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6 Reasons to Experience Autumn at Dallas Arboretum

For 14 consecutive years, Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden has showcased the vibrant hues of fall through its celebrated Autumn at the Arboretum display. With 150,000 blooming flowers and plants and 90,000 pumpkins, gourds, and squash spread across its 66‑acre grounds, the Arboretum remains the premier destination for fall festivities through October 31.

6 Reasons to Experience Autumn at Dallas Arboretum

1. Capture iconic moments with the Peanuts crew – The Arboretum’s Pumpkin Village, themed “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown,” invites visitors to pose beside giant piles of 24 pumpkin varieties, 3,000 ears of corn, 900 bales of hay, and recreations of scenes from the classic film. The set, assembled over 21 days, includes a Peanuts Gang School House, a Schroeder piano made of impatiens, Lucy’s Garden Advice Hut, and Snoopy’s Doghouse—all crafted entirely from pumpkins. It’s a photo‑ready backdrop that delights both adults and children.

2. Experience the inaugural Oktoberfest – From October 5‑6, the Arboretum hosts its first-ever Oktoberfest, free with Arboretum admission. Cafe on the Green offers a themed menu of bratwursts, carved pastrami sandwiches, and black forest cake, while complimentary beer samples and local vendor fare are available throughout the Main Garden. Live music from The Red Wine Band and the Reckless Angels, dance performances, and interactive games round out the weekend celebration.

3. Indulge in seasonal flavors from the garden – The 3.5‑acre A Tasteful Place showcases the Arboretum’s new food, herb, and vegetable garden. Throughout fall, visitors can enjoy three free daily tastings featuring in‑house produce. Mondays feature live cooking demonstrations by El Centro College students, and a garden‑to‑table dinner series is offered for a small fee during the week.

4. Participate in the weekly scavenger hunt – Trick‑and‑Treat Thursdays are a highlight for young explorers. Grab a map from the main ticket booth, complete the hunt, and return the map for a free “Charlie Brownie” from Terrace Cafe. It’s a fun way to discover every corner of the Arboretum.

5. Enjoy live performances – While the summer Cool Thursdays Concert Series graces the lawn, autumn brings new music to the Martin Rutchik Concert stage. Live musicians—including the Dallas Tap Dazzlers, The Gibbonses, and the Texas Boys Choir—perform every weekend. The rhythm of the season blends perfectly with pumpkin‑themed photo ops.

6. Celebrate family‑friendly events and a special birthday celebration – On October 26‑27, the Arboretum hosts Family Fun Weekend featuring trick‑or‑treating, face painting, pumpkin decorating, and a petting zoo, all in Halloween spirit. The classic film “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” is screened on October 27 at 7 p.m. On October 30, the Arboretum celebrates Charlie Brown’s birthday with ice cream, cake, and lawn games starting at 11 a.m.

Additional highlights include Columbus Day Weekend festivities, a meet‑and‑greet with exotic owls from Window to the Wild on October 20, and Wine Down Wednesdays with samples from Checkered Past Winery. The Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden continues its busy calendar of activities for young guests. Explore the full list of fall offerings and purchase tickets here.

6 Reasons to Experience Autumn at Dallas Arboretum
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