Things To Do in Dallas - September 28-October 4

1. Latinidad Festival

Oct. 3 | Strauss Square, AT&T Performing Arts Center | Free, 6–10 p.m.

The AT&T Performing Arts Center's 5th annual Latinidad celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month with a free, family-friendly night of Latin American arts, cuisine, and dance. Mariachi Luna kicks things off at 6 p.m., followed by a DJ dance party with DJ AMARIS, a performance from the Alpha Midway Dance Group, and live salsa, merengue, cumbia, and bachata from DFW band Lara Latin starting at 8:30. A Latinidad Mercado rounds things out with a marketplace of Latin-owned businesses inspired by traditional Mexican and Latin American markets.

2. Junkyard Haunted House at City Park

Fridays–Sundays, Oct. 2–Nov. 1 | Old City Park | $40, 8 p.m. onward

Dallas's biggest collection of haunted houses takes over the historic Old City Park (formerly Dallas Heritage Village), transforming seven authentic 19th- and early 20th-century buildings — including the notoriously haunted Miller-Moore House — into a 21-acre gauntlet of scares. Expect live scare actors, thunder-and-lightning effects, and exclusive Horror Selfie Stations for anyone who survives. One ticket covers all seven haunted houses; tickets are sold on-site only, cash or app payment (no online sales), with free parking.

3. Boo! The BooMont Hotel

Sept. 4–Nov. 1 | Galleria Dallas | From $24.95

From the creative team behind Santaland and SNOWDAY!, this immersive 45-minute walkthrough reopens the fictional BooMont Hotel — shuttered in 1925 after mysterious disappearances — for a haunted, family-friendly adventure through 13 public rooms. New for 2026: a Ghoul Pool, a Haunted Mirror Maze, and a 13-stop Master Key scavenger hunt ($34.95 bundle). VIP tickets ($49.95) add anytime entry, skip-the-line access, and extra souvenirs; a good haunt without the jump scares.

4. Cool Thursdays Concert Series

Thursdays, Sept. 4–Nov. 6 | Dallas Arboretum | Ticketed, gates 6 p.m., concerts 7–9 p.m.

Now in its 29th season, the Arboretum's beloved concert series returns for its fall run overlooking White Rock Lake — pack a picnic, bring low chairs or a blanket (no seating provided), and settle in for sunset views and live music from returning favorites and new acts alike. Food trucks and dessert options are available on-site, and guests can bring their own alcohol for a $5 corkage fee.

5. Dallas Comedy Club

Select Dates | Dallas Comedy Club, Deep Ellum | Tickets vary

The club's regular lineup of touring and local stand-up rolls on with a rotating cast of comedians most nights of the week. Check the club's current schedule for who's headlining — it changes fast, so it's worth a look right before you plan your night out.

6. Knowbox Dance Film Festival

Oct. 3 | Bath House Cultural Center | $5–$15

Themed "The Light We Move Toward: When the World Darkens, We Dance," this one-of-a-kind festival fuses dance, film, and immersive art across two blocks of programming. Expect international award-winning dance films, live performances from Jordan Fuchs Company, interactive installations, and an artist-and-jury Q&A, plus a complimentary reception. Afternoon block runs 4–6 p.m.; evening block runs 6–8:30 p.m.

7. Tietze Park Farmers Market

Sundays through the fall | Tietze Park | Free

A neighborhood-scale farmers market bringing fresh produce, local makers, and North Texas food producers to Tietze Park every Sunday morning. Shop fresh, local, and handmade goods and make it part of the weekend routine.

8. Chef Series: The Upside Down Dinner

Oct. 3 | Netflix House, Netflix Bites | Ticketed, arrive 5:30 p.m., dinner at 6 p.m.

The Netflix Bites culinary team sends diners through the rift with a three-course tasting menu straight out of Stranger Things' Hawkins — dishes arrive out of order, platings come inverted, and the whole meal is strangely delicious by design. Arrive as early as 5:30 to grab a drink and mingle with fellow fans before the Upside Down officially begins.

9. Farm Stand Fridays

Fridays | Bonton Farms | Free

Shop fresh produce, eggs, and meat straight from a working farm, then stick around for garden walks, goat visits, a kid-friendly craft, and time outdoors. No registration needed — just bring closed-toe shoes, water, a wagon or stroller if needed, and reusable bags to haul your produce home.

10. Dallas Oktoberfest at The Rustic

Oct. 3 | The Rustic, Uptown | 12–5 p.m.

Prost! The Rustic throws its annual Oktoberfest bash with an afternoon of fall fun in the heart of Uptown — live music, themed drinks, a costume contest with prizes, and a full lineup of food and drink pop-ups. Come dressed in your best Oktoberfest wear and celebrate alongside fellow Dallasites in a dedicated festival space.

Check back next week for more of the best things to do in Dallas, because there's always something new to discover in Dallas.