‘Texas Chainsaw Massacre’ Screenings, World Series Watch Parties, and Día de Muertos Celebrations

There’s always something going down in the Big D. A look at the city’s offerings might leave you dizzy: record shops, vintage shops, museums, bar arcades, nerdy bookstores, restaurants, bars, brunches, sports aplenty, and a thriving music and arts scene.

Dallas, when you seek it out, has wonderful natural landscapes, too. Hiking, running paths, swimming—there’s a little something for everyone. And if you want to get out of town, there are plenty of beautiful places to explore.

With the sheer selection of fun things to do in Dallas, we’re here to help guide you on your weekend adventures. This weekend guide will steer you in an always-fun direction, be it dancing to live music or cozying up for a film fest. Check back here each week for something new to explore (and subscribe to our newsletter for recommendations and the week’s top stories).

October 27 & 28, 8:03 pm
Globe Life Field & various locations
Tickets to one of the actual Texas Rangers games at Globe Life Field may be hard to come by, but if you don’t score a seat, you have plenty of other options. Catch the game on Fox 4 if you want to host a watch party of your own. Or join fellow fans at a variety of places around town, many with discounts on food and drink during the game shown on giant screens or multiple TVs, depending on the venue. Texas Live! in Arlington has a party closest to the action, while Scout in downtown Dallas, Barrel & Bones in Dallas, Carrollton, and The Colony, Luckys in Oak Lawn, and the PGA District in Frisco will each be showcasing the matchup against Arizona.

October 28 & 29
Plaza Theatre, Garland, $10-$60 (all-access pass)
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974) scares its way to the top of the list of famous (and not-so-well-known) movies made in the Lone Star State for this debut film festival. Catch one or all 11 films on the big screen, including a special presentation of the Mocky Horror Picture Show comedy group making fun of The Giant Gila Monster (1959) live as the movie schlocks its way from the projector booth to screen.

October 28, 10 am–5 pm
Carpenter Park
Humans shouldn’t have all the fun at Halloween, so dress up your pooches for a massive event dedicated to the furry, four-legged friends among us. Enjoy photo fantasies coming to life in the PAWground, food and drinks for dogs and their people at the K9 Lounge, peticures and pawssages at the SPAW, and an agility course among several activations that ensure your pups will sleep well Saturday night.

October 27, 10 pm
Komodo Lounge, $40 (individual GA)-$3,000 (VIP for 8 people)
Komodo treats us to the first-ever Halloweekend at the Dallas location with a night of music courtesy of Norwegian DJ and record producer, Matoma. Guests may wear costumes (in fact, it’s encouraged) while sipping on creepy and kooky cocktails and food.

October 28, 10 pm–2 am
The Village Country Club, $10-$15
Whether you’re dressing spooky, sexy, or something in between, grab your best costume and head to The Village Country Club for a night of specialty drinks, photo ops, dancing, and live DJs.

October 28, 9 pm-2 am
Punch Bowl Social, Free with RSVP
DJ Angel sets the scary scene with spell-binding dance beats as you bounce around between photo ops throughout the Haunted Wonderland. A costume contest, a special Halloween Punch, and wickedly fun games round out the many options at this no-cover event.

October 28, 9 pm
Virgin Hotels Dallas, $50–$1,500
Get your tickets now for this sure-to-sell-out Halloween event starring Shangela from RuPaul’s Drag Race and HBO’s We’re Here. Dress in costume and dance to the beats of DJ Manrelic all night. Recover the next morning with a special hangover brunch at Commons Club if you want to turn the night into a staycation.

October 29, 11 am–3 pm
Electric Shuffle, $40 (non-boozy)-$55 (boozy)
Local drag queens sashay around the space while you play shuffleboard and drink prosecco with your friends this Sunday. A costume contest, giveaways, and family-style brunch await while a DJ keeps the beats going between drag numbers.

October 31, 6:30 pm
Bourbon & Banter at The Statler, $100
Get your tickets now for a nostalgic murder mystery party at The Statler’s intimate underground speakeasy. Dress the part, enjoy a three-course dinner (cocktails available for purchase), and prepare to play detective instead of trick-or-treating.

October 28, 5 pm
Historic Downtown Plano, Free
Walk (or run like Scooby-Doo and the gang) through the creepy gargoyle gates as you enter a Halloween festival along 15th Street with creepy characters at every turn, chilling performances, and live music on the McCall Plaza Stage. Purchase food and drinks before or after you enter the giant blackout maze in this spooky-but-not-scary event for the whole family.

October 31, 4–7 pm
Main Street Garden Park, Free
Gather the kiddos for a fun night of trick-or-treating through the streets of downtown where a variety of candy and other goodies await at two dozen businesses (a map will be provided). An artisan market and live entertainment will keep the adults entertained, too.

October 27–November 5
Hughes Family Tribute Center, Free
The 9th annual celebration of the Day of the Dead returns to North Dallas for several days of mariachi music, Mayan dance, local vendors and artists, Folklorico dancers, kids’ games and activities, as well as numerous themed craft options.

October 28, 2–10 pm
Dallas City Hall, Free
The plaza outside Dallas City Hall transforms into a massive party, complete with artisan vendors, food, drinks, and a 7 pm parade. It’ll surely get you in the mood for a last-minute road trip to San Antonio for their citywide celebrations.

October 31, 7:30 pm
Meyerson Symphony Center, $37-$83
The Dallas Symphony Orchestra presents a visually stunning and wildly colorful Day of the Dead concert with several classical works, as well as favorites from the movie, Coco. Decorated ofrendas (altars) and a full array of family-friendly fun accompany the music.

November 2, 6 pm
Toro Toro Fort Worth, $120
Indulge in a Día de los Muertos–inspired three-course dinner with cocktail pairings, along with welcome cocktails passed by “the dead,” a live musical performance by Patricia Vonne, and a live fire torch demo with chef Jonathan Esparza.

October 28, 8:30 pm
Revelers Hall, $10
The Big Ass Brass Band performs with the promise to "hold nothing back and will leave no booty unshaken.” Put their claim to the test for a Halloween-themed night of second line, funk, hip-hop, and jazz with a gift card going to the person with the best costume.

October 28, 6:30
Longhorn Ballroom, $36-$68
Lovers of indie folk and rock have plenty to enjoy as The Mountain Goats from Oklahoma are joined by special guest Anna Tivel in the iconic Longhorn Ballroom for an all-ages show.

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