The Weekend Roundup
DFW Weekend Guide
October 16–18, 2026 · Six picks across North Texas
Your weekend, planned. Six picks across North Texas, from Oktoberfest Southlake's 25th anniversary to the State Fair's final weekend and two free McKinney events. All events verified this week. Times and ticket prices can change, so confirm with the venue before you go.
Quick Takeaways
- Oktoberfest Southlake turns 25, all weekend, free admission and parking.
- State Fair of Texas ends Sunday, October 18. Last chance this year.
- Dia de los Muertos Festival at TUPPS Brewery, McKinney, Saturday, free.
- Weezer triple bill at the American Airlines Center, Saturday, from about $37.
- Dallas Soul Food Festival, Sunday, free admission with 30+ vendors.
- Trick or Treat Trail at Bonnie Wenk Park, McKinney, Saturday, free.
Festival
Oktoberfest Southlake, 25th Anniversary
Friday, October 16, 4 to 11 PM; Saturday, October 17, 10 AM to 11 PM; Sunday, October 18, noon to 7 PM · Southlake Town Square, 285 Grand Ave, Southlake
The big one this weekend. Southlake's Oktoberfest turns 25 with authentic Bavarian fare, beer, live entertainment on three stages, a stein hoisting contest, arts and crafts vendors, and a kids' activity area. The famous Wiener Dog Races and costume contest run Saturday morning from 8:30 AM to noon ($25 to enter your dog).
Tickets: Free admission and free parking.
Details
Food & Drink
State Fair of Texas, Final Weekend
Daily through Sunday, October 18 · Fair Park, 1300 Robert B Cullum Blvd, Dallas
Last call. If the fair has been sitting on your October list, this is the week. Friday and Saturday run 10 AM to 10 PM, Sunday 10 AM to 9 PM. The 2026 Big Tex Choice Award winners are on sale, including the Burger Chop Tater Tacos (Best Taste, Savory) and Fletcher's Chocolate Corny Dog (Best Taste, Sweet).
Tickets: Adults $25 Friday through Sunday, kids 3 to 12 are $10, kids 2 and under are free.
Details
Local · McKinney
Dia de los Muertos Festival
Saturday, October 17, noon to 9 PM · TUPPS Brewery, 402 E Louisiana St, McKinney
TUPPS hosts a full day honoring loved ones with live music, art, food, and performances. The Catrina Contest carries more than $3,000 in cash prizes (registration required to compete).
Tickets: Free to attend.
Details
Live Music
Weezer with The Shins and Silversun Pickups
Saturday, October 17, 7:00 PM · American Airlines Center, Dallas
A triple bill of 2000s rock radio at the AAC. Weezer headlines with The Shins and Silversun Pickups in support. One of the better arena values of the fall.
Tickets: Listed from about $37.05.
Details and tickets
Food & Drink
Dallas Soul Food Festival
Sunday, October 18, noon to 6 PM · Lofty Spaces, 816 Montgomery Street, Dallas
More than 30 food vendors take over Lofty Spaces: fried chicken and fish, oxtails, barbecue, candied yams, turkey legs, funnel cakes, plus vegan and keto options alongside local small-business vendors.
Tickets: Free admission. Bring an appetite and a budget for the food.
Details
Family · McKinney
Trick or Treat Trail
Saturday, October 17, 3:00 to 6:00 PM · Bonnie Wenk Park, 2996 Virginia Pkwy, McKinney
The City of McKinney's annual Halloween event moves to a new home at Bonnie Wenk Park this year. Decorated stations, candy, carnival rides, food, and a costume contest, all free and all ages.
Tickets: Free.
DetailsFrequently Asked Questions
When is the DFW weekend guide published?
Every Wednesday, covering events for the coming Friday through Sunday.
Are the event details verified?
Events are researched the week of publication. Times and prices can change, so confirm with the venue before you go.
Which events this weekend are free?
Oktoberfest Southlake, the Dia de los Muertos Festival at TUPPS Brewery in McKinney, the Dallas Soul Food Festival (admission), and the Trick or Treat Trail at Bonnie Wenk Park are all free to attend.
When does the State Fair of Texas end?
Sunday, October 18, 2026 is the final day. This weekend is your last chance this year.
How do I submit an event for next week's guide?
Send it our way and we will consider it for the next roundup.
Know an event we missed? Send it our way and we will consider it for next week's guide.
New roundup every Wednesday.
Events researched Wednesday, October 14, 2026. Confirm times and prices with venues before heading out.