Editor's note: The top Dallas news of the week includes a star-studded Dallas gala and the best small cities in America. Plus, local restaurants get into the State Fair spirit. Find our most popular stories below, then plan your weekend right here.

A Dallas restaurant legend has died: Michael "Mico" Rodriguez, dubbed the "Godfather of Dallas Tex-Mex," died on October 1; he was 68. According to a friend of the family, Rodriguez exhibited symptoms of a heart attack and died late Thursday night.

A Dallas restaurant legend has died: Michael "Mico" Rodriguez, dubbed the "Godfather of Dallas Tex-Mex," died on October 1; he was 68. According to a friend of the family, Rodriguez exhibited symptoms of a heart attack and died late Thursday night.

A Mexican restaurant with a killer happy hour has debuted in North Dallas: Alexander's Cantina & Cocina, a family-owned restaurant and bar, has opened at 4805 Frankford Rd. #105, a space most recently occupied by Casa Don Luis Tex-Mex and before that, a Corner Bakery.

For the very first time, the State Fair of Texas will welcome bands from a neighboring city to take over the stage for a day: Hear Fort Worth Day will spotlight Fort Worth musicians who will perform throughout the afternoon and evening on Monday, October 5.

CBS Sports and Tony Romo have officially parted ways, one month after the former Dallas Cowboys quarterback pleaded no contest to charges of operating a vehicle while intoxicated.

Anne Hathaway has been inescapable for movie fans in 2026, starring in no fewer than five different movies across multiple genres, including Mother Mary, The Devil Wears Prada 2, The Odyssey, and The End of Oak Street. The actor (who's pregnant and about to take a well-earned break) is wrapping up her supremely busy year with the psychological thriller, Verity.

Three Texans have been named 2026 MacArthur Fellows, one of the most prestigious honors in the U.S. for artists, scientists, and scholars. Among them is Dallas historian and author Ariel Ron, who directs the Clements Center for Southwest Studies at Southern Methodist University.

The Neiman Marcus flagship store in downtown Dallas closed its doors for good on September 30, and some longtime customers were so bereft, they dressed in black and laid flowers at the food of the entrance. Many took to social media to share memories of shopping for bridal gowns, dining at The Zodiac Room, and visiting with Santa at Christmas time.

WHAT: Farrah Fawcett Foundation 2026 Tex-Mex Fiesta

WHAT: Farrah Fawcett Foundation 2026 Tex-Mex Fiesta

A popular place for procuring pastel fingers and toes has quietly moved its flagship store into Oak Cliff's Bishop Arts District: Pink Pedi, a nail salon known for its ecologically sound “dazzle dry” gel-polish alternative, has moved into 250 N. Bishop Ave. 150, formerly Le Fruit salon.

If you've been watching TV lately, you may have noticed some familiar faces in a brand-new ad. As the official energy provider trusted by the Dallas Cowboys, Reliant teamed up with Cowboys rookie defensive back Caleb Downs, tight end Jake Ferguson, and linebacker DeMarvion Overshown for its new Winning Move campaign, highlighting the excitement -- and challenges -- that come with moving.

Breakfast and brunch are so hot, and now there's a new player coming to town: Called Greenville Breakfast Company, it's a restaurant from San Diego-based Rise & Shine Hospitality Group, opening its very first Texas location in Dallas, at 5420 Ross Ave., in the space previously occupied by Toasted Coffee + Kitchen, which closed in November 2025.

Breakfast and brunch are so hot, and now there's a new player coming to town: Called Greenville Breakfast Company, it's a restaurant from San Diego-based Rise & Shine Hospitality Group, opening its very first Texas location in Dallas, at 5420 Ross Ave., in the space previously occupied by Toasted Coffee + Kitchen, which closed in November 2025.

For most of the 21st century, and especially the last 15 years, Tom Cruise has been a “movie star” rather than an “actor.” That's not to say he's a bad actor, but rather that his focus has been on making blockbuster movies where his unique ability to go all-in on action supersedes any need for introspection. Now perhaps past his action movie days, he's giving full-on acting another try in Digger.

Pop singer/songwriter Carly Rae Jepsen will hit the road in 2027 with her Day and Night Tour, which will include a stop at The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory in Irving on Friday, May 5.

The State Fair of Texas is delaying the opening until 12 noon on Thursday, October 1 due to rainy weather across Dallas. Here is the full announcement sent by the fair on Thursday morning:

The arrival of October has slightly slowed the barrage of new events in and around Dallas, but not by much. Choices this weekend include five concerts, four theater productions, more haunted houses, an arts festival, a big comedy event, monster trucks, and a live podcast.

Dallas travelers with a soft spot for the arts will have an easy time planning a weekend getaway with all of the music festivals, art fairs, and other cultural showcases happening around Texas this month.

More than a dozen of the suburbs that make up the DFW Metroplex are among the best small cities to live in, according to a new WalletHub study. And two perennial favorites lead the way.

More than a dozen of the suburbs that make up the DFW Metroplex are among the best small cities to live in, according to a new WalletHub study. And two perennial favorites lead the way.

More than a dozen of the suburbs that make up the DFW Metroplex are among the best small cities to live in, according to a new WalletHub study. And two perennial favorites lead the way.

