SW Denton County, TX October 2026 by City Lifestyle

O C TO B E R 2 02 6

LIFESTYLE LETTER

Where Everybody Knows Your Name

October 2026 PUBLISHER

Angi Burns | angi.burns@citylifestyle.com E D I TO R I AL C O O R D I N ATO R

Valerie Merrick | valerie.merrick@citylifestyle.com

Growing up, I loved watching Cheers. There was something comforting about that neighborhood bar where everyone knew your name, your favorite drink, and probably more about your life than you intended to share. It wasn’t really about the bar. It was about belonging. I think we all need our own version of Cheers. Maybe yours is the neighborhood restaurant where the server already knows your order. It might be the coffee shop where they start making your drink when you walk through the door, the wine bar where you always seem to run into a friend, or the little family-owned restaurant where you have celebrated birthdays, anniversaries, and Tuesday nights when nobody felt like cooking. These places become more than businesses. They become part of our stories. That is one of the things I love most about food. A meal can turn strangers into friends, friends into family, and an ordinary evening into a memory. Some of the best conversations happen around a table, usually long after the plates have been cleared. And sometimes, our favorite gathering place is home. There is something special about opening a bottle of wine while dinner simmers on the stove, inviting friends over without worrying if the house is perfect, and gathering everyone around the kitchen island to laugh, cook, and catch up. The recipe doesn’t have to be complicated, and the wine doesn’t have to be expensive. What matters is who is sitting beside you. Our October Food & Drink Issue celebrates the restaurants, flavors, and gathering places that make our community feel like home. I hope it inspires you to try somewhere new, return to an old favorite, or create your own memorable meal at home. More importantly, I hope you find your place. The one where they know your name, notice when you haven’t been around, and make you feel like you belong. So, where is your local Cheers? Cheers to good food, fine wine, great friends, and always having a seat at the table. Warmly,

E D I TO R

Debie Dove | debie.dove@citylifestyle.com AC C O U N T M AN AG E R

Michelle Tonkin | michelle.tonkin@citylifestyle.com P U B L I CAT I O N D I R E C TO R

Kathy Moreno | kathy.moreno@citylifestyle.com S O C I AL M E D I A C O O R D I N ATO R

Jennifer Dartez | jennifer.dartez@citylifestyle.com STAF F W R I T E R

Travis Hager STAF F P H OTO G R AP H E R

Savanna Romano CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Pauli Reep, Alyssa Lavy, Hannah Barricks, Elizabeth Lenart, Emily McKeever C O N T R I B U T I N G P H OTO G R AP H E R

Ben Skye

Corporate Team CEO Steven Schowengerdt President Matthew Perry CRO Jamie Pentz CoS Janeane Thompson AD DESIGNER Andrew Sapad LAYOUT DESIGNER Rhiannon Coffman QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell

ANGI BURNS, PUBLISHER @DENTONCITYLIFESTYLE Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com//franchise. Proverbs 3:5-6 SW Denton County City Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the SW Denton County area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle

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Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in SW Denton County City Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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inside the issue OC TOB E R 2 02 6 | FOOD & D R I N K

Print Prestige Meets Digital Power.

12 16

Featured

12 16

Departments

Nonprofit of the Month

Lifestyle Letter

City Scene

Business Monthly

Date Night with Character

Giving Back LOCAL SERVICES

Hot Spot ENTERTAINMENT

Trend Setter FOOD + BEVERAGE

Culinary Creations FOOD + BEVERAGE

Inspired By LIFE + CULTURE

Chef ’s Selection FOOD + BEVERAGE

Events

Must See FOOD + BEVERAGE

The Bartonville Store Offers the Unforgettable Taste and Atmosphere of Authentic Texas

Champions of Breakfast!

Best Local Spots to Start Your Morning Off Right

On the Cover Featuring perfectly cooked steak, delicious sides, and mouth-watering entrees at The Bartonville Store, located at 96 McMakin Rd., Bartonville, TX. Photography by Savanna Romano | See more work at www.SRIceMedia.SmugMug.com and contact Savanna directly at sr.icemedia@yahoo.com.

