8 Best Festivals in Dallas this Fall

Discover the best events to attend in the Dallas area in the upcoming months.
8 amazing experiences you can’t miss out. Make the most of this fall season!

Must-attend unique fall events in and around DFW

Check on 8 amazing upcoming festivals to put on your calendar

Fall season – aka as the best season to be outdoors in Dallas – is just around the corner. And it brings to Dallas an amazing festival season!

Discover the 8 top events you must attend this fall and don’t miss out on the superb things happening around.

From yearly festivals to once in a lifetime experiences, here I share with you my personal bucket list for the upcoming months.

For other ideas on things to do in Dallas, check out these top 15 attractions in DFW. And if you need a break from the city, visit our trips from Dallas page.

1. GrapeFest - A Texas Wine Experience

September 12 - 15, 2019
@ Grapevine, TX

Grapevine Grapefest is one of the top festivals happening in the Dallas surroundings this fall. Photo by Alex Butterfield/ Flickr

Sip some wine and champagne at GrapeFest, the largest wine festival in southwest USA. It’s a popular and lively annual event, that’s been going on for 33 years in Grapevine, a short drive away from Downtown Dallas. 

Sample wines from Texas, Michigan and Italy while listening to live music. Enjoy traditional and gourmet food and check on local artisans.

Become a judge at the “People’s Choice Wine Tasting Classic”, the largest wine competition in the U.S, featuring 160 Texas varietals from 44 Texas wineries. Smash 18 pounds of grape at the “GrapeStomp competition”!

GrapeFest is a family friendly festival. It also features a kids zone – which includes the SEA LIFE Grapevine Aquarium Touch Tank and LEGOLAND® Discovery Center this year – and rides to keep the little ones entertained.

Admission is free on Thursday all day and on Friday until 5pm. For other days and times, purchase your tickets here.

2. 40th Plano Balloon Festival

September 20 - 22, 2019
@ Oak Point Park - Plano, TX

Over 40 Air Baloons color the Plano skies every fall. Only 30 minutes from Dallas.

Watch air balloons coloring the sky at the 40th Plano Balloon Festival, a popular annual event in Plano, Texas.

This edition features 40 air balloons, including some with special shapes. Make sure to attend the festival on Friday or Saturday night, to see them beautifully glowing.

The balloons are the highlight of the event but there is much more to it! 

Stick around to see parachute teams performing every afternoon at 5:30 pm. Enjoy local bands every night. Have fun with the little ones at the Kids Fun Zone. Be wowed by fireworks.

The Plano Balloon festival also features a half-marathon, 10K, 5K and 1K races.

Check the complete Plano Balloon Festival schedule here and plan your visit.

3. Red Bull® Soap Box Race 2019

September 28, 2019 - 10 am to 4 pm
@ Austin Ranch, The Colony - Dallas, TX

World-famous Red Bull Soapbox Race is coming to Dallas this fall.

Held yearly since 2000 in multiple countries around the world, this year’s Red Bull® Soap Box Race will be in Dallas! It’s the second time Dallas hosts the event, which is returning to the city after 7 years.

So, seize the moment and attend this fun and unique event!

Watch amateurs competing in a downhill race with obstacles on homemade soapbox cars, human powered – no engines or pedals allowed. A total of 50 teams participate and will be judged by speed, creativity and showmanship.

Come and see the amazing crafts, talk to the competitors and cheer for your favorite ones. Watch inevitable and funny failures – sorry – and human creativity at its best. 

The event is free and opened to the public. There will be food vendors on site. Bring water, a small umbrella to protect from the sun and enjoy!

4. Texas State Fair

September 27 through October 20, 2019
@ Fair Park - Dallas, TX

The Texas State Fair is Dallas most beloved and traditional event.

Texas State Fair is Dallas most traditional and beloved festival. It has been going on for over a century, celebrating all things Texan. It’s an event as big as Texas that attracts yearly over 3 million people.

This year’s theme is “Celebrating Texas Creativity”. Expect tons of entertainment options, crowds and fun.

Greet the Big Texan, world’s tallest cowboy – a Kerens native and former world’s largest Santa Claus in the 50’s just out of curiosity (some Texan culture, folks!). Enjoy over 70 rides, free daily live music, exhibitions, competitions, shows, local and gourmet food and fireworks every night, just to name a few things you can experience there.

Use the Texas State Fair schedule tool to plan your visit and make the most of it. The quantity of daily events can be overwhelming, so you are better off knowing what you want to do and see before getting there.  

You can also combine your visit to the Texas State Fair with a football game at the historic Cotton Ball Stadium, nestled in the fair grounds. There are three College Football Games happening during the Texas State Fair, including the traditional Red River Showdown. Learn more and get your tickets here.

5. 14th Autumn at the Arboretum

September 21 through October 31, 2019
@ Dallas, TX

Autumn at the Arboretum is one of the top nationwide pumpkin patches.

Enjoy the cherished American pumpkin patch tradition at the Dallas Arboretum.

