As Halloween approaches, the only thing better than a night filled with ghosts, goblins, bats and candy is a safe and enjoyable evening for all.
To help ensure a fun and safe trick-or-treating experience, keep the following safety tips in mind:
Keep Costumes Creative and Safe
Decorate costumes and bags with reflective tape or stickers and, if possible, choose light colors.
Choose face paint and makeup whenever possible instead of masks, which can block a child's vision.
Walk Safely
Studies have shown that trick-or-treating in a group is both safer and more effective.
Children 12 and younger should not be alone at night without adult supervision.
Cross the street at corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks. Look left, right and left again when crossing.
Always walk on sidewalks or paths. If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic as far to the left as possible.
While Halloween is the one time a year when it is okay to knock on a stranger's door, don’t approach houses that are not properly lit.
Always carry a flashlight or a glow stick to help navigate from house to house.
Drive Safely
Slow down and be especially alert in residential neighborhoods.
Check Treats Before Eating
Candy tastes better when it’s still sealed. Check to ensure candy bags have not been opened, torn or expired before consuming.
support.
Texas Bill Impacting Multifamily Land Use,
Zoning in Irving
Senate Bill 840 (SB 840), which went into effect Sept. 1, 2025, requires the City of Irving to allow the construction of multifamily apartments and residential mixeduse developments on land that is zoned for office, commercial, retail or warehouse uses, with few exceptions.
This law applies only to Texas cities with populations greater than 150,000, in counties with more than 300,000 residents. In total, SB 840 affects 19 of the state's largest cities, including Irving.
Impact of the Law
Under SB 840, affected cities cannot require zoning changes, special exceptions, variances or any other discretionary approvals before allowing new multifamily apartments or residential mixed-use developments. If a construction permit application meets building and land development codes, which do not conflict with Chapter 218 of the Local Government Code, the city must approve it administratively. The city is also limited in its ability to regulate these developments.
Response
To comply with the new state law and encourage sustainable, high-quality growth, the city has updated regulations that apply to the construction of new multifamily and residential mixed-use projects. Key
changes include the following ordinances:
Adopting the Green Building Performance Standards Ordinance ensures that the city can protect residents and infrastructure by requiring those projects to be built to higher, more sustainable standards.
Creating Chapter 53, “Adequate Public Facilities,” within the Land Development Code to establish a clear policy and expectations for all developments that request to connect to the city’s utility systems.
Amending the Unified Development Code to ensure higher-quality construction for the long-term durability of multifamily and mixed-use residential structures, as well as quality amenities and living environments for the residents of the new developments.
For more information on SB 840, how the legislation affects the City of Irving and the city’s response, visit IrvingTX.gov/Multifamily-By-Right
Events at Irving Arts Center
EVENTS THIS MONTH
Oct. 4 | 6th Annual Volunteer Fair!
2 to 4 p.m. | Free | All Ages Looking for a way to get involved and give back to your community? Connect with representatives from 40+ local organizations and nonprofits.
Oct. 4 | Dreaming of You: The Selena Experience
Presented by Entertainment Series of Irving
7:30 p.m. | $37.50-$47.50
Dreaming of You: The Selena Experience brings the heart, soul and sound of Selena, the Queen of Tejano, to life.
Oct. 11 | An Enchanted Evening with Piano Virtuoso Elias Manzo
Presented by Irving Symphony Orchestra (ISO)
7:30 p.m. | $38-$49
ISO’s first concert of the 2025-2026 season celebrates the 80th anniversary of the music of Rodgers and Hammerstein with special guest artist, piano virtuoso Elias Manzo.
Oct. 22 | Purple Kiss 2025 Tour: A Violet to Remember
Presented by Leo Presents
7 p.m. | $50
K-Pop fans can expect an unforgettable night of music, choreography and energy as the group takes the stage for its final U.S. tour.
Oct. 25 | The Wonderful Counselor
Presented by One Happy Camper Foundation & Irving Black Arts Council
2 p.m. and 7 p.m. | $35
"The Wonderful Counselor" is a heartfelt play with music that explores family, faith and forgiveness.
