A woman sitting next to a scarecrow at Hall's Pumpkin Farm, Grapevine, TX.

15+ things to do in Dallas in fall 2025

Updated on

Fall in my hometown of Dallas, Texas isn’t exactly known for brisk temperatures or stunning foliage. However, as another season of pumpkin spice and Halloween approaches, I’ve found myself growing curious. In years past, when I chose to remain comfortably ensconced in my apartment rather than venture out into the eighty-degree heat, what exciting autumn events had I been missing? I had to know. To the books (Google search)!

This 2025, I’m here to share with you the caramel-dipped fruits of my labor, i.e. over a dozen awesome fall activity ideas for families – or 21+ singles – to put to the test this season. 

For the purposes of this post, I’ve tried to stick to locations within a 45-minute drive of Downtown Dallas, and to the east of Arlington (I’ll look into Fort Worth next year!). Additionally, some fall-themed happenings were too numerous to list, such as events hosted at bars, restaurants, and libraries – but I’d love to hear your recommendations in the comments!

Now, whether you have money to spend or are trying to save, are looking for the best pumpkin patches or the scariest haunted houses, join me in my mission to actually get out of the house this year! Traveling doesn’t have to mean hopping on a plane. Sometimes there are amazing things to discover just outside your front door. Let’s check them out together!

Outdoor Activities

Visit the fair

State Fair of Texas

A fall classic. Do you go for the food? The rides? The games?
  • 925 S. Haskell, Dallas, Texas 75223
  • 9/26/25-10/19/25
    • Sun-Thu 10am-9pm
    • Fri-Sat 10am-10pm
  • Daily admission
    • Adult from $19
    • Child (3-12) and senior (60+) from $14

Addison Oktoberfest

Sorry Dallas, but I gotta recommend Addison’s Oktoberfest this time around. A four-day affair packed with polka, food, BEER, amusement park rides, arcade games, activities for small children, and a Sunday especially for dogs.
  • 4970 Addison Circle, Addison, TX 75001
  • 9/18/25-9/21/25
  • Hours
    • 9/18 5pm-11pm
    • 9/19 5pm-12am
    • 9/20 12pm-12am
    • 9/21 12pm-6pm
  • Daily admission
    • Thu
      • Free!
    • Fri-Sat
      • Adult (13+) $15
      • Child (6-12) $5
    • Sun
      • Adult (13+) $10
      • Child (0-12) Free
  • Extra info: Dogs allowed Sunday only.

Murphy Cornival

Rides, carnival games, live music, food vendors, corn maze, pumpkin patch, petting zoo, and fireworks to close out the night. Corn-flavored, family-friendly fun. Free entry!
  • 550 N Murphy Rd, Murphy, TX 75094
  • 10/4/25 12pm-9:30pm
  • Free admission, ride pass may be purchased for $15 in advance or $20 day-of.

Scarborough’s Hollow Fantasy Festival

Love a good renn faire? This is the event for you! Try your hand at axe-throwing, witness a sword fight, browse the vendors’ stalls, or cool off with a refreshing drink in the tavern.
  • 2511 FM 66, Waxahachie, TX 75167
  • 10/11/25-11/15/25
    • Saturdays 2pm-10pm + 10/31 5pm-12am
  • Admission
    • Adult (13+) $28 ($31 at the gate)
    • Child (5-12) $17 ($20 at the gate)
    • Baby (0-4) free
  • Extra info: Run by a renaissance faire company.

Watch (or march in!) a parade

Dallas Día de los Muertos Parade and Festival

Roads shut down around Dallas City Hall and the Central Business District as a parade winds through the twilit streets. Prepare for live music, stunning art, and big crowds.
  • 1500 Marilla St, Dallas, TX 75201
  • 10/25/25 4pm-11pm (parade from 7-8pm)
  • Free admission

Oak Lawn Block Party (the gayborhood)

A costume promenade, live commentary and DJs, food trucks, and a drag show in The Rose Room inside Station 4.
  • Cedar Springs Rd, 3900 block
  • 10/25/25 6pm-11:30pm
  • Free entry to the street party

