5 Things to Do – Celebrate Fall with Festivals

As the summer heat begins to subside, Tarrant County bursts into life with a plethora of fall festivals that capture the spirit of the fall – the season to eat, drink, and be merry. From tantalizing food to lively entertainment, here are five local festivals that promise to deliver a memorable autumn experience.

Fright Fest

Select nights, September 12 – November 2

2201 Road to Six Flags, Arlington, TX 75011 

SixFlags.com/OverTexas

Taking Halloween to the next level, Six Flags Over Texas transforms into a haunting and immersive landscape packed with five spine-tingling scare zones, six terrifying haunted mazes inspired by iconic horror films, and ghoulish live entertainment that is sure to terrify the bravest of souls. With award-winning entertainment, limited-edition food, beverage, and merchandise, guests are guaranteed a Halloween season to remember. The park’s fall festivities include family-friendly Halloween activities filled with interactive spooky fun, a children’s costume contest, a skeleton dance party and trick-or-treating. 

Fort Worth Oktoberfest

Friday – Sunday, September 25-27

1501 University Dr., Fort Worth, TX 76107

FortWorthOktoberfest.com

Embrace the festive tradition of Fort Worth’s Oktoberfest, which captivates audiences with its lively celebration of Bavarian culture. Guests can enjoy authentic German cuisine, a variety of craft beers, and traditional German folk music. With an array of family-friendly activities, Bavarian-style beer tents, and a charming biergarten, this bigger-than-life festival is the perfect way to “Prost!” the season.

Southlake Oktoberfest

Friday – Sunday, October 17-19

1400 E. Southlake Blvd., Southlake, TX 76092 

SouthlakeChamber.org/Oktoberfest

One of the biggest Oktoberfest celebrations in the DFW area, Southlake Oktoberfest brings a taste of Bavaria to Texas. Held by the Southlake Chamber of Commerce, this three-day festival features sizzling sausages, pretzels the size of your head, and, of course, plenty of German beer. With live music, a carnival, and artisan vendors showcasing unique crafts, this festival celebrates German-inspired culture mixed with Southern hospitality.

Boo in the Zoo

Friday – Sunday, October 24-26

Fort Worth Zoo, 1989 Colonial Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76110

FortWorthZoo.org/Boo-at-the-Zoo

Free with zoo admission or membership, this festive daytime event celebrates Halloween in a new light. With not-so-frightening live entertainment, trick-or-treat stations, and animal shows, Boo in the Zoo offers families a full day of excitement and memories without having to scare the living daylights out of you. Thrills include magic shows, mesmerizing bubble displays, batty puppet shows, carnival games and rides.

North Tarrant Fall Fest

Friday – Sunday, November 7-9

5220 Denton Hwy, Haltom City, TX 76117

NorthTarrantFallFest.com

Hosted at the beautifully renovated North Park in Haltom City, this vibrant event features live entertainment, delicious food vendors, and a plethora of fun activities for kids, including a petting zoo, face painting, balloon artists, and a kids zone with inflatable fun. Visitors can explore the charming vendor market full of local artisans and unique finds. Admission is free, but be sure to bring your credit card since this is a cashless event.