Things To Do in Dallas - September 21-27

1. State Fair of Texas

Sept. 25–Oct. 18 | Fair Park | $15–$25 adults, $10 kids

The nation's longest-running state fair returns for 24 days with more than 100 daily attractions included in admission, nearly 100 musical artists across four stages, and the usual mix of carnival rides, fried everything, and Texas pride. New this year: two historical exhibits at the Hall of State — "Blazing New Trails: 125 Years of Texas Woman's University" and "Unquiet Legacies: Dynamic Dallas Women" — alongside the returning Mundo Latino: Día de los Muertos exhibit, plus a three-night drone show, "Stars of the Fair," from October 2–4 with two shows nightly around 8:15 p.m. Catch fountain shows every 30 minutes from 1 to 5 p.m. along the Esplanade of State, and the nightly Starlight Parade featuring two new Kern Studios floats. Season passes start at $52.

2. State Fair Classic

Sept. 26 | Cotton Bowl Stadium | From $50.60, 6 p.m.

The 101st annual State Fair Classic brings the Grambling State Tigers and Prairie View A&M Panthers back together for one of HBCU football's most storied rivalries, complete with the halftime Battle of the Bands between the Marching Storm and the World Famed Tiger Marching Band. Every ticket doubles as admission to the State Fair of Texas, letting fans spend the day on the Midway before heading into the Cotton Bowl, plus pre- and post-game concerts on the Chevy Main Stage.

3. Boho Market

Sept. 27 | Klyde Warren Park | Free

A rotating pop-up makers market bringing local artisans, handcrafted goods, and vintage finds to the park for an evening browse — dog- and family-friendly, with the park's usual food trucks and green space part of the draw.

4. Pilates & Croissants: A French-Inspired Wellness Morning

Sept. 26 | Dallas | Ticketed

This wellness meetup pairs a guided Pilates class with the simple pleasures of fresh croissants and coffee afterward, French café-morning style. It's a gentler, more social spin on the usual workout-and-go routine — move first, then linger over pastries with the group.

5. CocoAndré Grand Opening

Sept. 26 | CocoAndré Chocolatier | Free, 12–5 p.m.

After 16 years in business and two prior locations opened in survival mode, CocoAndré finally throws itself a proper grand opening for its third shop. The celebration brings free photos with Cin Photos, complimentary flower bouquets and ballet folklórico courtesy of El Rancho Supermercado, card readings and ear seeds from Conexión Acupuncture, live doodling and art from Sofia Arte and Art de Ixchel, florals by Floria Bouquets, custom lettering from WriteHandedTX, and music from Yung Wave. A hard-earned milestone, celebrated in community.

6. Fiesta de la Ópera

Sept. 27 | Winspear Opera House | Free, 2 p.m.

The Dallas Opera celebrates Latin heritage with a free concert curated by tenor Anthony León, blending opera classics from Donizetti and Bizet with Latin and salsa music. The Dallas Opera Orchestra and a six-piece Latin band — piano, bass, conga, timbale, trumpet, and trombone — back León and guest artists, conducted by TDO's Paolo Bressan. Running about 80 minutes with one intermission, the program includes supertitles in English and Spanish; reservations are required, and an optional pre-show brunch overlooking the Dallas skyline starts at 11 a.m.

7. Candlelight: Tribute to Juan Gabriel on Strings

Sept. 27 | Edison's | Tickets vary, 8:45 p.m.

The Bishop String Quartet reimagines Juan Gabriel's biggest hits by candlelight, part of the touring Candlelight concert series known for bringing multi-sensory, string-quartet tributes to striking venues. The show runs 60 minutes with doors opening 45 minutes prior; ages 8 and up, with anyone under 16 required to bring an adult.

8. Prost! Oktoberfest at Dallas Farmers Market

Sept. 26–27 | Dallas Farmers Market, Pearl Plaza | Free, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.

The market's 2nd Tap Oktoberfest brings a full weekend of German-festival tradition to Pearl Plaza: cask tapping and stein hoisting Saturday, a pet costume contest and barrel races in the afternoon, then Sunday's human costume and beard contest, music bingo, and wiener dog races. Live music runs both days in Pearl Street Plaza and inside The Shed, with sets from Shea Ferrara and Jai White Saturday and Caleena Eleni and John Rodriguez Sunday. Prost!

9. Gala Concert with Idina Menzel

Sept. 26 | Meyerson Symphony Center | From $153, 8:45 p.m.

Broadway royalty Idina Menzel — the Tony-winning, multi-platinum voice behind Rent, Wicked, and Frozen — joins the Dallas Symphony Orchestra for one night only, conducted by Enrico Lopez-Yañez. The voice that taught the world to "Let It Go" brings a magical, gravity-defying evening of music to the Meyerson, and the night doesn't stop at the final note: ticket holders head straight to the West Lobby afterparty for cash bars and dancing to DJ Steffi Burns.

10. Dallas Lowriders Annual Picnic

Sept. 26 | Flag Pole Hill Park | Free, 11 a.m.–5 p.m.

The Dallas Lowriders' annual community picnic rolls into Flag Pole Hill Park, celebrating an organization that's always giving back. Expect a full show of lowrider culture alongside vendor booths — including El Rancho Supermercado, which is bringing a special surprise for anyone who stops by.

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