Downtown Dallas Brings Art Installations, Trick-Or-Treating, and More Festivities to the City This Fall

This article is part of a promoted series and not produced by the editorial staff.

Just take a stroll or drive down the corridors of Downtown Dallas and you might not recognize it from a year ago. It’s long been known as a must-visit destination with 180 restaurants and 70 places to shop — a restaurant and retail mecca. Not to mention more than 100 acres of green space and parks in which to frolic and be immersed in city vibes, while soaking up the beauty of nature. But this fall, the streets of Downtown Dallas will be filled with outdoor events all through the season. From movie nights to salsa dancing, there is something for everyone nearly every day this autumn.

Downtown Dallas has truly become a destination that can fill up a whole weekend. Besides fun things to do, rediscover your restaurant favorites like Zodiac Room at Neiman Marcus, the iconic Dakota’s Steakhouse, and the much anticipated Rodeo Bar at the Adolphus Hotel (reopening soon).

An added bonus? Downtown Dallas, Inc. gives away $100 in gift certificates to Downtown businesses every Friday. Head to their Instagram to find out more.

Here are the must-attend events in Downtown Dallas this season.

“Passage” Installation

Through November 3

This innovative art piece is new to Main Street Garden. “Passage” is an immersive, minimalist, contemplative and interactive artwork that explores the emotional connections developed with light and sound. The concept was inspired by the word passage itself. Twenty circles of light make up the exhibit and form a tunnel in which bystanders travel through. Also accompanied by a sound system, the passage through the tunnel activates light animations and sounds.

Movie Nights at Main Street Garden

Each Friday in October

Who doesn’t love an outdoor viewing of favorite movies underneath the October sky? From blockbusters to animated films to comedies, this family-friendly lineup of flicks will kick off the weekend. Guests are welcome to snag a spot on the lawn with a blanket and enjoy the show. For the full list of Friday flicks, visit here.  

The Market Mile

Friday, October 15

The perfect opportunity to explore and shop for the most unique treasures in an open-air environment, this five-park-wide celebration is curated by The Boho Market. Market-goers can stretch their legs as they discover new Market finds, while supporting DFW-based brands throughout Main Street Garden Park, Pegasus Plaza, West End Square, Pacific Plaza and Civic Garden. 

Beer Gardens

Each Wednesday in October

“Munich” Street Garden Pop-up Beer Garden will take over Main Street Garden every Wednesday this month. Although you’ll be in Downtown Dallas, the transformation will feel like you’re transported to Germany while enjoying a variety of beers outdoors. This takes happy hour to a new level, with the ultimate Downtown views. 

Salsa Lessons

Each Tuesday in October

Let’s Salsa! Is back by popular demand, where free salsa lessons are offered at Main Street Garden. The class is intended for beginners, teaching the basic salsa step, variations of the basic step, turns, shines and even partner work. Instructors encourage class-goers to show up wearing comfortable clothing and shoes.

Trick-or-Treat on Downtown Streets

Friday, October 29

The highly-anticipated return of trick-or-treating is here. Children are encouraged to don their Halloween costumes a few days early and enjoy collecting candy from all of the participating Downtown storefronts. The streets will be transformed this evening with mini monsters, goblins and ghouls. 

Dia De los Muertos Parade

Saturday, October 30

This parade and organization, founded by Hispanic community leaders and entrepreneurs, aims to preserve and honor the traditional Día de Los Muertos holiday. This parade is one of the ways the holiday is honored. Kicking off at 6 pm, the complete route can be found here.

AT&T Discovery District 

Visit the brand new district complete with a beer garden, food hall and a giant 104-inch screen perfect for watching all the Dallas Cowboys games. Pick from a variety of regular events and activations like DJ’s in the Globe, Saturday morning cartoons, and live music.

DEVOUR/Chefs for Farmers

New this year to Chefs for Farmers is DEVOUR – an elevated approach on your favorite picnic-style eats. Join us for a luxury feast featuring Dallas’ most indulgent sips and eats. Hosted at The Exchange at the new AT&T Discovery District, guests will get to explore this stunning new downtown destination as they enjoy equally stunning fare.

With food from more than 13 restaurants including local favorites like Eataly, Rise + Thyme, Monkey King Noodle, Ichi Ni San and more, get ready to DEVOUR delicious meals from some of best chefs in Dallas. Start the party with a cocktail from one of the many beverage stations provided by partners like Makers Mark, Ketel One Botanicals, Big Country and LaCroix Sparkling Water and dance the evening away to music from the live DJ. With wine from over six wineries, Sakes provided by SGWS, multiple beer stations, and exciting activations throughout the Exchange, DEVOUR is a boozy event you don’t want to miss.

For more information on Downtown Dallas’ events from now until the end of the year, visit its website.