September 25–27, 2026

The weekend is almost here, and once again, there’s plenty going on around North Texas if you know where to look!

This week we’ve got a little Friday Night Lights, the opening weekend of the State Fair, shopping in Corsicana, serious horsepower in Ennis, an easy date night in Waxahachie and a fun lake-night option at Cedar Creek.

So before anyone says, “There’s nothing to do around here…” 😂

I did the digging for you.

Here are this week’s Worth the Drive picks. 🚗

🏈 FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS: Corsicana vs. Ennis

Corsicana | Friday, September 25 | 7 PM

Let's start close to home.

The Corsicana Tigers take on the Ennis Lions Friday night in Corsicana — and anyone around here knows there's a little something extra when these two teams meet.

Grab the family, throw on your blue and gold and head to the stadium.

Why it made my list: A Corsicana-Ennis rivalry game under the Friday night lights? That's about as Texas as Friday night gets.

🎡 THE BIG ONE: State Fair of Texas

Fair Park | Dallas | Opens Friday, September 25

Big Tex is back!

Friday marks opening day of the State Fair of Texas, which runs through October 18. Expect all the things we love about the Fair: rides, shows, livestock, shopping, people-watching and, of course, foods that absolutely did not need to be deep-fried... but somehow we're glad they were. 😂

Why it made my list: It's opening weekend of the State Fair of Texas. This one pretty much puts itself on the list.

🛍️ SHOP LOCAL: The Vendor Gathering

Navarro County Expo Center | Corsicana
Saturday, September 26 | 9 AM–7 PM

Grab a friend because this one gives you a good excuse to shop.

The Vendor Gathering brings indoor and outdoor vendors to the Navarro County Expo Center, along with food trucks and plenty to browse.

Why it made my list: Shopping small, finding something you didn't know you needed AND food trucks? I'm listening. 😂

🏁 FOR THE HORSEPOWER CROWD: NHRDA World Finals

Texas Motorplex | Ennis
Friday & Saturday, September 25–26

This may be the most unexpected pick on this week's list.

The NHRDA World Finals bring diesel drag racing, truck and tractor pulls, burnouts, dyno competitions, show-and-shine vehicles and more to Texas Motorplex.

Even better for families: kids 12 and under get in free.

Why it made my list: Because watching giant diesel trucks race and do burnouts sounds considerably more entertaining than spending Saturday running errands. 😂

🍷 DATE NIGHT: Wine + Live Music

Cork House Winery | Waxahachie
Friday, September 25 | 7:30–10:30 PM

Need an easy date-night plan?

Half Past Country will be playing live Friday evening at Cork House Winery in downtown Waxahachie.

I'd make a night of it: dinner downtown, wander around a little, then finish with a glass of wine and live music.

Why it made my list: Wine + live country music + downtown Waxahachie. Nobody had to overthink this one.

🎯 CEDAR CREEK PICK: The Playground

Tool | Friday & Saturday | 6–11 PM

If you're headed toward Cedar Creek Lake, here's something a little different.

The Playground in Tool is advertising free admission and drink specials Friday and Saturday evening, with games and a casual outdoor atmosphere.

Think less sit at a table all night and more grab a drink and actually play something.

Why it made my list: It's something different to do at the lake — and FREE is one of my favorite prices. 😂

❤️ If I Had to Pick...

Friday Night: 🏈 Corsicana vs. Ennis

Family adventure: 🎡 State Fair of Texas

Girls' outing: 🛍️ The Vendor Gathering

Something completely different: 🏁 NHRDA World Finals

Date night: 🍷 Cork House Winery

Lake night: 🎯 The Playground

My pick this week?

I'm going with Corsicana vs. Ennis. 🏈

There's just something about a hometown rivalry, stadium lights and a Texas Friday night that feels right this time of year.

Whatever you choose, have a great weekend!

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

— Cheryl