This fall, there are tons of fun events, festivals, and happenings occurring around Plano. Whether you want to get creative at a paint and sip night, huddle close at one of the city’s haunted houses, or explore the farmer’s market together, you’re sure to have lots of fun exploring Plano with your special someone this autumn. We’ve put together a list of fun date ideas to do around town, so you can enjoy the season to its fullest with your partner.
Attend a Haunted House
Couple by Wyatt Fisher is licensed with CC BY-SA 2.0
As we head into autumn, there are lots of spooky activities to take part in around town. If you and your date are feeling especially brave, you can visit the Dark Hour Haunted House in Plano. Huddle close as you pass creepy special effects, terrifying actors, and frightful scenes sure to spook even the most fearless attendees. This year, the haunted house is larger than ever before, so there’s plenty to thrill and excite you and your date as you navigate the frightful halls of the house.
The haunted house opens for the Halloween season on Saturday, Sept. 17, and runs through Halloween. Hours vary daily, so check their website to look up details and get your tickets.
Get Creative at a Paint and Sip Night
For those wanting a more creative evening, consider attending one of Pipe and Pallet’s fun events and painting courses. They host a Wednesday sip and paint night called Wine Down Wednesday Painting. Paint a canvas or tea towel with the studio’s rotating artists. Dates can also enjoy a trip to a private splatter paint room for less structured fun or even just visit the studio on their own to get creative.
The Wednesday events occur every two weeks and can sell out fast, so be sure to reserve your seat in advance. They have wine nights all fall, on Sept. 14, Sept. 28, Oct. 12, Oct. 26, Nov. 9, and Nov. 23.
Browse Local Vendor Offerings at the Farmers’ Market
The Red Tent Farmers’ Market also runs on weekends through autumn. You can explore artisan tents and local farmer goods on Saturday and Sunday at two locations in Plano. Browse homegrown and handmade products with your data and enjoy a day strolling between tents. On Saturdays, you can find the event at The Shops at Willow Bend from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.; on Sunday, you can find the market at The Granite Park Boardwalk Local Market from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Visit the Plano Balloon Festival
You can witness the 41st annual Plano Balloon Festival this autumn with your date. This fun event features many tents, vendors, and attractions, including balloon launches. Come to see the beautiful hot-air balloons in their majestic journeys above Plano. You can even take your date up into one of the festival’s tethered balloons. Consider participating in the Plano Balloon Run for a more active couple’s adventure. They have a half marathon, a 5K run or walk, and a 1K fun run.
There’s plenty more to explore at the Balloon Festival if running isn’t for you. Attend the event on Thursday to see the Plano Symphony Orchestra perform or on Saturday to see the Moving Colors band. The event runs from Thursday, Sept. 22, through Sunday, Sept. 25. Its hours are 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday, 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday, 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, and 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday. Be sure to get tickets online before you go.
Hike Around Arbor Hills
Escape the crowds and enjoy a scenic hike with your date at Arbor Hills Nature Preserve. This 200-acre park has lots for couples to explore. See wildlife, learn about the park’s preservation efforts, and view the many points of interest throughout the park. There are many trails to explore and even pavilions and tables for those wanting a quiet picnic to enjoy the season’s changes.
The nature preserve is open 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday through Tuesday, 2 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Wednesday and 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. Thursday through Saturday.
Go See a Live Music Event
Watching live music is a great way to stir up the romance and appreciate being out and about this fall in Plano. There are many fun concerts and events coming through town, including great acts from tribute bands like Chris Stapleton, Eagles, and Elton John tribute bands. Another fun way to experience live music is to attend one of the Jazz Under the Stars events taking place in Haggard Park. There are two events occurring this fall, one on Thursday, Sept. 15, and the other on Thursday, Oct. 20.
Enjoy a fall evening with your date on the park’s lawn enjoying local music. You can bring lawn chairs, a picnic blanket, drinks, and snacks to share. The free event is a great way to enjoy one another’s a company this fall.
Catch an Indie Film at Angelika Film Center
If you’re looking for an indoor activity to share with your date, consider browsing the various showings at Angelika Film Center. The center’s diverse film offerings will give you and your date lots to talk about, and you can celebrate some of the smaller motion pictures available to see. Angelika is celebrating fall by hosting Hitchcock-tober, where they’ll play Alfred Hitchcock films through October. If you’re not a horror fan of Hitchcock movies, there are many other film showings available to watch.
Enjoy food and drink at the theater. They have all the classic concessions, with a few elevated offerings like wine, cocktails, and beer available. Skip the lines by purchasing your tickets online in advance.
We hope you enjoyed some of these fun date ideas to do around Plano. With so many exciting autumn events, there are lots of opportunities for you and your special someone to get out and explore Plano together this fall. Whatever your interests, Plano has something for just about everyone. Have a great local date idea of your own? Be sure to let us know. We’d love to add your ideas to our list and help other couples make the most of this autumn season.