Fall in Dallas means cooler evenings, football Saturdays, pumpkins everywhere, and a packed calendar of festivals. If you’re searching for the best things to do in Dallas this fall, October 2026 delivers: the final stretch of the State Fair of Texas, the Red River Rivalry at the Cotton Bowl, Oktoberfest at White Rock Lake, Día de los Muertos celebrations, and a Halloween that lands on a Saturday.
Whether you’re planning a birthday, a bachelorette weekend, a team outing, or just a fun Saturday with friends, here are 10 of the best Dallas fall activities and events for 2026, with dates checked against official sources, plus tips for turning each one into a full day out with your crew.
1. Experience the State Fair of Texas (Through October 18)
No list of fall activities in Dallas is complete without the State Fair of Texas. The 2026 Fair runs 24 days, from Friday, September 25, through Sunday, October 18, at historic Fair Park. Hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday (last entry is 9 p.m.).
This year’s theme is “Stars, Stripes, and Howdies,” and Big Tex is back to greet you. Expect more than 100 free daily attractions included with admission, Midway rides, live music, livestock shows, and, of course, the food. Fletcher’s corny dogs are a must, and this year Fletcher’s Chocolate Corny Dog took home Best Taste – Sweet at the 2026 Big Tex Choice Awards.
Tips for visiting the State Fair with a group
- Skip the parking hassle: Take the DART Green Line to Fair Park Station or MLK Jr. Station. If you drive, the Fair recommends the Gate 2 lot at 925 S. Haskell Ave.
- Pick a meeting spot before you split up. With crowds this size, it saves a lot of texting.
- Buy group tickets: Groups of 25 or more can get discounted 1-Day Flex admission tickets through the Fair’s group sales program.
2. Explore Fair Park’s Museums and Gardens
The State Fair isn’t the only reason to head to Fair Park. Several museums and attractions on the grounds are open during the Fair, including the Hall of State, the African American Museum, Texas Discovery Gardens, and Children’s Aquarium Dallas. The Hall of State and the African American Museum are free with your State Fair admission. Hours and admission for the others vary, so check each venue’s website before you go.
Mixing in a museum or garden is a great way to slow down between corny dogs and Midway rides, especially if your group includes kids, grandparents, or anyone who wants a break from the crowds.
3. Catch the Red River Rivalry: Texas vs. Oklahoma (October 10)
If your group loves football, Saturday, October 10, is one of the biggest days on the Dallas fall calendar. The Allstate Red River Rivalry between Texas and Oklahoma kicks off at 2:30 p.m. CT at the Cotton Bowl in Fair Park, according to Texas Athletics.
The game has been a centerpiece of the State Fair since 1929, and the stadium is famously split down the 50-yard line in burnt orange and crimson. Even without game tickets (Texas Athletics lists the game as sold out), the energy around Fair Park and the rest of the city makes the whole weekend feel like a celebration.
No tickets? Make it a watch party. Deep Ellum is just two DART Green Line stops from Fair Park, and its bars fill up with fans on game day. A private Dallas Party Bike ride lets your whole crew pregame or celebrate together without coordinating cars or rideshares on one of the busiest traffic days of the year.
4. Celebrate Oktoberfest Dallas at Flag Pole Hill (October 24)
Oktoberfest Dallas returns Saturday, October 24, from 10 a.m. until about 10 p.m. at Flag Pole Hill Park, just north of White Rock Lake. This year’s lineup features Drew Cooper and George Dunham and the Bird Dogs, with Pat Green headlining.
Expect brats, pizza, beer and wine, a Festival Hall with shaded seating and TVs for the day’s games, a Kid Zone, a Market Village, a keg tapping, and a stein-holding contest. The festival is presented by the Exchange Club of Lake Highlands, a nonprofit that has raised more than $1.4 million for scholarships and local nonprofits since 2011, according to Visit Dallas.
It’s a natural fit for groups: grab your friends, wear your best lederhosen, and make a full day of it.
5. See 100,000 Pumpkins at Autumn at the Arboretum (Through November 1)
Autumn at the Arboretum is one of Dallas’ most-loved fall traditions, and it runs through November 1. More than 100,000 pumpkins, gourds, and squash fill the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden on Garland Road, and this year’s Pumpkin Village theme, “Harvest Hues,” features pumpkin houses inspired by artists like Basquiat, Rothko, Mondrian, and Pollock.
