Explore
DFW has something for everyone. Here are our favorite picks to help you make the most of your trip.
Happening Wedding Weekend
State Fair of Texas at Fair Park
The 2026 State Fair runs September 25 to October 18, so Big Tex is in town the same weekend as our wedding. If you're flying in early or staying a few extra days, it's a bucket-list Texas experience: fried food competitions, live music, carnival rides, and the iconic auto show.
bigtex.com: Plan Your VisitTip: Take the DART Green Line to Fair Park Station. Parking gets wild on weekends.
Arts & Culture
- Dallas Arts District
Free museums, sculpture garden, and world-class performances, all within a few walkable blocks.
- Dallas Museum of Art
Free general admission. One of the largest art museums in the US.
- Nasher Sculpture Center
Stunning indoor/outdoor sculpture garden. Closed Monday and Tuesday.
- Perot Museum of Nature and Science
Hands-on science museum, great for families and the curious alike.
- The Sixth Floor Museum
The JFK museum at Dealey Plaza. Timed entry, book ahead.
Food & Neighborhoods
- Deep Ellum
Live music, murals, legendary BBQ. Hit Terry Black's or Pecan Lodge for brisket.
- Bishop Arts District
Oak Cliff's walkable boutique-and-brunch neighborhood. Great for a relaxed afternoon.
- Klyde Warren Park
The beloved deck park connecting Uptown to downtown. Food trucks and open lawn daily 6 AM to 11 PM.
- Legacy Hall
Massive food hall in Plano with dozens of choices, bars, and live programming. Great for groups.
- Katy Trail Ice House
Enormous patio beer garden right off the Katy Trail in Uptown. Pet-friendly.
Day Trips Worth the Drive
- Fort Worth Stockyards
Free twice-daily longhorn cattle drive at 11:30 AM & 4:00 PM. Pure Texas. Pair with Sundance Square for dinner.
- Fort Worth Museum Triangle
Kimbell (free permanent collection), Modern Art Museum, and Amon Carter Museum, all walkable in the Cultural District.
- Meow Wolf Grapevine
Immersive walk-through art world. Adults and kids both love it. Book tickets ahead for weekends.
- Dallas Arboretum
Gorgeous botanical gardens on White Rock Lake. Pairs perfectly with a walk on the lake trail next door.
McKinney Local Guide
~38 miles from the venue · Recommended hotel hub
- Historic Downtown McKinney
Charming walkable square with 120+ shops, restaurants, and a free trolley Thursday through Saturday.
- Adriatica Village
Croatian-inspired waterfront village with dining and scenic architecture. Great for dinner photos.
- Heard Natural Science Museum
289-acre wildlife sanctuary and nature trails. Open Tuesday to Saturday, free parking.
- Chestnut Square Farmers Market
Saturday mornings, 8 to 12, April through December. Regional producers and a lovely square setting.
Visiting from out of town? The Visit Dallas and Visit McKinney tourism sites have full event calendars and more local tips.