A popular Hawaiian barbecue chain from California is opening its newest eatery in McKinney: Ono Hawaiian BBQ, which made its Texas debut in Plano two months ago, will open at 4610 W. University Dr., Suite 110 on Friday, October 2.

The award-winning Cottonwood Art Festival returns to Richardson October 3-4, bringing more than 200 artists, live music, irresistible food, craft beer, and plenty of opportunities to discover something new.

As we flip our calendars to October, restaurants also turn the page from summer to fall menus. This restaurant news roundup includes some new, limited seasonal specials and dishes. There are also a few openings, a restaurant comeback, a big anniversary, and more.

A Fort Worth-based hospitality duo has stepped in to rescue one of Texas' oldest and most beloved candy brands.

A two-time Michelin-starred chef is coming to Plano for a three-night culinary collaboration: Chef Atul Kochhar will visit Jashan in The Shops at Legacy East on October 3-5 for three very different dinners, each featuring fine Indian cuisine.

A two-time Michelin-starred chef is coming to Plano for a three-night culinary collaboration: Chef Atul Kochhar will visit Jashan in The Shops at Legacy East on October 3-5 for three very different dinners, each featuring fine Indian cuisine.

A new study shows that Dallas' food scene falters in comparison to the best for foodies nationwide.

An Asian restaurant featuring two foodie favorites has landed in Lewisville: Called L's Dumplings, it just opened on the Lewisville/Carrollton border at 2560 King Arthur Blvd. #128, where it's doing dumplings and Hong Kong-style dim sum.

The Texas-born brand known for its fresh, chef-crafted prepared meals unveiled Snap Kitchen & Market at its location at Skillman Street and Mockingbird Lane in central Dallas.

More than 3,000 jobs will be on offer at a free Dallas job fair on Wednesday, September 30, with some paying up to $40 an hour: The ninth annual You're Hired Job Fest will take place from 9 am-1 pm at Gilley's Dallas, 1135 Botham Jean Blvd.

The Texas-born brand known for its fresh, chef-crafted prepared meals unveiled Snap Kitchen & Market at its location at Skillman Street and Mockingbird Lane in central Dallas.

The Perot Museum of Nature and Science will become the first North American venue to host the international tour of The March of the Triceratops when it comes to Dallas in July 2027.

One of Dallas' most unique dining promotions is back and bigger this year. Perry's Steakhouse & Grille will revive its 79-cent pork shop special at lunch on Friday, October 2.

The owners of Camp Mystic have proposed selling off the riverfront property as part of a bankruptcy plan, with hopes that a buyer will preserve the camp's “historic mission” following the death of 27 campers and counselors swept away by a 2025 flood.

Nothing aggravates a lot of airline passengers more than flight delays and cancellations. If a new study is an accurate indicator, Dallas-Fort Worth is home to some super-aggravated travelers.

There's a new Mexican restaurant with fajitas and house-made tortillas now open in Frisco: Called Mero Mero Tex Mex, it's a fancy Tex-Mex place that debuted in mid-September at 9179 Dallas Pkwy. #170, in a former Rockfish Seafood & Grill.

A new tasting room is giving Dallas wine-lovers a new stop on a getaway to the Hill Country: Formando Vineyards, a family owned winery shaped by six generations of Texas ranching, will open at 11835 N. State Highway 16 in Fredericksburg on October 1.

Fundraisers and festivals make up this week's list of best food and drink events in Dallas, with Oktoberfest activities still going strong. Start the week with caviar and sparkling wine, but save room for burgers and burgundy along with brats and bier.

Country singer-songwriter and recent addition to The Voice Riley Green will come to Dallas as part of his 2027 That's Just Me Tour, playing at Dos Equis Pavilion on Friday, May 21.

Editor's note: The top Dallas news of the week includes details on a new Spanish concept from a big-name chef, the 10 best dressed in town, and the city's shift to a top buyer's market. Read on for our most popular stories, then plan your weekend via this expert guide.

The State Fair of Texas this year introduced the Butter-Dipped Toffee Crunch Nutty Bar, Deep Fried Bourbon Banana Bread, and nearly 40 other wild foods, and plenty of its 2 million-plus visitors will gleefully gobble them up.

An Asian restaurant with sterling credentials has debuted in old downtown Plano. Called Curry Tei & Bar, it's located at 1001 14th St. #100, in a former ramen shop. The new restaurant is serving Japanese curry, yakitori skewers, noodles, and rice bowls.

Starbucks is closing four Dallas-area locations this week as part of a broader plan to shutter 250 underperforming stores across North America, the company says.

Starbucks is closing four Dallas-area locations this week as part of a broader plan to shutter 250 underperforming stores across North America, the company says.

The annual iHeartRadio Jingle Ball Tour will start its two-week December run in North Texas in 2026, bringing a variety of established stars and up-and-comers to the stage in Fort Worth' Dickies Arena on Tuesday, December 1.

From fall flavors and rooftop cocktails to creative workshops and luxury escapes, consider this your golden-hour guide to the heart of downtown Dallas.

There are few more harrowing types of movies than those that pit man versus nature. Films like The Revenant, Cast Away, and 127 Hours do a fantastic job of demonstrating just how difficult it is to survive the elements, as well as the ingenuity of people when put into extreme situations. Brad Pitt takes on that challenge in Heart of the Beast, with the good fortune of having a loyal dog by his side.