October brings more festivals.
Sep 20-Nov 2. Autumn at the Arboretum features the Great Pumpkin Festival with thousands of unusual pumpkins in the gardens. Enjoy marigolds, chrysanthemums, and other fall blooms in the 66-acre garden next to White Rock Lake. Special events are planned throughout the month, such as ArtScape and a wine tasting event on opening weekend, a pumpkin taste-off Oct 4, Barkitechture -- unique dog houses by Dallas architects -- Oct 6-15. A pumpkin house, hay bale maze, hay rides, and more activities are provided on a daily basis. From I-30, take the Grand Avenue exit and go north. The Dallas Arboretum is about two miles down and on the right.
Sep 26-Oct 19. The Texas State Fair returns this year with the 2008 Auto Show, livestock competitions, arts competitions, live music, exhibits, and the midway. The State Fair is located at Fair Park in Dallas. Admission is $14 for adults, $10 for kids under 48" and seniors. Seniors have free admission every Thursday and children under two always get in free.
Oct 11-12. Gates open at 9 a.m. and air shows start at 9:30 a.m. Watch the many aerial demonstrations. On the ground, there are simulators, children's activities, and food. No outside food or beverage allowed. No pets. Admission is free, but parking is $20 for each vehicle. To get there, go north from Fort Worth on I-35W and exit Alliance Boulevard. Follow the signs and the people telling you where to park.
Oct 12, noon-5 p.m. Live music, stories, and talks with authors will be at the Central Library (500 West 3rd Street) in downtown Fort Worth. Trout Fishing in America will perform at 4 p.m.
Oct 18, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Celebrate the winging of the monarchs at Grapevine's Butterfly Flutterby. A parade starts the day at 10 a.m., followed by arts and crafts, butterfly exhibits, and entertainment. The Butterfly Flutterby is held in the historic Cotton Belt district (701 Main Street).
DanceAfrica Festival
Oct 18, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Enjoy music, dance, an African marketplace, and food in the Dallas Arts District, on Flora Street between Olive and Pearl. Admission is free.Oct 21, 5:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. Arlington's restaurants get together to show off their flavors. Try them while you enjoy live music, auctions, and entertainment from Theatre Arlington. Tickets are $40 or $50 for a VIP pass, which gets you a reserved seat, and parking is $5. Proceeds benefit the Arlington YMCA and Theatre Arlington. Taste of Arlington is being held at the Arlington Convention Center, located at 1200 Ballpark Way in Arlington.
Oct 24-29, 5:30 p.m.-8 p.m. Games, stories, pumpkin carvings, and treat stations transform the Fort Worth Zoo during Boo at the Zoo. Marionettes, a variety show, and live animals provide the entertainment. Parking is $5. Admission is $12 for everyone over the age of two and $4 for two and under. Tickets for Boo at the Zoo go on sale on Oct 3.
Fall Festival at the Japanese Garden
Oct 25-26. Sat, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun, noon-5 p.m. Enjoy traditional Japanese music, dance, martial arts demonstrations, and tea ceremonies at the Japanese Garden in the Fort Worth Botanic Gardens. Admission is $4 for adults and $2 for children four to twelve years old.
