Nolan County Coliseum, 220 Coliseum Drive

Big Country Cutting Horse Association hosts this family-friendly rodeo event featuring activities for kids and a National Cutting Horse Association show.

facebook.com/profile.php?id=100062960002212

Festival Grounds at Rockport Harbor, 1500 E. Laurel St.

A two-day, juried outdoor festival shines a light on fine art and master crafts. Over 120 artists from all over Texas and beyond sell their work to over 10,000 visitors. In addition to viewing and purchasing art, visitors to the festival can enjoy a tasty array of food truck options as well as an air-conditioned entertainment tent with live music throughout the weekend and a beer garden. The festival is family friendly, with a dedicated children's activity tent and live music just for the little ones.

rockportartcenter.com/artfest

Ebony Hill's Golf Course, 300 W. Palm Drive

Texas Cook’Em has one of the biggest barbecue cookoff purses in the state, awarding $16,000 to the winners. In 2021, Texas Cook’Em drew cooking teams from across the state and over 10,000 citizens attended this state championship event.

edinburg.com

Downtown Roscoe

This family-friendly day includes a parade, food, craft vendors, live music, fireworks, dancing, and the annual high-powered truck mud races of the Plowboy Mudbog.

roscoetx.com

Cave Without a Name Throne Room, 325 Kreutzberg Road

Experience a unique musical experience down in the Queen's Throne Room at the Cave Without A Name. American Stories is a rousing exploration of American patriotic music and the stories of American composers from Independence Day through modern times.

cavewithoutaname.com

Central Park, 201 S. Austin St.

Celebrate Independence Day in beautiful downtown Seguin with live music, food trucks, vendors, a kiddie parade, and and other festivities.

visitseguin.com

Courthouse Square , Downtown Leakey

At this downtown Fourth of July event, celebrate America’s independence in good old-fashioned Main Street-style. Enjoy arts, crafts, and food vendors on the square, a parade of true Texas Americana, Leakey’s wild and woolly rodeo, and then the beloved street dance on the courthouse square. Asleep at the Wheel plays at 10 p.m., with Jesse Daniel opening at 8:30 p.m. The July Jubilee Concert and Street Dance is all about family, history, romance, and a way of life unique to small-town rural Texas.

julyjubileetx.com

Addison Circle Park, 4970 Addison Circle

Since 1985 one of the nation’s most impressive and unique Independence Day celebrations has been held in Addison. Each year approximately 500,000 guests from across the country converge on this small town to view the incredible Addison Airport Airshow, followed by a spectacular fireworks display. Whether enjoyed from a restaurant watch party, hotel balcony, or the award-winning festival in Addison Circle Park, attendees are sure to be immersed in patriotic revelry.

addisonkaboomtown.com

Columbus Golf Course , 141 Veterans Drive

Columbus hosted the very first Fourth of July celebration in the state of Texas in 1826 and continues the tradition with an old-fashioned bash full of family-friendly fun. There is music, food, and a great fireworks display.

columbustexas.org

Mackenzie Park , 301 I-27

For over three decades, Fourth on Broadway has been an event that Lubbock and the entire region look forward to year after year. Since its humble beginnings by a committee of downtown churches in 1991, the event has become a go-to summer celebration for thousands of West Texans. This year’s theme is “United We Stand.” The day starts with a parade and is followed by the annual Bolton Oil Youth Fishing Tournament, eating contests, a kids' area with water slides, a mechanical bull, an obstacle course, a petting zoo, and daytime concerts. The evening concert features some of the best local musicians and is followed by the fireworks show, synchronized to classic and contemporary patriotic music.

broadwayfestivals.com

Little Bay and Downtown

Get in a patriotic mood as you view a patriotic boat parade at noon. The parade can be seen from downtown, but for the best views, head to Broadway adjacent to Little Bay. The Wendell Family Fireworks Show is held at dark.

rockportartcenter.com

Louise Hays Park, 202 Thompson Drive

Enjoy food, vendor booths, family fun, bounce houses, face painting, the Louise Hays Park splashpad and playgrounds, and cooling off in the Guadalupe River. The free concert features Robert Earl Keen and other musical acts. Then at dusk the largest fireworks display in the Texas Hill Country fills the sky.

