Autumn means a lot of things to North Texans. Whether you’re most excited for lion dances, sugar skulls or Bavarian beers, the next three months are packed with events that celebrate our diverse — and fun-loving — community. Here are some of our favorite upcoming fall festivals ranging from wholesome family affairs to audacious outings for adults. For even more festivals coming up, click here for a full list of events. 

September

GrapeFest — A Texas Wine Experience

GrapeFest has been splashing samples of reds, whites and rosés longer than many of its attendees have been legally allowed to drink. The four-day fête includes a People’s Choice Wine Tasting Classic, live entertainment on multiple stages, dining, shopping and more. Those eager for hands-on (or “feet-on”) action can compete in a Champagne cork shoot-off, a steak cook-off and GrapeStomp events. But the fun isn’t exclusive to adults: There will be a midway with games and rides, a petting zoo and interactive games for children. Sept. 12-15. grapevinetexasusa.com.

Addison Oktoberfest

North Texas will soon bubble over with celebrations featuring beers, brats and music from Munich, but this four-day Oktoberfest is one of the area’s original re-creations of the German harvest festival. Fun includes authentic food, midway games and carnival rides, traditional polka moves on a massive dance floor and dachshund races. Compete in a bier belly contest, barrel rolling, stein carrying and other silly feats of Bavarian strength. Sept. 19-22. addisonoktoberfest.com.

Mid-Autumn Festival

Also known as the Moon Festival and celebrated by many Asian cultures around the world, the Mid-Autumn Fest is sometimes compared to Thanksgiving in the U.S. due to its “spirit of gratitude and abundant food.” Here in D-FW, the three-night festival takes place in the spacious parking lot of Asia Times Square, a marketplace and food court in Grand Prairie. Fun includes live music, games, lion dances, a lantern parade, multicultural performances and free gifts for children. Sept. 13-15. facebook.com/asiatimessquaretexas.

Plano Balloon Festival

In a flash of billowing flame, hot air balloons will lift off and fill the skies with a patchwork of vivid colors. But that’s just part of the overhead spectacle: You’ll also see acrobatic skydivers and a custom fireworks display over Plano’s Oak Point Park. Other fun includes carnival food, entertainment on dual stages and children’s and toddlers’ zones with inflatables, crafts, face painting and more. Sept. 20-22. planoballoonfest.org.

See the full list on Dallas News