I’ve lived in Dallas-Fort Worth for six years now, but every weekend, I look around at all there is going on and fall even more in love with the area that I call home — especially during the fall. We’re still waiting for things to cool down from the summer heat, but fall fun is heating up with football and festivals around town. Here’s what’s in store this weekend!
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What’s your weekend game plan?
TEXAS CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY VS. SOUTHERN METHODIST UNIVERSITY
SATURDAY | FORT WORTH
GAME PLAN: TCU VS. SMU (THE IRON SKILLET GAME)
Fun fact: These two university teams first played each other back in 1915, and the rivalry began shortly thereafter. Now, they battle it out for the W (and an iron skillet) every year. I’m not kidding, y’all — the winning team takes home an actual engraved iron skillet. Check out this short video if you’re curious why this unsual tradition exists.
Saturday | Fort Worth
REFUEL & REFRESH
EAT at Buffalo Bros. I’ve heard that this hole-in-the-wall hangout across from TCU serves up the best wings around (along with pizza, burgers and beer). Plus, it’s only a block or two away from Amon G. Carter Stadium.
OVERTIME
STAY at the Ashton Hotel, located in the heart of downtown. You’ll be walking distance from shopping and dining at Sundance Square, live music at Scat Jazz Lounge and drinks at Thompson’s Bookstore (find the speakeasy password on their Facebook).
DRAFT PICK
SIP on local beer along the Fort Worth Ale Trail. Sure, you could Google “Fort Worth breweries” and pick one at random — But then you wouldn’t be able to use the Ale Trail Craft Pass (only $27) to redeem tasting flights at four of these local breweries. Cheers!
DALLAS COWBOYS VS. MIAMI DOLPHINS
SUNDAY | ARLINGTON
GAME PLAN: DALLAS COWBOYS VS. MIAMI DOLPHINS
Whether you’re cheering for the Cowboys or the Dolphins, there’s no denying that a trip to Jerryworld is always exhilerating. This big stadium has big energy. Want to step on the field before the game? Check out AT&T Stadium’s Rally Day on Saturday (9/21).
Sunday | Arlington
REFUEL & REFRESH
EAT at Troy’s — Troy Aikman’s restaurant at Texas Live! Here, you’ll find a great outdoor patio, delicious food (order the Ocho) and an exciting atmosphere for game day. While you’re there, be sure to pop your head in the Texas Live! Arena and check out their floor-to-ceiling TVs.
OVERTIME
REST YOUR HEAD at Live! By Loews. If you haven’t stayed here yet, you definitely need to go check it out. Great room views, an infinity pool, a chef-driven resturant and it’s only fourteen parking rows walking distance from AT&T Stadium. Does it get any better than that? I don’t think so.
DRAFT PICK
DON’T MISS opening weekend at Lone Star Park! Live Racing Quarter Horse season is back in Grand Prairie (only a 15 minute drive from AT&T Stadium in Arlington). Better yet, general admission tickets to these horse races are totally affordable — $5 for adults and $3 for kids!
SMOKED BBQ FEST
SATURDAY | DALLAS
GAME PLAN: SMOKED BBQ FEST
I’m drooling just thinking about this festival, y’all! It’s three hours of complimentary BBQ tastings from 20 of the best pitmasters in Texas, plus live music, all for a $50 general admission ticket. They’ll also have family-friendly games and activities — including a mechanical bull and armadillo races. I’m not sure it gets more Texan than that.
Saturday | Dallas
REFUEL & REFRESH
SNACK at Elm Street Cask and Kitchen (only two blocks from the festival, across from the Giant Eyeball). Smoked BBQ Fest doesn’t start until 2 PM, so this is a great place to grab a light bite for breakfast or lunch. They also have delicious whiskey cocktails, if you want to get the party started early. I won’t judge!
OVERTIME
SPEND A NIGHT at The Adolphus Hotel if you want to get away from it all and de-stress. This is the place for a “treat yourself” stay, where you’ll feel like royality, have acess to a rooftop pool, amazing spa and (if you’re feeling extra classy) dinner at The French Room.
DRAFT PICK
CHECK OUT the Geo-Deck at Reunion Tower. I know this is a classic ‘tourist attraction’, but it doesn’t matter if it’s your first time in Dallas or if you’ve lived here for thirty years — There’s something simply awe-inspiring about seeing the city from 470 feet up in the air.
ADDISON OKTOBERFEST
THURSDAY — SUNDAY | ADDISON
GAME PLAN: ADDISON OKTOBERFEST
It’s Oktoberfest season, y’all, and Addison is kicking it off with one of the biggest Oktoberfest celebrations in DFW! Here you’ll find carnival rides, bier, delicious German food, live music and tons of oom-pah-pah fun. Admission is just $10 and FREE on Thursday and Sunday!
Thursday – Sunday | Addison
REFUEL & REFRESH
GRAB A BITE at Kenny’s Wood Fired Grill. This local hotspot is known for incredible customer service, drool-worthy meals and comfortable atmosphere — Perfect for kicking back after a day at Oktoberfest.
OVERTIME
STAY at the Renaissance. It’s about a five minute walk from all the Oktoberfest fun at Addison Circle Park and offers rooms at an affordable price. For the amount of luxury and Texas hospitality you’ll experience, it’s a steal of a deal.
DRAFT PICK
Need a laugh? CATCH A SHOW at Addison Improv! It’s only a five minute drive from Addison Oktoberfest and has evening comedy shows all weekend. Michael Yo will take the stage Thursday through Saturday night, followed by Reena Calm with Special Guests on Sunday.
PLANO BALLOON FESTIVAL
FRIDAY – SUNDAY | PLANO
GAME PLAN: PLANO BALLOON FESTIVAL
Have you ever taken a ride in a hot air balloon? This annual festival is celebrating 40 years of ballooning in Plano with tethered balloon rides, awe-inspiring balloon glows, fireworks and more. Even though I’m in my mid-twenties, this festival always makes me feel like a kid again.
Friday – Sunday | Plano
REFUEL & REFRESH
EAT at Hub Streat. This local spot in Downtown Plano offers everything from tacos to burgers to pizza, all in a unique indoor/outdoor setting.
OVERTIME
STAY at the Omni Frisco. It’s a little bit of a drive to the festival, but you’ll be situated right next to The Star in Frisco, home to Dallas Cowboys HQ and tons of shopping and dining options.
DRAFT PICK
DON’T MISS your chance to tour Southfork Ranch. You’ll get to step inside the infamous Ewing Mansion, where Dallas was filmed. Want to take it a step furhter? Schedule a horseback trail ride around the ranch!
Featured Image: Addison Oktoberfest
Courtesy: Visit Addison
AT A GLANCE
WEEKEND EVENT LINEUP
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