of Texas. Held at the historic Fair Park, this iconic event is a Texas tradition. You can ride the Texas Star Ferris wheel, try a wild variety of fried foods, watch livestock shows, and enjoy free concerts. It’s a massive celebration of Texas culture and a must-do for families and friends. Be sure to snap a photo with Big Tex!
Autumn at the Arboretum
For a more serene but equally festive experience, head to Autumn at the Arboretum. The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden puts on a spectacular display with its Pumpkin Village, featuring over 100,000 pumpkins, gourds, and squash. Each year brings a new creative theme, like "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown," making it a perfect spot for stunning photos and a relaxing day outdoors.
Oktoberfest Celebrations
Raise a stein to the season at one of DFW's many Oktoberfest celebrations! Addison Oktoberfest and Fort Worth Oktoberfest are two of the largest, offering authentic German music, food, and plenty of beer. You'll find dachshund races, stein-hoisting competitions, and lively dancing. For a more casual vibe, check out Trucktoberfest at Truck Yard Dallas, which combines German fun with a laid-back, dog-friendly atmosphere.
Spooky Season: Halloween Haunts and Thrills
As Halloween approaches, DFW gets a little spooky. Whether you're looking for family-friendly fun or a true scare, there are plenty of ways to get into the Halloween spirit.
Fright Fest at Six Flags Over Texas
During the day, Fright Fest offers kid-friendly activities and shows. But when the sun goes down, the park transforms into a terrifying playground. With haunted houses, scare zones filled with roaming ghouls, and thrilling rides in the dark, it’s the perfect destination for adrenaline junkies.
Dallas Ghosts & Dark Tales Self-Guided Tour
Ready to uncover the city’s sinister side? The Dallas Ghosts & Dark Tales Self-Guided Tour offers a spine-chilling journey into the city's haunted past. Perfect for history buffs and ghost hunters, this self-paced walking tour lets you explore nine of Dallas's most haunted landmarks using an interactive map on your phone.
Your adventure begins at the historic John Neely Bryan Cabin and takes you through what some call Dallas' "haunted alley." You'll listen to fully narrated tales of paranormal events at sites like Dealey Plaza, the infamous Adolphus Hotel (home to a ghostly bride), and the Majestic Theatre. The tour is enriched with exclusive audio recordings and photos, bringing the chilling stories to life. Since it's a self-guided tour covering about a mile, you can explore at your own pace—just bring your headphones and prepare for a spooky experience!
For those who seek a heart-pounding scare, Dallas-Fort Worth is home to some of the most intense haunted attractions in Texas. These are not for the faint of heart, but they promise an unforgettable night of frights!
Moxley Manor Haunted House
Prepare yourself for a truly chilling experience at Moxley Manor in Bedford. Consistently ranked among the top haunted houses in the nation, this attraction is famous for its intricate set designs, professional actors, and terrifying storylines. Moxley Manor features multiple attractions under one roof, including the original manor, a 3D haunted house, and other themed nightmares. The attention to detail is incredible, creating a fully immersive environment that blurs the line between reality and horror. It's a must-visit for serious haunt enthusiasts looking for a professional-grade scare.
J & F House of Terror
Located in Garland, the J & F House of Terror delivers a different kind of fear. This haunted house is known for its old-school, high-energy approach to scaring its guests. As you navigate its dark, winding corridors, you'll encounter a relentless barrage of jump scares, creepy characters, and disorienting special effects. It’s an intense, in-your-face experience that preys on common phobias and keeps your adrenaline pumping from start to finish. If you enjoy a classic, high-startle haunted house, this is the place for you.
Fun for the Whole Family
Fall is the perfect time for family adventures. These activities are designed to be enjoyed by kids and parents alike.
Pumpkin Patches and Farms
A visit to a pumpkin patch is a quintessential fall activity. Hall's Pumpkin Farm in Grapevine and Mainstay Farm in Cleburne are fantastic options, offering corn mazes, hayrides, pumpkin picking, and delicious fall treats like kettle corn and apple cider. These farms provide a classic autumn experience and are perfect for a family day out.
Plano Balloon Festival
Look up to the skies at the Plano Balloon Festival, where dozens of colorful hot air balloons take flight. This magical event features balloon glows, aerial performances, live music, and a kids' fun zone. It’s a breathtaking spectacle that will delight the entire family.
Huffhines Harvest Fest
This free festival in Richardson is packed with family fun. It features a marketplace with local vendors, live music, pumpkin decorating, and a petting zoo. On Saturday, "Pawtoberfest" offers activities for furry friends, while Sunday showcases young entrepreneurs at The Children’s Entrepreneur Market.
Concerts and Cultural Experiences
Cooler weather brings a packed schedule of indoor and outdoor cultural events. From live music to artistic celebrations, there's always something happening in DFW.
Latinidad Festival
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at the Latinidad Festival in the Arts District. This free event features vibrant music, a market with Latinx-owned businesses, authentic food, and a colorful parade. It's a lively celebration of culture that’s not to be missed.
Live Music and Theatre
As a major cultural hub, Dallas offers a wide array of plays, concerts, and performances throughout the fall. Check the schedules for venues like the AT&T Performing Arts Center, Majestic Theatre, and American Airlines Center to catch a show. Whether you're into Broadway productions, symphony orchestras, or chart-topping artists, you'll find it here.
Plan Your Perfect Fall in Dallas Fort Worth
With so much to see and do, fall is one of the best times to experience Dallas Fort Worth. From the thrills of the State Fair to the chills of a ghost tour, the city offers a diverse range of activities to suit every interest and age group. Grab your calendar, gather your friends and family, and start planning your autumn adventures. Discover why DFW is the perfect place to be when the leaves start to change!
