If you need ideas for what to do this weekend, look no further.
Last Chance to Hit the Fair
The State Fair of Texas wraps up this weekend. Fortunately, it’s going out with a bang.
Catch the UPRA Year-End Finale Rodeo running October 17-20, and watch the Commodores perform live on Sunday at 4:30 p.m. Of course, as always, there is plenty of great food and rides to enjoy.
For a list of the top attractions, be sure to check out The Best of The State Fair Of Texas.
Explore the Minecraft Experience
An interactive and immersive event called ‘Minecraft Experience: Villager Rescue’ will make its world debut when it kicks off in Plano on October 18 at the former Best Buy Baby location at 2712 N. Central Expwy. As recently detailed in The Dallas Express, the event merges gaming with a scavenger hunt to create a one-of-a-kind experience. Tickets are available in advance online.
Autumn at the Arboretum
Looking for something laid back? Consider spending a few hours strolling through 100,000 pumpkins, gourds, and squash and 150,000 fall-blooming plants at the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens. This season’s theme is “Texas Town,” giving visitors a taste of Texas pioneer life. Autumn at the Arboretum runs until November 3. Grounds are open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Wagner’s Ring Cycle
The Dallas Symphony Orchestra presents an opera-in-concert rendition of Richard Wagner’s Der Ring des Nibelungen (The Ring Cycle). Catch over 100 musicians and artists, directed by Fabio Luisi, in this rarely performed opera. The final show (Götterdämmerung) takes place at 2:00 p.m. on October 20.
Kevin Hart Live
Kevin Hart: Acting My Age Tour takes place twice this weekend. It runs on October 18 and 19 at 7:30 p.m. The legendary comedian from Philadelphia will be performing at the Texas Trust CU Theatre in Grand Prairie. Tickets start at $49 and can be purchased on the event’s website.
Day Out With Thomas
On October 18-20, you can ride on the Grapevine Vintage Railroad for a day with Thomas the Tank Engine. Tickets cost $26 for all ages, with discounts available for groups of 20 or more. They can be purchased ahead of time on the Grapevine Vintage Railroad website.
Dallas Fan Festival
The annual festival celebrating all things comics, science fiction, horror, anime, and gaming returns to the city on October 19 and 20. Doors at the Irving Convention Center at Las Colinas open both days at 10 a.m., with tickets starting at $10. Expect appearances from fan favorites, like Dean Cain, the actor best known for playing the man of steel in the TV series Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman.
Hollydays Market
Halloween hasn’t even passed yet, but that doesn’t mean you can’t start preparing for Christmas early. Friday through Sunday at the Plano Event Center, catch the Hollydays Market for a vast selection of gifts and seasonal decor from over 130 merchants. General admission tickets start at $6.
2024 Skate America
October 18-20, see some of the world’s best figure skaters compete for the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Series at the Credit Union of Texas Event Center in Allen. Single-session tickets start at $26.65.
Bloomin’ Bluegrass Festival
Grab a folding chair and head over to the Farmers Branch Historical Park on October 18 and 19 to enjoy live bluegrass from an extensive lineup of artists like Blue Highway and Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper. Single-day or weekend passes are available online.