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OCTOBER 2026

city scene WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

7 6

1-7: Denton Young Professionals is helping shape the next generation of community leaders. More than 50 young professionals gathered at Andy B’s Denton for a recent DYP Happy Hour, where attendees made new connections, caught up with familiar faces, and mixed networking with a little friendly competition. Open to professionals ages 21-40, DYP focuses on connection, professional development, and civic engagement, creating opportunities to build relationships, serve the community, and engage with local leaders. Chamber membership is not required to participate. Photography by Denton Chamber of Commerce

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Inspiration for your best local life.

Exclusive giveaways.

Hidden gem alert!

Good news in your neighborhood.

Local content by local creators.

Inside scoop on all things local.

Locally-inspired food & drink recipes.

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OCTOBER 2026

business monthly A R O U N D U P O F N E W S F R O M LO C A L B U S I N E S S E S

A Monster of a Good Time! Monster Mini Golf is now open in Denton, bringing year-round, indoor fun to the community. The entertainment destination features 18 holes of glowin-the-dark mini golf with animated monsters and Denton-inspired artwork, plus an arcade, mini bowling, Laser Maze, and interactive Pixel Games Floor. It also offers birthday parties, field trips, and group events. 2223 Colorado Blvd., Denton, TX 76205

Photography by Denton Chamber of Commerce

Now Open in Denton! Locally owned and family-operated, Tinkerz Automotive provides automotive repair and maintenance with a focus on vehicle safety and dependable service. From routine oil changes to transmission repair and general automotive care, the team is committed to helping Denton drivers keep their vehicles running safely while providing the personal attention of a neighborhood shop. 505 N. Elm St., Denton, TX 76201

Photography by Denton Chamber of Commerce

The Place to Be in Argyle! The Argyle Social recently celebrated its grand opening, bringing a new neighborhood restaurant and bar to the heart of Argyle. Housed in a beautifully restored former firehouse, the family-friendly gathering place serves chefdriven food and handcrafted cocktails for lunch, dinner, and happy hour, with weekend brunch coming soon. The restaurant was created as a place for friends, families, and neighbors to gather and connect. Congrats to Scott & Jenn! 427 US-377, Argyle, TX 76226

Photography by The Argyle Social

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OCTOB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/SWD E N TO N C O UN T Y

NONP R OF I T OF T HE MON T H THE STOREHOUSE COMMUNITY EMPOWERS NEIGHBORS TO THRIVE

ARTICLE BY ELIZABETH LENART PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF BEN SKYE

G IV IN G BAC K | LO CAL SE RVICE S

The Storehouse Community Center looks different to each neighbor. The Storehouse, founded in 2009, provides short-term assistance and long-term transformation to residents of Collin, Dallas, and Denton counties, and it does so in a myriad of interconnected ways. For some, The Storehouse is a source of food. For others, an opportunity to learn important skills. But, regardless of the need, The Storehouse’s goal is to meet neighbors where they are and walk alongside them with the resources, support, and opportunities they need to thrive.

A two-campus nonprofit with locations in Plano and Carrollton, The Storehouse operates four integrated programs—the Seven Loaves Food Pantry, Joseph’s Coat Clothing Closet, Project Hope Neighbor Care, and The Academy Education Program—which all work together to provide pathways toward transformation. Seven Loaves Food Pantry serves 4,800 families each month; Joseph’s Coat Clothing Closet provides an average of 8,000 garments of clothing each month at no cost; Project Hope Neighbor Care offers case management and resource referral; and The Academy Education Program provides free and reduced-cost classes to assist with language, job, and life skills development. Additionally, The Academy connects neighbors with stable, high-quality employment, empowering them on their journeys to transformation. As needs are identified, team members help connect individuals to additional resources for more holistic support, so that each neighbor is supported on their journey. This organization began when Sharon Hasley, wife of St. Andrew Methodist Church’s late senior and founding pastor, Robert Hasley, witnessed the effects of severe poverty in a local grocery store. She researched food insecurity in North Texas and soon had a providential conversation with the late North Texas Food Bank CEO Jan Pruitt, who was looking for additional food distribution points. A few months later, The Storehouse was founded as a separate 501(c)(3) charity with one program: the Seven Loaves Food Pantry, which served a single family on opening day, May 14, 2009. From these humble beginnings, The Storehouse’s mission to feed, clothe, and care for neighbors as one community began. Today, the nonprofit’s four integrated programs comprise The Storehouse Community Center, with a mission to support neighbors on their journeys from food insecurity to stable, high-quality employment.

