“Stars, Stripes and County Fair Nights” has been named the theme for the 2026 Fannin County Fair Parade, scheduled for October 5! Embracing our nation’s 250th birthday celebration, the county fair parade conjures up memories of yesteryear and all things small town America.

Fall is prime season for one of gardening’s most common crimes: improper tree planting. You’ve probably seen it. A beautiful new tree planted in a perfect circle of mulch piled high against the trunk like a chocolate lava cake. It may look tidy, but that “volcano mulch” is actually harming the tree. photo courtesy of DCMGA member Donna Hull

Recognized as Favorite Faery/Fantasy Festival at the 21st Annual Renaissance Festival Awards, as voted on by Renaissance festival fans nationwide, Scarborough's Hollow returns this fall with its biggest and most immersive season yet. The expanded fall fantasy festival transforms Scarborough Faire’s 16th century village into an enchanted world of fantasy, folklore and unforgettable autumn adventure. photos by Southwest Festivals LLC

Anime fans across North Texas will have a unique opportunity to meet Emi Lo, the English voice actress from the hit anime series The Apothecary Diaries, when she appears as the featured anime guest at the 2026 Otsukimi Japanese Moon Viewing Festival on Saturday, September 26, at Haggard Park in Plano.

Harry Peyton Steger graduated from Bonham High School and then attended the University of Texas in 1897 at the age of fifteen years, where he majored in literature and classical languages, was editor of the Cactus yearbook, and graduated Phi Beta Kappa. As a Rhodes Scholar, he attended Oxford University beginning in 1905. Steger became the literary editor of O. Henry (Sidney Porter) and was the administrator of O’Henry’s estate when the short story writer died, editing the last volume of O. Henry stories.

Celebrate fall in Historic Downtown McKinney during one of Texas' most beloved festivals. McKinney Oktoberfest, presented by Tomes Auto Group, brings Bavarian tradition to life with live music, cultural performances, interactive games, authentic flavors, and family-friendly fun all weekend long. photo by Allen Rich