Featuring over 90.000 pumpkins in one acre, Arboretum’s Pumpkin Village is one of the largest pumpkin patches around Dallas and considered one of the 15 best pumpkin patches in the nation by Travel Chanel. It’s framed by 150,000 autumn flowers, creating a breathtaking fall setting.

This year festival’s theme is “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown”. So, expect to spot Charlie Brown, Lucy, Snoopy, Woodstock and other characters around. 

Take amazing pics, get into the autumn vibe and then take a pumpkin home to be carved for Halloween! – pumpkins can be purchased at the Tom Thumb Pumpkin Patch inside.

6. Bonnie and Clyde Day

October 12, 2019
@ Pilot Point, TX

Infamous Texan outlaws Bonnie & Clyde are the theme of one of the quirkiest fall events in the Dallas surroundings.

In its 10th edition, the annual Bonnie & Clyde Day is a curious event to say the least. It takes place in historic Pilot Point, a small town one hour away from downtown Dallas.

Pilot Point was part of Bone and Clyde’s trajectory, both in the real life and movie. 

The town and surroundings were once Bonnie and Clyde hidey-hole – as well as a place were other famous outlaws used to hang out. Pilot Point streets were also the filming location of the robbery scene from the Bonnie and Clyde movie. A popular movie from the 60’s, starring Faye Dunaway and Warren Beatty.

Every year the streets are taken by actors and production staff to reenact the scene. The event also includes a car show, local vendors and family fun.

If you’re into history or a movie buff, the Bonnie and Clyde Day event will fit you like a glove!

7. Nights Light - Sky Lantern Festival

October 12, 2019
@ Texas Motorplex - Ennis, TX

Inspiring Lantern Festival happens in the Dallas surroundings this fall.

Watching thousands of glowing lanterns going up the sky with messages of love is something quite special I can’t wait to repeat! It’s an uplifting and unforgettable bucket list style experience.

Inspired by the traditional event in Thailand, the Nights Light – Sky Lantern Festival happens only in a few places in the US and we are lucky enough to have one right in our backyard, a short drive away from Dallas. 

Come and join thousands of people. Bring your chairs and blankets. Sip some wine, cook s’mores at the firepit. Then as night unveils, write your best wishes in your lantern and prepare for the amazing moment when all the lit lanterns are released at once.

The result is breathless, peaceful and joyful. Buy your tickets here to the upcoming Sky Lantern Festival in Dallas and see it for yourself! 

8. Dia de los Muertos Parade

October 26, 2019
@ Downtown Dallas

Dallas' Dia de Los Muertos Parade first edition looks promising.

This year Dallas is scheduled to host what intends to be the biggest Dia de los Muertos Parade in Texas, if not in the country. 30.000 people are expected to attend the event

The Dallas Dia de los  Muertos  will take place in Downtown Dallas. The event will run from 4 – 7 pm. The colorful parade is scheduled to start at 5:00 pm at the Dallas City Hall and will be followed by a party with Mexican food, live music and fireworks. 

Summing Up

Mark your calendars! 

The next two months will be filled with amazing outdoor events in and around Dallas that you simply can’t miss out.

Enjoy wine and have tons of fun at the GrapeFest. Get wowed by air balloons at the Plano Balloon Festival. Experience the free and worldwide renowned Red Bull® Soap Box Race.

Celebrate Texan culture at Texas State Fair. Visit one of the 15 best pumpkin patches in the whole country at the Autumn at the Arboretum. Step back in time at the Bonnie and Clyde Day.

Light up the season with Days and Nights Light – Sky Lantern Festival. Write your wishes on your lantern, lit it up and release into the skies being thankful for the amazing season and inhaling good vibes for the next one! 

Dallas will also host this fall the first edition of what intends to be the largest Dia de los Muertos Parade in the country. 

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Weekend Itinerary in Houston, TX

Houston in 2 days: NASA and surroundings

How to spend one weekend in Houston and make the most of your visit to the NASA. 
Complete 2-days itinerary including nearby hidden gems you can’t miss out!

Houston, TX

Distance: 240 miles/ 3 h 30 min from Dallas

Houston is home to the NASA/ Houston Space Center, which by itself is already worth the trip. 

This is the NASA’s branch responsible for controlling the space missions and training astronauts, and you basically can see these facilities in person – how cool is that?

Whether you’re living in Dallas or just visiting the city, visiting the Space Center Houston is a once in a lifetime experience you simply can’t miss out while in Texas!

So hit the road and go for it. But first look into this post and find out what to do in Houston beyond the NASA. Discover amazing attractions nearby the Space Center and turn your visit to the NASA into the perfect weekend getaway.

Here you’ll find a complete 2-day itinerary in Houston with the must-sees in the NASA surroundings. Read bellow and enjoy your weekend in Houston to the fullest. I hope you have a blast!

And when you’re ready for more adventures, check our Trips from Dallas page for over 30 ideas on places to visit in Texas and surrounding states.

DAY 1

1. Space Center Houston - NASA

Start off with the very reason for your trip to Houston: the NASA Space Center. Plan to spend at least half a day there.

Buy tickets in advance to skip the usually long lines and arrive about 30 to 60 minutes before the Houston Space Center opens – might sound exaggerated, but you’ll eventually thank me for that.

