The temps are finally dipping below 95°F, and a cool breeze blows through every morning, which can only mean one thing—it’s officially fall in Texas! Time to ditch the summer vibes and dive straight into all the cozy autumn activities and spooky season fun. If you’re new here, I’m Ashley and this is my Newcomer’s Guide where I share my recommendations for things to do, see, and eat in Denison. This city really turns up the cozy charm in fall, and I’m so excited to share a few of the things I’m most looking forward to this season!
Fall Festival – October 4
Denison kicks the season off in a big way with the First United Bank 38th Annual Fall Festival, presented by Sparklight. Every year, this festival, hosted by the Denison Chamber of Commerce, brings tens of thousands of people to Denison’s historic downtown. Vendors line Main Street bringing it to life with family-friendly activities, unique merchandise, tasty treats, and live performances. Welcome the season with all the fall vibes and see why Denison’s downtown was recently awarded the Great American Main Street Award!
Elves Pumpkin Patch – Saturdays/Sundays in October
Head to Elves Christmas Tree Farm and Pumpkin Patch for all the traditional fall festivities you know and love. Think hay rides, a maze, and a pumpkin patch with over 100,000 pounds of specialty pumpkins and gourds. After you’ve picked the perfect pumpkin, check out the onsite market for some cozy fall décor and don’t forget to say hi to the animals at their farm zoo!
Eisenhower 135th Birthday Celebration – October 11
Save the date for Dwight D. Eisenhower’s 135th birthday celebration! The day will begin with a sunrise brick dedication ceremony at Eisenhower Veterans Monument to honor those that have served in the US military. Following the ceremony, the birthday celebration continues at Eisenhower Birthplace State Historic Site with tours of the home Eisenhower was born in, fun crafts and activities, historical exhibits, and live performances. Of course it wouldn’t be a birthday celebration without a birthday cake, so stop in for a slice, and celebrate the life and legacy of former President and Five Star General Dwight D. Eisenhower.
Zombie Crawl and Boo-tique Sale – October 25
Join Downtown Denison, Inc. for the annual Zombie Crawl and Boo-tique Sale in Historic Downtown Denison! Dress up in your favorite Halloween costume and enjoy an evening filled with fun, shopping, and plenty of drinks. Stroll through downtown and discover great fall fashion finds, with special deals and discounts at participating shops and boutiques. You can also check out the local bar scene, where participating bars will be offering exclusive drink specials. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the season with friends, shop local, and enjoy a festive night out!
Fall on the Frontier – October 25
Spend the evening at Frontier Village and Museum for a night of history, community, and spooky fun at Fall on the Frontier. Step back in time and explore some of the oldest homes in Grayson County. Enjoy some good old-fashioned fun with carnival games, a fall baking contest, trick-or-treating, and more! And for the full spooky season experience, stick around for ghost stories and cozy up to the campfire.
Monsters on Main – October 31
This family-friendly event makes for a perfect Halloween celebration. Enjoy the festive Halloween decorations while downtown businesses and local community groups pass out candy to trick-or-treaters. Before running home to divvy up the treats, head over to Forest Park for a costume contest open to participants of all ages. Show off your best spooky, unique, or whimsical Halloween costume creations. This is sure to be a fun filled night for the entire family!
Dia de los Muertos – November 1
The Denison Arts Council will be hosting a festival in celebration of the traditional Mexican holiday Dia de Los Muertos. This year’s celebration will take place in Forest Park with live performances, artisan vendors, and delicious food. This event is a fun and educational experience that highlights the holiday’s culture and heritage. Downtown businesses will also participate in the festivities with vibrant decorations and artistic displays to honor the cultural traditions.
Clearly, Denison knows how to do fall right! Whether you’re in the mood for a lively festival, a little spooky fun, or just enjoying the crisp air and cozy vibes, there’s something for everyone this season. Make sure to mark your calendars, bring the whole family, and make this fall one to remember! I hope you get out there and experience all the fall magic Denison has to offer. See you around town, and happy autumn!
– Ashley
For more upcoming events, view our Events Page, follow us on Instagram/Facebook, or sign up for our newsletter. Check out our Digital Visitors Guide or our previous Blogs for more Denison recommendations.
