College Football
SMU opens the home portion of its football schedule with UC Davis at Gerald J. Ford Stadium. The Saturday afternoon game is the 1-0 Mustangs’ first chance of the season to play in front of the home crowd.
Where: Gerald J. Ford Stadium, Dallas
When: Saturday, September 12 at 3 p.m.
Cost: Ticket prices vary ($12 - $117)
TCU Football vs. Grambling StateThe Horned Frogs finally get their first home game of the season after opening in Ireland against North Carolina. TCU calls Saturday night “Light Up The Carter,” debuting a new full-spectrum LED lighting system and a new south-end-zone videoboard.
Where: Amon G. Carter Stadium, Fort Worth
When: Saturday, September 12 at 7 p.m.
Cost: Ticket prices vary; TCU is offering a four-ticket Frog Fam package for $60 for this game
North Texas opens its home schedule against UNLV in a nationally televised matchup at DATCU Stadium. The Mean Green are calling it the “Denton Desert” game and asking fans to stripe out the stadium in green and white.
Where: DATCU Stadium, Denton
When: Saturday, September 12 at 2:45 p.m.
Cost: Standard ticket prices vary; a limited $35 package includes a ticket in a green section and a special Desert Eagle Stripeout shirt
African American Museum Dallas - Mandela: The Official Exhibition
Mandela: The Official Exhibition is a major international exhibition produced in collaboration with Round Room Live the Royal House of Mandela and authenticated by the Mandela family. It traces Mandela’s remarkable life through four immersive gallery environments, filled with personal artifacts, multimedia installations, archival photographs, and interactive experiences.
When: Daily through November 1 (Open: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM Tuesday through Saturday)
Where: African American Museum Dallas, Fair Park, 3536 Grand Avenue, Dallas
Cost: Free
African music, fashion, food, art and dance fill Annette Strauss Square during AFRIMMA Fest. The family-friendly event celebrates African and diaspora cultures with live performers, traditional drumming, cultural showcases, vendors and a marketplace.
Where: Annette Strauss Square at the AT&T Performing Arts Center, 2403 Flora St., Dallas
When: Saturday, September 12 from noon-9 p.m.
Cost: $64 general admission; $189 VIP
UTA Libraries celebrates the World Cup with “Atlas of Champions,” an exhibition exploring the countries competing in the tournament through historic maps, photographs and artifacts. The collection includes more than 60 maps spanning six centuries, along with items connected to the 1994 World Cup.
When: Tuesdays through Saturdays through September 26
Where: UT Arlington Central Library, sixth floor, Arlington
Cost: Free
When: Thursday at 9 p.m. / Friday at 10 p.m. / Saturday at 10 p.m.
Where: Billy Bob’s Texas, Fort Worth
Cost: $20 - $75
Boldly Going to Garland: Celebrating 60 Years of Star Trek
Garland celebrates six decades of “Star Trek” with an all-day gathering for Trekkies, Trekkers and curious newcomers. Classic episodes and movies share the schedule with trivia, costume contests, panels, vendors and photo opportunities.
Where: Plaza Theatre, 521 W. State St., Garland
When: Saturday, September 12 beginning at 10 a.m.
Cost: $58
Taylor Sheridan opens Bosque Ranch for an unusually immersive day of Western culture and live music. The limited-attendance event includes demonstrations, speakers connected to Sheridan’s film and television productions and a concert lineup featuring Tanner Usrey at 6:30 p.m. and Shane Smith & The Saints at 8 p.m. You can just go for the day, or pay to stay in a tent or your RV on site.
Where: Bosque Ranch, 100 Arena Run, Weatherford
When: Saturday, September 12; programming runs throughout the day, Tanner Usrey at 6:30 p.m. and Shane Smith & The Saints at 8 p.m.
Cost: General admission is $500 plus service fees; upgraded experiences range from $800-$1,200
Celia Álvarez Muñoz: El Límite
Fort Worth artist Celia Álvarez Muñoz examines how borders, railroads and languages can connect communities while also dividing them. The site-specific installation combines video, sculpture, sound and other media, drawing from the artist’s experiences along the Texas-Mexico border and incorporating references to Mexican printmaker José Guadalupe Posada.
