Top Things to do This Weekend: October 18 – 20

Courtesy: Lone Star Stories

1. LONE STAR STORYTELLING FESTIVAL

Frisco | October 17-18

You won’t be able to stop laughing at this hilarious festival in Frisco. Lyn Ford and Bill Harley are professional storytellers, and $10 is a small price to pay to see them light up the Lone Star Storytelling Festival with laughter and happiness. This is a two night event, with the Funny Stories Concert on Oct. 17 from 7:00-8:30 p.m. and the Laughing Night Concert on Oct. 18 at the same time. Perhaps the best part of this festival is the irony of it happening in the Council Chambers at Frisco City Hall, not a place traditionally reserved for laughter! Storytelling at this festival is not limited to adults (here is a funny tale from a student teller), but it is recommended that child attendees be ages 10+.

COST – Tickets are $10 each.

Courtesy: Robert Clark, National Geographic Society

2. PEROT MUSEUM “ORIGINS” EXHIBIT

Dallas | October 19 – March 22

The Perot Museum in Dallas is known for its detailed, thought-provoking exhibits, and the newest exhibit, “Origins: Fossils from the Cradle of Humankind” is no different. This exhibit places you right in the heart of South Africa, where some of the oldest remains of our distant ancestors were uncovered. Take a look at Neo and Karabo in what is most likely the only trip they will ever take outside of South Africa. The exclusive world premiere of this exhibit begins on Saturday, meaning you’ll be one of the first to meet our ancestors if you visit this weekend. “Origins” will be open for five months, but we suggest you see these ancient artifacts of human history as soon as you can!

COST – Tickets start at $7 for museum members and $30 for non-member adults. Children tickets are $21 for non-members.

Courtesy: Water Lantern Festival

3. WATER LANTERN FESTIVAL

Arlington | October 19

You can do many different things with lanterns, but the Water Lantern Festival at Mark Holtz Lake near Globe Life Park is one of the only places in Texas where you can light up an entire body of water! The surface of this small lake is going to be glowing with hundreds of personalized lanterns, each one sporting something unique that is special to its owner. Make some memories, get things off your chest, and just take a second to slow down and enjoy the moment while absorbing this beautiful sight.

COST – Tickets start at $35.

Courtesy: Visit Addison

4. ADDISON AFTER DARK: LET’S DO THE TIME WARP

Addison | October 19

Did someone say, “cult classic”? Dress up as your best Dr. Frank-N-Furter and head to Addison Circle Park to enjoy one of the most fun, off-beat musicals out there: Rocky Horror Picture Show. After the musical, dance the night away at the Glow Dance Party, or participate in the Rocky Horror Picture Show Costume Contest. Don’t be afraid to dress up and sing your heart out! We need more passion. MORE, MORE, MORE!

COST — Admission is FREE.

Courtesy: City of Fort Worth

5. BELL FORT WORTH ALLIANCE AIR SHOW

Fort Worth | October 19-20

The adrenaline is sure to be pumping in Fort Worth as the Blue Angels speed past at the Alliance Air Show. This state-of-the-art air show lets visitors get up close and personal to some of the most cutting edge aviation technology. You can bring the whole family here to experience the power and magnificence of machines like the F-16 Fighting Falcon. Close out the day with a free concert on both days of the air show, from 3-5 p.m.

COST — Admission is FREE. Parking starts at $40.

Courtesy: Harvest Moon Festival of the Arts

6. HARVEST MOON FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS

Granbury | October 19-20

Check out some of North Texas’ best artists within the comfy confines of Historic Granbury Square. This event showcases over 80 artists and what feels like an infinite amount of different types of art, from jewelry to sculpture. You will also get to enjoy plenty of seasonal activities and food, all while you shop around Granbury’s premier shopping mecca.

COST — Admission is FREE.

Courtesy: Maddie Migis

7. DALLAS COWBOYS VS. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

Arlington | October 20

Make a visit to AT&T Stadium Sunday night, where the Cowboys will take on their division rival: the Philadelphia Eagles. The Cowboys have had success in recent years against the Eagles, and we hope this will continue! The Cowboys game is a classic place to take your family, and there’s nothing like seeing Zeke hurdle defenders in person, or on the stadium’s giant video board.

COST — Tickets start at $89. 

Courtesy: Grapevine CVB

8. 22ND ANNUAL BUTTERFLY FLUTTERBY

Grapevine | October 19

The migration of the monarch butterfly from Canada to Mexico every year is a sight to behold, and it’s no surprise that Grapevine has made it a tradition to celebrate it for the last 22 years at the Grapevine Botanical Garden. The whole family is welcome to come out, even the dogs! The city holds a butterfly costume parade, where you can express yourself and spread your wings. After, you will be able to enjoy a scavenger hunt, games, and a variety of other butterfly-themed activities. Migrate your way over, you won’t want to miss this!

COST — Admission is FREE.

Courtesy: Six Flags Over Texas

9. FRIGHT FEST AT SIX FLAGS OVER TEXAS

Arlington | October 18-20

Six Flags Over Texas transforms during fall for Fright Fest, and it’s definitely the spookiest experience on this list. You’re sure to get in the Halloween spirit with thrilling haunted attractions and special shows like The Awakening and Welcome to Arania’s Nightmare. This event also introduces special “scare zones” to the park, where you’ll be approached by witches, ghouls and anything in between. This event is not for the faint of heart, but if you enjoy local traditions, fast-paced thrill rides and being terrified, Fright Fest is definitely for you.

COST — Tickets start at $59.99.

Courtesy: Dallas Symphony Orchestra

10. DALLAS SYMPHONY AT THE ZOO

Dallas | October 19

Brass music and animals may seem like a strange combination at first, but the Dallas Symphony Orchestra’s 2:00 p.m. concert is sure to be a nice break from running around the Zoo looking at every animal under the sun. As we head into the cool, mid-October weather in Dallas-Fort Worth, listening to classical music and popular tunes outdoors at the Dallas Zoo sounds like a fall dream come true. And surprisingly, the animals will probably enjoy the live music, too!

COST — FREE with Dallas Zoo ticket. Zoo tickets start at $17 for adults and $14 for children ages 3-11.

Courtesy: Bloomin Bluegrass Festival, Facebook

11. BLOOMIN’ BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL

Farmers Branch | October 18-19

If you like bluegrass, this is the place to be! This festival is a collaboration between Farmers Branch and the Bluegrass Heritage Foundation to bring the best bluegrass out there to Dallas-Fort Worth. Happening at the beautiful Farmers Branch Historical Park, you will hear music from artists like The Travelin’ McCourys and the Sam Bush Band. Another eye-catching part of this festival is Celebration of Roses, an extended look at the Farmers Branch Rose Gardens, which includes flower picking and arranging (this is also perfect for an Instagram photo). This is one of the most peaceful ways you can spend the weekend, and peace is something we can all use!

COST — Tickets start at $10 for each day. Children 12 and under get in FREE.