Oct. 25 | Gershwin Piano Concerto in F Major Presented by Las Colinas Symphony Orchestra (LCSO)
7:30 p.m. | $17-$50
concert.
Oct. 26 | Folktales and Folktunes
Presented by New Philharmonic Orchestra of Irving (NPOI)
3:30 p.m. | $10-$20
Sundays at the Symphony are back. Join a family matinee concert with narration by Kathleen Dennehy-Taylor.
YOUTH & FAMILY EVENT
Oct. 11 to Nov. 15
Saturday School:
Fiber Arts & Weaving with a Twist
2 to 4 p.m. | $95 for 6-week Session | Ages 6-10
Meeting for six consecutive Saturdays, students will learn weaving and wrapping techniques to create puff-pets and wire-and-fiber sculptures, then explore mark-making, watercolor, oil pastels and collage to produce nature-inspired artworks.
Oct. 12 | Second Sunday Funday: Paint It! + Second Sunday Open Studio for Teens
1 to 4 p.m. | Free | All Ages
Drop in and enjoy art activities for all ages! Grab a paint brush and create colorful compositions inspired by your own imagination and the exhibition De Profundis: Echoes from the Deep
Oct. 15 | Homeschooler Happening: No Rules, Just Art!
10 a.m. to noon | Ages 5 or older: $5 | Siblings 5 and older: $3 | Ages 5 and Under: Free
This quarterly homeschool program will draw inspiration from the exhibition Rooted Visions as students transform canvases with a variety of materials.
Irving Archives & Museum Events & Happenings
SPECIAL EXHIBITION
Two Photography Exhibitions by Jeanine Michna-Bales
Opens Oct. 18 | Through Darkness to Light: Photographs Along the Underground Railroad
DALLAS HEART WALK MOVES TO IRVING OCT. 18
The American Heart Association (AHA) is bringing its annual Heart Walk to Irving in 2025. The 1-mile/5K walk will take place Saturday, Oct. 18, at Levy Event Plaza, 501 E. Las Colinas Blvd., where thousands will gather to stroll along Lake Carolyn.
“We are honored to welcome the Dallas Heart Walk to our community,” said Irving Mayor Rick Stopfer. “This event highlights our commitment to health and wellness.”
The day will feature music, activities and routes designed to honor survivors and remember loved ones affected by heart disease and stroke.
Walkers can choose the 3-mile or 1-mile path, starting at 9 a.m. Pre-event fun kicks off at 7:30 a.m., with family-friendly activities and a petfriendly area. Survivors receive a special finish-line celebration as the “HEART” of the event.
Residents and businesses are encouraged to form teams, volunteer or donate.
Registration is free. Scan the QR code to register or visit qr.IrvingTX.gov/AHA
IN THE GALLERIES
Free to view. Open Tuesday-Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. No advance reservation needed. Free guided tours are offered on the first Saturday and second Sunday of each month at 2 p.m.
Rooted Visions
Through Oct. 18 | Main Gallery
Showcase of 25 self-taught Southern Black artists, who have redefined artistic expression with their innovative use of found objects and everyday materials. Artists such as Mose Tolliver, Hawkins Bolden and Bessie Harvey explore themes of resilience, storytelling and the transformative power of creativity.
De Profundis: Echoes from the Deep (Paintings by Giselle Castro-Brightenburg) Through Oct. 25 | Carpenter Lobby Gallery Castro-Brightenburg’s work is a celebration of the natural world, focusing on its myriad shapes, colors and the intricate relationships within it. The artist draws inspiration from sea anemones, creatures with a dual nature — both inveterate animals and flower-like beings. She captures the juxtaposition of beauty and predatory instinct, exploring concepts which blur the line between what they are and what they seem to be.
Beauty is Not Always Pretty: Recent Photographs & Prints by Bill Thompson Through Nov. 29 | Dupree Lobby Gallery
Opens Oct. 18 | Standing Together: Inez Milholland’s Final Campaign for Women’s Suffrage This exhibition draws from Jeanine Michna-Bales’ book "Standing Together: Inez Milholland’s Final Campaign for Women’s Suffrage (2016–2020)." Through photographs, landscapes, reenactments and archival materials, she retraces Milholland’s grueling 1916 campaign across the American West, capturing the monumental effort that led to the 19th Amendment.