“For most neighbors, our food pantry is the first point of entry to The Storehouse, helping them meet basic needs while connecting them with vital resources to empower them on their journeys,” said Candace Winslow, CEO of The Storehouse Community Center. “Our vision is to transform the lives of 20 percent of the neighbors we serve. Since launching job partnerships in May 2023, we’ve already connected more than 90 neighbors with living-wage jobs!” The Storehouse Community Center serves 166,000 unduplicated neighbors annually with the support of more than 2,000 volunteers and is fully funded by individuals, corporations, churches, and foundations. In August 2023, the North Texas Food Bank honored The Storehouse with the Hope for Tomorrow Award, and in September 2023, The Storehouse was named a Dallas Morning News charity. “We depend on the generosity of our amazing volunteers and donors to feed, clothe, and care for our neighbors,” added Winslow. “Please join us on our mission to serve and empower others.” To join The Storehouse and serve your community, visit thestorehousecc.org.

OCTOB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/SWD E N TO N C O UN T Y

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DAT E N IG H T WITH C H A R AC T E R

ARTICLE BY TRAVIS HAGER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY SAVANNA ROMANO

H OT SP OT | ENTERTAI NME N T

THE BARTONVILLE STORE OFFERS THE UNFORGETTABLE TASTE AND ATMOSPHERE OF AUTHENTIC TEXAS

Tucked between Flower Mound and Denton, at a crossroads in the little town of Bartonville, sits a weathered landmark with a warm invitation painted right over the door: eat, drink, live music. The Bartonville Store delivers all three with the natural grace of a place that knows exactly what it is. For couples seeking an unforgettable date night, it offers something increasingly rare: an evening with genuine character, a sense of discovery, and enough music to make staying for one more song feel inevitable. From the road, the building carries the appealing understatement of an old Texas gathering place. Step inside and the room comes alive with timber, strings of colored lights, framed photographs, a compact stage, and a bar that seems designed for conversation. Owner Tim House repeats what a country music singer told him once: “Imagine if Gruene Hall had a living room.” The comparison fits. The Bartonville Store has the soul of an oldschool country dance hall, drawn inward until the musicians, diners, and bartenders all share the same intimate experience. That closeness gives a date night its spark. Settle in over cocktails, order dinner, and watch the room gradually fill. Plates arrive with the generosity the setting promises: Wagyu steaks presented on wooden boards, colorful vegetables, composed salads, and shareable bites that look as inviting as they taste. The menu has enough variety to make the store equally comfortable for a first date, a standing weekly ritual, or an unhurried evening with friends. Service feels personal, and the lively bar creates the neighborly familiarity of Cheers, Texas-style. Choose a table near the stage for a front-row view or claim a quieter spot where conversation can stretch between songs. Either way, the evening retains a polished sense of occasion without losing its boots-on-the-floor ease. A well-made drink, a beautifully presented plate, and a band only a few feet away create an effortless itinerary for two…or a crowd. CONTINUED >

OCTOB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/SWD E N TO N C O UN T Y

The building has earned its sense of belonging over generations. At one point, it served as a two-story community center where residents gathered to dance upstairs. At other times, it functioned as a town hall. When the store operated as a gas station, legend has it that Bonnie and Clyde stopped for a fill-up. Each chapter left something behind, giving today’s establishment a depth that no themed venue could reproduce. For House, the Bartonville Store is the passion project he shared with his late wife, Kathleen. Their affection for the place can be felt in the details: the historic photographs, the welcome at the bar, and the careful balance of good food, community, and accomplished musicians. This is authentically Texas, shaped by the people who gather here. It is also right here in Bartonville, close enough for a spontaneous evening and distinctive enough to feel like a destination. Music is central to the experience, and the calendar offers couples the opportunity to build an evening around it. The Sunday acoustic open mic runs from 2 to 5 p.m. and is always free, creating a casual afternoon of local discovery. Sunday brunch features a solo acoustic performer and an easygoing pace. The popular Thursday Blues Jam brings professional and guest musicians together for the kind of session that can turn a familiar song into a singular moment. Other evenings shift the mood. Yacht club music leans into breezy, familiar favorites, while dueling piano nights reliably sell out and turn the dining room into a spirited, participatory celebration. Ticketed performances are on Fridays and Saturdays starting at 8 p.m. Walking in for dinner before a show is possible any night, making it simple to plan the entire date in one place: arrive early, share a meal, order another round, and let the show carry the rest of the night. The room’s acoustics are another part of the draw. Professional musicians enjoy playing here because the space allows the sound to remain full while the connection with the audience stays immediate. From a nearby table, every guitar line and vocal feels close. From the stage, performers can read the room. That exchange gives the Bartonville Store the energy of a private show, even when nearly every seat is taken. Flower Mound City Lifestyle is proud to be among the first to announce that Dale Watson is returning to the Bartonville Store on December 18. His return is a natural fit for a venue devoted to old-school country, skilled players, and audiences who still value the pleasure of hearing live music in a room built for gathering. It is also the sort of date worth placing on the calendar early. The best evenings unfold here without much choreography. A couple can begin at the bar, linger over dinner, listen from a table, and find themselves talking with the people beside them before the final song. Friends can meet for brunch and discover a new musician. Regulars can welcome first-time visitors into the rhythm of the room. The result is date night or a night out with friends with character: relaxed, memorable, and rooted in a place with stories of its own.

