September in DFW is packed with can’t-miss events that celebrate food, culture, music, and the changing season. Whether you’re in the mood for wine tastings, hot air balloons, or family-friendly fall traditions, there’s something for everyone on the calendar.
Here are 8 events worth checking out this month:
1. Celina Friday Night Market
📅 September 5
📍 Celina Historic Square
Learn more here
Kick off the month with this open-air market featuring local vendors, handmade goods, live music, and small-town charm. It’s the perfect way to support local artisans and enjoy a night out under the lights of the square.
2. 39th Annual Grapefest
📅 September 11–14
📍 Grapevine
Learn more here
Raise a glass at the Southwest’s largest wine festival! Grapefest offers tastings from Texas wineries, grape stomping, live entertainment, kids’ activities, and plenty of delicious food.
3. Night Hike: Bat Chat
📅 September 13
📍 Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary, McKinney
Learn more here
Explore nature after dark! This guided night hike combines education with adventure as you learn about local bat species while enjoying the sounds of the nighttime wilderness.
4. Plano Balloon Festival
📅 September 18–21
📍 Plano
Learn more here
One of DFW’s most iconic events, the Plano Balloon Festival fills the sky with colorful hot air balloons. Families can enjoy balloon launches, tethered rides, live music, food vendors, and a spectacular balloon glow at night.
5. Autumn at the Arboretum: ¡Mundo México!
📅 September 20 – November 2
📍 Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Garden
Learn more here
Celebrate fall with thousands of pumpkins, gourds, and squash artfully arranged throughout the gardens. This year’s theme, ¡Mundo México!, adds a cultural twist with vibrant displays and activities inspired by Mexican heritage.
6. Lewisville Western Days Festival
📅 September 26–27
📍 Lewisville
Learn more here
Experience the Wild West with live country music, rodeo activities, Texas heritage displays, food trucks, and family fun. Western Days is a celebration of Texas roots that draws crowds from across the region.
7. McKinney Oktoberfest
📅 September 26–28
📍 Historic Downtown McKinney
Learn more here
Prost! Celebrate German culture with traditional food, beer, music, dancing, and family activities in the heart of McKinney’s charming downtown. This annual event is a local favorite and always buzzing with energy.
8. State Fair of Texas
📅 September 26 – October 19
📍 Fair Park, Dallas
Learn more here
No September in DFW would be complete without the State Fair of Texas. From iconic fried foods and carnival rides to live music and the famous Big Tex, this fair is the largest in the state and a true fall tradition.
With so many incredible events happening this September, you’ll want to mark your calendar early. Whether you’re looking for food, culture, or family fun, DFW has it all.
👉 Be sure to check out our September newsletter, where we spotlight five of the biggest events—and don’t forget to click through here for even more ideas!
