10 Hot – Best Local Fests
Late summer and early fall in North Texas are packed with can’t-miss festivals that blend family fun, live music, local flavor, and community spirit. From the iconic fairs and rodeos to music, wine, and beer festivals, these annual events offer the kind of memorable outings that turn a regular weekend into a highlight of the season.
PLANO BALLOON FESTIVAL
Thursday, Sept. 17 – Sunday, Sept. 20 | Oak Point Park, 2801 E. Spring Creek Pkwy., Plano. planoballoonfest.org
The Plano Balloon Festival lights up the sky with colorful hot air balloon launches, a glowing night display, live entertainment, and fireworks. One of North Texas’s most photo-worthy family events, the event offers a mix of spectacle and laid-back fun that makes it a favorite for children, couples, and weekend festival-goers alike.
NORTH TEXAS FAIR & RODEO
Friday, Aug. 21– Sunday, Aug. 30 | North Texas Fairgrounds, 2217 North Carroll Blvd, Denton | ntfair.com
The North Texas Fair & Rodeo is a late-summer staple for North Texas residents with rodeo action, live music, livestock shows, midway rides, and kid-friendly attractions. It blends a classic Texas tradition with big-fair excitement, making it a go-to outing for families who want a full day of entertainment, food, and hometown flair.
TROPHY CLUB MARGARITA FESTIVAL
Saturday, Aug. 8
2980 SH 114, Roanoke
eventeny.com/events/trophy-club-margarita-festival-26780/
The Trophy Club Margarita Festival brings together festive drinks, local vendors, live entertainment, and a community party vibe. If you’re a fan of margaritas, this fun, adults-forward event delivers with enough food, drink, music, and social energy to make it a popular stop for groups looking for a lively evening close to home.
GRAPEFEST IN GRAPEVINE
Thursday, Sept. 17 – Sunday, Sept. 20
Historic Downtown Grapevine
grapevinetexasusa.com/grapefest
Now in its 40th year, Grapevine’s signature wine festival pours on the charm with tastings, grape stomps, live music, artisan vendors, and family fun in the heart of North Texas wine country. The event’s festive downtown setting makes it equally appealing for adults and kids, while the lively entertainment lineup keeps the energy high all weekend long.
DALLAS RIVERFRONT JAZZ FESTIVAL
Friday, Sept. 4–Sunday, Sept. 6 | Fair Park, 925 S. Haskell Ave., Dallas
tbaalriverfrontjazzfestival.org
The Riverfront Jazz Festival showcases a rich mix of jazz, R&B, soul, and gospel across a weekend of live performances in Dallas. With multiple stages, food vendors, and a polished festival atmosphere, it offers a sophisticated but approachable cultural outing for music fans and families.
GRANBURY LABOR DAY WEEKEND FESTIVAL
Friday, Sept. 4 – Sunday, Sept. 6 | 201 E Pearl St., Granbury
granburysquare.com/annual-festivals-events/
This festive end-of-summer tradition turns the Historic Granbury Square into a lively block party with three days of live music, local and artisan vendors, shopping, food, and a dedicated kids’ zone. Set in the Celebration Capital of Texas, this charming downtown provides the perfect setting for an easygoing, family-friendly festival.
FORT WORTH OKTOBERFEST
Thursday, Sept. 24 – Saturday, Sept. 26 | Farrington Field, 1501 University Dr.,
Fort Worth | fortworthoktoberfest.com
Fort Worth Oktoberfest serves up German food, beer, music, dancing, and family activities in one of North Texas’s most iconic fall festivals. Modeled after Munich’s famous celebration, this event combines German flair and fare with kid-friendly carnival fun and a festive atmosphere that makes it a perennial favorite for all ages.
RHYTHMS AT THE RIVERWALK
Saturday, Sept. 19 | Riverwalk at Central Park, Flower Mound
rhythmsattheriverwalk.com
Rhythms at the Riverwalk turns Flower Mound’s scenic waterfront into a lively community gathering with live music, food, and the ever popular Duck Derby. All in the name of good cause, the event’s charming setting and approachable atmosphere make it an easy choice for families and neighbors looking for a casual way to celebrate and support the community.
DENTON ARTS & JAZZ FESTIVAL
Friday, Sept. 11–Sunday, Sept. 13
North Texas Fairgrounds | 2217 North Carroll Blvd, Denton | dentonjazzfest.com
One of the most beloved local traditions, Denton Arts & Jazz Festival brings top-tier jazz, visual art, food, and family-friendly activities to the North Texas Fairground for its 35th year. With free admission and a welcoming environment, this standout creative celebration draws music lovers, art fans, and families from across North Texas.
STATE FAIR OF TEXAS
Sept. 25 – Oct. 18, 2026
Fair Park, 925 S. Haskell Dallas | bigtex.com
The State Fair of Texas remains the ultimate fall tradition, known for Big Tex, creative fair food, thrilling rides, live shows, and endless family entertainment. With weeks of programming and one-of-a-kind Texas character, the fair represents the region’s biggest and most iconic event for visitors of every age.
