September 18–20, 2026

The weekend is almost here, and there are some really fun things happening around North Texas!

This week's Worth the Drive has a little bit of everything — Dolly Parton fun right here in Corsicana, nationally ranked SMU volleyball, more than 1,000 classic trucks in Waxahachie, the official start of pumpkin season in Dallas, and live country music at Cedar Creek Lake.

So if you're wondering what to do this weekend, I did the digging for you.

Here are a few things I think are Worth the Drive. 🚗

📚 FOR THE KIDS: Dolly Parton Bash!

Westminster Presbyterian Church | Corsicana
Saturday, September 19 | 10 AM–1 PM

Okay, this may be my favorite find of the week.

Corsicana is celebrating Dolly Parton and the Dolly Parton Imagination Library with a morning especially for kids.

There will be a bounce house, face painting, crafts, food, frozen treats and a photo booth — and children are encouraged to come dressed as Dolly!

Grab a wig, add some bling, pull on the boots and let that inner Dolly shine. 😂 The event is geared toward children 10 and under.

Why it made my list: Any event that combines books, kids and a bunch of tiny Dolly Partons running around Corsicana has my attention. ❤️

🛻 WORTH THE DRIVE: C10s in the Park

Getzendaner Park | Waxahachie
Saturday, September 19 | Spectators FREE

Even if you're not a huge car person, this one is pretty impressive.

More than 1,200 classic GM trucks are expected at C10s in the Park, one of the largest C10 gatherings in the South. And it's free for spectators.

But don't head home when the truck show ends...

Make a day of it

Saturday evening, head over to historic downtown Waxahachie for Party on the Square from 5:30–10 PM.

Selected trucks will surround the Ellis County Courthouse, with live music adding to the Saturday-night atmosphere.

Why it made my list: This is exactly what Worth the Drive is supposed to be — something a little different that's worth getting in the car for.

🏐 SPORTS PICK: No. 5 SMU Volleyball vs. Yale

Moody Coliseum | Dallas
Saturday, September 19 | 1 PM

Pony Up! ❤️💙

The No. 5 SMU Mustangs take on Yale Saturday afternoon at Moody Coliseum. SMU's No. 5 ranking is the highest in program history.

And this is an especially good game for families. It's the Kids' Home Opener / Peruna's Pals Game, with special activities including giveaways, free ice cream sandwiches for kids while supplies last and post-match autographs.

Why it made my list: Okay, there's a little SMU bias here. 😂 But nationally ranked volleyball + kids + ice cream sounds like a pretty great Saturday afternoon.

🎃 FALL IS HERE: Autumn at the Arboretum

Dallas Arboretum | Dallas
Opening Saturday, September 19

If you've been waiting for permission to start pretending Texas has fall weather... this is it. 😂

Saturday kicks off Autumn at the Arboretum, when more than 100,000 pumpkins, gourds and squash transform the gardens for fall.

This year's Pumpkin Village theme is Harvest Hues, inspired by modern and contemporary artists. The festival continues through November 1, so save this one even if you can't make it opening weekend.

Why it made my list: It's one of those North Texas fall traditions worth doing at least once — even if we're still wearing shorts while taking pictures with pumpkins.

🤠 CEDAR CREEK PICK: A Weekend at Plowboys

Cedar Creek Plowboys Club | Seven Points

If you're heading toward Cedar Creek Lake this weekend, you've got several chances to catch some live music.

Friday: 104 Proof Band | 7:30 PM
Saturday: Mark Fields Band | 7:30 PM
Sunday: Ranch Roadhouse Live with Guthrie Kennard & Rachel Stacy | 2–4 PM

Friday and Saturday dinner service starts at 5 PM, so you can make an evening of it.

Why it made my list: Sometimes you don't need an elaborate itinerary. Dinner, cold drinks and live country music near the lake will do just fine. 🤠

❤️ If I Had to Pick...

Taking the little ones: 📚 Dolly Parton Bash in Corsicana

Taking the older kids: 🏐 SMU Volleyball vs. Yale

Most “Worth the Drive”: 🛻 C10s in the Park + Party on the Square

Ready for fall: 🎃 Autumn at the Arboretum

Lake night: 🤠 Live music at Plowboys

My pick this week?

I'm going with the Dolly Parton Bash in Corsicana. 😂❤️

It's local, it supports something wonderful for children, and I really want to see a bunch of little kids running around Corsicana dressed like Dolly.

Whatever you choose, I hope you have a great weekend!

And as always, if you know about something happening next weekend that I need to know about, send it my way. I'm always looking for something Worth the Drive.

— Cheryl