Once the Space Center opens, go straight to the tram tours line. They tend to get huge, so you are better off starting there and exploring the Space Center calmly afterwards.

And don’t skip the tram tours under any circumstances! They take you from the Space Center, which is an exhibition, into the real NASA, and this is what is really special about visiting the Space Center Houston.

Check here the exhibits and experiences offered at the Space Center Houston. Or, even better, download their app to check what is going on in the day of your visit and plan ahead!

NASA Tram Tours - Astronaut Training Facility or Mission Control Center?

Here is where the magic happens. Take the tram tours to explore the real NASA grounds. Visit the place where astronauts prepare for their space journeys. Step onto the very room from where Apollo 13 was brought back to earth – does ‘Houston, we have a problem’ sound familiar?

“But do I have to choose one of them???” Noooooo. You can and should take both and they are included in your admission to the Houston Space Center.

But as each tram tour takes about 90 minutes – and lines are usually huge – if time is an issue you might have to pick one.

Both tours are amazing and completely different experiences. Which one to choose – if you really must – is a very personal matter. Here is what you can expect, so you can decide by yourself:

Mission Control Center Tour 

It takes you into the legendary Christopher C. Kraft Mission Control facility, from where history was made. The missions controlled from this room include early space shuttle missions and the first lunar landing mission. 

And it’s also the place from where the famous and almost tragic Apollo 13 expedition – ‘Houston, we have a problem’ – was brought back to earth.

Astronaut Training Facility

Here is where the future of the space expeditions take place. 

This tram tour takes you to the facility where astronauts train for future missions. And where engineers and designers work developing the next generation of space vehicles and equipment – you can see pretty cool mockups there.

Note:
Both tours finish at the Saturn V facility/ Rocket Park, where you can check on a real Saturn V massive rocket.
You should definitively stop there – but only once, in the second tour just skip it by remaining in the tram.

VIP Experiences at the Space Center Houston

You can upgrade your experience by having lunch with a real astronaut or taking a VIP behind-the-scenes tour

Both activities require advanced reservations. They come with a price tag but if you can afford it, it’s a unique and unparalleled experience.

2. Kemah Boardwalk

Afterwards head to the nearby Kemah Boardwalk, an authentic old-school American amusement park, sat on a pier by the ocean.

Walk along the boardwalk to take in the views. Have fun on the amusement rides. 

Then explore the surroundings. Stop for Mediterranean food at Bakkhus Taverna. Grab a treat at the local Art of Coffee – their muffins are delicious. Explore quirky shops and walk towards the several piers for ocean views. Stroll through the bars on 6th Street.

Overall, just chill out and enjoy the relaxing seaside vibe.

Lodging

Consider staying at the South Shore Harbour Resort & Conference Center. It's close to the attractions mentioned in this post, in a nice area by the water channels and offers a beautiful resort style swimming pool. Ask for a room with front view of the pool (this is an independent review based on my personal experience).

DAY 2

1. San Jacinto Monument

Head to the San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site.

Dig into Texas history exploring the San Jacinto Monument, raised on the San Jacinto Battle grounds, were Texas conquered its independence from Mexico in 1863. 

Inside the monument you’ll find a free exhibit where you can learn the details of the San Jacinto Battle among other historical facts. 

Visit the museum and then take the elevator to the observation floor for panoramic views. 

OR

2. Galveston

Drive 40 minutes to reach Galveston, on the Texas coast.

Galveston is not your white sand/ crystal-clear blue ocean perfect beach combo, it’s true. But it still has that beach town vibe you might be craving for.

Once there, enjoy the beach! Surfside and Stewart Beach are good options. Have a meal in a restaurant overlooking the ocean. Explore the historic Pleasure Pier. Stroll through the Strand Historic District, a lively shopping and dining area. 

Or skip it all together and spend the day at Moody Gardens, an Amusement Theme Park featuring an aquarium, a replica of the rainforest, zip-Line and lazy River, among other attractions.

Summing Up

Houston makes a great weekend getaway year-round!

The Houston Space Center is the highlight of your trip. Stepping on the mission control center room from where Apollo 13 was brought back to Earth, touching a 3.8 billion old piece of the moon or touring the real Astronaut Training Facility are once in a lifetime experiences you cannot miss.

But the NASA surroundings offer other superb attractions! Not far from there you can indulge in old-fashioned fun and breath in the coastal vibe of Kemah. Step onto Texas’ most important historic site, the San Jacinto battlegrounds, where Texas conquered its independence from Mexico. 

And even take a day trip from Houston to the beach. Galveston is a beach town only 40 minutes away from the Space Center Houston, offering beaches and fun things to do, such as Pier Pleasure, Moody Gardens, Strand Historic District and several seafood restaurants overlooking the Gulf Coast.

I hope you enjoy your weekend getaway to Houston. Go, have fun and then get back here to tell me how it was!

Leave a comment bellow letting me know if you’ve already been to the Houston area or to the NASA. 

If so, have you visited the all attractions mentioned in this post? How did you like it? Did you see something else you would recommend to someone planning to head there? 

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