Attend Autumn at the Arboretum

¡Mundo México! gourd sculptures

More than 110,000 pumpkins, gourds, and squash form alebrije-inspired sculptures by Oaxacan artists Jacobo and María Ángeles.
  • 8525 Garland Road, Dallas, Texas 75218
  • 9/20/25-11/2/25
  • Daytime admission 9am-5pm every day
    • Mon-Thu
      • Adult $21.95
      • Child (2-12) $17.95
    • Fri-Sun
      • Adult $25.95
      • Child (2-12) $21.95

Pumpkins and Pints

Explore the arboretum’s Pumpkin Village at night while sipping a craft beer or wine and enjoying live music and folkloric dancing.
  • Select dates 9/22/25-10/31/25 6pm-9pm
  • Admission
    • Adult $25.95
    • Child (2-12) $21.95

Pumpkins After Hours: A Sensory-Friendly Evening

Shh! Peacefully experience the Pumpkin Village with smaller crowds, quiet zones, and arts and crafts.
  • 9/30/25 5:30pm
  • Admission
    • Adult $25.95
    • Child (2-12) $21.95

Forage for mushrooms with the North Texas Mycological Association

Collect mushrooms under the guidance of experts in a hands-on outing suitable for all skill levels of mycology enthusiasts.
  • 1570 FM1382, Cedar Hill, TX 75104
  • 10/12/25 10am-12pm
  • Admission
    • Adult (10+) $20
    • Child (0-9) free

Pick the perfect pumpkin at a pumpkin patch

Hall’s Pumpkin Farm

You HAVE to check out their corn maze! My friends and I (all adults) have gotten lost in it in previous years. It’s awesome.
  • 3420 Hall Johnson Road, Grapevine, TX 76051
  • 10/13/25-? (possibly 11/2, the end date in 2024)
  • Hours
    • Wed-Thu 3pm-8pm
    • Fri 3pm-9pm
    • Sat 10am-9pm
    • Sun 1pm-8pm
    • + Columbus Day 11am-8pm
  • Admission (cash only)
    • Wed-Thu
      • Age 4+ $5
      • Baby (0-3) free
      • Senior Citizens & Veterans free
    • Fri-Sun
      • Adult (12+) $15
      • Kid (4-11) $10
      • Baby (0-3) free
      • Senior Citizens & Veterans $5

Dallas Farmers Market at The Shed

Why stop at just pumpkins? The Shed is a one-stop-shop for all your locally grown, seasonal fruit and veggie needs. Or just grab something ready-to-eat while you choose your pumpkin!
  • 920 S Harwood St, Dallas, TX 75201
  • 9/13/25-10/31/25
  • Hours
    • Sat 9am-5pm
    • Sun 10am-5pm
  • Free entry

Pumpkin Nights

Get your camera ready; a half-mile trail through themed lands illuminated with 7,500 real and artificial pumpkins is pure eye candy!
  • 4016 W Division St, Arlington, TX 76012
  • 9/18/25-10/31/25 6pm-11pm
  • Admission (online-only)
    • Adult (13+) from $18
    • Child (4-12) from $12
    • Baby (0-3) free

Blase Family Farm

Beyond pumpkins and a petting zoo, this farm is all about hay! Hayride, hay maze, and hay bales for sale to decorate your own fall set-up.
  • 9/20/25-11/2/25
  • Hours (by reservation only)
    • Sat 10am-6pm
    • Sun 12pm-6pm
    • Mon-Fri 9am-6pm 
    • Reduced hours 9/22-9/25
  • Admission
    • Age 2+ $11
    • Baby (0-1) free
  • Extra info:
    • Mon-Fri admission includes the petting zoo, hayride, hay maze, Spookley storyboards, and a small pumpkin.
    • ​Sat-Sun admission includes the petting zoo, hayride, hay maze, Spookley storyboards, and a hot dog (100% beef).

