It’s almost fall and for DFW that means festivals, football, art and entertainment.

There are several upcoming festivals across North Texas that students and residents alike can enjoy.

SEPTEMBER

Fort Worth Oktoberfest – Sept. 21 and 22 from 5 p.m. – 11 p.m. and Sept. 23 from 11 a.m. – 12 a.m.

Time to clean the dust off the lederhosen and dirndl, Oktoberfest is back in Fort Worth. Oktoberfest Fort Worth returns for its fourth year at the The Shack at Panther Island Pavilion. The festival kicks off with the ceremonial Tapping of the Kegs and includes other festivities like  dachshund races, German competitions, traditional German foods and beer, and – new this year – an Oktoberfest Midway. Tickets cost $5 on Sept. 21 and $10 on Sept. 22 and 23. More information can be found on the Oktoberfest website.

Urban Traders Market – Sept. 30, Oct. 14 and 28, Nov. 4, and Dec. 2 and 16 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Inspired by the Portland Saturday Market, the Urban Traders Market highlights local artisans and their work. All of the market days are currently scheduled to be at the O.B. Macaroni Building. Vendors will rotate so visitors can expect to see something new every time. For updates on the market, visit the Urban Traders Market website.

State Fair of Texas – Sept. 29 – Oct. 22 from 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.

The highlight of fall festival season for many Texans, the State Fair of Texas, takes place at historic Fair Park in Dallas. The fair offers exhibits, a large midway, live music, and some of the most interesting fried food you can find, all under the watchful eye of Big Tex. There are a variety of ticket options available online. Parking is known to be a hassle, but public transportation is an option. More information can be found here.

OCTOBER

Otsukimi Moon Viewing Celebration – Oct. 3 from 6:30 – 9 p.m.

This Japanese festival celebrates the full autumn moon with a picnic under the stars at Klyde Warren Park in Dallas. The festival features Japanese music and dance, calligraphy, a tea ceremony, ikebana, and haiku poetry. There will also be a bunny petting zoo where you can adopt them from The Bunny Burrow Rabbit Rescue. The picnic features a bento box for $25 that comes with either chicken or vegetables. The event is free, but you must register and buy food online.

ArtsGoggle 2017 – Oct. 21 from 12 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Celebrating its 15th year, ArtsGoggle is a free festival of local arts in Fort Worth’s Near Southside. The festival will feature over 500 artists and 50 bands across fifteen blocks. Food will be available for purchase and the restaurants on and around West Magnolia Avenue will be open as well. West Magnolia Avenue will be closed from Eighth Avenue to South Main Street. Free parking will be available at the parking garage at 1201 Alston Ave. More information is available here.

Japanese Garden Fall Festival – Oct. 28 from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. and Oct. 29 from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Martial arts and sword demonstrations are sure to thrill at this festival at the Fort Worth Botanical Gardens. Other activities include traditional Japanese dances, music, tea ceremonies and more. Tickets are $8 for adults and $4 for children ages 4-12. More information can be found here.

NOVEMBER

Lone Star Film Festival – Nov. 8 – 12

The 11th annual Lone Star Film Festival returns to Sundance Square and will feature over 50 screenings. The screenings will be viewed at the AMC Palace Theater and Four Day Weekend Theater. The festival features film screenings, competitions, panel discussions, guest speakers and parties. There will also be a special tribute in memory of Texan actor Bill Paxton. The entire list of films has yet to be released, but some of the films that will be shown are “DriverX,” “Flock of Four” and “Midnighters.” Tickets cost $10 per movie screening or $150 for an All-Access Badge to all of the screenings. More information is available online. 

XTO Energy Parade of Lights – Nov. 19 at 6 p.m.

Over 100 floats are expected to be at the 35th annual Fort Worth Christmas parade. The theme this year is “A Postcard Christmas!” Festivities are scheduled throughout the day across downtown. Shuttles from the free parking lot at Farrington Field to the Intermodal Transportation Center begin at 2 p.m. and cost $3.50 for a round trip. Parking is also available downtown. Refer to Fort Worth Parking and type “Parade of Lights” into the search column to look at all available options. Find out more about the event online.