October is probably my favorite month of the year. It seems strange to me that autumn solstice is in September, because to me, fall doesn’t officially arrive until October 1st. Maybe it’s because I’ve lived most of my life in Texas, where it’s blazing hot in September. There is not the slightest hint of fall in the air. But come October, things begin to change. The temperatures drop, and fall color starts to bloom. October is also the month for Halloween, and that means pumpkins. If I had to pick one thing that represents fall for me, I’d pick the color orange. Like a pumpkin, it’s fat and happy.
Culturally, and socially, there are so many great things going on in Dallas this month, you can’t help but find something you’ll enjoy. I’ve put together a short list of the main attractions. I sincerely hope some visitors to the area can make it out for some of these events. Come see the real Dallas, not the television version. Dallas has grown up – it’s no longer the land of big hair, cowboy boots, and oil wells.
courtesy of State Fair of Texas
The State Fair of Texas. The saying is, “everything is bigger in Texas.” Big Tex, a cultural icon and mascot for the state fair, certainly captures that spirit. There’s a vintage car show, pig races, pumpkin painting, celebrity chefs, and of course, fried food competitions and more, all at the Great State Fair of Texas.
One of the new and exclusive exhibits at the fair this year, is the Chinese Lantern Festival. This is the first time for this cultural exhibit in the American Southwest. I can not wait to see this exhibit. These are not tiny hanging lanterns, but huge works of art, lit from within. For more information see chineselanternsfestival.org.
William Neal photography
More big news in Dallas, The Klyde Warren Park will officially open on October 27, 2012. This is probably one of the biggest happenings in Dallas, this year. Klyde Warren Park, is an urban green space built on top of a freeway. Only in Dallas. If you know of a park elsewhere, built on top of a freeway, let me know. Here’s more information about the park from the website.
Klyde Warren Park will serve as a central gathering space for Dallas and its visitors to enjoy in the heart of the city. The 5.2-acre deck park, designed by the Office of James Burnett, will create an urban green space over the existing Woodall Rodgers Freeway between Pearl and St. Paul Streets in Downtown Dallas. The highly programmed park will include a performance pavilion, restaurant, shaded walking paths, a dog park, a children’s park, great lawn, water features, and an area for games and much more. To volunteer or make a donation, please visit KlydeWarrenPark.org or call 214-716-4500
Chihuly Glass at the Dallas Arboretum. You have a few more weeks to enjoy this exhibition. I like to go in the evening when the beautiful lighting makes the glass even more magical. In October, Chihuly nights are Monday through Thursday.
dallasarboretum.org/chihuly/
courtesy Norbert Gerl
courtesy Norbert Gerl
Also at the Dallas Arboretum in October, the Pumpkin Village and Storybook Houses for the kids. Outdoor concerts continue on Thursday nights, Saturdays and Sundays. October is a happening month, at the Arboretum.
Dallas Museum of Art late nights, The Crow Museum of Asian Art, and Late Nights at the Nasher continue on October 19th. Stay late, and walk from one museum to the next. Admission to the DMA is ten dollars or free for members. And don’t miss the food trucks.
Join us as we continue our celebration of Art in October with our Late Night Block Party. Explore the new exhibition Posters of Paris: Toulouse-Lautrec and His Contemporaries and be transported to Paris during the late 1800s with music, performances, talks, tours, and family activities. The Crow Collection of Asian Art and Nasher Sculpture Center will also be open until midnight.
dallasmuseumofart.org
thenashersculpturecenter.org
Crow Collection After Dark: Art in October
Friday, October 19 | 6PM – Midnight | Free
Presented in Partnership with the Dallas Arts District
Stay up late in the Dallas Arts District to celebrate Art in October and the Dallas Arts District. Enjoy Asian performances, tours of the exhibition On the Silk Road and the High Seas: Chinese Ceramics, Culture and Commerce, sweet treats and delicious desserts from area food trucks, complimentary Asian beer and an evening completed with karaoke.
©pennysadler 2012 All Rights Reserved.
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