Fall at the Arboretum has been named one of the best fall festivals in the United States

The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden Autumn in the Arboretum was named one of the best fall festivals in the United States by US News and World Report.

Photo by Danny Fulgencio/Advocate Magazine

US News recently compiled a list of the 19 top fall events across the country, including seasonal heavyweights like Oktoberfest Zinnzinnati and the Albuquerque International Balloon Festival.

Fall at the Arboretum is the only Texas event included on the list, along with San Antonio's Day of the Dead celebration. Among the festivals highlighted, Autumn at the Arboretum was praised for “Autumn in the Arboretum”:The addition of 100,000 locally grown pumpkins and pumpkins creates one of the best fall attractions in the country.”

The pumpkins, squashes and zucchini — which come from West Texas pumpkin hotspot Floydada — are used to create a seasonal landscape of patches, mazes and buildings for the annual festival.

The Pumpkin Village, a collection of pumpkin-built structures that has become an annual fixture of the celebration, has returned with a brand new theme. Called “Texas Town,” the hamlet with its pumpkin buildings is designed to give visitors a glimpse of the life of the Lone Star pioneers.

There is also a maze for those who want to test their wits and of course a pumpkin, squash and gourd garden. There is a guided hike through the pumpkin patch every Thursday at 10 a.m

While pumpkins may be the star of the show, pumpkins also get the spotlight. On Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., visitors can visit the pumpkin patch and watch artists create pumpkin ornaments and artwork that will be available for purchase. There will be a pumpkin show and pumpkin sale and vendor market at A Tasteful Place on Friday, November 1st.

This year, Pumpkin Village will open to the public for nightly celebrations for the first time, with the debut of Pumpkin and Beer Nights. On October 6th, 15th, 20th and 25th, guests can explore the area with local craft beers and wine from 6pm to 9pm. Tickets for non-member adults are available for $22.

In addition to the squash, the Arboretum's gardens are teeming with 150,000 fall-blooming plants this season.

Autumn at the Arboretum lasts until November 3rd. Entry is included in general garden admission.