6 Things to Do in Denton County This Weekend | October 2–4, 2026
Looking for something to do around Denton County this weekend?
I did the digging so you don’t have to.
October is officially here, which means the Denton County calendar is getting busy. This weekend has a little bit of everything: one of Aubrey’s biggest annual festivals, outdoor movies, pumpkin patches, local markets and a couple of community events worth checking out.
Here are 6 things to do in Denton County this weekend, October 2–4, 2026.
1. 40th Annual Aubrey Peanut Festival
Where: Historic Downtown Aubrey
When: Saturday, October 3
Festival: Begins around 9 AM
Parade: 10 AM
Admission: Free
If you only pick one thing from this list, I’d probably make it the Aubrey Peanut Festival.
This year marks the festival’s 40th anniversary, and Historic Downtown Aubrey will be packed with more than 200 vendors, food trucks, live music, a petting zoo, pony rides, bounce houses, face painting and plenty for the kids.
There’s also a cake walk at 1 PM and one of my favorite oddly specific local traditions: the Peanut Spitting Contest at 2 PM.
Yes, that is exactly what it sounds like.
The festival celebrates Aubrey’s agricultural history and the peanut crop that once played an important role in the local economy.
Why go: It’s free, there’s a ton for families to do, and it’s one of those events that actually feels specific to where we live.
My pick of the week.
2. Movies in the Park: The Addams Family
Where: Quakertown Park, 321 E. McKinney St., Denton
When: Friday, October 2
Pre-show activities: 6 PM
Movie: 7 PM
Admission: Free
October starts appropriately in Denton with an outdoor showing of The Addams Family.
Denton’s Movies in the Park series takes place on the lawn outside the Quakertown Civic Center. Bring blankets or lawn chairs and settle in for the movie after the pre-show activities.
There will also be lawn games, trivia, food trucks and refreshments available before the movie starts.
Why go: Free outdoor movie, food trucks and October weather. Friday night handled.
3. 2nd Annual Pumpkin Festival at Shiloh Field
Where: Shiloh Field Community Garden, Denton
When: Saturday, October 3
Time: 3–7 PM
If you want some fall without committing your entire Saturday to a giant pumpkin patch, this is a good one.
Shiloh Field Community Garden is hosting its 2nd Annual Pumpkin Festival, where families can pick out a pumpkin to take home, hop on a hayride and enjoy live music.
Shiloh Field is already a pretty interesting Denton destination on its own, so this feels like one of the more uniquely local fall events happening this weekend.
Donations collected during the event will benefit the Denton-Lake Cities Rotary Club’s PolioPlus program.
Why go: Pumpkin to take home, hayride and live music. This might be the sleeper pick of the weekend.
4. Cobbins Family Pumpkin Patch
Where: 1926 Milam Rd. E., Sanger
When: Saturday + Sunday
Time: 10 AM–7 PM
We’re officially into pumpkin-patch season.
Cobbins Family Pumpkin Patch is just north of Denton in Sanger and has become a solid option for families who want the full fall experience without having to drive across DFW.
Admission includes access to the pumpkin patch, Toddler Village, a baby soft-play area, playground, hay maze, bounce houses, lawn games, sand pit, construction pit, arts and crafts, sensory play stations and plenty of fall photo spots.
This weekend is also Teacher Appreciation Weekend at Cobbins.
Regular admission is $15 for adults and ages 13+, $12 for kids ages 3–12, and free for ages 2 and under. Children ages 3–12 also receive a mini pumpkin while supplies last.
Why go: If your kids have started asking when you’re finally going to a pumpkin patch, here’s your answer.
5. Denton Community Market
Where: Denton County Historical Park, 317 W. Mulberry St., Denton
When: Saturday, October 3
Time: 9 AM–1 PM
Admission: Free
For a slower Saturday morning, head to the Denton Community Market.
You’ll find local farmers, makers, artists, prepared food, food trucks and live music, all just a few blocks from the Denton Square.
This is one of those activities I’d combine with something else. Grab some coffee, walk through the market and then head over to the Square for breakfast or lunch.
Why go: Local vendors, food and an easy Saturday morning in Downtown Denton.
6. Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration
Where: MLK Jr. Recreation Center, 1300 Wilson St., Denton
When: Saturday, October 3
Time: 10 AM–Noon
Admission: Free
The City of Denton is celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month Saturday morning at the MLK Jr. Recreation Center.
The event includes a community market featuring handmade goods and local food, student performances, live music, art displays and community resources.
There will also be a food drive supporting Rivera Elementary School’s pantry.
It’s an all-ages community event and another good option if you’re looking for something local that goes beyond the usual festival or pumpkin patch.
Why go: Food, music, art and a chance to celebrate some of the people and cultures that make up the Denton community.
My Pick This Weekend
I’m going with the Aubrey Peanut Festival.
It’s hard to argue with free admission, 200+ vendors, a parade, live music, pony rides, a petting zoo and a contest dedicated entirely to seeing who can spit a peanut the farthest.
Cobbins is probably my pick if your main objective is to fully embrace fall with the kids.
And if you want something easy Friday night, grab some chairs and head to Quakertown Park for The Addams Family.
Looking for More Things to Do in Denton County?
I put together a new Denton County Weekend List every week featuring family activities, festivals, markets, local events and other things actually worth leaving the house for.
Save this page, follow along on Instagram, or check back next week for another list.
And if you’re considering moving to Denton County, I also put together a Denton County Relocation Guide↗ covering the communities, schools, neighborhoods and everyday things that are helpful to know before deciding where to live.
Living in Denton County is kind of my thing.
