Canvas & Silk: Historic Fashion From Madrid’s Museo del Traje

Meadows Museum, SMU, 5900 Bishop Blvd., Dallas, 214-768-2516, meadowsmuseumdallas.org

“Canvas & Silk” pairs paintings from the often-overlooked Meadows with historic clothing and accessories from Spain’s major fashion museum. Some 40 works go hand-in-glove with the clothing of matadors, grand ladies and historical figures to tell the story of Spanish dressing trends over a period of 400 years. In addition to a complementary series of fashion-themed lectures, fashionistas may be interested in a concurrent exhibit of photos and prints from the Meadows and SMU’s DeGolyer Library collections. “Image & Identity: Mexican Fashion in the Modern Period” depicts indigenous costumes and traditional and ceremonial clothing worn by our neighbors to the south from the era of Mexican Independence to modern times Through Jan. 9, 2022 

Turner’s Modern World

Kimbell Art Museum, 3333 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth, 817-332-8451, kimbellart.org

Work by artist J.M.W. Turner, considered one of Britain’s finest painters, is the focus of the Kimbell’s new show in the Piano Pavilion. Turner, recognized as a prodigy early on, was a man of many interests, from politics to science. His paintings of rivers, ports and harbors depict early 19th-century Britain as seen through his eyes. He traveled to Holland and Belgium to see the battlefield of Waterloo and later visited Italy and France, with his travels resulting in diverse work. Organized by Tate Britain, the show features watercolors and oil paintings that show why he was considered a modern artist. Oct. 17-Feb. 6

Anila Quayyum Agha: A Beautiful Despair

Amon Carter Museum of American Art, 3501 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth, 817-738-1933,  cartermuseum.org

Fifteen pieces from Pakistani artist Anila Quayyum Agha, including two site-specific works, focus on light and loss from the pandemic and civil unrest in 2020. The lanternlike sculptures are most impressive, with the laser-cut patterns creating light and shadows throughout the exhibit space. The designs are influenced by Islamic art and architecture. Other paper art hanging on the wall incorporates wax, dyes and embroidery and begs for close examination. Oct. 14 The artist will be on hand for a gallery talk; a reception follows. Learn more on the website. Through Jan. 9, 2022

Second Thursdays

The Amon Carter Museum of American Art kicks off its Second Thursdays program, beginning Oct. 14. These conversations — yes, there will be cocktails, too — are meant to inspire, educate and entertain. Programming includes unique tours, artist talks, performances, hands-on art making, music and films, all connected to exhibits and collections at the Carter. You’ll hear from artist Anila Quayyum Agha at the kickoff event (read more about her exhibit on the previous page). On Jan. 13, you’ll explore the art of Sandy Rodriguez — and listen to some of the music that inspired her — that resulted from her self-isolation in Joshua Tree National Park in 2020. And you’ll get some botany basics about the desert plants found in the California park. Other programming in the new year includes an evening on the patio with your pooch for dog-friendly activities on the plaza. Go to cartermuseum.org for more information and a complete schedule.

First Fridays

The Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth resumes its salute to weekend fun with live music from the Modern’s house band, drinks and light bites in the museum’s lobby. Café Modern executive chef Jett Mora prepares a select sampling of appetizers for purchase; the cash bar features specialty drinks, wine and beer. Friday also means you can enjoy dinner in the cafe or catch a feature film from the Magnolia at the Modern series. Movies show at 4 and 8 p.m.; dinner is available from 5 to 8:30 p.m.; First Fridays run from 5 to 8 p.m. Go to themodern.org for more information.

Fort Worth Botanic Garden

3220 Botanic Garden Blvd., Fort Worth, 817-463-4160, brit.org

October events range from the annual plant sale to the Fridamania party, where you’re welcome to dress like the iconic artist to set a record for the most people dressed like Frida Kahlo in one place. Fort Worth Opera also stages a special outdoor performance of Frida Kahlo and the Bravest Girl in the World, a children’s opera based on the book by Laurence Anholt. And there are Day of the Dead activities at the end of the month.

Autumn at the Arboretum

Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden, 8525 Garland Road, 214-515-6615, dallasarboretum.org

Seeing more than 90,000 pumpkins, gourds and squash — all grown in Texas — never gets old at this annual fall event. New features this year include a Bugtopia! display with oversize insect topiaries, bugged-out pumpkin houses and a maze for the kids. Ticket info and more details are on the website.  Through Oct. 31

Pumpkin Days

Mainstay Farm Park, 1004 W. Bethesda Road, Cleburne, 817-295-6772, mainstayfarm.com

Fall is a big deal at Mainstay Farm, a former dairy farm that celebrates the season with family-friendly events such as hayrides, wood mazes, pumpkin patches, games and so much more, as well as food and drink (including adult beverages). Check the website for tickets and hours. Through Oct. 31

Cliburn Pop-Up Concerts

With the cooler weather, The Post at River East’s outdoor courtyard is the perfect location for this popular series featuring bright young musicians. Enjoy adult beverages under the stars — a nice change from a typical concert hall. Two shows available, 5 and 7:30 p.m. Oct. 2 Fei-Fei, 2013 Cliburn finalist Nov. 6 Charles Yang and Peter Dugan, violin-piano duo. 2925 Race St., Fort Worth, cliburn.org/pop-up-concerts

Parr Park Rock Art Trail

Creators Ron Olsen and Chris Penny, who both live near Grapevine’s Parr Park, have reached a new milestone with their labor of love. In September, the trail entered the Guinness World Records book for the largest number of painted rocks in a single area (24,459 to be exact). The mile-long trail has become an attraction for locals and visitors. There are rocks sent in from people as far away as Vietnam, but many are painted by locals. The project, begun during the pandemic, was a welcome distraction for those who walk, run or bike the shady trails. While rocks do go missing (nearly 5,000 disappeared early on), most park visitors respect the artwork. Olsen and Penny’s newest project is both inspiring and poignant. With the pandemic taking so many lives, they’ve created a yellow heart memorial section in a small clearing off the trail dedicated to those who have died of COVID-19. There’s room for about 6,000 rocks. Learn more, including the best place to park, at facebook.com/parrparkrockarttrail