Halloween is coming up, and you know what that means: a collage of costumes, a plethora of pumpkins and an eerie Billie Eilish concert to cap things off. No matter what you’re looking for, there’s plenty of options for the horrifying holiday.
Oct. 1 - 31 | Arboretum
See the iconic “Great Pumpkin” covered in marigolds at the 14th annual Autumn at the Arboretum! This year’s festival, based on the movie “It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown,” will include more than 90,000 pumpkins, gourds and squashes as well as 150,000 blooming fall flowers and plants. Fans will also be delighted to see topiary versions of classic characters such as Charlie, Snoopy, Peppermint Patty and many more! Visit on Charlie Brown’s Birthday on Oct. 30 to enjoy complimentary cake slices and play lawn games.
Oct. 5 and 26 | Klyde Warren Park
Wine, dancing and the most amazing picnic you’ve ever had will be yours at Park and Palate this month, benefiting Klyde Warren Park and its hundreds of free programs. This two-part event begins on Oct. 5 with Dinner in the Park, a three-course dinner under the stars with sommelier-curated wine. It concludes on Oct. 26 with Grand Taste, where more than 30 wine and liquor brands and 40 local chefs come together inside the beautiful park. Just be warned: This event is sure to turn any average eater into a serious foodie.
Oct. 5 | Rockwall
The sweet aroma of fresh ribs is filling the air. These delicious meats will be waiting for you at the finish line of the 11th annual Rib Rub Run and Roll this month. Dash through downtown during the 10K, 5K or one-mile run to build up your appetite — you’ll need it for the savory lunch grilled by local chefs after. Once you are stuffed, roll yourself over to the car show, where you can admire some of the best classic automobiles around the community. Running, ribs and really cool cars — it’s the perfect fall day.
Oct. 8 | American Airlines Center
She’s had five different hair colors, won three MTV Video Music Awards and became the youngest artist to have a No. 1 song, “Bad Guy,” on the Billboard Hot 100 chart — and she hasn’t even celebrated her 18th birthday yet. Ethereal pop singer Billie Eilish has an angelic voice, yet she loves the horror genre and many of her pictures and music videos take on a creepy aesthetic. She’ll be at the American Airlines Center this month and her chilling performance will give you goosebumps — and that’s definitely not a bad thing.
Oct. 9 | American Airlines Center
It’s rock ’n’ roll with a side of banjos and mandolins at a Mumford & Sons concert! This four-man British group is known for playing a variety of musical styles from rock to traditional folk. Since dropping “Sigh No More” a decade ago, the group has won two Grammy awards and two BRIT awards, released three more albums with three consecutive No. 1 debuts and launched their own traveling festival, the Gentlemen of the Road Stopovers, to support environmental sustainability. When the group plays “Guiding Light,” you may realize you just found yours.
Oct. 10 – Nov. 3 | Howell Farms
Halloween enthusiasts, families looking for seasonal activities and anyone seeking the perfect Instagram background are invited to Pumpkin Nights, a spectacular festival that is coming to Dallas for the first time this year. Pumpkin Nights features more than 3,000 hand-carved real and synthetic pumpkins inside Howell Farms. These pumpkin lands include Forbidden Pumpkin City, Monster Mash, Great Pumpkin Hall, Maravilla Lane, Pumpkin Pirate Cove, Pumpkin Reef and the Enchanted Pumpkin Forest. If you love Halloween — but hate anything scary, bloody or creepy — then your family is in for a real treat at Pumpkin Nights.
Apex Film Night Presents: "Frankenstein"
Oct. 12 | Southlake Public Library
Catch a thrilling Halloween favorite this month thanks to the Southlake Public Library and the Apex Arts League. They will host a film night at the library with a special showing of “Frankenstein,” based on the book by novelist Mary Shelley. Witness the creation of this misunderstood monster thanks to the mad mind of Dr. Victor Frankenstein, and afterward meet the infamous creature in-person while enjoying time with your community at this exhilarating event. You’ll come alive during this fun weekend screening.
Oct. 14 – Nov. 10 | WaterTower Theatre
Who can forget the Oscar-winning actress Whoopi Goldberg in 1992’s “Sister Act?” Now you can see a real-life musical based on the hit movie at WaterTower Theatre. You’ll be enthralled by this version of “Sister Act,” which is about disco singer Deloris Van Cartier, who witnesses a murder and is put into a witness protection program inside a convent. Unfortunately, she doesn’t exactly get along with Mother Superior and her unique personality blows her cover. Like the movie, this show is all about the unbreakable power of sisterhood — no matter what your differences are.
Oct. 17 | Toyota Music Factory
Newsflash: Women are amazing. OK, maybe you already knew that, but what you didn’t know is that some of the most talented females in music and entertainment are coming together this month to help other women at Femme It Forward! This unique event will include live music, stand-up comedy, panel discussions and more featuring powerhouses and Grammy-winning artists Monica, Brandy, Mya and Grammy-nominated artist Keri Hilson. Proceeds from each ticket sold will be donated to philanthropies that support the advancement of women, which makes this show a true testament of girl power.