H OT SP OT | ENTERTAI NME N T

“ F ROM T H E ROA D, THE BUILDING CARRIES THE A PPEA LING U N DE R S TAT E M E N T OF A N OLD TEX AS G AT H E R I NG PL AC E .”

CONTINUED > OCTOB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/SWD E N TO N C O UN T Y

And if you see Tim House at the end of the bar, taking in the scene, you will understand how he evaluates the evening. “I measure success by the number of smiles in the room,” House said. Here, that count tends to run high. Visit The Bartonville Store Restaurant in person at 96 McMakin Rd., Bartonville, TX, or learn more online at www.TheBartonvilleStore.com.

H OT SP OT | ENTERTAI NME N T

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ARTICLE BY ANGI BURNS

Champions of Breakfast! BEST LOCAL SPOTS TO START YOUR MORNING OFF RIGHT

Be s t B age l : Ju s ti n C offee & Tradi n g C o. | Ju s ti n The Boot Scootin’ Bagel tops an everything bagel with egg, bacon, avocado, smoked gouda, and arugula for a Texas-sized breakfast favorite.

Be st Coffe e : Mart y B’s Coffe e Co. | Bartonv ille Marty B’s pairs its Texas Hill Country vibe with North Texas-roasted coffee, classic espresso drinks, and creative seasonal lattes.

B es t French Toast: L’Ami ti é Bistro | D e nton French-inspired flair meets breakfast favorites at this charming bistro, with indulgent French toast alongside crepes, pastries, and specialty lattes.

Be s t Avo c ado Toa s t: Li ttl e Jo e’s Far ms te ad | Arg yl e

Best Homest yle Breakfast: Northlake Cafe | Northlake

Artisan sourdough is piled with avocado, farm-fresh eggs, feta, arugula, heirloom tomatoes, balsamic vinaigrette, sweet chili sauce, and bee pollen.

Comfort-food mornings feature biscuits and gravy, country fried steak, pancakes, breakfast enchiladas, and hearty classic breakfast plates.

T R E N D SE T T E R | FO O D + BE VE RAGE

OCTOB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/SWD E N TO N C O UN T Y

A FALL-INSPIRED MAPLE PUMPKIN GRANOLA WITH PUMPKIN YOGURT

maple pumpkin parfait ARTICLE BY ALYSSA LAVY, MS, RD, CDN, CPT

maple pumpkin granola

(Yields approximately 4.5 cups or 18 – ¼ C servings)

ingredients: • • • •

• • • • • • • •

2 ½ C rolled oats 1 C pumpkin seeds, hulled ½ C unsalted walnuts, chopped 2 Tbsp canned pumpkin puree (Note: the only ingredient should be pumpkin – this is different than pumpkin pie filling) 1 Tbsp water 2 Tbsp avocado oil or vegetable oil ½ C pure maple syrup, divided into 2- ¼ C servings 2 tsp pure vanilla extract 1 tsp ground cinnamon 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice ¼ tsp salt Nonstick cooking oil spray

pumpkin yogurt

(Yields approximately 1 C yogurt)

ingredients: • • • • •

C ULIN A RY C R E AT ION S | F OOD + BE VE RAGE

¾ C plain Greek yogurt of choice ¼ C canned pumpkin puree ¼ tsp cinnamon ¼ tsp pure vanilla extract 1 ½ tsp honey

granola directions:

