Lots to do in the cool weather this weekend including Halloween chills, free outdoor movies and last chance to see Big Tex this year.

DALLAS — It’s another fall weekend in North Texas. A cooldown is coming, the vibes are high and there is plenty to do across the Metroplex. Whether you want to make one last trip to the State Fair of Texas, get ready for Halloween at Texas’ Halloween capital or grab a discounted beverage and bite at a weekend happy hour spot, there is no shortage of options to fill your weekend itinerary.



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Deja Gautreaux with the Dallasites101 team joined WFAA’s Morgan Young to help you plan the perfect weekend!

We can all appreciate a weekday happy hour to unwind from a busy workday, but that energy can absolutely carry into your weekend. Here is a round-up of 14 weekend happy hour spots to try in North Texas that offer discounted food and drinks!

Fall is in full swing across North Texas, with the State Fair of Texas wrapping up, Halloween taking over Denton and plenty of free events happening around Dallas. Here are some events and local happenings to check out Oct. 16-18.

State Fair of Texas (last weekend)

When: Sunday, Oct. 18 (last day)Where: Fair Park, DallasHours: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.Admission: General admission varies; children ages 3-12 are $7-$10Don’t miss: Big Tex, the Texas Star, midway rides and fair food

Denton is officially the Halloween Capital of Texas, and the city is celebrating with hundreds of Halloween-themed events throughout October. The 2026 celebration runs through Nov. 1 and includes more than 400 free and low-cost events, citywide decorations and family-friendly attractions. 

When: Oct. 1-Nov. 1Where: Downtown Denton and locations throughout the cityWhat to expect: Halloween movie screenings, pumpkin events, ghost walks, live music, markets, immersive art and themed attractionsGood for: Families, couples and Halloween enthusiastsBonus: Free Halloween shuttles operate on weekends to help visitors get around downtown. DDCTA

Huffhines Harvest Fest returns to Richardson for its 50th anniversary celebration. The free, two-day festival features local makers, live music, family activities, food vendors and a craft beer and wine area. 

When: Saturday, Oct. 17, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday, Oct. 18, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.Where: Huffhines Park, 1500 Apollo Road, RichardsonAdmission: FreeActivities: Shopping, pumpkin decorating, a petting zoo, scarecrow activities and live music on two stagesPawtoberfest: Saturday features dog-friendly activities, including a pet costume contest and puppy yoga. HHuffhines Harvest FestFamily costume contest: Sunday at 2:30 p.m., with cash prizes; preregistration is required. HHuffhines Harvest Fest

October Movie Nights at Main Street Garden

Downtown Dallas, Inc. is bringing free outdoor movies to Main Street Garden throughout October. The Oct. 16 screening is the 1982 supernatural horror film Poltergeist.

When: Friday, Oct. 16Movie: Poltergeist (1982)Location: Main Street Garden Park, 1902 Main St., DallasAdmission: FreeSeries: The October lineup features horror, camp and supernatural classics every Friday.Tip: Bring a blanket or lawn chairs for the outdoor screening.

Jazz at the Dallas Museum of Art

The Dallas Museum of Art is turning its galleries into a lounge for its Oct. 16 edition of Jazz at the Museum. String Theory Manouche will perform., with a full bar, light bites available for purchase and access to selected exhibitions included with admission. 

When: Friday, Oct. 16, 6-9 p.m.Where: Dallas Museum of ArtPerforming: String Theory ManouchePublic admission: $60VIP admission: $140, including a three-course meal and priority seatingMembers: $36 general admission or $108 VIPTip: VIP tickets must be purchased in advance.


New Openings

Here are a few new Dallas-area spots are also worth putting on your radar.

Juliet  has opened in Dallas’ Design District. The upscale steakhouse, which originated in Houston, brings its movie-inspired atmosphere and steakhouse menu to Dallas. 

Where: 1400 Hi Line Drive, DallasNeighborhood: Design DistrictType: Steakhouse and fine dining

El Jardín Café is now open on West Davis Street in Oak Cliff. The cafe serves specialty coffee, matcha and pastries, including conchas and cinnamon rolls. DDear Dallas+1

Where: 714 W. Davis St., DallasSpecialties: Coffee, matcha and pastriesHours: Monday-Saturday, 6:30 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sunday, 8 a.m.-2 p.m.; closed Tuesdays

The Wild Detectives opens its second Bishop Arts location! The new shoped, called Wild Detectives — Ideas, focuses on nonfiction books and includes a full kitchen, bar and space for events.

Where: 321 N. Zang Blvd., DallasFocus: History, philosophy, science, memoir, culture and the artsAlso offered: Full kitchen, bar and events