5G Farm

Offering a 2-acre corn maze, kids games, local handcrafted items and food for sale, a petting zoo, and a hayride, what doesn’t this pumpkin patch offer?
  • 6601 County Rd 166, McKinney TX 75071
  • 9/26/25-11/2/25
  • Hours
    • Fri 4pm-7pm
    • Sat 9am-5pm
    • Sun 11am-5pm
  • Admission
    • Age 2+ $8
    • Baby (0-2) free

Pitchfork Pumpkin Patch

Come for the pumpkins, stay for the cathartic violence. Wait, what?
  • 7126 South FM 548, Royse City, TX 75189
  • 9/26/25-11/1/25
    • Mon-Sat 11am-6pm
    • Sun 12pm-5pm
  • Free entry
  • Extra info: Rage Nights (smashing things, paintball target practice, tacos, margaritas/slushies, and trivia) select Thu-Sat, $40 per person.

Church pumpkin patches

Get in for free, buy a pumpkin to support missions and ministry.

St James Episcopal Church

More information
  • 9845 McCree Rd, Dallas, Texas 75238
  • 10/4/25-10/31/25
  • Hours
    • Mon-Thu 1pm-7pm
    • Fri-Sat 10am-7pm
    • Sun 11:30am-7pm

Christ UMC

More information
  • 3101 Coit Rd, Plano, TX 75075
  • 9/29/25-10/31/25
  • Open 9am-7pm every day

Arapaho UMC

More information
  • 1400 W Arapaho Rd, Richardson, TX 75080
  • 10/4/25 until out of pumpkins
  • Hours
    • Mon-Fri 3pm-7pm
    • Sat-Sun 11am-7pm

First Christian Church McKinney

More information
  • 1800 W Hunt St, McKinney, TX 75069
  • 10/6/25-10/31/25
  • Open 11am-7pm every day

Scream at Six Flags Fright Fest

Six uniquely-themed mazes plus five uniquely-themed scare zones. This year’s inspirations include The Strangers, The Conjuring, SAW, and Texas Chainsaw Massacre. Ready to be chased by strangers in costume?
  • 2201 Road to Six Flags, Arlington, TX 76011
  • 9/12/25-11/2/25
    • Fri-Sun 6pm-12am (some nights close earlier)
  • Admission
    • Park admission + haunted attractions pass from $75/person
    • Haunted attractions pass (haunted mazes) from $30/person
  • Extra info:
    • Recommended age 13+
    • Attendees aged 10+ cannot wear costumes.

Run the Oaktoberfest 5k Race or 1-mi Fun Run

You no longer have to choose between getting your lunchtime run in or going to Oktoberfest – you can have both! Compete in the 5k race or the 1.128mi fun run, and kick back afterwards with traditional games, music, food, and, of course, beer! Hosted by Oak Cliff Brewing Co.
  • 1300 S Polk St, Dallas, TX 75224
  • 10/4/25 11am-8pm (race starts at 11am)
  • Admission
    • Glass ticket $25 
      • Each ticket includes a commemorative glass and a token for one beer.
    • 5k ticket + glass ticket $30
    • Fun Run ticket + glass ticket $30
      • Kids 10 and under run for free.

Catch a college football game at SMU

In 2025, SMU ranked in the preseason AP Top 25 poll for the first time since the 1980s. It’s a great time to support the home team!
  • 5801 Bush Ave, Dallas, TX 75205
  • Program
    • SMU vs Syracuse 10/4/25
    • SMU vs Stanford 10/11/25
    • SMU vs Miami 11/1/25
    • SMU vs Louisville 11/22/25
  • Admission from $28

Shop at a night market

The Boardwalk at Granite Park

Browse the stalls of local artisans and makers, and grab dinner at a restaurant by the waterfront.
  • The Boardwalk at Granite Park, 5880 State Hwy 121, Plano, TX 75024
  • 6pm-10pm
  • 9/19/25, 10/10/25

CityLine DFW

40+ booths of handmade and vintage goods, and live music on the lawn.
  • CityLine Plaza, 1150 State St, Richardson, TX 75082
  • Every second Friday of the month, 6pm-10pm
  • 10/10/25, 11/14/25

West Village Dallas

The Night Crop: your typical farmers market, except this time you get to sleep in. 
  • 3699 McKinney Ave, Dallas, TX 75204
  • Every first Wednesday of the month, 5pm-8pm
  • 10/1/25, 11/5/25

Walk or drive through neighborhoods with Halloween decorations

Hint: Follow the money.

