October in Northeast DFW: Fall Festivals, Pumpkin Patches and Halloween Events Close to Home
What's happening in Sachse, Murphy and Wylie in October 2026? Murphy Maize Days is October 3, Sachse Fall-O-Ween is October 17, and Wylie's Boo on Ballard brings Halloween to downtown. Garland, Rowlett and Rockwall add their own festivals.
October is the best month to be outside in North Texas and the cities in our corner of the metroplex know it. You don't need to drive to Fair Park or downtown Dallas for a great fall weekend. Some of the best events are a few minutes from home.
Here's the October 2026 calendar for Sachse, Murphy, Wylie and the surrounding cities, in date order. Every event links to its official page, so check there for last-minute changes.
Saturday, October 3: Murphy Maize Days
Murphy Maize Days is a free, full-day celebration of "all things corn" at Central Park, 550 N. Murphy Road, from noon to 9:30 p.m. Expect live music, midway rides, agritourism activities, local vendors and festival food.
Saturday, October 3: Garland Fall Fest and Guzzler 0.5K
Fall Fest and the Garland Guzzler 0.5K take over the Downtown Garland Square starting at 6 p.m. This year's theme is the '70s, with live music, roller derby, costume contests and a craft beer tasting trail. The "race" is half a kilometer, so nobody needs to train.
Tuesday, October 6: National Night Out in Sachse
Sachse neighborhoods host block parties from 6 to 9 p.m., with activities at Heritage Park too, according to Sachse News. If you're new to the area, it's the easiest night of the year to meet the people on your street.
Saturday, October 17: Sachse Fall-O-Ween
Fall-O-Ween runs from 4 to 8 p.m. at Heritage Park, 4408 Hudson Drive, using the park's newly expanded space. The lineup includes a haunted maze, a cornhole tournament, a creepy carnival, a petting zoo, costume contests, live performances, a trick-or-treat market and a drone show. Admission is free.
Saturday, October 24: Rowlett Trunk or Treat
Downtown Rowlett's Trunk or Treat runs from 6 to 9 p.m. at 3809 Main Street, with decorated trunks, a live DJ and a costume contest.
Saturday, October 24: Scare on the Square in Rockwall
Downtown Rockwall hosts Scare on the Square from 2 to 5 p.m., with trick-or-treating, bounce houses and a hay maze, according to Independence Title's 2026 DFW Halloween events guide.
Late October: Boo on Ballard in downtown Wylie
Boo on Ballard turns historic downtown Wylie into a Halloween street festival, with trick-or-treating at local merchants, live music and carnival games around Olde City Park.
All month: Blase Family Farm in Rockwall
From September 19 through November 1, Blase Family Farm in Rockwall offers pumpkin picking, hayrides, a petting zoo and a hay maze.
Through October 18: State Fair of Texas
The State Fair of Texas is open and runs through Sunday, October 18, at Fair Park in Dallas. It's a longer drive but it's a North Texas tradition.
The takeaway
You can fill every weekend in October without leaving Northeast DFW. Pick one event in your own city and one in a neighboring city you've been curious about. Festivals are one of the best ways to get a feel for a community before you decide to live there.
FAQ
When is Murphy Maize Days 2026? Saturday, October 3, 2026, from noon to 9:30 p.m. at Central Park in Murphy. Admission is free.
When is Sachse Fall-O-Ween 2026? Saturday, October 17, 2026, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Heritage Park, 4408 Hudson Drive. Admission is free.
Where is Boo on Ballard? In historic downtown Wylie, along Ballard Avenue and around Olde City Park. Check the City of Wylie's event page for this year's date and time.
If you found this useful, read these next
- 7 Things Long-Time Sachse Residents Know (That Newcomers Usually Don't): more local history and context for Sachse.
- Why Murphy's Nearly 200 Acres of Parks Matter More Than You Think: the park system behind Maize Days.
Thinking about calling one of these cities home?
Festivals are a great test drive. If you're considering a move to Sachse, Murphy, Wylie, Rowlett or Rockwall, call or text Jeanie Marten Real Estate at 972-414-0719 or email [email protected], and we'll help you find the neighborhood that fits.
Sources: Murphy Maize Days · City of Sachse, Fall-O-Ween · Sachse News, fall events · Visit Garland, Fall Fest · Eventeny, Rowlett Trunk or Treat 2026 · Independence Title, Halloween Events 2026 DFW
