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7 Amazing Fall Events and Winter Activities in Garland, Texas
Fall in North Texas doesn't announce itself the way it does in New England or the Rockies—it sneaks up on you. One week, you're blasting the AC in an attempt to survive September, then before you know it, you're sitting outside in a light jacket wondering why you ever eat indoors. Makiung the most of that mild weather, Garland runs a fall and winter calendar stacked with food trails, craft beverages, cultural festivals, and a recently revitalized Downtown Square that gives it all a beautiful centerpiece. A warm bowl of pho on a cool evening, pop-up markets to do your holiday shopping, and an annual vintage car show makes Garland the right place to do fall, y'all.
Stroll (and Eat Your Way) Through Downtown Garland Square
Downtown Garland Square is the city's cultural and commercial center, and fall is when it really hits its stride. Walkable, mural-lined, and anchored by the legendary Plaza Theatre, the Square has the kind of energy that makes you want to park the car and stay on foot. Local shops, chef-driven restaurants, and colorful boutiques line the streets. Bring home vintage clothing, handcrafted goods, new age gemstones, and enough antiques to furnish a house twice over. Or share—it's up to you.
Sitting pretty over the corner of Main and Fifth is The Big Hat, a cowboy hat fitted for a giant that celebrates Garland's decades-long run producing millions of hats for famous brands like Resistol and Stetson. At night, it glows like a lighthouse, serving as a North Star for locals and visitors alike.
The food scene downtown deserves its own afternoon. Not many people know it, but Garland is home to the 14th largest Vietnamese population in the U.S., and it shows on every block. The Pho Real Trail covers more than 20 family-owned restaurants serving regional variations on the cuisine's signature dishes. Elsewhere, the Tamale Trail and GarlandRita Trail round things out with Latin flavors and margaritas, respectively. Download the Visit Garland Texas app, check in at five or more Pho Real spots, and earn yourself some prizes! A warm bowl of pho on a cool fall evening is about as good as it gets.
Shop for Eclectic Gifts at the Open-Air Urban Market
From small-batch culinary products to upcycled vintage clothing, downtown Garland’s Urban Market features a variety of local foods and finds. This festive pop-up market is held on the second Saturday of every month from February to December. Spend the day perusing dozens of tents where vendors and makers sell vintage, repurposed, handcrafted, and homemade items.
Garland’s pleasant fall weather makes it possible to spend the day browsing for hand-baked goods, preserves made with local produce, jewelry, metalwork, woodwork, soaps, candles, clothing, collectibles, antiques, and other items to doozy up the home or wardrobe. Spoil yourself with something new or find stocking stuffers and holiday gifts for friends and family at this welcoming outdoor bazaar.
Celebrate the Day of the Dead in Downtown Garland
Día de los Muertos transforms Downtown Garland Square into one of the most visually striking events on the fall calendar. Handmade altars, live music, vendor booths, and art installations turn the entire block into an immersive, multi-colored experience. Of the many activites at the festival, the highlight just might be the Catrina contest, where participants show up in elaborate traditional attire and makeup inspired by La Catrina, a female skeleton central to the Mexican tradition. The event is part competition, part spectacle, and entirely worth showing up for. It's a truly surreal experience that can't be fully appreciated until you find yourself in the middle of it.
Brave the Garland Guzzler 0.5K at Fall Fest
There are many out there who love running a good race. They love the struggle, working through the pain, and the intense feeling of satisfaction that comes from crossing the finish line. For everyone else, there's the Garland Guzzler 0.5K. At last, a race for those of us whose who haven't broken a sweat since P.E. class. If you've ever wanted the thrill of crossing a finish line without any of that pesky training, this is your moment to shine.
While the Guzzler is the big draw of Fall Fest, the family-friendly event also has plenty of live entertainment, themed activities for the kiddos, interactive experiences, and all the food you'd hope to find at a fall festival. If you're planning your weekend getaway right now, it wouldn't be a bad idea to plan it around Fall Fest.
Support a Great Cause with a Vintage Car Show
Who doesn’t love the look of a shiny vintage automobile? This is Texas, after all, where vast landscapes beckoned those who love the open road. This tradition is celebrated in Garland’s Wheels of Hope vintage car show, a Downtown Garland Square event held every year in October.
The vintage car event benefits Hope Clinic, a free healthcare provider to low-income individuals and families.
Corvettes, Mustangs, Trucks, Camaros, Firebirds, and vintage cars from the 50's through the 90's line the streets at the family-friendly gathering, where car buffs take in magnificent craftsmanship while also enjoying live music and tasty Texas eats.
Kick-off the Holidays at Christmas on the Square
The holiday season officially starts in Garland with Christmas on the Square, back in its home on Downtown Garland Square. The lighting of the city's Christmas tree kicks things off, followed by photos with Santa, kids' crafts and activities, live entertainment, and—if past years are any indication—real reindeer! They'll have their eyes peeled for any naughty behavior, so the kids better be good!
The Square's shops and restaurants make it easy to knock out some holiday shopping and grab a bite without ever moving your car. Getting in the holiday spirit have never been so easy.
Sip Suds at Garland’s Local Craft Brewpubs
Garland offers some of DFW’s best craft beer, so get ready to choose a tap! Conveniently located in historic downtown Garland, Intrinsic Smokehouse and Brewery, was the city’s first brewpub, serving house-made beer, soda, and barbecue. Sample low-and-slow smoked brisket, pork and ribs, and all sorts of artisan pub grub. Sip one of several craft beers on site or bring your growler for a beer to-go. Intrinsic’s warm and hip décor and mural-adorned beer garden make it perfect for a fall evening.
At Lakewood Brewing Company, experience signature artisan brews and a beer-inspired menu with dishes like Bavarian pretzels with pub cheese and prosciutto flatbread pizza with beer reduction. The brewery’s well-known Temptress Imperial Milk Stout is the #1 rated craft stout in Texas. Enjoy it in its original form or in Lakewood’s Seduction Series in flavors like French Toast, S’mores, and Salted Caramel. Learn more about this family-owned and operated brewery through a free Saturday or Sunday tour and be sure to bring home just-tapped beer in your own growler, crowler, or to-go can.
One of the newest additions to Garland's craft beer scene is Lockwood Distilling Co. on Downtown Garland Square. Here, you'll find Texas-made spirits and cocktails that give the beer guys some real competition. When your vacation is over and you find yourself with some reverse home sickness, wishing you were still at Lockwood, worry not! You can go on their website and have their drinks shipped right to your door!
From its amazing culinary scene to its festive seasonal events, Garland, Texas is a warm and wonderful destination to ring in the fall and winter.
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