robertearlkeens4th.com

Main Street from Washington to Bowie

Originally started in 1991 by a group of community-minded friends, this small-town patriotic parade has grown over the years to be one that is loved by locals and visitors from all over. Bring lawn chairs or use the tailgate of your truck.

fbgtxparade.org

Downtown , Lafayette and Vale streets

At this old-fashioned Fourth of July celebration in the park, visitors can expect a pie auction, homemade ice cream contest, music, hot dogs, cool drinks, and a finale with a spectacular fireworks display reflecting in the Big Cypress Bayou.

visitjeffersontexas.com

Historic Downtown Weatherford, 1 Courthouse Square

The 37th annual Parker County Peach Festival is shaping up to be peachy with a bounty of Parker County peaches and impressive vendors. Visitors can get their fill of homemade peach ice cream, peach cobbler, peach pie, peach tea, peach smoothies, ice cream topped with fresh peaches, or just plain ol’ juicy peaches—eaten with the fuzz. More than 200 quality arts and crafts, produce, activity, and food vendors line the historic streets of downtown, with the charming Parker County courthouse as the backdrop. This year, visitors find an even more spread out event with the festival area expanded by 25%. Pull up a seat and sit back at one of two entertainment stages where local talent performs, and don’t forget about the annual Peach Pedal Bike Ride with over 2,200 cyclists and the judged food competition that's full of peachy bites. For easy transportation to the festival, hop on one of the air-conditioned shuttles from the 9th Grade Center, Weatherford College, or Heritage Park.

peachfestivaltx.com

Sugar Land Heritage Museum and Visitor Center, 198 Kempner St.

This monthly historic walking tour takes you back to the time when Sugar Land was a company town, with virtually all enterprises managed by the Imperial Sugar Company or its affiliate, Sugarland Industries.

slheritage.org

George R. Brown Convention Center, 1001 Avenida de las Americas

Texas’ largest pop-culture festival draws fans of art, celebrity, comics, films, gaming, and literature. Comicpalooza hosts panels, autograph and photograph sessions with celebrity guests, a literature conference, film festival, and cosplay competitions, and presents special attractions, entertainment, and gaming tournaments. Shoppers can browse art and handcrafted goods from local and visiting artists in the Artist Alley and stroll through the Dealer’s Room to peruse comic books, collectibles, toys, clothing, and other niche products. Young festival-goers can immerse themselves in interactive exhibits found throughout the hall and in the Innovation Lab, while adult attendees can learn about space advancements and test new consumer technologies.

comicpalooza.com

Sames Auto Arena, 6700 Arena Blvd.

Over a span of three days, the Sames Auto Arena is transformed into an indoor mercado featuring artisans from all over Mexico selling a variety of different products from leather goods, home décor, jewelry, clothing, and delicious food and candies from their native city. With an annual average of 200 exhibitors, the festival has grown tremendously over the past couple of years and hit 25,000 visitors in 2019.

visitlaredo.com/p/things-to-do/events/laredosistercitiesfestival

Bandera Couthouse Lawn, 500 Main St.

Celebrate the National Day of the American Cowboy in Bandera, the "Cowboy Capital of the World." See gunfighters, picking circles, vendors, blacksmiths, and other frontier fun.

banderacowboycapital.com

Schreiner Golf Course, 1 Country Club Land

One of the most prestigious amateur level golf tournaments contested in Texas, golfers from all over the country come to Kerrville to compete in this annual 72-hole tournament. Since its inception, the tournament has been played at the Scott Schreiner Golf Course, a par-70 course that is considered one of the state’s best municipality-operated courses.

hohkerr.com

Various locations

Viva Big Bend showcases the best of the state: extraordinary natural beauty, remarkable and talented people, an independent spirit, and an amazing culture. Approximately 55 bands and solo artists (with a wide variety of styles represented) are expected to be showcased in at least 10 venues in Alpine, Marfa, Marathon, Terlingua, and Fort Davis this year.

vivabigbend.com

Melon Patch Grounds, 100 Front St.

