Fall is officially getting underway across North Texas, and there is no shortage of reasons to get out and enjoy it. From German-inspired celebrations and wine festivals to Stockyards events and family-friendly entertainment, What’s Up Fort Worth is here to help you find some of the season’s most interesting things to do. If you’re searching for fall festivals in Texas or looking for something fun to add to your weekend plans, DFW has plenty of options.
Fall Festivals Happening This Weekend
September 18–20 is a particularly busy weekend for festival-goers. Two standout events are taking place in the Fort Worth and Grapevine areas, giving visitors very different ways to enjoy the beginning of the fall season.
Stocktoberfest Stockyards Style
If Texas tradition is more your speed than a traditional Oktoberfest, head to the Fort Worth Stockyards for Stocktoberfest Stockyards Style, running September 18–20. The event combines German-inspired festivities with the atmosphere of the historic Stockyards.
The official Stockyards calendar describes the event as a celebration of German tradition and Texas spirit. With the Stockyards’ restaurants, shops, attractions, live entertainment, and Western atmosphere nearby, it can also be part of a larger day out.
Before you go:
- Check the event schedule for the day’s activities.
- Allow extra time to explore the Stockyards.
- Check parking and transportation options before arriving.
- Look at individual venue schedules if you want to add dining or live music.
For anyone looking through fall festivals in DFW, this is an especially natural choice if you want your autumn outing to feel distinctly Fort Worth.
40th Annual GrapeFest in Grapevine
Wine lovers have another major option this weekend. GrapeFest – A Texas Wine Experience takes place September 17–20 along Historic Main Street in Grapevine. The 2026 celebration marks the festival’s 40th annual edition.
The festival includes wine experiences, live music, food, artisan vendors, a carnival and midway, KidZone activities, and the popular GrapeStomp. The 2026 media guide also notes that the People’s Choice Wine Tasting Classic features more than 40 Texas wineries and 150 wines.
Planning tips:
- Thursday, September 17 has complimentary admission all day.
- Friday admission becomes paid after 5 p.m.
- Saturday and Sunday use paid admission.
- Check the official schedule for individual wine experiences and ticketed activities.
If your idea of autumn involves music, food, wine, and plenty to explore, GrapeFest belongs on your weekend calendar.
More Fall Festivals to Put on Your Calendar
Not every great autumn event happens this weekend. Some of the biggest fall festivals in Texas are coming up over the next few weeks, so it pays to plan ahead.
Fort Worth Oktoberfest
Fort Worth Oktoberfest returns to Trinity Park September 24–26, 2026. The three-day festival celebrates German culture with Bavarian-inspired food and drinks, live music, dancing, contests, games, and entertainment.
The 2026 lineup includes performances from the Alex Meixner Band, Das Ist Lustig, Alpenmusikanten, Walburg Boys, and the Happy Hour Oktoberfest Band. There are also activities such as the Dachshund Dash, games, competitions, and a 5K and Fun Run.
If you’re building a list of fall festivals in DFW for the next few weekends, save September 24–26 now and check the official festival schedule before heading out.
How to Choose the Right DFW Fall Festival
With so many seasonal events happening across North Texas, choosing one often comes down to the experience you want rather than simply finding the biggest event.
Match the Festival to Your Plans
- Want a Fort Worth experience? Start with Stocktoberfest or upcoming Fort Worth Oktoberfest.
- Looking for wine and food? GrapeFest offers multiple wine experiences alongside entertainment and food.
- Planning a family outing? Check individual festival schedules for age-appropriate activities and admission requirements.
- Want live entertainment? Look at the event lineup before you leave home.
- Prefer a full-day outing? Choose an event near restaurants, attractions, or other activities you can combine into your itinerary.
What’s Up Fort Worth’s Festivals & Events calendar is another useful place to check what’s happening before you head out. Our calendar covers festivals, music, sports, arts, and other local events throughout the area.
Make the Most of Festival Season
One of the best things about fall festivals in Texas is the variety. You can spend one weekend enjoying German-inspired traditions in the Stockyards, another exploring wine and entertainment in Grapevine, and another checking out Fort Worth’s Oktoberfest.
Before leaving home, confirm dates, hours, admission requirements, parking information, and individual activity schedules. Festival details can change, and some experiences require separate tickets or reservations.
For this weekend, start by checking Stocktoberfest Stockyards Style and GrapeFest, then use the What’s Up Fort Worth event calendar to discover additional concerts, performances, family activities, and community events happening nearby.
Your Fall Weekend Starts Here
There is no single way to experience autumn in North Texas. Whether you’re interested in Western culture, German traditions, wine, live music, food, or family activities, fall festivals in DFW offer plenty of ways to make the most of the season.
At What’s Up Fort Worth, we make it easier to find what’s happening around Fort Worth and beyond. Check our event listings, choose your weekend destination, and make a plan before you go. If you’re searching for fall festivals in Texas, start with the events above and keep checking our calendar for new seasonal additions.
Frequently Asked Questions
For September 18–20, 2026, fall festivals in DFW include Stocktoberfest Stockyards Style in Fort Worth and GrapeFest in Grapevine. Both offer different experiences, so check their official schedules before attending.
The fall festivals in Texas calendar includes a wide range of events. In the DFW area, GrapeFest, Stocktoberfest Stockyards Style, and the upcoming Fort Worth Oktoberfest are among the major seasonal events taking place in September 2026.
Fort Worth Oktoberfest takes place September 24–26, 2026, at Trinity Park. The festival features German-inspired food and drinks, live entertainment, games, contests, and other activities.
Yes. The 40th annual GrapeFest runs September 17–20, 2026, in Grapevine. It features wine experiences, live music, food, vendors, family activities, and other festival attractions.
What’s Up Fort Worth maintains a local Festivals & Events calendar featuring festivals and other events around the area. It’s a practical starting point when planning outings beyond this weekend.
