Dallas–Fort Worth, TX – Fall is officially here, and that means it’s time for pumpkin patches, Oktoberfests, hayrides, haunted houses, and cozy outdoor fun. From Arlington to Southlake, communities across North Texas are celebrating the season with dozens of festivals packed with live music, food, and family-friendly activities.
Whether you’re looking for a spooky adventure, a pumpkin-perfect photo op, or a classic small-town harvest fair, there’s an event waiting for you every weekend this October.
The Incident: Fall Returns with a Season of Celebration
As the Texas State Fair kicks off and the weather cools, local cities are preparing for a month-long lineup of fall festivals. Each one brings its own charm — from Arlington’s haunted house thrills to Grapevine’s PumpkinFest, there’s something for everyone.
Here’s a roundup of the biggest and best fall festivals happening in North Texas this October, organized alphabetically by city so you can plan your weekend adventures with ease.
Investigation and Evidence: City-by-City Festival Highlights
Arlington Fall Festival
Dates: Oct. 17–18, 2025
Location: The Chosen One Ink, 519 East Abram St.
A haunted house featuring live actors, animatronics, and free candy. Family-friendly and free to attend.
Bedford Fall Festivals
- Bedford Library Pumpkin Patch – Oct. 3–31 at Bedford Public Library. Find your perfect pumpkin and take festive photos.
- Bedford Boo Bash – Oct. 25, 4–7 p.m. at Generations Park. A costume-filled evening with food trucks, games, and a vendor marketplace.
Carrollton Halloween Critter Hunt
Date: Oct. 25, 4–7 p.m.
Location: Historic Downtown Carrollton
Trick-or-treat through shops and enjoy a family movie screening of The Haunted Mansion at sunset.
Cedar Hill Fall Festivals
- Harvest Heritage Festival – Oct. 18, 10 a.m.–2:30 p.m. at Cedar Hill State Park. Meet the Buffalo Soldiers, explore historic Penn Farm, and enjoy traditional cooking demos.
- Haunted History Walk – Oct. 24, 7–9 p.m. Explore the farm after dark with rangers and local storytellers.
Corinth Howl-O-Week Bash
Date: Oct. 25, 4–9 p.m.
Location: Commons at Agora
Enjoy a costume contest, carnival games, and a free outdoor movie (Hotel Transylvania). All activities are free.
Dallas Fall Festivals
- Autumn at the Arboretum – Through Nov. 2 at the Dallas Arboretum. Featuring 100,000 pumpkins and the theme Texas Town.
- Día de los Muertos Parade and Festival – Oct. 25, 4–11 p.m. at City Hall. A colorful celebration with live music, art, sugar skulls, and a parade.
Denton’s Day of the Dead Festival
Dates: Oct. 24–26, 2025
Downtown Denton transforms into a celebration of art, music, and cultural heritage with themed parades and entertainment.
Ennis Haymaze and Pumpkin Patch
Dates: Oct. 1–31, 2025
Enjoy hay mazes, pumpkins, and fall photo ops in Historic Downtown Ennis, open daily.
Fort Worth Boo at the Zoo
Dates: Oct. 24–26, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Experience treat stations, live shows, and animal encounters. Free with Zoo admission or membership.
Frisco Fall Fest at The Star
Date: Oct. 19, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Celebrate fall with music, food, western games, and a beer garden. Don’t miss the mechanical bull rides and family photo ops.
Grapevine PumpkinFest & Bewitched by the Barn
- PumpkinFest – Oct. 3–19, at Meadowmere Park. Wander through pumpkin-lined paths and artisan vendor stalls.
- Bewitched by the Barn – Oct. 25, 7–9 p.m. at Nash Farm. Enjoy spooky storytelling with popcorn and cider. Tickets $10.
Midlothian Fall Festivals
- Annual Scarecrow Festival – Oct. 10–Nov. 2 at Heritage Park. This year’s theme: Movies.
- Heritage Day – Oct. 18, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Free event featuring food, shopping, live music, and kids’ activities.
Pilot Point Scare on the Square
Date: Oct. 25, 4–7 p.m.
Trick-or-treating, carnival games, a hayride, and a Haunted Opera House tour (entry $5).
Plano Rest in Plano Fest
Date: Oct. 25, 5–10 p.m.
Downtown Plano transforms into a lively festival with carnival rides, performances, and Halloween photo ops.
Murphy Skele-bration
Date: Oct. 24, 6–9 p.m.
Come for costume contests, games, a haunted maze, and a fire show. Free admission.
Richardson Huffines Harvest Fest
Dates: Oct. 18–19, 2025
A family favorite for nearly 50 years. Enjoy live music, Pawtoberfest, and craft vendors at Huffines Park.
Roanoke Trick or Treat on Oak Street
Date: Oct. 31, 5–8 p.m.
An evening of free candy, family games, and a dog costume contest at City Hall Plaza.
Southlake Fall Festivals
- Oktoberfest 2025 – Oct. 17–19 at Southlake Town Square. Free admission, food, live entertainment, and the famous Weiner Dog Race.
- Donkey Fall Festival – Oct. 18, 11 a.m.–4 p.m. at Loving Long Ears Sanctuary. Addams Family-themed event featuring therapy donkeys and fun for kids.
The Colony Family Fright Fest
Date: Oct. 18, 3–7 p.m.
Location: Stewart Creek Park
Enjoy hayrides, crafts, trick-or-treating, and food trucks — all free to attend.
Court Proceedings and Charges: The Season’s Standout Highlights
This year’s festival lineup isn’t just about pumpkins and costumes — it’s about community spirit and local creativity. Many of these celebrations include live entertainment, artisan vendors, costume parades, and contests designed for all ages.
Families can expect dozens of free or low-cost events across the region, making October 2025 one of the most festive months North Texas has seen in years.
Statements and Reactions: Local Enthusiasm Grows
Event organizers say community response has been overwhelming. From small-town markets to large-scale attractions like the Dallas Arboretum and Southlake Oktoberfest, crowds are expected to reach record highs.
Local businesses and volunteers have also joined forces to make these events accessible and family-friendly, with many festivals offering free admission and parking.
Background Context: Fall in North Texas
North Texas residents know fall is more than a season — it’s a celebration. The region’s mix of urban and rural communities gives locals the chance to enjoy both modern events like Frisco’s Fall Fest and heritage traditions like Cedar Hill’s Harvest Festival.
With weather cooling and school breaks approaching, many families plan annual outings to these autumn attractions.
Ongoing Developments and Next Steps
More local events are expected to be announced throughout October. Visitors are encouraged to check city websites and social media pages for updates on weather changes or added activities.
Festivalgoers are reminded to arrive early for parking, bring cash for food vendors, and capture plenty of photos to make lasting fall memories.
Conclusion
From haunted hayrides to pumpkin patches and Oktoberfest celebrations, North Texas is packed with fall fun this October. Whether you’re in Dallas, Grapevine, or Southlake, there’s no shortage of family-friendly ways to celebrate the season.
What’s your favorite fall festival in North Texas? Share your plans and experiences in the comments below.