One of the biggest events in the area, the annual Watermelon Festival draws people from far and wide. There are watermelons aplenty, and these East Texas melons are as sweet as they come. The festival holds one of the biggest parades in northeastern Texas and includes a street dance, craft booths, a fully sanctioned PRCA rodeo, an antique car show, corn hole, horse shoes, food, and bingo.

facebook.com/naplesmelonpatch

The Buddy Holly Hall of Performing Arts and Sciences, 1300 Mac Davis Lane

Celebrate the 85th birthday of Lubbock’s favorite son with guitarist Duane Eddy. The Buddy Holly Educational Foundation and Lubbock Entertainment Performing Arts Association give an evening of conversations and songs for Buddy Holly’s epic birthday celebration.

buddyhollyhall.com/event/buddy-hollys-85th-birthday-celebration

Texas Rangers Heritage Center at Fort Martin Scott, 1618 E. Main St.

This day honors those who have served and those still commissioned with a two-part event featuring historians and educational programs. Texas Rangers Day includes Living History HQ Company Rangers who present reenactments that focus on the time periods of 1823 to 1960 and include Ranger Camp setups, cannon firing, and memorabilia displays.

trhc.org

Sugar Land Heritage Museum and Visitor Center, 198 Kempner St.

This monthly historic walking tour takes you back to the time when Sugar Land was a company town, with virtually all enterprises managed by the Imperial Sugar Company or its affiliate, Sugarland Industries.

slheritage.org

East Beach , 1923 Boddeker Drive

Now in its 35th year, the Sandcastle Contest pits more than 80 teams of architects against each other to sculpt the best creations. On Sunday, the castles remain for public viewing without the crowds.

visitgalveston.com

Gillespie County Fairgrounds and Exhibition Hall, 530 Fair Drive

The oldest continuous county fair in Texas marks its 134th year. Enjoy four big days filled with fun events, including a carnival and midway, fair food, livestock judging, agricultural and household exhibits, arts and crafts, antique tractor shows, live music and dancing, and live pari-mutuel horse racing.

gillespiefair.com

LBJ State and National Historical Parks, Stonewall

The National Park Service hosts the annual wreath-laying ceremony at President Johnson’s gravesite on the LBJ Ranch at 10 a.m. Throughout the day, the LBJ State Park invites visitors to participate in old-time games at the Sauer-Beckmann Living History Farm. Birthday cake is served at 1 p.m. at the state park’s visitor center. 

nps.gov/lyjo

Steve W. Shepherd Theater, 1668 US 87 South

Fredericksburg Theater Company presents this show featuring Cindy Williams. Best known for her iconic role as Shirley Feeney in the hit television series "Laverne and Shirley," Williams shares her memories and hilarious backstage tales covering a lifetime in entertainment.

fredericksburgtheater.org

Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary, 1 Nature Place

Encounter the 46-foot tall T-Rex and 10 new life-size animatronic dinosaurs along the nature trails at the 16th annual exhibit. The exhibit always gives families and friends a fun, educational activity to enjoy together. See the dinosaurs move and hear them roar. An outdoor fossil dig is available for kids. The dinosaur trail is great for jogging strollers, but not suitable for strollers with small wheels or wheelchairs.

heardmuseum.org/dinosaurs-live

National Museum of the Pacific War Pacific Combat Zone, 508 E. Austin St.

This one-of-a-kind program, taking place four Saturdays a year, features a battle reenactment complete with period vehicles and weaponry from both sides of the War in the Pacific.

pacificwarmuseum.org

New Berlin Community Center, 8815 Farm to Market Road 775

At the 71st annual Sausage Festival, attendees can eat homemade sausage, play bingo, enter a raffle, shop at a country store, let children play games, and then dance the night away to music by Clint Taft and the Buckwild Band.

facebook.com/nbtxsausagefest

Gruene Hall, 1281 Gruene Road

Bound by blood and a mutual love of American roots music, the Bacon Brothers (Erato, Michael and Kevin Bacon) have spent the past quarter-century in a creative whirl, funneling their shared DNA into a genre-bending sound. They call that sound “Forosoco”—a blend of folk, rock, soul, and country influences—and it’s taken the siblings across the world, from shows in Japan to performances at American landmarks like Carnegie Hall and the Grand Ole Opry.