It’s one of the most photogenic spots in the city this time of year, and it sits right on the shore of White Rock Lake. On October 24, pair it with Oktoberfest at Flag Pole Hill on the north side of the lake for a full White Rock fall day.
6. Plan a Game Day: SMU, the Cowboys, and the Mavericks
Fall and football go hand in hand in North Texas, and there’s a game almost every weekend. A few dates worth circling:
- SMU Mustangs (Gerald J. Ford Stadium): vs. Virginia on Oct. 17, vs. Cal on Oct. 24, vs. Virginia Tech on Friday, Nov. 6, and vs. Wake Forest on Nov. 14.
- Dallas Cowboys (AT&T Stadium in Arlington): home vs. Arizona on Nov. 1, San Francisco on Nov. 15, Tennessee on Nov. 22, and Philadelphia on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 26. October’s games at Green Bay (Oct. 18) and Philadelphia (Monday, Oct. 26) are perfect watch-party nights.
- Dallas Mavericks (American Airlines Center): the home opener is Saturday, Oct. 24, at 7 p.m. against the San Antonio Spurs.
The key is to think beyond the game itself. Grab brunch, plan a group activity, catch the game at a sports bar or the stadium, and finish the night somewhere everyone can relax. Our Dallas Cowboys pregame party is built for exactly that: bring your favorite drinks, crank your game-day playlist, and roll to bars that have the game on.
7. Ride Through Deep Ellum on a Dallas Party Bike
Cooler fall weather makes this the best time of year to get outside and see the city together. Known for its murals, live music, restaurants, and nightlife, Deep Ellum is one of Dallas’ most recognizable entertainment districts, and it’s where our tours roll.
A Dallas Party Bike tour turns the activity itself into the celebration instead of just another stop on the itinerary. Your group pedals together through Deep Ellum, stops at local bars, and enjoys your own playlist along the way, with a professional driver handling the route.
Two ways to ride
- Private Group Party: Reserve the whole bike for your group of up to 15 guests, perfect for birthdays, bachelorette parties, game-day pregames, and team outings. Larger groups can book multiple bikes.
- Deep Ellum Pub Crawl: Only have a couple of people? Book individual seats, join other riders, and meet new people along the way.
Tours are BYOB-friendly: bring your favorite canned beer, seltzers, or boxed wine (no glass and no hard liquor), and we provide a cooler, ice, and cups. All rides start at 3909 Elm Street in Deep Ellum.
October weekends fill up fast, so if you have a specific weekend in mind, reserve your ride early.
8. Celebrate Día de los Muertos in Dallas
Dallas celebrates Día de los Muertos with altars, art, music, and community festivals throughout late October and early November. A few highlights for 2026, via Visit Dallas:
- Latino Cultural Center (2600 Live Oak St.): Día de los Muertos exhibition Oct. 20 – Nov. 6, with a festival on Saturday, Oct. 24, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Bath House Cultural Center at White Rock Lake: the 40th annual Día de Muertos exhibition, Oct. 10 – Nov. 7.
- 7th Annual Dallas Día de Muertos Parade & Festival: Saturday, Oct. 31, from 4 to 10 p.m. at Dallas City Hall Plaza.
- Dallas Symphony Orchestra Día de los Muertos Concert: Oct. 31 at 7:30 p.m. at the Meyerson Symphony Center.
These events are a beautiful way to experience one of the city’s most meaningful cultural traditions. Dress the part if you like, and be respectful of the altars and ofrendas.
9. Celebrate Halloween in Deep Ellum (Saturday, October 31)
Halloween falls on a Saturday in 2026, which means one thing: a full weekend of costume parties. Deep Ellum is one of Dallas’ go-to neighborhoods for a Halloween night out, with bars and live music venues all within a few blocks.
Want to show off your group costume? Our Dallas Halloween Bar Crawl lets you parade your costumes around Deep Ellum in style. You bring the drinks and the playlist, and you can even decorate the bike. If you have a date in mind, book early.
