With the shadow of the Texas State Fair looming over North Texas, it may appear at first glance that events have slowed down in its wake. That is simply not the case. Plenty of towns are rolling out their Oktoberfests and food festivals and getting ready for a nice, chilly fall. I’m sure you’ll find something to do that doesn’t include the new Tex’s botoxed/tanned face staring down at you.
FRIDAY
If you have a falafel-shaped hole in your heart that hasn’t been filled, weep no more. This year’s Lebanese Food Festival will be kicking off this morning at 11 a.m. until 11 p.m. It runs ’til Saturday. It’ll be at Our Lady of Lebanon Maronite Catholic Church in Lewisville. Admission and parking are both free, but don’t wait too long or you’ll find yourself on a hike for precious falafel.
The Southlake Oktoberfest starts today at 5 p.m. at their town square. Prepare for a weekend of wiener dog races, bands like a Hard Night’s Day, Guns 4 Roses, and Denton favorite Brave Combo, as well as a ton of food from the old country. And, of course, the seasonal beverage of choice will make an appearance. Admission is free but entertainment is not, so head over sometime this weekend and buy some tickets.
SATURDAY
The Canned beer festival in Denton starts on Saturday. Canned is this year’s spinoff of Dallas’ popular Untapped festival, built specifically for the wonderfully quirky town of Denton and its beer lovers. It starts are 2 p.m. Tickets range from $17-$40 and include a concert featuring bands such as Menomena and Helio Sequence. It’s going to be fun, so don’t miss out.
At 9 a.m., the savory smell of barbecue smoke will rise from Rockwall’s Historic Square, as the Fifth Annual Rib Rub Run & Roll begins. After taking part in the (very optional) 5K marathon, you can enjoy wings, beer, and barbecue set to live music. There will also be a car show to check out if you like fancy fine vehicles.
The Arche October WineFest will be held at the Arche Winery from 2-5 p.m. It’s a celebration of their successful 2013 wine-growing season featuring wine, food, and live music. They’ll be serving pulled pork sliders for $5 a plate, but it is free to Club 228 members. Admission is free, so gather your loved ones for a tasty afternoon.
MusicArte de Fort Worth is a celebration of Latino culture where you’ll find lots of music, dancing, food, and drinks. It’ll be held at the Panther Island Pavilion from 12-11:30 p.m. Tickets are $5 but kids under 12 get in for free.
SUNDAY
The Sunday brunch in Grain at the Hilton Dallas starts at 11:00 a.m. You’ll find made-to-order omelettes, fresh fruit and salads, champagne, mimosas, coffee, and juice. Complimentary valet parking is also included. It’s $21.95 a person. Bring your precious, hungry family.
Jake Austin Medina is a D Magazine intern and a journalism major at the University of North Texas.