Where: Amon Carter Museum of American Art, 3501 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth
When: Exhibition continues through October 18
Cost: Free
Chance the Rapper: Coloring Book 10 Year Anniversary Tour
Chance the Rapper celebrates a decade since the release of his Grammy-winning mixtape “Coloring Book.” The anniversary tour reaches into the music that helped turn Chance from a Chicago independent artist into a national star. La Reezy opens the Dallas show.
Where: South Side Ballroom, 1135 Botham Jean Blvd., Dallas
When: Thursday, September 10 at 8 p.m.; doors open at 7 p.m.
Cost: $64
DSO: The Music of Elvis with Frankie Moreno
The DSO puts on its blue suede shoes for a full weekend celebrating Elvis Presley. Las Vegas performer Frankie Moreno sings while the orchestra backs classics including “Can’t Help Falling in Love,” “Suspicious Minds” and “If I Can Dream.”
Where: Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center, 2301 Flora St., Dallas
When: Friday-Saturday, September 11-12 at 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, September 13 at 2 p.m.
Cost: $29 and up
Dallas Arboretum: Bunnies, Birds & Butterflies
Hunt Slonem: Bunnies, Birds & Butterflies turns the Dallas Arboretum into an open-air art exhibition from April 20 through September 30, featuring 28 large-scale installations and more than 100 works by the internationally recognized neo-expressionist artist. Known for his bold color, layered texture, and recurring images from the natural world, Slonem places monumental sculptures of rabbits, birds, and butterflies throughout the garden, with additional pieces displayed inside the Historic Camp House. The exhibition is included with regular garden admission or membership, and select evenings from May 1 through September 27 will also feature Twilight Nights, offering a different view of the artwork as the garden shifts into dusk.
When: April 20 – September 30
Where: Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden, 8525 Garland Road, Dallas
Cost: Garden admission (around $26)
Dallas Arboretum Hispanic Heritage Celebration
The Dallas Arboretum celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month with music, food, a vendor market and its popular Quinceañera Fashion Show. Daytime programming is followed by a separately ticketed Twilight Noches evening celebration.
Where: Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden, 8525 Garland Road, Dallas
When: Saturday, September 12 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Twilight Noches from 5-9 p.m.
Cost: Daytime events are included with regular garden admission ($26); Twilight Noches requires a separate ticket ($26)
One of Denton’s signature events returns with three days of live music, visual art, food and family activities. Five outdoor stages feature jazz, blues and cross-cultural music, while artists and craftspeople fill the North Texas Fairgrounds with work for sale.
Where: North Texas Fairgrounds, 2217 N. Carroll Blvd., Denton
When: Friday, September 11 from 3-11 p.m.; Saturday, September 12 from 10 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sunday, September 13 from 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Cost: Free
Dog Days at the Fort Worth Botanic Garden
The Botanic Garden opens its trails and lawns to four-legged visitors for an entire weekend. Hydration stations are set up around the garden, and dogs can explore alongside their humans as long as they are leashed, vaccinated and at least four months old.
Where: Fort Worth Botanic Garden, 3220 Botanic Garden Blvd., Fort Worth
When: Saturday-Sunday, September 12-13 during regular garden hours
Cost: Regular admission ($14-$15) for humans plus $5 per dog; free for human and dog members
Downtown Dallas Arts & Music Festival
Main Street Garden becomes a downtown showcase for artists, musicians, makers and creative entrepreneurs during the fourth annual Downtown Dallas Arts & Music Festival. The weekend combines visual art, live music and community programming in the heart of the city.
Where: Main Street Garden Park, 1902 Main St., Dallas
When: Saturday-Sunday, September 12-13; festival programming continues throughout both days
Cost: Free…but register to attend
FC Dallas vs. Portland Timbers
FC Dallas continues its return to Toyota Stadium with a Saturday night match against the Portland Timbers. The game is also Kick Childhood Cancer Night, with gold-ribbon giveaways, special jersey numbers designed by a Children’s Health oncology patient and fundraising activities benefiting Children’s Health.
