September is one of those months when Dallas starts to feel busy again. The calendar fills up with fall festivals, outdoor concerts, family activities, live music, and, of course, the return of the State Fair of Texas.
Whether you're looking for something to do with the family, planning a date night, or just ready to get out and enjoy the city, here are some of the best events happening around Dallas this September.
Autumn at the Arboretum
September 19 – November 1
Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Garden
One of Dallas' favorite fall traditions returns September 19. This year's Autumn at the Arboretum features more than 100,000 pumpkins, gourds, and squash throughout the gardens.
The 2026 theme, Harvest Hues, gives the famous Pumpkin Village an artistic twist, with displays inspired by modern and contemporary artists including Basquiat, Rothko, Mondrian, Escher, and Pollock.
It's a great option for a family outing, an afternoon with friends, or simply an excuse to spend some time outside once the temperatures begin to cooperate.
Autumn at the Arboretum details and tickets
Addison Oktoberfest
September 17–20
Addison Circle Park
You don't have to travel to Munich to celebrate Oktoberfest. Addison's annual festival has been a North Texas tradition for more than 35 years and brings four days of German food, live music, dancing, games, and plenty of Bavarian-inspired fun to Addison Circle Park.
Expect polka bands, traditional German entertainment, dachshund races, stein-hoisting competitions, activities for kids, and plenty of German food and bier.
Thursday and Friday festivities begin at 5 PM, with events continuing throughout the weekend.
Addison Oktoberfest information and tickets
The State Fair of Texas
September 25 – October 18
Fair Park
It wouldn't be fall in Dallas without Big Tex.
The State Fair of Texas officially opens September 25 and runs for 24 days at historic Fair Park. From Fletcher's Corny Dogs and the Midway to live music, livestock shows, exhibits, shopping, and the annual Big Tex Choice Awards creations, it's one of the city's most recognizable traditions.
There are a few notable changes for 2026, including $10 children's admission every day and reduced admission after 5 PM. The Fair's Chevrolet Main Stage is also moving inside the historic Fair Park Coliseum this year, creating a new indoor concert experience.
Safari Nights at the Dallas Zoo
Saturdays, September 5 – October 3
Dallas Zoo
The Dallas Zoo is keeping the gates open later on Saturdays for its Safari Nights concert series.
Each Saturday features live music, extended Zoo hours, family activities, and opportunities to see the animals as the evening cools down. September's lineup includes tribute performances ranging from Taylor Swift and Motown to The Beatles.
The concerts run from approximately 4:30 to 8 PM, making this an easy family-friendly Saturday evening activity.
See the Dallas Zoo event calendar
The Music of Elvis with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra
September 11–13
Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center
The Dallas Symphony Orchestra kicks off its Pops season with a tribute to Elvis Presley.
Principal Conductor Enrico Lopez-Yañez leads the DSO alongside Las Vegas headliner Frankie Moreno and his band for an evening featuring some of Elvis' most recognizable songs.
It's a fun way to experience the Meyerson even if you're not normally a classical-music regular.
Explore the Dallas Symphony's 2026–27 season
Lang Lang in Recital
September 15
Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center
For something a little more sophisticated, internationally renowned pianist Lang Lang comes to the Meyerson for a special September recital.
Known as one of the world's most celebrated classical musicians, Lang Lang's Dallas appearance is one of the standout cultural events on this month's calendar.
Dallas Symphony Orchestra schedule and tickets
FAN EXPO Dallas
September 11–13
Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center
Comic books, movies, gaming, anime, cosplay, and pop culture take over downtown Dallas for FAN EXPO Dallas.
The three-day convention typically draws fans from across North Texas for celebrity appearances, panels, shopping, cosplay, gaming, and other entertainment.
It's especially worth putting on the calendar if you have kids or teenagers who are into comics, superheroes, anime, or gaming.
See upcoming events at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center
Free Events at Klyde Warren Park
Throughout September
Klyde Warren Park
If you're looking for something easy and free, Klyde Warren Park has a full September calendar.
Highlights include Music Bingo on September 4, Stargazing on September 4, a free outdoor showing of School of Rock on September 5, art activities, children's programming, live music, and a Salsa Dance Lesson & Party on September 25.
Pair an event with dinner in Uptown or the Arts District and you have an easy Dallas evening without much planning.
See Klyde Warren Park's September calendar
Dallas Symphony Gala with Idina Menzel
September 26
Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center
September ends on a high note when Tony Award-winning Broadway star Idina Menzel joins the Dallas Symphony Orchestra for its annual Symphony Gala.
The evening celebrates Menzel's career alongside the DSO and Principal Conductor Enrico Lopez-Yañez. It's one of the Symphony's marquee events of the year and a great option for a special Dallas date night.
Learn more about the Dallas Symphony's 2026–27 season
Hello, Fall in Dallas
September is one of the best transition months in Dallas. Summer isn't quite gone, but the city starts turning toward fall, bringing outdoor events, festivals, concerts, and some of our favorite annual traditions back to the calendar.
From an evening at Klyde Warren Park to pumpkins at the Arboretum and opening weekend at the State Fair, there are plenty of reasons to get out and enjoy Dallas this month.
Looking for more of the best places to live, eat, shop, and explore around Dallas? Follow along as we share the neighborhoods, local businesses, events, and places that make this city such a great place to call home.
