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September brings cool relief from the Texas summer, and with it an entertaining array of things to safely do in Dallas this fall. Dallas invites visitors and locals to take part in some of its many new and can’t-miss experiences, which includes the highly anticipated return of the State Fair of Texas.
FALL FUN:
State Fair of Texas (Sept. 24 – Oct. 17): The State Fair of Texas is the longest-running and largest state fair in the nation, and will kick off this year on Friday, Sept. 24 with hundreds of attractions, exciting rides, renowned food, musical performances and more. This year’s theme, “Howdy, Folks!” highlights the simplicity of being together and the Lone Star State culture. The fair showcases Texan artistry, showcasing everything from painting to cooking, designing to inventing, and everything in between through a variety of exhibits, workshops and contests.
Autumn at the Arboretum (Sept. 18 – Oct. 31): The Southwest’s favorite fall festival, runs Sept. 18 through Oct. 31, 2021. The 16th annual Autumn at the Arboretum returns with Bugtopia – a larger than life insect experience – as its theme, with more than 90,000 pumpkins, gourds and squash. Though the festival ends on Halloween, the Pumpkin Village remains open through Thanksgiving weekend.
ART:
Van Gogh and the Olive Groves at the Dallas Museum of Art (Oct. 17 – Feb. 6, 2022): This traveling exhibition is dedicated to Van Gogh’s olive grove series, produced in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence in the final year of his life. Co-organized by the DMA and the Van Gogh Museum, this groundbreaking presentation will premiere in October in Dallas, the only North American venue.
Dallas Art Fair (Nov. 12-14): In the heart of the downtown arts district, the Dallas Art Fair offers collectors, arts professionals, and the public the opportunity to engage with a rich selection of modern and contemporary artworks presented by leading national and international galleries. Thoughtfully curated exhibitions and innovative programming encourage lively conversations and close looking in a robust and rapidly growing arts community.
SPORTS:
Football in Fair Park (Sept. 25 & Oct. 9): On Sept. 25, the Grambling State Tigers and the Prairie View A&M Panthers will travel to Dallas to go head-to-head on the grass of the historic Cotton Bowl Stadium. Two weeks later, the Cotton Bowl will welcome fans for the AT&T Red River Showdown played between the Texas Longhorns and Oklahoma Sooners since 1929.
Dallas Cowboys Season Begins at AT&T Stadium (Sept. 27): America’s team will play its first home game at AT&T Stadium against the Philadelphia Eagles. The final home game will be held on Jan. 2, 2022, against the Arizona Cardinals.
FOOD & DRINK:
Tacolandia (Nov. 13): Tacolandia is back for its 7th year at the Dallas Farmers Market, serving up the best unlimited urban contemporary and authentic taco samplings in the city. With more than 25 vendors providing good eats, including local favorites and food trucks, this outdoor festival is ensuring going home hungry isn’t an option.
Chefs for Farmers Food & Wine Festival (Nov. 4 – 7): This annual festival beautifully combines culinary creativity with agricultural innovation. Starting as a small farm-to-table dinner in 2010 the festival now brings together chefs and farmers from all over for an ultimate tasting experience.
SAFETY:
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many visitors may be wary to travel. Rest assured that visitor safety remains our top priority. VisitDallas led the nation as the first destination to seek the Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC) STAR accreditation, the gold standard for cleaning, disinfection and infectious disease prevention protocols. To date, the convention center, both airports and several dozen hotels and venues have achieved this stringent accreditation, certifying their facilities as sanitary and safe. Our unwavering commitment to this program and the safety of all visitors remains steadfast.
Visit our events calendar for more fun fall activities.