Where: Toyota Stadium, Frisco
When: Saturday, September 12 at 7:30 p.m.
Cost: $52 and up
FWSO: Opening Weekend — Beethoven’s Fifth
The Fort Worth Symphony opens its new season with one of classical music’s most recognizable works. Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony anchors three opening-weekend concerts at Bass Performance Hall.
Where: Bass Performance Hall, Fort Worth
When: Friday-Saturday, September 11-12 at 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, September 13 at 2 p.m.
Cost: About $30 and up
Comic books, movies, sci-fi, anime, gaming and cosplay take over the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center for one of the region’s largest pop-culture gatherings. Celebrity guests announced for the weekend include Nicolas Cage, Mel Gibson, Elijah Wood, Karl Urban, Kiefer Sutherland, Charlie Sheen and Emilio Estevez, along with a 25th-anniversary “Lord of the Rings” reunion featuring members of the Fellowship’s hobbit cast.
Where: Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center, Dallas
When: Friday, September 11 from 4-9 p.m.; Saturday, September 12 from 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sunday, September 13 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Cost: $38 Friday; $68 Saturday; $58 Sunday. Multi-day and family passes are also available
Faith on Fire with Matthew West
Award-winning Christian singer-songwriter Matthew West headlines Arlington’s second annual community praise and worship night. The free event also includes children’s activities and performances from local worship leaders before West takes the stage.
Where: Levitt Pavilion Arlington, 100 W. Abram St., Arlington
When: Saturday, September 12; children’s activities begin at 5 p.m., music begins at 6:40 p.m., Matthew West performs at 8:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
Fort Worth Museum of Science and History: Forces at Play
A sports-science exhibition lets visitors explore what gravity, friction, momentum and engineering have to do with what happens on fields, courts and arenas. Hands-on activities show how athletes and equipment designers use physics to make sports faster, safer and more effective. The exhibition continues through February 28, 2027.
Where: Fort Worth Museum of Science and History, 1600 Gendy St., Fort Worth
When: Thursday-Sunday, September 10-13; exhibition continues through February 28, 2027
Cost: Included with regular museum admission
Georgia O’Keeffe and the Carter
The Amon Carter Museum explores Georgia O’Keeffe’s connections to Texas through paintings, drawings, photographs, letters and archival material. O’Keeffe spent time teaching in West Texas before becoming one of the most recognizable figures in American modernism, and the exhibition examines how those early experiences influenced her approach to landscape, color and form.
Where: Amon Carter Museum of American Art, 3501 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth
When: Exhibition continues through September 2027
Cost: Free
Upright Theatre Co. reaches the final weekend of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Tony Award-winning musical about a close-knit community in New York’s Washington Heights. The Latin- and hip-hop-influenced score includes “96,000,” “When You’re Home” and the title song. The production closes Sunday.
Where: Upright Theatre Co., 2501 N. Main St., Suite 210, Euless
When: Final performances Friday-Sunday, September 11-13; production closes September 13
Cost: $24 adults; $22 seniors, students, military members and first responders, plus a $2 booking fee
More than 90 Ferraris, Lamborghinis, Alfa Romeos, Maseratis and other classic and modern Italian vehicles gather at Nash Farm. The Italian Car Club of North Texas and Grapevine host what organizers call the largest premier Italian automobile show in the Southwest.
Where: Nash Farm, 626 Ball St., Grapevine
When: Saturday, September 12 from 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
McKinney Cotton Mill fills its atrium with local artisans selling jewelry, bread, candles, chocolate, fiber art, plants, photography, ceramics, woodcraft and other handmade goods. The September market also includes the “Texas Trailblazing Women” gallery exhibition.
Where: McKinney Cotton Mill, McKinney
When: Saturday, September 12 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Cost: Free
Mötley Crüe with Tesla and Extreme
Three veteran rock bands share the stage at Dos Equis Pavilion. Mötley Crüe headlines, with Tesla and Extreme joining the bill for a night that reaches across several decades of hard rock and arena anthems.