1. Preheat oven to 250 degrees Fahrenheit. 2. Combine canned pumpkin, water, oil, vanilla extract and ¼ C maple syrup) and mix until well combined. 3. Add rolled oats and salt to wet ingredients and mix until oats are evenly coated. 4. Line a large baking sheet (9 x 13 inches works well) with parchment paper and spray with nonstick cooking oil spray. Transfer oats to baking sheet and spread in a thin, even layer. 5. Bake in oven for 1 hour, mixing at 30 minutes and 45 minutes. 6. Remove oats from oven briefly. Add pumpkin seeds, chopped walnuts, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice and remaining ¼ C pure maple syrup. Mix with a spatula and return to oven to bake for another 30 minutes, mixing halfway through. Remove from oven and allow to cool for 5 minutes before using a spatula to transfer to container. Do not wait too long to transfer granola as it can stick to the parchment paper as it cools.

yogurt

directions: 1. Combine all yogurt ingredients in a medium sized bowl. Top with a handful of the maple pumpkin granola, serve immediately and enjoy! Note: This granola can be stored in an airtight container and stored in a cool, dry place for up to 1 week. While this granola is made with gluten free ingredients, I recommend using certified gluten free ingredients if needed.

Yogurt can be made with a suitable dairy-free alternative if you need this recipe to be dairyfree and the honey can be swapped for pure maple syrup to make the dairy-free yogurt recipe suitable for a vegan diet. The granola and the yogurt can each be enjoyed on their own, but they complement each other so nicely! This Maple Pumpkin Granola Parfait is a perfect way to celebrate autumn’s most famous flavors in a nutritious way! Pumpkin, maple syrup and warm spices, such as cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice, give cozy vibes that are traditionally found in baked goods this time of year. However, while pumpkin bread, muffins, cookies and other fall flavored baked goods are certainly delicious and should be enjoyed, this Maple Pumpkin Granola Parfait provides the satisfaction of those fall flavors in a lighter way, while providing ample protein and fiber. It is the perfect, slightly sweet and balanced way to start the day – or to enjoy anytime! Alyssa Lavy, MS, RD, CDN, CPT is a registered dietitian, personal trainer and mom of 2. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from The George Washington University and her Master of Science in Nutrition and Exercise Physiology from Teachers College Columbia University, where she also completed her dietetic internship. She has been an ACSM certified personal trainer for over a decade. Alyssa is the owner of Alyssa Lavy Nutrition & Wellness, a wellness brand offering nutrition communications, program development and consulting services for individuals and corporations. Website: alyssalavy.com Instagram: @alyssalavyrd

OCTOB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/SWD E N TO N C O UN T Y

Feed Your Soul Food is exciting to cook, and satisfying to eat but is it enjoyable to read? Novels where food is prominently featured can be a veritable feast for the eyes. Food imagery, also called gustatory imagery, adds depth to a novel, providing a springboard for all kinds of descriptive and symbolic language. Different dishes can transport a reader to new regions of the world, reveal a character’s culture, or symbolically deepen the meaning of a text. So, dive into this list of autumn reads and don’t forget to save room for seconds.

Fall in love with food-centric fiction ARTICLE BY HANNAH BARRICKS

I NSP IR E D BY | L I FE + C ULT U RE

Stanley Park

The School of Essential Ingredients

by Timothy Taylor

by Erica Bauermeister

True crime fans and foodies alike will enjoy this beautifully written novel. The novel follows a Vancouver based chef, Jeremy Papier and his failing bistro. As Papier tries to hold his dreams together, his homeless father drags him into a real-life, 1940s “cold case” investigation. The novel mindfully uses the investigation as well as Papier’s commitment to locally grown foods to pay tribute to Vancouver’s landscape and history.

Love is in the air at this Monday night cooking school. The novel follows a cast of hapless students as they are instructed in both the kitchen and in life by the school’s owner, Lillian. Lillian is the group’s fairy godmother as she hands out morsels of advice and challenges the students with advanced recipes. A cozy read, be prepared to fall in love with the decadence of the school’s dishes as well as the sweet message that lingers long after you put down the book.