Oct. 19 | UT Dallas
Dorothy Gale in her blue-checkered dress will be running alongside the Cat in the Hat and the Incredibles at the Monster Mash Dash this month. These storybook characters will participate in a 5K and one-mile fun run that goes through the UT Dallas campus. Participants are encouraged to dress in their favorite costumes and walk or run this course. Afterward, participate in the costume contest, eat food, play games and take home a free T-shirt. The event benefits the Dallas Tennis and Education Academy, an organization that provides tennis, education and life-skills to under-resourced youth.
Oct. 19 | Panther Island Pavilion
Everything is bigger in Texas, especially its cowboy hats, belt buckles and country music stars. See the best Texas country artists perform at Ranch Bash this month, Fort Worth’s original music festival presented by HEAR Fort Worth and 95.9 The Ranch. Headlining this year’s event is Casey Donahew, who recently released his fourth studio album “One Light Town” and has 18 No. 1 hits on Texas music charts. You can also hear Shane Smith and the Saints, Sam Riggs, Josh Weathers, Copper Chief, Kolby Cooper and more.
Oct. 19 | Westlake
Old school Rolls-Royces, Buick Coupes, Chevy Corvettes and other automobiles will line the streets of Westlake this month for the ninth annual Westlake Classic Car Show. This beloved event is all about “The Golden Era of the Automobile,” featuring cars from 1900 through 1959 that are original or restored to near original. This show has previously featured a 1908 Sears K, a 1929 Packard and a 1940 Ford Deluxe. While you are browsing the wheels, enjoy music throughout the eras, grab refreshments and learn more about the event’s host, the Westlake Historical Preservation Society.
Oct. 25-27 | Fort Worth Zoo
Get ready for a boo-tiful weekend at the Fort Worth Zoo thanks to its annual Boo at the Zoo festival! Come dressed in your favorite costumes (excluding full masks) to play Halloween-themed carnival games, watch fun animal shows and go trick-or-treating throughout the zoo. One of the best parts of the event is the pumpkin patch, where community- decorated pumpkins that have been painted, stenciled or embellished with fun accessories are on display for everyone to enjoy. Snap a picture, snack on sweets and celebrate this spooky holiday with hundreds of your favorite animals!
Southlake Carroll Homecoming Game
Oct. 25 | Dragon Stadium
Students and alums will come together to celebrate all things Southlake Carroll at the homecoming game this month. Whether you will be sporting a mum, creating one for your child to wear, munching down on some nachos or just want to catch some football as the Dragons take on the Keller Central Chargers, it’s set to be fun for football fans of all ages. So don’t wait – come on out, support your fellow Dragons and celebrate homecoming with the rest of the Southlake Carroll community.
Oct. 26-27 | Dallas Zoo
Looking for some wild Halloween fun? Bring your little ladybugs and mini monkeys to Halloweekend at the Dallas Zoo, where kids can see the animals and go trick-or-treating. Each entry includes six treat coupons, which can be redeemed at stations throughout Zoo North for candy and the chance to complete animal-themed crafts. Later, stroll through the pumpkin patch, let your littles bounce in the inflatable obstacle courses or get their faces painted and get up close and personal with sweet animals at the Lacerte Family Children’s Zoo. Costumes are encouraged, just no full masks.
Oct. 26 | Arlington
Join Spider-Man, Captain America and 900 other superheroes at CASA of Tarrant County’s sixth annual Superhero Run! Wear a Batman suit, a Superman cape, a Wonder Woman T-shirt or an original costume and run or walk the 5K or one-mile course. Afterward, there will be live entertainment, a Puppy Power Pavilion for your furry friends, a KaPow! Kid Zone with inflatables, costume contests and a Superhero Training Academy obstacle course. Your participation will support children in foster care who have been abused or neglected, making you a real-life superhero to someone in need.
Oct. 26 | Wyly Theatre
If a grown man in a green, one-piece dragon costume with a tail and sparkly red-and-gold scales sounds weird, that’s because it is. But somehow, Piff the Magic Dragon and his trusty Chihuahua sidekick Mr. Piffles make it work. They gained fame on NBC’s “America’s Got Talent” in 2015. Since, he has delighted fans internationally with his hilarious wit, unique brand of magic and family-friendly entertainment. This month, he is taking a break from his Las Vegas residency to tour the country, bringing his British accent, fantastical sets and dragon puns with him.
Oct. 26 | Northpark Center
One in every eight women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. But Susan G. Komen envisions a world without breast cancer. Support the nonprofit in its efforts at the 37th annual Race for the Cure this month. The 1K and 5K race brings out people of all ages to raise awareness and money for the worthy cause. So get ready to be bold, be fearless and sport your favorite pink athleisure at this impactful event that will benefit breast cancer research.
Oct. 31 | American Airlines Center
Ever since the Chainsmokers came on the scene, the electronic/pop genre has never been the same. The world fell in love with their sound in 2016, when their FIrst album “Memories...Do Not Open” debuted at No. 1 in the U.S. The same year, “Closer” featuring Halsey became a summer sensation and everyone’s favorite dance anthem. Now the Grammy-winning artist/producer duo made up of Alex Pall and Drew Taggart are touring the country to promote their latest album “World War Joy,” featuring “Call You Mine” and “Kills You Slowly.”