IRVING ARCHIVES AND MUSEUM
Photographer Jeanine Michna-Bales spent over a decade researching the Underground Railroad. Her exhibition features 48 photographs documenting a 2,000-mile route based on real sites, cities and places passed through by freedom-seekers.
SECOND SATURDAYS
Enjoy Second Saturday with free admission and activities for everyone at the Irving Archives and Museum (IAM). Activities include artmaking, scavenger hunts, storytelling and other interactive experiences. All ages are welcome.
Details of old railroad cars and the variegated, husk-covered surface of palm trees are the focus of approximately 30 photographs and screen prints included in the exhibition. For Thompson, who sees his primary journey as an artist as one focused on the subjects found in his everyday surroundings, these objects are metaphors that celebrate purpose and reveal themes of sacrifice and redemption.
Pianist Simone Sala will be the featured artist for LCSO’s 2025-2026 season-opening
Crossing at Britain Road (2025) by Bill Thompson
Standing Together, Jeanine Michna-Bales, Grant Park, Chicago, Illinois, 2018.
SCAN ME
City Council Adopts FY26 Annual Budget
On Sept. 18, Irving City Council adopted the Fiscal Year 2025-26 (FY26) budget based on maintaining a tax rate of $0.5891/$100 valuation . The city’s fiscal year begins on Oct. 1 and runs through Sept. 30 each year.
Message from
IRVING CITY COUNCIL
The city's FY26 annual operating budget includes City Council priorities, resident input and strategic plans to deliver exceptional services and promote a high quality of life for Irving residents, visitors and businesses.
The budget includes a 5.4% increase in General Fund revenues to $323.5 million, maintaining the current property tax rate while increasing the senior and disabled exemption to $60,000, which helps offset rising property valuations.
Although the total General Fund revenues are expected to increase, the city also has increases in expenditures for salaries and benefits, inflation and operating costs, including funding for increased Police and Fire personnel.
ABOVE & BEYOND EXISTING SERVICE LEVELS, KEY ENHANCEMENTS IN THE FY26 BUDGET INCLUDE:
Additional Police and Fire Department Personnel
Street, Water, Wastewater and Drainage Improvements
Fire Station No. 9 Construction and Fire Apparatus Purchases
Facility and Landfill Improvements
Enhanced Library Security
Park Maintenance and Litter Control Enhancements
Let's Play Irving Aquatics and Recreation Facility Staffing and Operations
Maintaining underground infrastructure, especially utilities, is critical for the future of Irving. Investing in these assets helps keep the city’s systems efficient and in good working order.
The water and wastewater rates will increase an average of 6.58% combined to fund contracted pass-through treatment, operations and capital improvement projects.
Drainage rates will increase 7.1% to fund drainage projects, operations and litter abatement.
Solid waste and emergency medical services rates remain unchanged over the prior fiscal year.
CIT Y COUNCIL MEETINGS
7 p.m. in the Council
are held on designated
at
Blvd. Work Sessions are held prior to council meetings and begin at various times depending on the agenda. Work Sessions are open to the public in the first floor Council Conference Room at Irving City Hall, 825 W. Irving Blvd. Check specific meeting agendas to confirm dates and start times.
Visit IrvingTX.gov/Agendas for meeting dates, agendas and instructions for speaking at council meetings.
Meetings are streamed live on YouTube @TheCityofIrving, at ICTN.tv and on local cable channels. Like and subscribe to the city’s YouTube channel to receive notifications for new videos and upcoming live events.
SUBSCRIBE + WATCH LIVE @TheCityofIrving
The city’s organizational strategy, Future in Focus, consists of five focus areas and 18 operating strategies. Based on input from city leadership and key stakeholders, the plan works in tandem with the city’s five-year capital plans, City Council priorities and annual budgets. Future in Focus encompasses key initiatives that allow the city to stay focused on what matters most, which is to deliver exceptional services and promote a high quality of life for residents, businesses and visitors.
