August 10, 2026— Planning a fall outing at EpicCentral in Grand Prairie? Here’s what’s happening this season — Texas Monthly BBQ Family Reunion, Shef Food + Wine Festival, and Flight of the Monarch — with dates, logistics, and tips for every type of visitor.
Fall is the ideal time to explore EpicCentral. The heat relents, the event calendar fills back up, and the district’s outdoor spaces become genuinely pleasant to spend time in. For the 2026 fall season, EpicCentral is home to three signature events that represent the range of what the district does well.
Texas Monthly BBQ Fest: BBQ Homecoming— September 19
The Texas Monthly BBQ Fest: BBQ Homecoming at EpicCentral’s GrandLawn is a ticketed evening event running from 6:00 to 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, September 19. The event brings together some of Texas’ most celebrated barbecue joints for a one-night gathering on the GrandLawn — with proceeds benefiting Feeding Texas and the state’s network of food banks.
Texas Monthly’s barbecue editor Daniel Vaughn is on-site for the event, which adds a layer of culinary caché that distinguishes this from a typical outdoor food festival. Food vendors are invitation-only, meaning the joints in attendance represent a curated cross-section of Texas barbecue, not an open call. Tickets are available on the Festival’s website, with children 5 and under admitted free and discounted tickets for ages 6–12. The event is ADA accessible, and free on-site parking is available at several lots around EpicCentral as shown on the map here.
Planning tips: This is a rain-or-shine event, so dress appropriately for a September evening in North Texas. Because food vendors are invite-only and the event runs three and a half hours, arriving at or near the 6:30 p.m. start time is advisable — lines for individual pitmasters can build as the evening progresses. No pets other than service animals are permitted.
Make sure you’re following us on Instagram for real-time updates, including announcements about the food, music, and more lineup details. And don’t forget to mark yourself as “Going” to the event on Facebook.
Shef Food + Wine Festival — October 9–11
The 3rd Annual Shef Food + Wine Festival runs October 9–11 at EpicCentral, and is organized by James Beard–nominated chef Tiffany Derry and her T2D Concepts hospitality group. The festival lives up to its name — the “She” in Shef is deliberate, with programming that centers women in the food, wine, and spirits industry through tastings, panel discussions, and culinary demonstrations.
The three-day format spans multiple EpicCentral venues, including a Sno Social at The Landing, a restaurant takeover at Tiffany Derry’s Radici Wood Fired Grill, Epic Rec hosting a pickleball tournament, and a lineup of nationally and internationally known chefs, distillers, and winemakers, all coming together over one weekend to transform the Texas culinary scene.
General admission and VIP ticket tiers are available. VIP access includes additional programming, and industry professionals are especially welcome. Whether you’re joining us for one signature event or immersing yourself in the entire weekend, Shef Food + Wine is an unforgettable celebration of food, beverage, community, and connection. The most coveted experiences sell out every year. Secure your Black Diamond Experience or Ultimate Shef Weekend today to be among the first to experience everything SHEF Food + Wine has to offer.
For visitors planning to extend the festival weekend, the full EpicCentral dining lineup is accessible adjacent to festival programming: Radici Wood Fired Grill, The Finch American Grill, Vidorra Modern Mexican, Serious Eats, and The Landing are all within walking distance of event venues.
Flight of the Monarch — October 17
The Flight of the Monarch is a free annual celebration of the monarch butterfly migration held on the GrandLawn at EpicCentral. The event is one of EpicCentral’s most family-friendly highlights of the year, featuring live butterfly releases, Ballet Folklorico performances, live music, storytelling, food vendors, and artisan vendors. There’s no admission fee, and the format is relaxed enough for all ages, including toddlers. It has drawn thousands of attendees in past years and serves as a genuine celebration of the natural spectacle that passes through North Texas each fall.
Planning tips: Arrive before noon to secure a good position for the first butterfly release. The GrandLawn is a large open space, but the butterfly release moments draw a crowd. Strollers are welcome. Parking is free at EpicCentral’s main lots shown on this page.
What’s Open Year-Round During Fall Events
One of EpicCentral’s advantages over standalone event venues is that the surrounding entertainment complex operates independently of seasonal programming. Epic Waters Indoor Waterpark, Bolder Adventure Park, Andretti Indoor Karting & Games, Topgolf, and the full dining lineup remain available during event weekends, making it realistic to arrive for a daytime activity and stay through an evening event.
The free nightly Illuvia water and light show runs throughout the fall season, providing an ambient backdrop that requires no ticket and or planning — just show up at the lakefront after dark. The Jambox Music Stage offers free live performances on a regular schedule, and the PlayGrand Adventures playground is open to families at no charge.
Accommodations
Traveling in for our fall festivals? Stay right on campus at EpicCentral, with the 147-room Homewood Suites by Hilton or the 129-room Hilton Garden Inn, both just steps from all the action. Both properties offer easy access to the festival grounds, so you can skip the drive and dive straight into the fun. Book your stay today.
Getting There
EpicCentral is located at 2961 State Hwy 161, Grand Prairie, TX 75052, directly off Highway 161 just north of I-20. From Dallas, the drive is about 15 minutes; from Fort Worth, about 20. Parking is free and plentiful across multiple lots, with event-specific signage on busy weekends. Rideshare drop-off is designated near the main plaza entrance.