Dallas

  • Highland Park
  • Lakewood
  • Oak Cliff
  • Swiss Avenue

Frisco

  • Panther Creek Estates

McKinney

  • Tucker Hill

Plano

  • Canterbury Court
  • Deerfield
  • SingeTree Trail

Take fall-themed family portraits at NorthPark Center Pumpkin Patch

Who said family photos have to be a complicated, stress-filled affair? Just head over to NorthPark and get professional pictures emailed to you, first-come, first-served.
  • CenterPark Garden, 8687 N Central Expy, Dallas, TX 75225
  • 10/1/25-11/2/25
    • Family portraits Sat-Sun 12pm-4pm
  • Extra info: Pumpkin patch (without pro pics) is free and open to visit every day.

Indoor Activities

Get spooked at a haunted house

Can’t say too much about these, it’d spoil the surprises. ?

Dark Hour

Top rated, recommended age 10+
  • 701 Taylor Drive, Plano, TX 75074
  • 9/19/25-11/1/25
    • Open Fri-Sat in Sep, Fri-Sun in Oct (+ 10/23 and 10/30)
    • 6:30pm-12am (some days close at 10pm)
  • Admission
    • Adult (12+) $50
    • Child (0-11) $40
  • Extra info: Recommended to reserve tickets online, they sell out.

J and F Haunted House Maze

Recommended age 14+
  • Firewheel Town Center, 695 Town Square Blvd, Garland, TX 75040
  • 9/26/25-11/1/25 select Thu-Sun
    • 7:30pm-11:45pm
  • Admission $25
  • Extra info: No bags.

Junkyard

Recommended age 5+
  • 10/3/25-11/1/25
    • Every Fri-Sun + Mon-Thu 10/27-10/30
    • 8pm-12am
  • Admission $25 (no online reservations)

Moxley Manor

3 unique themes, recommended age 10+
  • 510 Harwood Rd, Bedford, TX 76021
  • 9/26/25-11/1/25
    • Every Fri-Sun + select Wed-Thu
    • 7pm-11:45pm (some nights open later or close earlier)
  • Admission $35

Reindeer Manor

No age limit
  • 501 W Madison St, Waxahachie, TX 75165
  • 10/3/25-10/31/25 every Fri-Sat
    • 7:30pm-11:30pm
  • Admission from $25

Thrillvania

3 unique themes, recommended age 12+
  • 2330 County Rd 138, Terrell, TX 75161
  • 9/13/25-11/1/25 
    • Select Fri-Sun + Thu 10/30
  • Admission from $29.99

Get tickets to a scary movie screening

Studio Ghibli Fest

Spirited Away is definitely scary enough to count as a Halloween movie.
  • Showings at various theaters in the Dallas area.
  • Program
    • Howl’s Moving Castle 9/20/25-9/24/25
    • Spirited Away 10/18/25-10/22/25
    • The Boy and the Heron 11/15/25-11/19/25

Hitchcocktober at the Angelika

4 classics to keep you on your toes throughout October.
  • 5321 E Mockingbird Ln #230, Dallas, TX 75206
  • Program
    • The Birds 10/1/25
    • Rope 10/8/25
    • Dial M for Murder in 3D 10/15/25 
    • Psycho 10/29/25-10/31/25
  • Adult admission $14

Texas Horror Cult Film Festival

25 original short horror films by Texas filmmakers.
  • Texas Theatre, 231 Jefferson Blvd, Dallas, TX 75208
  • 10/20/25 7pm-10pm
  • Adult admission $10 (if you pay cash at the door)

Check out new movie releases. The scary ones, of course!

Catch me at Him, Good Boy, and Keeper.

The Conjuring: Last Rites – 9/5/25

The Long Walk – 9/12/25

Him – 9/19/25

The Strangers: Chapter 2 – 9/26/25

Bone Lake – 10/3/25

Good Boy – 10/3/25

Shelby Oaks – 10/3/25

Black Phone 2 – 10/17/25

Predator: Badlands – 11/7/25

Keeper – 11/14/25

Attend live theatre – Halloween edition

Pocket Sandwich Theatre

Classic stories reimagined comedically.
  • 1104 Elm St, Carrollton, TX 75006
  • Program
    • The 39 Steps 8/29/25-9/26/25
    • The Phantom of the Opera: The Melodrama 10/3/25-11/15/25
  • Admission
    • Thu $15-$18
    • Fri $24-$26
    • Sat $28-$30
    • Sun $22-$24
  • Extra info: Food and drinks available.