Irving City Council meetings
Thursdays at
Chambers
Irving City Hall, 825 W. Irving
Left to Right: Adam Muller, Dennis Webb, Luis Canosa, Mark Cronenwett, Mayor Rick Stopfer, John Bloch, Al Zapanta, Abdul Khabeer, David Pfaff
FY26 Budget Revenues & Expenditures
The City of Irving fiscal year begins Oct. 1 and ends Sept. 30. The Fiscal Year 2025-26 (FY26) Budget is the most important document approved by the City Council annually and guides the city’s priorities and work plan.
On Sept. 18, Irving City Council adopted the Fiscal Year 2025-26 (FY26) budget based on maintaining a tax rate of $0.5891/$100 valuation.
Water and Drainage Solutions for a Better Tomorrow, as well as funding significant projects from the 2021 Bond Election approved by voters in May 2021.
FY26 TOTAL PROPERTY TAX B ILL
Based on Average Single-Family Taxable* Home Value of $330,656 with a 20% Homestead Exemption. Irving residents are served by one of three independent school districts: Irving ISD, Carrollton-Farmers Branch (CFB) ISD or Coppell ISD.
FY26 Municipal Utility Rates
Solid Waste Services and EMS rates remain unchanged; however effective Oct. 1, 2025, water, wastewater and drainage rates will increase and be reflected on statements after Nov. 1.
Irving Utility Bills Include
FIVE BASIC SERVICES
Irving utilities are enterprise funds (self-funded), meaning the charges that residents pay for monthly utility service pay for all operations, maintenance, capital improvements and debt necessary to provide that service. Utility services receive no funding from property taxes, excluding EMS. Monthly service charges for EMS supplement the cost of EMS service. Rates are established annually based on the cost of providing the service.
Increased due to:
Pass-through costs increased from the Trinity River Authority (TRA) to treat wastewater
o TRA wastewater treatment costs are increasing
Upcoming capital improvements
o
Upcoming capital improvements
o Esters
o Expanding
o Replacing
Irving Parks and Recreation Updates Membership Age Categories
Beginning Oct. 1, Irving Parks and Recreation will introduce new membership age categories and pricing at recreation centers.
Under the updated structure, children ages 3 and older will need a basic membership to access facilities. Adults will pay the Active Adult rate through age 59, while the Senior rate will now begin at age 60, reflecting national aging trends and practices in other North Texas cities.
Residents ages 50–59 can continue to use senior facilities; they will simply pay the adult rate. This adjustment also helps the department transition into new facilities where aquatics and recreation previously followed different age structures.
The revisions will enhance safety and tracking during facility use, simplify family Play Pass bundling and better reflect the activity levels of residents in their 50s, many of whom participate in adult fitness and recreation programs.
Key Benchmarks Guided the Changes:
About 75% of comparable cities classify youth starting at age 3.
Roughly 75% set senior status at 60 or older.
New Age Categories
Child: 0–2
Youth: 3–17
Adult: 18–59
Senior: 60+
More details about the Play Pass coming soon!
The update also brings adjusted pricing for basic, fitness and aquatics memberships, along with new family package options.
The Irving Parks and Recreation Board unanimously approved the changes on Aug. 11.
For details, visit IrvingTX.gov/Parks
Parks & Recreation Center Activities
Cimarron Park Recreation Center
201 Red River Trail, (972) 910-0702
Oct. 10 | Trunk or Treat Festival
6:30 to 8:30 p.m. | All Ages | Free
Decorated trunks packed with candy, a cake walk and games for all ages. Costumes encouraged for a safe, festive evening.
Georgia Farrow Recreation Center
530 W. Davis Drive, (972) 721-2519
Oct. 9 | Trunk or Treat
6:30 to 7:30 p.m. | Ages 3-12 | Free
A safe and festive Halloween where children collect candy from decorated car trunks.
Heritage Senior Center
200 S. Jefferson St., (972) 721-2496
Oct. 7 | Tuesday Night Dance
7 to 9:15 p.m. | Ages 50 and older | $5
An evening of live music by DOC Gibbs Band with light refreshments, fellowship and fun.