A Moveable Feast

The Sol Majestic

by Ernest Hemingway

by Ferrett Steinmetz

Published after his untimely death, A Moveable Feast is Hemingway’s memoir. A love letter to 1920s Paris and the literary movement, Hemingway charters the reader through his early years there, one cafe at a time. Along the way, familiar characters like Gertrude Stein and F. Scott Fitzgerald float in and out. This no-frills prose will stick to your ribs and leave you satisfied.

If you love science fiction, this big-hearted, culinary space opera is sure to hit the spot. The story follows impoverished Kenna, an aspiring guru who hungrily wanders the cosmos until he wins dinner at the galaxy’s most renowned restaurant, The Sol Majestic. A novel that is both fun and thought provoking, Steinmetz uses striking food imagery to explore what truly excites the spirit. OCTOB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/SWD E N TO N C O UN T Y

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Do The Monster Mash With These Fall-Focused

spook - tails Cocktails Perfect For Halloween Festivities

ARTICLE BY SAM LAGE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY NICOLETTE MARTIN

C HE F ’S SE LE CT ION | FOOD + BE VE RAGE

TOASTED MALLOW

• • • • •

1 1/2 ounces vodka 1 1/2 ounces chocolate liqueur 1/2 ounce Frangelico liqueur graham crackers marshmallows

Combine all ingredients except for the graham crackers and marshmallows in a shaker tin. Add ice and shake vigorously until sufficiently chilled and blended. Crush graham crackers in a plastic bag to make a fine powder. Coat half of a martini glass with your crushed graham crackers and strain your cocktail into the coated martini glass. Layer the top of the drink with marshmallows and toast with a crème brûlée torch. Enjoy!

Combine all ingredients except for the nutmeg in a shaker tin. Add ice and shake vigorously until sufficiently chilled and blended. Strain through a mesh fine strainer into a martini glass or other decorative glassware without ice. Shave fresh nutmeg over the top as a garnish and enjoy!

PUMPKIN BRAIN PURÉE

• 2 ounces cachaça (Brazilian sugar cane rum, silver rum can be substituted) • 1 ounce Galliano liqueur • 1/2 ounce lemon juice • 1/2 ounce brown sugar & cinnamon syrup • 2 tablespoons pumpkin puree • fresh nutmeg

OCTOB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/SWD E N TO N C O UN T Y

OCTOBER 2026

events A S E L E C T I O N O F U P C O M I N G LO C A L E V E N T S

SE LE C T F RIDAYS IN O C TO B E R

Lawn Chairs, Moonlight, and Halloween Classics Quakertown Park: 700 Oakland St., Denton, TX 76201 Denton's Movies in the Park series returns with four fall Friday screenings featuring beloved Halloween favorites including The Addams Family, a Goosebumps double feature, The Haunted Mansion, and a spooky finale double feature of Monster House and Poltergeist. Lawn games, trivia, and food trucks kick off each evening before the first frame rolls. See the full fall schedule at www.CityOfDenton.com. O C TOBE R 1 ST

Halloween Starts Now Quakertown Civic Center: 321 E McKinney St., Denton, TX 76201 | 6:00 PM The Blocktober Party and Pumpkin Drop kicks off Denton's 31 Days of Halloween with bounce houses, lawn games, food trucks, toucha-truck exhibits, and a jaw-dropping spectacle as pumpkins packed with food soar and splat from dizzying heights. A State of the City address and National Night Out round out the evening. Visit dentonhalloween.com for the full calendar. O C TOBE R 3 RD

Grow and Learn Denton County Administrative Courthouse: 1 Courthouse Dr., Denton, TX 76208 | 10:00 AM Garden and Nature Expo 2026 brings together Texas Parks and Wildlife, the Elm Fork Master Naturalists, and the Native Plant Society for a free educational event packed with expert speakers, hands-on activities, and booths covering everything from beekeeping and water conservation to North Texas wildlife and state parks. Visit www.dcmga.com for the full activity lineup. O C TOBE R 9 T H

Bingo, Boas, and a Big Tent of Good The Big Top Tent: 126 E Oak St., Denton | 6:00 PM Serve Denton's signature fall fundraiser returns under the Big Top for a night of bingo, prizes, costumes, music, and community spirit that brought nearly 300 attendees together last year. Every ticket directly supports nonprofits and communities across Denton in need of real help. Come dressed to impress and ready to play. Visit www.DentonChamber.org to grab tickets before they sell out. O C TOBE R 9 T H

