2023 Fall Festivals & Events in Plano, Texas

Updated: 9/18/23

Dust off your boots and plaid jackets and start brewing your pumpkin spice lattes, because fall is finally here! There are so many amazing events happening all over Plano this fall. From hot air balloon and wine festivals to shopping and live music, there is something for everyone all season long. Here’s a list of 20+ events to add to your fall calendar.

Events in Plano this Fall

H-E-B | Central Market Plano Balloon Festival

Returning this September, the H-E-B | Central Market Plano Balloon Festival will once again fill the field at Oak Point Park & Nature Preserve. Join the Plano community, also known as the official Hot Air Balloon Capital of Texas, as we host the largest balloon festival in the Lone Star State September 21-24 with all types of balloon activities, launches, and glows, plus fireworks, live music, food, and more.  

Oktoberfeast at Legacy Hall

On September 30, come feast on thisOktoberfest-themed event at Legacy Hall packed with live music, German brats, and Sam Adams Octoberfest beer. Throw on your lederhosen and join the crowd for German-themed competitions and games! Not to be missed – the Stein Holding Competition is back with even higher stakes. This is a qualifying venue for the US Steinholding Competition! Compete for a chance to go to the State Championship at Altstadt Brewery in Fredericksburg, TX, on Saturday October 21st, 2023. This event is FREE to attend, which is another Wiesn to party! However, we encourage you to snag a VIP ticket to get your Prost on! 

North Texas Pride Festival

The North Texas Pride Festival on September 30 at the Art Centre of Plano is an annual family friendly fundraising event designed to bring the community together.  Festival activities include sponsor/vendor booths, kid zone, entertainment, DJ, dancing, give-a-ways, food trucks, beverages for all ages, VIP Room and more. Kids 12 & under get free admission when accompanied by an adult; $10 donation for all others.

Fall Plano Train Show

Mark your calendars and get your engines ready for the Fall Plano Train Show on September 30 – October 1 at Plano Event Center. Get ready for a weekend of model trains, displays, and excitement for the whole family. Enjoy over 18 layouts on display, train vendors, and more.

Happy Hour Hike

October 5 and November 2 plan to be at Legacy West for the fabulous Happy Hour Hike events. At this monthly sip-and-shop event, guests enjoy a variety of beverages, small bites from fabulous Legacy West restaurants, high-end shopping, and live music.

Plano International Festival

On October 14, join Plano for the 19th annual celebration of multicultural fun in downtown Plano’s Haggard Park. Tour the world and improve your wellness at the FREE Plano International Festival. The area’s largest cultural event has food, fun and entertainment for the whole family. Enjoy multicultural music and dance performances, ethnic food trucks, cultural displays, an art exhibit and more. Kids can explore STEAM activities, plus travel the booths with a Festival Passport.

Beatles Night

All you need is love and Plano’s annual Beatles Night, returning on the evening of October 14! It’s a great way to sing along to Rock and Roll classics and celebrate John Lennon’s birthday (October 9). Fan-favorite Beatles tribute band Hard Night’s Day will take the stage at Red Tail Pavilion, with opening act Revolution 9. Gates open at 6 p.m.; the show starts at 7 p.m. and ends at 10:30 p.m. Come together with your own chairs, blankets, coolers and beverages. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Please leave pets at home.

Hollydays Market

Get your holiday shopping done this fall at Hollydays Market at Plano Event Center October 19-21. With more than 130 merchants to shop with, you’re sure to find lots of new, unique, and one-of-a-kind gifts all in one place. Shop for the newest clothing trends, handmade crafts, jewelry, one-of-a-kind gifts, seasonal finds, home décor, and so much more.

Art & Wine Walk in Downtown Plano

Join downtown merchants for a free Hocus Pocus themed sip and shop event in the Downtown Plano Arts District on October 19. Art will be displayed along the wine walk route! Though this is a free event, please reserve your tickets so merchants can be better prepared. Click the link below for a list of participating locations.

Third Monday Trade Days

Southfork Ranch, home to the fictional Ewing clan from the hit television series Dallas, has set the scene for Third Monday Trade Days held each month. October’s three-day shopping extravaganza recurs the weekend of October 20-22, bringing together more than 200 vendors selling antiques, furniture, clothing, jewelry, home décor and accessories, food, beverages and more. Perfect for upcoming holiday shopping! November’s dates are November 24-26.

Plano Food & Wine Festival

Sip & savor at the Plano Food + Wine Festival on October 21 at Legacy West. The 6th annual event will feature a vast selection of award-winning wines and mouthwatering cuisine from 15 delicious restaurants.

Apparition Expedition

Take a peek into our city’s paranormal past with the Apparition Expedition, a walking tour through Downtown Plano’s haunted history. Our ghostly guides will lead you into historic homes and businesses where you will learn true tales of their haunted happenings.

Tours are one night only, Friday, October 27, and depart at 5pm and 8pm. Participants should wear comfortable walking shoes and dress for the weather. The tour involves about 2.5 hours of walking, some parts will be outdoors and up stairs. Not recommended for children under 10 years of age.

Rest in Plano Fest

Step through the gargoyle gates and be transported to a Downtown Plano you’ve never seen before…if you dare. Rest in Plano (R.I.P.) Fest, a free Halloween-themed festival, returns Saturday, October 28 from 5-10:30pm.

Explore eerie experiences along 15th Street including spectacularly spooky photo ops, creepy characters, thrilling performances, and live music on the McCall Plaza stage. Your favorite fall-festival foods will be available for purchase. And new this year – a giant blackout maze in Haggard Park parking Lot!

R.I.P. Fest offers frightful fun that guests of all ages can enjoy. We will have spooky sights all along 15th Street, but no gore or terrifying characters.

Plano Flags of Honor

An Expression of Gratitude. From November 4-11 at Oak Point Park & Nature Preserve, a field of over 1,000 3′ x 5′ American Flags will express our gratitude to our veterans and first responders. Each flag tells the story of heroes whose lives were devoted in service to others, many of whom made the ultimate sacrifice. On each flag hangs a dedication card that reflects the service given by the honoree. Each card tells the story of heroes whose lives were devoted in service to their fellow man. From the Civil War to the present, all are represented. Hear the haunting sound of TAPS at dusk and experience the reverence of walking the field at night when the flags seem to reach out and tell their own stories.

On Friday, November 3^rd from 6pm-8pm, experience the field on a tethered hot air balloon ride high above the flags. This unique opportunity is provided by Uplifting Adventures. Cost is $20 per person; weather permitting.

Barbie Truck Dreamhouse Living Tour

On November 4 come check out the new Barbie™️ Dreamhouse Living Tour at The Shops at Willow Bend with exclusive merchandise only availbale on the Barbie truck tour.

Diwali Mela – Dallas Festival of Lights

Diwali, known as the Festival of Lights, is the Indian celebration of good over evil, hope over hopelessness, and light over darkness. Join in on the fun at the Dallas Festival of Lights Diwali Mela at Southfork Ranch on November 5. Come celebrate at the largest grand diwali in North Texas with carnival rides, pony rides, dancing, Ram Leela Theatre performance, music, Indian culture, stage performances, Garba, arts & crafts, children’s activities, bounce houses, a Miss Diwali beauty contest, children’s Shloka contest, children’s Ram Leela dress up contest, and an incredible fireworks show.

Live Music at Legacy Hall this Fall

Find more information on events, dining, hotels, and attractions by browsing our website. A special Halloween blog post will be posting soon!