Oct. 10 | 40th Annual Ms. Mature Pageant
6 to 8:30 p.m. | All Ages | Free Contestants showcase charm, creativity and poise in an evening pageant of elegance and entertainment.
Lively Pointe Youth Center
909 N. O’Connor Road, (972) 721-8090
Oct. 2 & 16 | IYAC Meeting
6:30 to 8 p.m. | Ages 11-17 | IPAR Card
Join Irving Youth Action Council (IYAC) this year.
Oct. 29 | Trunk or Treat
6:30 to 8 p.m. | Ages 12 and under | IPAR Card Games, fun and candy: a spooktacular event.
Mustang Park Recreation Center
2223 Kinwest Parkway, (972) 556-1334
Oct. 10, 17 & 24 | Spooky Series
5 to 10 p.m. | Ages 10-16 | $20 per trip
Ready to get your spooky on? Celebrate the season with a trip to some of the spookiest haunted houses in DFW. Fee includes transportation and admission.
Northwest Park Recreation Center
2800 Cheyenne St., (972) 721-2529
Oct. 31 | Trick or Treat Trail
6 to 8:30 p.m. | All Ages
Carnival Game Tickets: $0.25 per ticket or 5 for $1 Walk the trail for treats, and enjoy carnival games, face painting and more. Children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult.
Senter Park Recreation Center Closed through Oct. 15 for construction.
Irving Parks and Recreation offers activities for all ages year-round. Register in person, at a local recreation center or online at IrvingTX.gov/IrvingRec
Library Catalog Upgrades & Programs
Catalog Upgrade
The library’s database of materials and cardholder accounts will be offline Wednesday, Oct. 8 through Tuesday, Oct. 14 for a system enhancement in preparation for a new online catalog and mobile app.
Available during the update:
Library programs
Public computers
Most digital resources
Checkout up to five items per visit with a library card
Unavailable during the update:
Return of books and other materials — all return drops will be closed Placement of
HallowReads: Two Sides to the Story
Double this month’s thrills and chills with Irving Public Library’s 2025 HallowReads selection, the classic “Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde” by Robert Louis Stevenson. Pick up a free copy of the title at any library location while supplies last and check out the online calendar for a list of community discussions and more.
Check out the quarterly booklet Beyond the Stacks to discover great programs and new services provided by the Irving Public Library.
Pick up a new issue at your local library or visit IrvingTX.gov/Connect-with-the-Library for a downloadable version of the latest edition.
You can also have the latest news and programs delivered by email at the beginning of each month with the Beyond the Stacks e-newsletter. Library cardholders are automatically registered for this newsletter.
Visit IrvingTX.gov/Library and use the library's online chat to ensure the correct email is on file to be on the distribution list
SCAN
SCAN ME
HOME CHEMICAL COLLECTION DAY
Oct. 11 | 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
City of Irving Purchasing Building 835 W. Irving Blvd.
Reservations are required to participate and will be confirmed by email. Visit IrvingTX.gov/ HHC to request a reservation. Space is limited and online registration will close once capacity is reached.
Items Accepted Include
Aerosol sprays
Automotive fluids and oil filters
Batteries of all kinds
Chemical products for home use
Computers and cellphones
Craft and hobby supplies
Fluorescent light tubes
Household cleaners and polishes
Lawn and garden chemicals
Paint and home repair products
Pool chemicals
Visit IrvingTX.gov/SWS for more information.
‘PICK A TREAT’ ADOPTION SPECIAL THIS MONTH
Irving Animal Services (IAS) is offering a “Pick a Treat” adoption special in all of October. On choosing a pet, whether a dog, cat, rabbit, guinea pig or other small animal, adopters will be invited to draw a “treat” from a festive container, such as a cauldron, pumpkin or mystery bag. Each “treat” corresponds to one of these discounted adoption rates:
Free Adoption
$25 Adoption
$50 Adoption
$75 Adoption
All Adoptions Include
A complimentary starter kit includes food, toy, treats, training voucher, etc.
A VCA Vet Voucher for a free first exam and 14-day follow-up exam.
Custom-engraved pet ID with the pet’s and owner’s name, address and phone number are available for purchase.
