October Events & Festivals For Dallas/Ft. Worth

September 30-October 23rd, 2011 You don't want to miss the Texas State Fair! Because it's the largest State Fair in North America, it offers the best free entertainment from musicians, to livestock events, football games, food cookoffs, fried everything, like butter, pickles, twinkies, and more! They also have a large amusement area with rides and games, live entertainment, acrobats, jugglers, musicians, story times, and even pig races! There is so much to do, you can purchase a season pass for this almost month long event!

ANIMAL EXPLORATION October 1st, FREE *This event can accommodate kids with special needs. Kids can interact with live animals during a live animal observation with a River Legacy Naturalist. Reservations required. Please call 817-860-6752.

ART IN MOTION October 1st, 9am Art In Motion presented by the Dallas Observer, is a fun family event for anyone with wheels to participate in! Bring your bike, stroller, unicycle, ANYTHING, to decorate and parade through the art district. Registration begins at 9am and the parade starts at 10. Nasher Sculpture Center, The Dallas Museum of Art, and The Crow Collection of Asian Art is open free of charge during the day!

OLD TIME SATURDAYS! 7am-10pm FREE! Boogie on down to the historic Farmersville Downtown and participate in some of the many family-friendly events going on throughout the day. The pancake breakfast starts at 7am, the fun run starts at 7:30, then there is a car show, merchants, arts & crafts, children's activity tables, a pet parade, a western shootout, tractor pulling, and so, so much more!

October 1st Event starts at 10am with the parade. There will be a Peanutty Chef Cooking Contest and a Horseshoe Contest, as well as many other activities for families.

AFTER DARK IN THE PARK October 7th-9th, 5-9pm After Dark In The Park is a family-friendly fall festival that begins with a hay ride from the parking lot to the event followed by storytelling under the stars, karaoke, a pumpkin patch, a walk on the wild side, and a starlight stroll. There are also many games and activities for kids ages 2-10. Prices are $7 for kids over 2 or you can purchase a family fun pack for $40. It includes entry for 4 and 40 activity and concession tickets.

CRITTER CABIN is hosting a free, live reptile show at Petland Frisco on October 8th all day! Families can come by and hold the giant 11 foot snake "Goliath" and get hands on experience with other critters like tarantulas, spiders, snakes, hermit crabs, lizards, and turtles! Conquer your fears or stand back and let your little ones have their own first educational experiences while learning about these fun reptiles!

AUTISM AWARENESS FAMILY CELEBRATIONS October 8th, 9am-11am FREE What an amazing way to introduce families with autistic children to a museum! The museum specially prepares activities to engage children of autism and their siblings so that they all can have an enjoyable experience. During this specific visit, children will learn about art and animals. Families can participate in gallery experiences, create an animal artwork using ArtStudio, and discover textures in the Young Learners Gallery. Pre-registration is required. Please e-mail your name, phone number, and the number of people in your family who will attend to access@DallasMuseumofArt.org.

BARNYARD BUDDIES October 12th, 11am $5 for Children, 1 Adult Free, Additional Adults $9. Join them as they read "Willy's Silly Grandma", by Cynthia DeFelice. Afterward, children will make their own lucky charm and sing spooky songs. RSVP by e-mail at reservations@dallasheritagevillage.org

October 14-15, 2011 This might not be in Dallas/Ft. Worth, but because it's only a few hour drive, it was definitely worth the mention. Texas Rose Festival in Tyler, TX, is dubbed as the "Texas's Most Beautiful Event". Tyler is the Rose Capitol of the World and once a year it get's together to celebrate it's scented legacy. The Rose Festival you can have tea with the "queen", watch the "queen's" coronation, listen to live music, see local artisans, and of course, view thousands of roses!

Boo At The Zoo October 21-23rd & 28-30th Noon-5pm $15 Adults; $12 Kids; Under 2 is Free Boo At The Zoo features Halloween decor, events, games and candy, and Zoo animals! There will be a Wild Wonder's animal show, trick-or-treating, and other games and entertainment as well.

October 22, 2011 10am-10pm FREE Downtown Plano on the Sqaure will be rocking out to music from live bands including American Idol Contestant, Tim Halperin! Over 25 local restaurants will offer samplings of their cuisine and the International Chili Cookoff takes place here as well. There is an interactive kid's area with face painting, games, carnival fishing, pumpkin carving, and a petting zoo! There will also be a street party and dance in the evening, so be prepared for fun!

CARNIVAL OF CREATIVITY FAMILY CELEBRATION Sunday, October 30th 11am-4pm FREE Create your own hat inspired by African Headwear, compete against your child in "Art You Smarter Than Your Grown-Up?", watch storytelling and musical performances, and join in the costume contest and parade. Also, there's a play space for kids 4 and under as well!