Sept. 26-29
Film festival expands to Plano
The inaugural North Texas Film Festival will feature more than 20 films and will include nightly red carpets, Q&As with filmmakers, live performances and a free media digitization program. Film categories include sports, date night, veteran, horror, and foreign films. The lineup features two short films that will be Texas and world premieres. The event will be held at Cinemark West Plano. Proceeds will benefit the Veterans Institute for Film and Media. 7-10 p.m. (Thu.), 7 p.m.-midnight (Fri.), noon-midnight (Sat.), 1-10 p.m. (Sun.). $10 (per screening). 3800 Dallas Parkway, Plano. 469-261-6702. www.ntxff.com





Sept. 27-Oct.20
Worth the trip: State Fair of Texas
The State Fair of Texas 2019 theme is “Celebrating Texas Creativity.” The fair’s musical headliners include Billy Ray Cyrus and Rick Springfield. Offerings include an area for children ages 0-12; fried foods; Midway rides and games; livestock and agriculture education; and creative arts contests and exhibitions. Times vary by day. $16.50 (one-day, online general admission), $18 (gate price), $14 (ages 4-12, 60+). 3921 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Dallas. 214-565-9931. www.bigtex.com





Oct. 5
Fiesta with Havana NRG!
Havana NRG! will play a free concert for the National Hispanic Fiesta at Legacy Hall. The Latin orchestra is celebrating 16 years of performing. Churros, street tacos and margaritas will be available at the event. Registration does not guarantee access or seating. 9-11:30 p.m. Free (with registration).  7800 Windrose Ave., Plano. 972-846-4255. www.legacyfoodhall.com





Oct. 12
Plano Train show celebrates five years
The Fall Plano Train Show will welcome novices and seasoned engineers to their fifth annual show at the Plano Event Center. The event will have club layouts, how-to clinics and vendors with trains. A number of home layouts will be on tour. Over 25 clubs are members of the event. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. $10 (individual), free (children under 12). 2000 E. Spring Creek Parkway, Plano. www.dfwtrainshows.com





Oct. 12
Cultures gather in Plano for the 15th year
Over 100 cultures are gathering for the Plano International Festival at Haggard Park. It will be the festival’s 15th year. The event will include multicultural music and dance performances, ethnic food trucks and cultural displays. There will also be STEAM children’s activities, a flag parade and an outdoor naturalization ceremony. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. 901 E. 15th St., Plano. www.planointernationalfestival.org





Oct. 19
Sustainable gardens get a second look
The Waterwise Landscape Tour is a self-guided tour through five featured yards around Plano and a demonstration garden at the Environmental Education Center, which serves as the tour headquarters. There will be a few local experts at the Education Center to answer questions. The tour will display yards with landscapes that are sustainable in the summer heat. The event map and other resources are available online. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Free. 4116 W. Plano Parkway, Plano. 972-769-4216. https://livegreeninplano.obsres.com