Where: Dos Equis Pavilion, Dallas
When: Thursday, September 10 at 6:30 p.m.
Cost: $50 and up for face value (some resale tickets may be cheaper)
Nasher Sculpture Center: Roy Lichtenstein: Drawing in Process
Take a closer look at one of pop art's biggest names through an exhibition that explores Roy Lichtenstein's creative process. Sketches, studies and finished works reveal how the iconic artist transformed simple ideas into bold, instantly recognizable pieces.
Where: Nasher Sculpture Center, Dallas
When: Daily through October 24
Cost: $18 adults; seniors $15; students $10; free for members and children 12 & under
Omni PGA Frisco turns Saturday into a pink-themed wine tasting with 10 different rosés. Guests can choose a wine-only ticket or add a personal charcuterie box to the experience. Participants must be 21 and older.
Where: Omni PGA Frisco, 3255 PGA Parkway, Frisco
When: Saturday, September 12 from 5 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Cost: $59 - $73
The Drunk Shakespeare Society puts an unpredictable spin on Shakespeare’s tragic romance. One member of the five-actor cast takes five shots before the performance begins, leaving the ensemble to navigate the classic story through improvisation, audience interaction and plenty of unexpected detours. The show is for guests 21 and older.
Where: Deep Ellum Art Co., 3200 Commerce St., Dallas
When: Thursday-Sunday, September 3-6, with additional Wednesday-Sunday performances through September 20; showtimes vary
Cost: $34 and up
Samantha Fish: Paper Doll Live World Tour
Blues-rock guitarist and singer Samantha Fish brings her “Paper Doll Live” tour to Oak Cliff. The Grammy-nominated performer is known for an explosive live guitar style that pulls from blues, rock and roots music, with Cody Dickinson joining as the special guest.
Where: The Kessler, 1230 W. Davis St., Dallas
When: Saturday, September 12 at 8 p.m.; doors at 7 p.m.
Cost: $55
Shaboozey: Outlaws Never Die Tour
Shaboozey brings the tour behind his country crossover success to Dallas. The singer behind “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” combines country, hip-hop, folk and Americana influences, with Brittney Spencer joining him as the special guest.
Where: South Side Ballroom, 1135 Botham Jean Blvd., Dallas
When: Saturday, September 12 at 8 p.m.
Cost: $47 and up
Six Flags Over Texas: Fright Fest
Halloween arrives early in Arlington as Fright Fest begins its 2026 run. Select nights feature haunted attractions, scare zones, creepy live entertainment and nighttime thrills throughout the park. Fright Fest continues through November 1. Six Flags also begins its daytime fall programming this weekend. Oktoberfest brings German-inspired food, beer, music and games to the park, while Tricks and Treats provides the more family-friendly side of Halloween on Saturdays and Sundays through November 1.
Where: Six Flags Over Texas, 2201 E. Road to Six Flags St., Arlington
When: Begins Friday, September 11; select nights through November 1
Cost: $45 online; park-and-haunted-maze bundles start at $69
The Perot Museum explores the science, technology and culture behind the world’s most popular sport through a 10,000-square-foot interactive exhibition. Visitors can enter through a stadium-style tunnel, test their skills through hands-on challenges and examine how engineering, physics, equipment design and data influence the modern game.
Where: Perot Museum of Nature and Science, 2201 N. Field St., Dallas
When: Daily through January 4, 2027
Cost: $39 total for adults and $27 total for children ages 2-12, including museum admission and the exhibition ticket
Cowtown Coliseum combines rodeo competition with Mexican equestrian and cultural traditions for a new Sunday showcase. The program includes bull riding, charros, escaramuza, folklórico dance, mariachi and live regional music, with an evening concert following the rodeo. The series returns for another date November 15.