gruenehall.com

Texas State Railroad, Palestine Depot, 789 Park Road 70

The train departs the Palestine Railroad Depot, and passengers go on a journey through the Piney Woods of East Texas while sampling the fine wines of Red 55 Winery, located in Lindale. Wine samplings are paired with appetizers that complement each wine. The train makes its way to Rusk Railroad Depot, guided by the moonlight, where it stops and guests have dinner.

texasstaterailroad.net

Washington County Expo Center, 1305 Blue Bell Road

Established in 1868, the Washington County Fair is the first and oldest county fair held in Texas. Enjoy a variety of events including concerts, rodeos, livestock shows, arts and craft shows, special attractions, a carnival, and commercial exhibits.

washingtoncofair.com

Luckenbach , 412 Luckenbach Town Loop

Enjoy classic cars and a live music festival featuring rockabilly and honky tonk bands.

luckenbachtexas.com

The Wichita Theatre, 919 Indiana Ave

Best known for her iconic role as Shirley Feeney in the hit television series "Laverne and Shirley," Cindy Williams is a versatile actress and comedian who overcame a challenging childhood to pursue her love of acting and found stardom. Williams shares her memories and hilarious backstage tales, covering a lifetime in entertainment.

wichitatheatre.com

Various locations

The annual HummerBird Celebration features a reception, workshops, HummerBird Malls, bus and boat tours, exhibits, banding, and lectures presented by world-renowned experts. Events are held throughout Aransas County.

rockport-fulton.org/hb

Woody's Last Stand, 154 W. Cotter Ave.

Anglers on Wheels is a free fishing trip for people with disabilities, their friends, and family members. Reservations must be made, as space is limited. The fishing trip takes anglers to the bays and flats around Port Aransas, and Texas Parks and Wildlife provides a free fishing license for all event participants that is passed out as you board the boat. Every disabled angler is given a fishing pole first, then all other poles are limited. The fishing boat is a converted ferry boat that is completely wheelchair accessible and covered to protect against the hot sun. Bait, tackle, and deck hands are available to help, free of charge. An ice chest with free drinks is on the boat, and you are welcome to bring your own ice chest on board.

ditwtexas.org/index.html

Dallas Arboretum, 8525 Garland Road

The 17th annual Autumn at the Arboretum festival, presented by Reliant, features 90,000 pumpkins, gourds, and squash, hailing from the Pumpkin Capital of Texas, Floydada, throughout the garden. This year’s theme, "A Fall Fairy Tale," features the return of Cinderella’s Carriage, along with themed pumpkin houses that make up the acclaimed Pumpkin Village, and of course, a maze for younger visitors. Other gourd-eous displays reimagine classic tales of "Jack and The Beanstalk," "The Three Little Pigs," "The Sword in the Stone," and "One Thousand and One Nights."

dallasarboretum.org

Mesquite Arena, 1818 Rodeo Drive

Head to the Mesquite Arena for the second annual Heritage Fall Rodeo, where the best African American cowboys participate in rodeo events, including open bull riding, steer wrestling, calf roping, and barrel racing, to hip hop, zydeco, blues, and gospel music.

heritagerodeo.com

Louise Hays Park, 202 Thompson Drive

Come celebrate one of the things that makes Kerrville such a wonderful place: the Guadalupe River. The third annual festival offers live music, river activities, food, games, and family entertainment.

kerrvilletx.gov

Cave Without a Name Throne Room, 325 Kreutzberg Road

Enjoy an eclectic blend of contemporary acoustic songs, soaring vocals, dynamic instrumentation, and improvisation with Rudi and the Rudiments. With a thematic focus on the balance of darkness and light marked by the first day of autumn, part of the concert is to be performed in total darkness and flickering candlelight, providing a memorable concert experience.

cavewithoutaname.com

Meadows Museum, 5900 Bishop Blvd.

This exhibition examines prints and drawings from the Bridwell and DeGolyer Libraries at SMU, as well as from the Meadows’s own collection, that visualize female biblical figures, saints, and monastics. The show contextualizes these works against a historical backdrop in which the church and Spanish monarchy sought to protect social order by regulating women’s mobility, promoting their enclosure, and mandating their separation from the outside world.

meadowsmuseumdallas.org

Dora Lee Langdon Cultural Center, 308 E. Pearl St.

