This Weekend in Dallas: The Great Pumpkin, Hello Kitty, and a Mechanical Bull
Plus, a celebrity-filled LGBTQ+ festival.
There’s always something going down in the Big D. A look at the city’s offerings might leave you dizzy: record shops, vintage shops, museums, bar arcades, nerdy bookstores, restaurants, bars, brunches, sports aplenty, and a thriving music and arts scene.
Dallas, when you seek it out, has wonderful natural landscapes, too. Hiking, running paths, swimming—there’s a little something for everyone. And if you want to get out of town, there are plenty of beautiful places to explore.
With the sheer selection of things to do, we’re here to help guide you on your weekend adventures. This weekend guide will steer you in an always-fun direction, be it dancing to live music or cozying up for a film fest. Check back here each week for something new to explore (and subscribe to our newsletter for recommendations and the week’s top stories).
Special Events in Dallas
September 21–24
Oak Point Park, Plano, $10
Let your imagination soar as you watch two nights of Balloon Glow events and two mornings of balloon launches. The four-day festival also includes live music from the Plano Symphony Orchestra, Party Machine, and Ice House, along with food, drinks, a ninja obstacle course, and more activities to keep everyone entertained.
September 22, 6 pm
Punch Bowl Social, $10
Are you really a true Texan if you haven’t jumped atop a mechanical bull for your eight seconds of glory? Now’s your chance to try (or try again) at the first of several fall bull-riding tournaments aboard Punch Bowl Social’s “Sir Loin.” Additional opportunities exist on October 20 and November 17 if you need time to practice. Whether you’re riding or spectating, enjoy a live DJ and $25 buckets of Shiner beers (or $5 Shiner drafts) while the top three winners ride their way to prizes.
September 22–24
Various locations, $149-$399 (three-day pass)
Scores of movers and shakers within the LGBTQ+ and ally communities descend on Dallas this weekend, including Queer Eye’s Antoni Perowski, actor-comedian-writer Billy Eichner, actor-writer-model-activist Indya Moore, and Real Housewife of Dallas, Leann Locken. Movie screenings, Q&As, and meet-and-greets will make for three days of pop culture overload in the best possible way.
September 28, 7 pm
Rooftop Cinema Club atop The Worthington Renaissance Fort Worth Hotel, $45
A week after Beyoncé blessed Dallas with her presence, you can still soak in the majesty of Queen Bey with fellow 21-and-over fans. Catch a rare screening of the 2001 film, Carmen: A Hip Hopera, starring the legendary performer, followed by dueling DJs playing her top hits during a silent disco. Tickets include bottomless popcorn and one alcoholic drink.
Arts & Culture in Dallas
September 13–October 15
Samuell-Grand Amphitheater, $15–$20
Shakespeare Dallas presents its fall production for a month of al fresco performances under the stars. Snag a VIP pavilion and bring 9 of your closest friends for the same price as individual tickets for that size group and feel like royalty yourself. Less tragic royalty, of course.
September 27, 6 pm
African American Museum of Dallas, Free
Two days before the State Fair of Texas opens its gates to thousands of fried-food fanatics, the African American Museum of Dallas presents a free advanced screening of the documentary, Silver Dollar Road, ahead of its release on Amazon Prime Video. The film explores the ramifications of Black land dispossession, focusing on one family in particular. RSVP is required, but does not guarantee admission.
Food & Drink in Dallas
September 22, 8 pm
Revelers Hall, $10
Join the Oopma Daddies for a polka-tastic night of Oktoberfest shenanigans, including plenty of beer and, wait for it…a John Denver singalong between sets. Come early for dinner so you have the power you need to dance the night away.
September 23 & 24, 2–6 pm
Mexican Sugar Las Colinas & Mexican Sugar Plano, $65 (VIP)
General admission tickets have already sold out, but you can score a VIP experience for Sugar Fest at two different Mexican Sugar restaurant locations this weekend. You’ll be treated to a variety of tequila samplings and live music, but instead of having to pay for full cocktails and food, your ticket gets you featured tequila creations, and chef-crafted eats—all from a special temperature-controlled area.
September 22, 6–11 pm
Lexy’s, $30
Head to Trinity Groves for a special night of glitz and glamor. The admission price includes two drink tickets, yummy food, a 360-degree photo booth, a jam-packed swag bag, raffle prizes, and a vendor market all in the name of stylish sisterhood.
Live Music in Dallas
September 21, 8 pm
AT&T Stadium, Arlington, From $200
Up-and-coming artist Beyoncé plays to an intimate crowd of 80,000 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington to support her latest album. Surprisingly, resale tickets can still be snagged relatively cheaply, so if you didn’t get tickets during pre-sale events, don’t give up hope!
September 22, 8 pm
Revelers Hall, $10
Join the Oopma Daddies for a polka-tastic night of Oktoberfest shenanigans, including plenty of beer and, wait for it…a John Denver singalong between sets. Come early for dinner so you have the power you need to dance the night away.
September 26, 7 pm
Dada, $18
Quarters of Change will be joined by Rebounder and Vision Arcade for a full Tuesday night of alternative rock at this all-ages show in the heart of Deep Ellum.
Shopping Events in Dallas
September 23
Southlake Town, Free
The Hello Kitty Cafe Truck returns to the DFW metroplex for two days of themed treats and super-exclusive merchandise available only on the truck. It returns next week in Arlington in case you can’t make this first local stop.
September 27–30
The Empire Suite at Rosewood Mansion Turtle Creek, Free
International fashion brand, The Webster, comes to Dallas for a special pop-up shopping experience featuring womenswear, menswear, fashion accessories, beauty products, and home goods.
Plan Ahead
October 8, 5–8 pm
The Empire Room, $150
Plan ahead by getting tickets now for the sure-to-sell-out food-fueled fundraiser for Dallas 24-Hour Club, a nonprofit that provides shelter, services, and life skills for homeless alcoholics and addicts. Nearly 20 of DFW’s top chefs have already signed up to share their delectable dishes and all money raised goes directly to support the organization.