Things to Do in Fort Worth in October
Happy fall, y'all! October is rolling in, and Fort Worth has lined up some seriously cool events for you to enjoy all month long. Whether you call Cowtown home or you're just swinging by for a visit, you're in for a treat. From family-friendly Halloween festivities to celebrating local arts and indulging in mouthwatering tacos, there's a lot to explore. So, if you're looking for some fun activities to add to your calendar, check out our list of things to do in October below. Whether you're looking for spooky fun, artistic inspiration, or just some darn good food, we've got you covered!
Boo at the Zoo
Explore the Fort Worth Zoo's Boo at the Zoo, an annual October extravaganza. This family-friendly Halloween festivity showcases trick-or-treating, a haunted house, and fun animal encounters. It's a great opportunity to revel in the Halloween spirit with the whole family.
Dates: October 27-29, 2023
Location: Fort Worth Zoo
Time: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Price: Zoo Admission
Website: https://www.fortworthzoo.org/boo-at-the-zoo
2023 Annual ArtsGoggle
Celebrating 20 years, ArtsGoggle by Trinity Metro is Fort Worth's premier local arts festival. This free event features 1,000+ visual artists, 50+ musical performances, food, and diverse artistic displays, all spotlighting local talents. With 60,000+ attendees, ArtsGoggle invites you to explore the revitalized Near Southside neighborhood on foot or by bike. Originally an indoor gallery night, it now stretches along Magnolia Avenue, boosting local businesses. This non-juried festival welcomes artists of all levels, while local musicians perform various genres, and collaborations with Fort Worth arts organizations enrich the experience, fostering community support for the arts.
Dates: October 21, 2023
Location: W. Magnolia Ave
Time: 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Price: FREE
Website: https://artsgoggle.org/
2nd Annual Cowtown Taco Throwdown
The Cowtown Taco Throwdown at River Ranch Stockyards is back for its Second Annual celebration of North Texas' best tacos. Join in for a family-friendly event filled with tasty discoveries! Plus, a portion of proceeds goes to the Brotherhood for the Fallen, a Texas-based nonprofit supporting the families of fallen officers. Your taco indulgence also serves a noble cause.
Dates: October 1, 2023
Location: River Ranch Stockyards
Time: 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Price: $15-$69
Website: Eventbrite
Friday on the Green
Friday on the Green takes place at Magnolia Green, situated between Lipscomb, Magnolia Ave., and Rosedale St., drawing numerous local families and visitors. This event offers top-notch live music, delicious fare from Near Southside eateries, and the laid-back ambiance of a community picnic. Families and friends arrive with blankets, chairs, and even pets to savor performances by four fantastic local bands, partake in kids' activities, and peruse an artisan market. While Friday on the Green has garnered regional attention, it retains its cozy neighborhood party vibe.
Dates: 10/13/2023
Location: Magnolia Green Park
Time: 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Price: FREE
Website: https://www.nearsouthsidefw.org/friday-on-the-green.html
30th Anniversary Cowtown Ball
The Cowtown Ball marks its 30th year in Fort Worth as one of Tarrant County's premier galas. Over this time, it has generated over $8 million in support of the American Cancer Society's vital work in the Fort Worth community, contributing to initiatives that promote wellness, provide treatment, seek cures, and combat cancer. This event calls on guests to don their finest cowboy chic attire for an evening filled with dining, dancing, and entertainment, all dedicated to advancing this noble cause.
Dates: 10/20/2023
Location: Fort Worth Zoo, The Reserve
Time: 6:30 PM to 11:00 PM
Price: starting at $350
Website: https://www.cowtownball.org/
Oktoberfest at Rusty Nickel Ice House
Get ready for a Texas-style Oktoberfest celebration! This event promises an afternoon and evening filled with cold beer, live music, giveaways, and more. You and your fellow beer enthusiasts can secure a table reservation for the entire duration of the event, which runs from 3pm to 10pm.
Dates: 10/7/2023
Location: 2836 Stanley Ave Fort Worth, TX 76110
Time: 3:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Price: Free, $180-$240 for table reservations
Website: Eventbrite
Mainstay Farms Fall Festival
This one isn’t technically in Fort Worth, but it’s still a must if you’re looking for a great fall experience! Travel 25 miles south to the biggest backyard in Texas for the Mainstay Farms Fall Festival! Gather your family for a day filled with photo opportunities, a Texas-sized pumpkin barn, a charming wine terrace, over 30 exciting attractions, and a plethora of activities for guests of all ages.
Dates: 9/23/23 - 11/4/23
Location: 1004 W. Bethesda Rd Cleburne, TX 76031
Time: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM (varies)
Price: Online: $25.95 - Gate: $30.95
Website: https://mainstayfarm.ticketspice.com/2023-fall-festival