Old Hollywood Glamour Meets Murder Mystery Greater Denton Arts Council: 400 E Hickory St., Denton, TX 76201 | 7:00 PM Best Laid Plans transforms a buffet dinner into a scandalous old Hollywood whodunnit, complete with a live interactive performance by The Murder Mystery Company, two drink tickets, and a cast of suspicious characters hiding secrets around every corner. Guests 18 and older are encouraged to bring their most glamorous vintage-inspired looks. Visit www.DiscoverDenton.com for tickets and seating details. O C TOBE R 1 0 T H

Champagne, Charcuterie, and Curated Artisan Finds Hilton Garden Inn Denton: 3110 Colorado Blvd., Denton, TX 76210 | 5:00 PM This thoughtfully curated pop-up brings together North Texas artisans, boutique shopping, live music, champagne, and charcuterie in an inviting atmosphere where creativity and community genuinely collide. Don't be afraid to shop for Christmas gifts at this early holiday market featuring adult art kits, handmade jewelry, and more. Find this and other events at www.DentonHalloween.com.

EVE N TS

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OC TOBE R 1 7 T H

Glow, Interact, and Experience Electric Greater Denton Arts Council: 400 E Hickory St., Denton, TX 76201 | 7:00 PM Electric returns for its third year, transforming GDAC inside and out with glowing sculptures, interactive light installations, and projection art created by UNT College of Visual Arts and Design students. From gallery spaces to the outdoor grounds, the entire venue becomes a one-night-only immersive light art experience. Free for all ages, so visit www.DentonArts.com for event details. OC TOBE R 2 1 ST

City Lifestyle’s Business Networking Happy Hour The Bartonville Store: 96 McMakin Rd. Bartonville, TX 76226 | 5:30 PM Get ready for a Halloween Happy Hour designed for local business professionals to connect, build relationships and have a little fun along the way! Enjoy appetizers, cocktails, networking and a festive costume party in a relaxed atmosphere. Come dressed to impress, make new connections and reconnect with familiar faces. Come for the connections, stay for the live music, great food and Halloween fun! OC TOBE R 2 5T H

Big Band Jazz, Alive and Swinging Harvest House: 331 E Hickory St., Denton, TX 76201 | 3:00 PM Basically Basie Big Band keeps the legendary sound of Count Basie alive with dedication, craft, and genuine love for the music. Catch them live at a Denton Square venue rooted in community and built by locals who have spent careers creating spaces worth gathering in. Visit www.DentonHarvestHouse.com for upcoming performance dates and reservations.

OCTOB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/SWD E N TO N C O UN T Y

Fall Penne with Roasted Butternut Squash INGREDIENTS: Servings: 4 • 2 1/4 lbs. butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cut into 1/2-inch pieces (about 3 cups) • 1/4 cup olive oil, divided • kosher salt • 1 pound penne pasta • 3 ounces pancetta, sliced 1/4-inch thick and cut into small dice • 2 shallots, thinly sliced crosswise • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes • 10 fresh sage leaves, coarsely chopped • 1/2 cup finely grated Pecorino Romano cheese • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

M YG H O

DIRECTIONS: 1. Preheat oven to 400°F. 2. Place butternut squash on a rimmed baking sheet and toss with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Season with salt. 3. Transfer to the oven and roast until the squash is browned and tender, for about 15 minutes. 4. Bring a pot of water to a boil. Generously salt the water. Add pasta and cook according to package directions. 5. Drain pasta, reserving up to 2 cups of cooking liquid. Set pasta and reserved cooking liquid aside. 6. Meanwhile, heat the remaining 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add pancetta and cook until just crisp, 4 to 5 minutes. Add shallots, crushed red pepper, and sage. Cook until shallots are soft, for 4 to 5 minutes. 7. Add penne and squash and toss gently, adding reserved pasta cooking liquid as necessary to moisten. 8. Add cheese and black pepper, and cook, tossing gently, until pasta and squash are heated through. 9. Serve immediately with more grated cheese, if desired.

R D! ROASTED BUTTERNUT SQUASH + PANCETTA AND SAGE + PENNE = PERFECT FALL PASTA .

ARTICLE BY PAULI REEP

M UST SE E | FO O D + BEVERAGE

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