Fall in North Texas 2026: 9 Festivals You Can't Miss

Fall in North Texas is the reward for surviving another summer. The heat breaks, the patios open, and the festival season kicks into high gear. But let's be honest - not every festival is worth the parking headache. Here are the nine that actually are.

Plano Balloon Festival Plano | September 17–20

This year's theme is Shared Horizon, and the name says it all. Hot air balloons at sunrise and sunset, the Plano Symphony Orchestra on opening night, the RE/MAX skydivers, and fireworks every evening. Oak Point Park becomes the most photographed spot in Texas for four days. Bring a blanket and your camera. $10 general admission.

Autumn at the Arboretum: Harvest Hues Dallas | September 19 – November 1

The Dallas Arboretum transforms into a fall masterpiece with more than 100,000 pumpkins, gourds, and squash. This year's Pumpkin Village draws inspiration from Henri Matisse, Jackson Pollock, and Brazilian contemporary artist Beatriz Milhazes - bold color, pattern, and movement everywhere you look. Fodor's Travel calls it one of America's best pumpkin festivals. Go once and it becomes a yearly tradition.

Grape Fest - 40th Annual Grapevine | September 17–20

Four decades of the Southwest's largest wine festival. Historic Main Street goes pedestrian-only for four days of tastings, the People's Choice Wine Tasting Classic (all Texas wines), Grape Stomp, the Champagne Cork Shoot-Off, and live music. Voted one of USA TODAY's Top 10 Wine Festivals. Thursday is free.

Addison Oktoberfest Addison | September 17–20

If you only pick one Oktoberfest in North Texas, this is it. Presented by Paulaner, this is the most authentic Bavarian celebration outside Munich - polka bands on five stages, dachshund races, stein-holding contests, and a biergarten that delivers. Addison Circle Park becomes a genuine slice of Germany for four days. Prost, y'all.

Denton Arts & Jazz Festival Denton | September 11–13

The big news this year: the festival moves to the North Texas Fairgrounds - a homecoming of sorts, since the original Spring Fling started there in 1981. Seven stages, over 2,000 artists, the legendary UNT jazz program, and it remains completely free. The new venue means better accessibility, built-in stages, and room to grow. Still Denton. Still free. Now bigger.

McKinney Oktoberfest - 19th Annual McKinney | September 26–27

Historic downtown McKinney dressed up like Bavaria. Bratwurst, schnitzel, weenie dog races, and one of the prettiest settings for any fall festival in North Texas. VIP access gets you into a private beer garden. The 19th edition promises to be the best one yet.

Cottonwood Art Festival: Fall - 57th Annual Richardson | October 3–4

One of the most prestigious juried fine art festivals in the country, right here in Cottonwood Park. Over 240 artists selected from 1,400 submissions. Live music, craft beer and wine, the ArtStop children's area, and free admission. This is not your average craft fair - this is museum-quality work under towering oak trees.

Celina Oktoberfest Celina | October 2026 (date TBD)

Big changes this year. The City of Celina has taken the reins from the Chamber of Commerce and is moving the festival back to the Downtown Square where it belongs. Mayor Ryan Tubbs said the city plans to "go all in" with an estimated $269,550 budget for a full-scale celebration. Expect the same great beer, food, and music - just bigger and back where it started. Stay tuned for the official date.

Festival at the Switchyard - 16th Annual Carrollton | November 7

Free. Everything. Free admission, free parking, free rides, free games, and free concerts with nationally known headliners. The festival draws 35,000–40,000 people to Historic Downtown Carrollton for good reason. 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Rain or shine. This is how you close out fall.

Also Worth a Visit

• Aubrey Peanut Festival - October 3. Small-town Texas charm with a peanut twist.
• Frisco Fall Fest at The Star - October 18. Live music, food trucks, and family fun at the Cowboys' world headquarters.
• McKinney Wine & Music Festival - October 24. 10 years of wine and music at District 121.
• Huffhines Harvest Fest - October 17–18. Arts, crafts, and food trucks in Richardson's Huffhines Park.
• Beware! of the Square - October 24. Celina's award-winning Halloween festival on the Downtown Square.

Fall is also one of the best times to explore new neighborhoods in North Texas. Thinking about buying or selling? Let's talk. We'd love to help you find your perfect community.