10. Plan a Fall Group Celebration
Fall is one of the best seasons in Dallas for getting your people together. Planning your celebration around an activity, not just a dinner reservation, gives everyone something to do together and something to talk about afterward.
Birthdays
Pair a daytime ride with lunch, or start with a group activity before heading out for dinner and drinks in Deep Ellum. See our adult birthday party ideas for inspiration.
Bachelorette and bachelor parties
Cooler weather, football weekends, and a packed events calendar make fall a favorite season for Dallas bachelorette parties and bachelor parties. Reserve the whole bike so it’s just your crew.
Corporate team outings
October is a great time to get your team out of the office. Build a team day around lunch, a group experience, and drinks or dinner afterward. Our corporate experiences can be tailored to your group, including multiple bikes for larger teams. If your team is heading to the State Fair, remember that the Fair offers discounted group tickets for 25 or more.
A sample fall Saturday in Dallas
- Morning: Coffee and brunch with the group.
- Midday: Explore the State Fair, Autumn at the Arboretum, or Oktoberfest (depending on the date).
- Late afternoon: Ride through Deep Ellum on a Dallas Party Bike tour.
- Evening: Dinner, drinks, and live music in Deep Ellum, or catch the game at a sports bar.
Dallas Fall 2026 Events Calendar at a Glance
- Now – Oct. 18: State Fair of Texas at Fair Park
- Now – Nov. 1: Autumn at the Arboretum
- Oct. 10: Red River Rivalry, Texas vs. Oklahoma, at the Cotton Bowl (2:30 p.m. CT)
- Oct. 10 – Nov. 7: Día de Muertos exhibition at the Bath House Cultural Center
- Oct. 17: SMU vs. Virginia
- Oct. 24: Oktoberfest Dallas at Flag Pole Hill, the Latino Cultural Center Día de los Muertos festival, SMU vs. Cal, and the Mavericks home opener vs. the Spurs
- Oct. 31: Halloween (Saturday) and the Dallas Día de Muertos Parade & Festival at City Hall Plaza
- Nov. 1: Cowboys vs. Cardinals at AT&T Stadium
Dates and times can change, so always confirm with each event’s official website before you go.
Make Dallas Party Bike Part of Your Fall Plans
October brings out the best of Dallas: seasonal traditions, big games, festivals, and plenty of reasons to spend time with the people who matter. Whatever’s on your calendar, start with your group and build the day around the experience you want to have.
Looking for a fun way to bring everyone together? Book a private party bike for your crew or grab a few seats on our Deep Ellum Pub Crawl.
Book your Dallas Party Bike tour and make this fall in Dallas one to remember!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best things to do in Dallas this fall?
Top picks for fall 2026 include the State Fair of Texas (through Oct. 18), the Texas vs. Oklahoma Red River Rivalry (Oct. 10), Oktoberfest Dallas at Flag Pole Hill (Oct. 24), Autumn at the Arboretum (through Nov. 1), Día de los Muertos celebrations, Halloween in Deep Ellum, SMU, Cowboys, and Mavericks games, and group experiences like a Dallas Party Bike tour.
When does the 2026 State Fair of Texas end?
The 2026 State Fair of Texas runs through Sunday, October 18, at Fair Park. Hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, with last entry at 9 p.m.
How can a group avoid traffic and crowds on State Fair weekends?
Take the DART Green Line to Fair Park Station or MLK Jr. Station instead of driving, agree on a meeting point before you split up, and buy tickets in advance. Red River Rivalry weekend (Oct. 10) is especially busy, so plan extra time.
Is a Dallas Party Bike tour a good fall group activity?
Yes. Fall weather is ideal for riding through Deep Ellum. Each bike holds up to 15 guests, groups can reserve a private bike or buy individual seats on the pub crawl, and tours are BYOB-friendly (cans and boxed wine only, no glass or hard liquor). It works great for birthdays, bachelorette and bachelor parties, game-day pregames, and team outings.
How far in advance should we book fall activities in Dallas?
As early as you can, especially for weekends with big events like Red River Rivalry weekend, Oct. 24 (Oktoberfest, SMU, and the Mavericks home opener), and Halloween weekend. Reserve your Dallas Party Bike tour as soon as your date is set.
