What to Do in October in Dallas
The best tastes, pumpkins, events and hotels for the fall season.
Updated August 2026
Ahhh, finally time for the best month in Dallas - October! Why is October our favorite? The weather is often almost perfect, the State Fair of Texas is in full swing, the Dallas Stars and Dallas Mavs are playing at the American Airlines Center once again, and the city comes to life with fresh fall flavors and hundreds of pumpkins. Check out all the reasons to explore and love Dallas this October.
Fall Drinks and Desserts
Harvest Tea at DeGolyer Restaurant
8525 Garland Road, Dallas
September 22 - November 7
Enjoy a seasonally delicious Harvest Tea service at the DeGolyer Restaurant all month long. This is a three-course tea in the festive setting of the beautiful DeGolyer Tea Room at the Dallas Arboretum, with seasonal flavors taking the forefront of the menu.
Pumpkin Spice Lattes at Local Cafes
Once the first leaf has fallen, it's PSL (Pumpkin Spice Latte) season! Check out Weekend Coffee, Overeasy at The Statler, and more for their incredible seasonal drinks. Discover more cafes on our Coffee Shop page.
Seasonal Cocktails from Dallas Bars and Breweries
For seasonal cocktails and beers, check out Community Beer Co. for special brews, including some themed after our very own State Fair of Texas. Find more fall-inspired fare by checking out the best 15 breweries in Dallas for more locally made beers or visit any of our many crafty cocktail bars for a mixed drink option.
Fall Sweet Treats from Our Bakeries
For the sweet tooths out there, try the goodies from the variety of pastry shops and bakeries in the Dallas area. Try Val's Cheesecake's autumnal flavors from apple to butterscotch. Sip on Rise's one-of-a-kind marshmallow soup or praline pecan soufflé. Bit into Village Baking Co.'s fall menu when it rolls out.
Pumpkin Everything
Magnolia Beer Garden at the State Fair of Texas
925 S. Haskell Avenue
Sip in the shade, decorated with hanging lights and hundreds of pumpkins, at the Magnolia Beer Garden at the State Fair of Texas.
The Dallas Farmers Market
920 S. Harwood Street
The Dallas Farmers Market offers pumpkins galore! Pick your perfect one (or seven, or seventeen - no judgment here) to take home to either decorate or cook with.
Autumn at the Arboretum
8525 Garland Road
The biggest pumpkin patch in the entire city of Dallas can be found at Autumn at the Arboretum at the Dallas Arboretum.
Three Fun Days to Celebrate (and ways to enjoy them!)
National Taco Day
October 1
With too many tasty taco options to begin to list, check out our Best Tacos in Dallas blog covering just a few of the many tacos in Dallas.
National Fossil Day
October 16
The Perot Museum offers some of the best fossil viewing experiences in the country! Check out ancient fossils found around the world and even within Texas' soil.
National Pumpkin Day
October 26
Of course, the best day to celebrate in October, National Pumpkin Day is a great reason to wander a pumpkin patch, enjoy pumpkin spice, and carve your very own jack-o'-lantern.
Notable October Events and Attractions
- Sept. 19 – Nov. 1: Autumn at the Arboretum - Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Gardens
- Sept. 25 – Oct. 18: State Fair of Texas - Fair Park
- Throughout Oct.: Dallas Stars - American Airlines Center
- Throughout Oct.: SMU College Football - Gerald J. Ford Stadium
- Oct. 3: Latindad Festival - Strauss Square
- Oct. 11: Red River Rivalry - Texas vs OU - Cotton Bowl Stadium
- Oct. 18: Dallas Soul Food Festival - Lofty Spaces
- Oct. 24: Halloween Block Party
Best Places to Stay for Fall Activities
Pittman Hotel
2551 Elm Street
The Pittman Hotel. The exterior alone feels like fall with the century-old Beaux-Arts brick exterior. When you step into the lobby, you're greeted with the sounds of a locally inspired playlist, stunning high ceilings, leather furniture, cool concrete walls, and the delicious scents of comfort food wafting in from the hotel's signature restaurant, Elm & Good. The guest rooms feel cozy with the mix of steel, wood, and textured velvet furniture and the softest linens.
Want to explore the neighborhood? Borrow a bicycle from the lobby and cruise down the streets of Deep Ellum for free! When you're ready to settle in after adventuring around Dallas, gather around the outdoor deck for craft beers and live music.
Sheraton Dallas Hotel
400 North Olive Street
For a weekend of State Fair fun, the Sheraton Dallas Hotel is offering a discounted State Fair of Texas package. More details about the 2026 package are TBA, so stay tuned by following the Sheraton Dallas Hotel website. Previous years included breakfast for two each night of stay and a 20 percent food and beverage discount at Open Palette and Draft Sports Bar and Lounge when you show your State Fair of Texas ticket to your server.
Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek
2821 Turtle Creek Boulevard
You'll fall in love with Fall all over again during a stay at the incredible Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek. This luxury five-star hotel in the heart of Dallas oozes autumnal goodness with tones of tan, terracotta, and lush greenery throughout. A cool October morning on the Restaurant Terrace or a romantic nightcap at the Mansion Bar could unmistakably become your new favorite memory in Dallas.
And many, many more! Check out our events calendar to find more can't miss October events!
More Fall Fun
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