Irving Animal Services 4140 Valley View Lane
Tuesday-Friday | 1 to 6 p.m.
Saturday | noon to 5 p.m.
Sunday and Monday | closed
For more information, contact Irving Animal Services at (972) 721-2256.
Esters Road to Reopen This Month
Construction of the Esters Road Pavement and Utility Improvement Project, located between the westbound service road of State Highway 183 and Twin Falls Street, will be substantially complete in late October. The approximately 1-mile-long portion of Esters Road saw improvements to the roadway pavement, streetlights and traffic signals, as well as water, wastewater and storm drainage infrastructure.
Project Scope
Widen and repave all main lanes to 12-foot-wide lanes and 11-foot-wide turn lanes
Upgrade water lines:
o Install a new 20-inch water line
o Replace a 12-inch water line
Upgrade wastewater lines and stormwater drainage pipes
Improve sidewalks to comply with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements
Install streetlights, traffic lights, retaining walls, median pavers, sod and irrigation systems
The $17 million Esters Road improvement project is funded through the Street Improvement, Water and Wastewater Improvement Bond funds. The project is part of the City of Irving’s Road to the Future program, an ongoing effort to rehabilitate, reconstruct and proactively maintain 1,440 lane-miles of Irving’s streets.
Visit IrvingTX.gov/IrvingInvests for more information on the city’s ongoing infrastructure initiatives.
Lanotte Park Brings Outdoor Fun to Southeast Irving
The Lanotte Park development, 1416 N. Irving Heights Drive, is scheduled to open in December. The 4-acre neighborhood park provides a new outdoor recreation opportunity for nearby residents.
Park Amenities Quarter-mile lighted concrete walking trail
A bridge connecting the two park areas across the drainage channel
Playground with shade canopy
Park furnishings, including benches and trash cans
Pavilion
Drinking fountain
Irrigation system
Shade trees Turf grass
The approximately $1.77 million project was achieved primarily through the use of 2021 Municipal Bond Election funding. Completion of the new park development marks a major milestone in the city’s 2019 Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Master Plan, which designates Lanotte Park as a top priority.
Explore all of Irving’s parks and trails at IrvingTX.gov/ Parks-Trails
The Animal Connection Experience Returns to Fritz Park This Fall
The Animal Connection Experience is back at Fritz Park every weekend, Oct. 4–26. Families can enjoy hands-on fun with goats, sheep, alpacas, pigs, lemurs, pony rides and even racing pigs.
Oct. 4–26 | Weekends Only Fritz Park Farm | 312 E. Vilbig St.
This one-of-a-kind, interactive petting zoo is a partnership between Westland Ranch LLC and the City of Irving, giving children the chance to pet, brush, and feed friendly farm animals up close. Guests can meet goats, sheep, chickens, ducks, alpacas and mini cows, plus enjoy pony rides for little ones. The always-playful ring-tailed lemurs and specially trained racing pigs add even more excitement—kids and adults alike love cheering for their favorite piggy on the Fritz Park Racetrack.
Fall favorites include the Pumpkin Patch and Magic Pumpkin Garden, Straw Maze, Spooky Barn, Photo ops, food & drinks and more. Kids can dig bones, go bowling, build and explore play zones.
Visit Animalconnectionzoo.com/pumpkinpatch for more information.
Imagine a Day Without Water
behind “Imagine a Day Without Water,” a nationwide day of action on Oct. 16 highlighting the value of this most essential resource. Learn more at TheValueofWater.org/ ImagineADay
The City of Irving Water Utilities is proud to provide safe, reliable water around the clock. But Irving cannot do it alone. Safeguarding the water supply takes conscious effort by the whole community.
How Irving Residents Can Get Involved
Think about daily life without water: Talk with family about the impact.
Spread awareness by sharing #ImagineADayWithoutWater on social media.
Practice everyday conservation: fix leaks, turn off faucets when not in use and follow the city’s watering schedule.
Use free local programs such as WaterMyYard.org and the city’s Irrigation System Checkup to help save water and money. Learn more at IrvingTX.gov/SaveWater