Mid-Autumn Festival concert at UT Dallas

Join the UT Dallas Center for Asian Studies, the Huayun Chinese Orchestra, Texas Cultural Exchange Center, and guest artists for a festive showcase.
  • 9/20/25 7pm-9pm
  • ATC Lecture Hall (ATC 1.102)
  • 800 W. Campbell Road, Richardson, Texas 75080-3021
  • Free admission

A Halloween Murder Mystery

Can you figure out whodunnit before the curtain falls?
  • DeSoto Corner Theater, 211 East Pleasant Run Rd, DeSoto, TX 75115
  • 10/25/25 7:30pm-9pm
  • Admission from $45
  • Extra info: Food and drinks available.

Sleepy Hollow with Ballet North Texas

Follow Ichabod Crane, Katrina Van Tassel, and Brom Bones in a haunting love triangle set against the backdrop of 18th-century superstition.
  • Moody Performance Hall, 2520 Flora St, Dallas, TX 75201
  • 10/24/25-10/25/25
  • Admission from $27

Día de los Muertos concert with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra

An annual concert celebrating the Day of the Dead with Latin American music and cultural festivities. Conducted by Enrico Lopez-Yañez.
  • Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center, 2301 Flora St, Dallas, TX 75201
  • 10/31/25 7:30pm
  • Admission from $37

Try a cider or mead

Picadera x Trinity Cider

Hard cider + Dominican street food = a match made in heaven.
  • 2721 Main St, Dallas TX
  • Hours
    • Mon-Thu 5pm-10pm
    • Fri 12pm-12am
    • Sat 11am-12am
    • Sun 11am-10pm

Cidercade

Bring your friends along to sip a cider or beer while competing in 150+ arcade games.
  • 2777 Irving Blvd, Dallas, TX 75207
  • Open 10am-12am every day
  • Unlimited play admission $12
  • Extra info: 18+ only after 9pm.

Breaking Brew Meadery

This mead taproom – the first in Dallas – offers mead tasting, honey tasting, and classes. Or just stop by to try what’s currently on tap!
  • 14438 Midway Rd, Dallas, TX 75244
  • Hours
    • Wed 4pm-9pm
    • Thu-Sat 2pm-9pm
    • Sun 2pm-6pm

Pet a black cat at a cat cafe – if you’re lucky!

The Cozy Catfe

Make a special trip if you’re free on October 11th – they’re hosting a Halloween Market! (Meowket?)
  • 740 SW Green Oaks Blvd #200, Arlington, TX 76017
  • Hours
    • Mon-Fri 11am-7pm
    • Sat 11am-6pm
    • Sun 1pm-6pm
  • Admission (walk-in rates for the first hour)
    • $13
    • Free for children under 1yo
  • Extra info:
    • Groups of 4+ must make an online reservation.
    • Halloween Market
      • Sat 10/11/25
      • Local vendors
      • Raffle
      • $3 off the entry fee if you wear a Halloween costume
      • Goodie bag for the first 20 groups

The Charming Cat Cafe/Corner

Join the cats in 5 uniquely-themed rooms, plus private suites for cats with extra needs.
  • 2401 S Stemmons Fwy, Lewisville, TX 75067
  • Hours
    • Mon-Sat 11am-6pm
    • Sun 12pm-5pm
  • Admission
    • $14 for 30 min
    • $17 for 1h

Whiskers and Soda

Their drink menu is the cat’s meow! They even have matcha!
  • 10320 Garland Rd, Dallas, TX 75218
  • Hours
    • Tue-Fri: 10am-7pm
    • Sat: 9am-6pm
    • Sun: 12pm-6pm
  • Admission (walk-in rates for the first hour)
    • Adult $16
    • Child $8
  • Extra info: Shoes off or shoe covers required.

Leave me a comment if I missed any of your favorite haunts! Happy Halloween! 👻

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