Getty/ Dan Huntley Photography
DFW is the place to be in September, as the triple-digit temperatures cease and festival season begins. Football season is back, the state fair returns, and Latino Heritage Month starts on September 15, so they’ll be lots of fun all over the metroplex in celebration of culture. Whether you like music or food, or eating food while listening to music, there’s something for everyone this September.
Katy Trail 5K 9/5
The 26th annual Katy Trail 5K will start in Reverchon Park at 7:30 p.m. Michelob ULTRA is sponsoring the run, so registering will get you a commemorative shirt and two Michelob ULTRA beverages. Celebrate with free food from over 30 local eateries, as well as lots of photo opps. Fees go to help maintain and enhance the Katy Trail. Register here.
First Fridays in Deep Ellum 9/6
Deep Ellum’s monthly First Fridays are back. Clock out and head to the blocked-off downtown streets for food, art, shopping, and music galore. Unwind at this free event between 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Dallas Trinity FC debut 9/7
Women’s soccer premieres in Dallas when the Dallas Trinity FC has their home opener on Saturday, September 7 at 7 p.m., playing the DC Power at the Cotton Bowl. The team, named after the Trinity River, is part of the new United Soccer League’s Super League, a Division One professional women’s soccer league. Get tickets here.
Latino Pride Fest 9/15
Join this intersection of Latino and LGBTQ+ culture with more than 100+ vendors, entertainment, and resources at Reverchon Park in Dallas. This is the 10th anniversary of the free, family-friendly festival, hosted by the nonprofit Texas Latino Pride.Let them know you’re coming and get all the info by registering here.
Dallas Arboretum Hispanic Heritage Celebration 9/14 & 9/15
This two-day event will have dancing, mariachi bands, deejays, cooking demonstrations, and a Quinceañera fashion show where teens will show off the latest quince styles.There will also be lots of child-focused activities, and best of all? It’s all free.
Cowboys Home Game 9/15
This will be the Cowboys first home game of the regular season, and they’ll play the New Orleans Saints at noon. There’ll be another home game the following Sunday against the Baltimore Ravens. Get your tickets here.
Plano Balloon Festival 9/19-9/22
Have you ever been to a hot air balloon festival? Watch these majestic objects take flight, morning and evening, with live music and parachute drops in between. Food vendors will be serving up churros, samosas, chicken wings, shaved ice, and much more. Each night ends with a drone light show or fireworks. Day passes for adults are $10 and kids are $5.
Denton Blues Fest 9/20-9/22
Head on down to Quakertown Park for an awesome lineup of blues musicians, including Bill Morganfield and The Keeshea Pratt Band. On Saturday and Sunday, there will be continuous performances for nearly 12 hours, while Friday will feature a karaoke battle with local celebrities. This event is free to the public.
Dallas International Night Market 9/21
This free event celebrates the diversity of the metroplex through art, food, and entertainment. You’ll find a variety of international cuisines and items crafted by local artists. The event runs from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Dallas International District.
Fort Worth Oktoberfest 9/26-9/28
Tap the keg, grab a brat, and watch a bunch of dachshunds race each other — it’s Oktoberfest! This three-day German celebration in Trinity Park has themed activities to help you get in the spirit: join the barrel racing competition, see if you can balance a dozen mugs full of beer, or test your strength and see how long you can hold a beer stein with your arm outstretched without buckling. All competitions have prizes for winners. Pay just $20 for a three-day ticket.
Photo Courtesy of Oktoberfest
The Uptown Block Party 9/28
Get ready to dance at the 7th annual Uptown Block Party. From 5:30 to 10 p.m. you’ll find food vendors, music, games, and a market to shop from. Those who are 21+ will get a free beer from Community Beer Co. Le Freak, “The Greatest Disco Band in the World,” will give partiers a free concert, as well. No tickets are required.
Texas State Fair opens 9/27
The state fair is back again, open 10 a.m. to 9.p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturdays. Season passes, good for all 24 days, are $50 and a daily ticket is $24. Find a rodeo, rides, an auto show, and college football games at the Cotton Bowl, including the Allstate Red River Rivalry with Texas vs. Oklahoma and the State Fair Classic with Grambling vs. Prairie View A&M. The Big Tex Choice Awards reviews the most creative savory and sweet foods. This year’s finalists include cotton candy bacon on a stick and a Nashville hot chicken and pimento cheese ball made with pancake batter. See more food finalists here.
