The North Texas area is full of fun, family-friendly activities this weekend. Here are four events to consider attending:

The State Fair of Texas opens Sept. 30 and commences Oct. 23. The State Fair of Texas opens Sept. 30 and commences Oct. 23.[/caption]

Food fanatics and ride enthusiasts can rejoice this weekend as the State Fair of Texas opens to the public Sept. 30. The fair, which ends Oct. 23, features live entertainment, a plethora of fried food, car shows and more than 100 family-friendly activities. Adult general admission tickets are $18, tickets for senior and children under 48 inches are $14, and children two-years-old and younger are free. http://bigtex.com/

McKinney Performing Arts Center presents “The Greatest Pirate Story Never Told” Sept. 30 at 7:30 p.m. at the MPAC Courtroom Theater, 111 N. Tennessee St., McKinney. A crew of misfit pirates have one chance to return home­ by performing the greatest pirate epic ever seen on stage, but half of their script is missing. It is up to audience members to fill in the blanks. Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for students six years and older. 214-544-4630. https://www.mckinneytexas.org/Calendar.aspx?EID=5928

The Allen Folk Festival kicks off Sept. 30 from 7:30-9:30 p.m. at the Allen Public Library Civic Auditorium, 300 N. Allen Drive, Allen. This free event includes two performances by Mike Carroll and the Blues Evolution followed by Beyond the Pale. Carroll and the Blues Evolution is a local musical project telling the story of how American popular music evolved from European folk and African-American blues roots to jazz and rock. Beyond the Pale, a Celtic and folk band, will celebrate folk culture and reflect the musical connection between European immigration and American music. 214-509-4911. http://www.cityofallen.org/calendar.aspx?EID=4143

Dark Hour Haunted House Dark Hour Haunted House continues its three year tradition of haunting horror fans.[/caption]

Dark Hour Haunted House continues its tradition this weekend with special guest Chester Rushing of the Netflix series "Stranger Things" on Oct. 1. Located at 701 Taylor Drive in Plano, Dark Hour has been haunting horror fans for three years year-round with the help of quality actors and intricate backdrops. General admission is $28 and fast pass tickets are $50 for those looking to skip the line. Visitors can also take a backstage tour for $35. Tours are held 7 p.m.-midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, and will be open 7-10 p.m. Oct 31. 469-298-0556. www.darkhourhauntedhouse.com.

Benefiting the TeamConnor Childhood Cancer Foundation, the Color Me Green 5K,10K and Caterpillar Dash encourages participants to run in green clothing. The event brings together childhood cancer advocates, survivors, families and the community to raise awareness and find a cure for childhood cancer. The event kicks off Oct. 1 at 7:00 a.m. at Frisco Square, 8874 Coleman Boulevard, Frisco. www.teamconnor.org

Grapevine Art Dealers Association will host the Fourth Annual Fall Gallery Night Oct. 1 from 5-9 p.m. in Historic Downtown Grapevine. This free event will showcase sculptures, paintings, hand-blown glass and demonstrations by local artists. Six GADA galleries will also be showcased, including A Touch of Paris Art Gallery & Studio, Great American West Gallery, Vetro Glassblowing Studio & Gallery, and many more. 817-410-3185. www.grapevinetexasusa.com