Everything Fun to Do in Dallas This Weekend
Oktober’s in the air.
Carnivals, fairs, and Oktoberfests are but three popular outdoor activities taking place this weekend. Perfect timing, too, as the hot summer temperatures begin to dissipate a teeny-tiny bit. It is officially fall, after all. In addition to all that beer at Oktoberfest celebrations (and all the beer at a local brewery’s anniversary party), you can get equally boozed up drinking great wine at the Dallas Arboretum, or while adopting a dog and knocking back Tito’s Handmade Vodka cocktails. The sole indoor-only event this weekend is a fundraising drag show, but pretty sure there’ll be drinking at that, too. So make sure your Uber and Lyft accounts are up-to-date before heading out to do these eight great things across Dallas-Fort Worth.
Sunday, September 25
White Rock Lake
The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden hosts a wine tasting class with Cassaro Winery at A Tasteful Place inside the lush gardens, all decked out in pumpkins for autumn. Best of all, your tickets to the wine class get you access to every inch of the grounds overlooking White Rock Lake.
Cost: Tickets are $40 per adult ($35 for Arboretum members).
Saturday, September 24
Downtown Dallas
The American Heart Association Heart Walk kicks off on the lawn at Reunion Tower with 20,000 supporters expected to attend. Dancers and music on the main stage will kick off the festivities, and feel free to stick around with your four-legged friends at the PAWlympics area.
Cost: The suggested fundraising goal is $250, but donate any amount to participate.
Saturday, August 24
North Good Latimer District
To help combat overcrowded shelters in DFW, the team at Elm & Good is partnering with the Happy Pet Project and Tito’s Handmade Vodka (a.k.a. “Vodka for Dog People”) to host an event with specialty cocktails, doggie treats, and of course, lovable pups ready to go home with amazing humans.
Cost: The event is free to attend, food, drinks, and adoptions priced a la carte.
Friday, September 23 - Saturday, September 24
Trinity Groves
It’s not even October with a C yet and we’ve already had so many Oktoberfests with a K in recent weeks. Well, here’s another one at ArtPark at Trinity Groves featuring the always-fun combo of German beer, stein-holding contests, lederhosen, and traditional music. Get a two-day pass for cool freebies.
Cost: Tickets are $10 - $30.
Sunday, September 25
Oak Lawn
Miss LifeWalk 2022 will be crowned at the Rose Room during a Sunday night pageant that’s always insanely fun. The main fundraiser, LifeWalk, was canceled again this year, so even if you can’t make the event consider a donation to help end HIV in North Texas.
Cost: Tickets are $20 - $30 (VIP).
Saturday, September 24
Plano
More than 30 local artisans and small businesses will be selling their wares at The Boardwalk at Granite Park during the destination’s annual Art Market. Live music and food will also be available for everyone’s enjoyment.
Cost: The event is free to attend.
Friday, September 23 Through October 23
Design District
Ferris Wheelers Backyard & BBQ has a Ferris wheel year-round, but it takes on extra significance during State Fair of Texas season when it’s the focus of an entire midway of food and drinks. Plus, you can get your hands around a corn dog a full week ahead of people waiting for the actual fair next weekend.
Cost: The event is free to attend; food and experience prices vary.
Saturday, September 24
Plano
German bratwurst, Sam Adams Octoberfest beer, and live music await along with plenty of great eats from all the food-hall vendors for the fifth annual Legacy Hall Oktoberfeast. Hoist a keg, dance the polka, or simply sit back and watch everyone else get crazy (but what fun is that?).
Cost: The event is free to attend; VIP tickets available for $60 with guaranteed seating, a free beer, and other perks.
Saturday, September 24
Garland
Lakewood Brewing Co. turns 10 this year and to celebrate they’ll be throwing a carnival-themed celebration complete with food, games, axe-throwing, and throwback beer releases from the early years. Live music will round out the festivities and tickets include six beer samples.
Cost: Tickets are $25-$65 (VIP) and $10 for designated drivers.