Where: Cowtown Coliseum, 121 E. Exchange Ave., Fort Worth
When: Sunday, September 13 at 1:30 and 7:30 p.m.; returns November 15
Cost: $26 and up
The historic Longhorn Ballroom celebrates Texas and Western swing with a loaded afternoon and evening of music. Asleep at the Wheel headlines alongside Ben Haggard, Summer Dean, Bob Wills’ Texas Playboys led by Jason Roberts, The Waymores, Mallory Eagle and Nicky Diamonds, plus two-stepping, vendors, food and games.
Where: Longhorn Ballroom, 216 Corinth St., Dallas
When: Saturday, September 12 at 4 p.m.; doors open at 3 p.m.
Cost: $39 and up
Broadway Dallas brings a new touring production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s beloved musical to Fair Park. The story of Maria and the von Trapp family includes “My Favorite Things,” “Do-Re-Mi,” “Edelweiss” and the title song. The Dallas engagement continues through September 20.
Where: Music Hall at Fair Park, Dallas
When: Thursday-Friday, September 10-11 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, September 12 at 1:30 and 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, September 13 at 1 and 7 p.m.; runs through September 20
Cost: Current resale tickets are about $47 and up, depending on performance
Tim McGraw: Pawn Shop Guitar Tour
Tim McGraw brings his latest tour to Dallas with 49 Winchester and Timothy Wayne. McGraw’s catalog stretches across more than three decades of country hits, from “Live Like You Were Dying” and “Something Like That” to “Humble and Kind.”
Where: Dos Equis Pavilion, Dallas
When: Friday, September 11 at 7 p.m.
Cost: $55 and up
Fort Worth’s multicultural literary festival returns with authors, books, panel discussions and community activities during National Literacy Month. The event also incorporates its Run-to-Read and Lit Crawl concepts as organizers try to make the written word a little more active than sitting quietly in a library.
Where: Trinity Park Pavilion No. 1, 2401 University Dr., Fort Worth
When: Saturday, September 12 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Cost: Free
North Texas’ newest theme park is now open. Designed specifically for families with younger children, the Frisco resort includes seven lands featuring Shrek, SpongeBob SquarePants, the Minions, Trolls, Jurassic World, Puss in Boots and Gabby’s Dollhouse.
When: Open daily
Where: Universal Kids Resort, Frisco
Cost: One day admission - $54.99 and up / Two day - $73.99 and up
Usher & Chris Brown: The R&B Tour
Two of R&B’s biggest stars take over AT&T Stadium not once, not twice, but three times during the weekend. Usher and Chris Brown bring their joint stadium tour to Arlington Thursday, Saturday and Sunday nights.
Where: AT&T Stadium, Arlington
When: Thursday, September 10; Saturday, September 12; and Sunday, September 13 at 7 p.m.
Cost: $50 and up
Dallas marks Mexican Independence with the city’s fourth annual official celebration at City Hall Plaza. The evening includes the official “Grito” ceremony and procession along with a broader community celebration of Mexican culture.
Where: Dallas City Hall Plaza, Dallas
When: Saturday, September 12 from 5-9 p.m.
Cost: Free - register here
Walt Disney Studios and World War II Exhibition
The Walt Disney Studios and World War II explores how the famous animation studio shifted into wartime service after the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. The exhibition features more than 500 artifacts, film clips, and historical materials showing how Disney artists created training films, public information shorts, and military insignia while also producing artwork used in wartime campaigns at home. It also highlights the role Walt Disney and his staff played in supporting the Allied effort, using familiar characters and animation to inform the public, boost troop morale, and promote initiatives like rationing, recycling, and war bond drives.
When: March 13 - September 10
Where: Dallas Holocaust and Human Right Museum, Dallas
Cost: $12 and up (free for students)
Zeds Dead: Journey of a Lifetime Tour
Canadian electronic duo Zeds Dead brings its bass-heavy live show to Dos Equis Pavilion for the venue’s third major concert in three nights. Daily Bread joins the Saturday show.
Where: Dos Equis Pavilion, Dallas
When: Saturday, September 12 at 6:55 p.m.
Cost: $28 and up
