Labor Day is a great opportunity to visit the Dallas–Fort Worth area, since this North Texas metropolis puts on plenty of events to celebrate the end-of-summer long weekend. Temperatures in early September can still be blisteringly hot in Texas, but at least Dallas is far away from the coast during this peak hurricane season.
With culinary events, firework shows, and barbeque festivals to keep you entertained during Labor Day, there’s plenty to do to keep busy in Dallas–Fort Worth. It’s also a busy weekend when travelers swell the city to take advantage of the waning days of hot weather, so be sure to finalize your travel plans and make hotel reservations early.
01 of 06
DFW Restaurant Week
One of the biggest culinary events in Texas, DFW Restaurant Week is dedicated to the best foods in Dallas–Forth Worth. Around 150 restaurants around the metro area participate by offering special prix-fixe menus, consisting of two courses during lunchtime or three courses at dinner. The prices range from $19 to $49, making these multi-course meals at the best restaurants in North Texas more accessible.
DFW Restaurant Week 2020 officially runs from August 31 to September 6, but several participating eateries choose to offer their menus through September. This year, you’ll have the option to dine in or order your meal for takeout. You can begin to make reservations starting August 4, 2020, so put your name in early to get a seat at your top choice.
02 of 06
Fireworks Over Lake Grapevine
The weekly fireworks show over Lake Grapevine, including the Labor Day weekend show, is canceled in 2020.
It’s the end of Summer Fireworks Festival. Enjoy a spectacular 12-minute Fireworks show at 9:30 p.m. Fireworks can be seen from any vantage point in Lake Grapevine park.
03 of 06
Bedford Blues & BBQ Festival
The Bedford Blues & BBQ Festival includes great blues from Kenny Wayne Sheppard, Tab Benoit, Kirby Kelley, and more. There are plenty of barbecue tastings and competitions to keep you full during the festival.
04 of 06
The Invasion Car Show
The Invasion Car Show is one of the hottest Labor Day events in Dallas. Bring the whole family to look at the pre-1964 hot rods, browse the vendors, and dance to live music on the outdoor stage. Best of all, it’s free. Located in the hip neighborhood of Deep Ellum—known for its music history and nightlife—be sure to explore around outside of the festival, too, for some of the area’s best restaurants, bars, and cafes.
05 of 06
Seasonal Water Parks, Spray Parks, and Public Pools
Texas summers are hot and, thankfully, Labor Day weekend is the final time to enjoy many of Dallas–Fort Worth waterparks before they close for the season. Six Flags Hurricane Harbor in Arlington, right between Dallas and Fort Worth, is one of the most popular with more than 20 waterslides to enjoy. Great Wolf Lodge is an indoor/outdoor water park, but you must be a guest at the resort to use the water park.
Dallas also offers nine different community pools and eight aquatic centers that are run by the local city government. However, as of August 2020, the municipal pools and aquatic centers are closed down until further notice.
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Nasher Sculpture Center
Nasher Sculpture Center in downtown Dallas
Raymond Boyd / Getty Images
The Nasher Sculpture Center is a beautiful art collection where you will find world-class works by Picasso, Rodin, and 300 other unique pieces. Located in the heart of downtown Dallas, it is a must-see visit for anyone with an interest in the arts. The museum closed for the summer in 2020 but opens again to the public beginning on August 20 and is open weekly from Thursday to Sunday. Tickets must be purchased and reserved online before arriving and you’ll be able to pick a timeslot to visit the museum to maintain fewer crowds.