Lose your head at Granbury’s newest and most thrilling Halloween attraction. Nationally renowned theater company Brian Clowdus Productions invades historic Granbury in an immersive theatrical nightmare that has taken the country by storm. Enter into the world of the classic Washington Irving tale with a fresh and horrifying new spin as the audience becomes part of the action. But be aware of what’s in front of you and behind you: The Headless Horseman is waiting.

visitgranbury.com/events/the-sleepy-hollow-experience

Dora Lee Langdon Center, 308 E. Bridge St.

Nationally renowned theater producer Brian Clowdus invades historic Granbury this October in an immersive theatrical nightmare. Enter into the world of the classic Washington Irving tale with a fresh and horrifying new spin as the audience becomes part of the action. But be aware of what’s in front of you—and behind you. The Headless Horseman is waiting.

visitgranbury.com

San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts, 1 Love St.

This juried collection of fine craft and folk artistry features pieces by artists from nine counties in the Concho Valley.

samfa.org

Alpine Civic Center, 801 W. Holland Ave.

In 1991, the Native Plant Society of Texas initiated an educational project designed to explore the ecology of the many vegetation regions of Texas through a series of symposia undertaken in conjunction with its annual members’ meeting. Every fall, the meeting convenes in a different region which focuses of that year’s symposium. Field trips, workshops, and exhibits complement the presentations that are open to the public.

npsot.org/wp/event/fall-symposium-hybrid

Oak Point Park and Nature Preserve, 5901 Los Rios Blvd.

The official Hot Air Balloon Capital of Texas hosts this annual ballooning tradition that features more than 30 colorful hot air balloons, a RE/MAX parachute team exhibition, live entertainment, a fireworks show, food concessions, arts and crafts vendors, and a kids' fun zone.

planoballoonfest.org

Hill Country Arts Foundation, 120 Point Theater Road

For the 50th anniversary of its founding, the Texas Arts and Crafts Fair showcases the work of more than 120 artists, crafters, musicians, and demonstrators from around Texas. Visitors can browse and shop for fine art, pottery, photography, jewelry, and stained glass. Blacksmiths, knife makers, quilters, and potters demonstrate their crafts, while children can visit the Texas Camel Corps or experiment with art forms to take home. Food trucks, craft beer, and wine offer refreshment on the grounds.

txartsandcraftsfair.com

St. Paul Lutheran Church Picnic Grounds, FM 2239 and CR 212 (Serbin)

Wendish Fest is the annual celebration of Wendish heritage and culture hosted by the Texas Wendish Heritage Society. Wendish Fest offers a full day of family fun with authentic Wendish food, drink, children's activities such as "Kletternpfosten" (greased pole climbing for the kids), stick horse races, and a coloring contest. Other competitions include the cross-cut saw contest, coffee cake bake off, and washer pitching. Visitors enjoy vintage autos and antique machinery along with many exhibits and demonstrations authentic to Wendish culture. Included are: sausage stuffing, sauerkraut making, soap making, noodle making, quilting, weaving, tatting, blacksmithing, and stone grinding corn meal on a 1918 grist mill. Two favorites are the Wendish Easter egg decorating and the German Christmas Market featuring local Serbin artisans. Entertainment features the Shiner Hobo Band. There is no admission fee for the festival. An authentic Wendish noon meal is served to thousands of attendees which includes the most popular homemade Wendish noodles.

texaswendish.org/category/events

Scarborough Faire, 2511 FM 66

The world's largest Halloween theme park comes complete with five haunted houses (all with different themes), the Rottingwood Cemetery walk-through attraction, stage entertainment, Scary-Oke, games, a food court, pubs, shops, and loads of Halloween fun. Admission allows you to tour through attractions as many times as you'd like.

screamspark.com

Gillespie County Fairgrounds, 530 Fair Drive

Sponsored by the Texas Gourd Society, the Lone Star Gourd Festival brings artists and crafters from across the country to Fredericksburg. The three-day event features a gourd art competition, gourd art sales, gourd supplies, and technique classes. Artists and crafters transform gourds into incredible fine art and crafts that are carved, wood burned, woven, polished, dyed, painted, and inlaid as if they were wood. Shop the many artist booths, tour the art competition area, vote in the People's Choice award, and stop at the "Imagination Station," where children and adults can try their hand at creating their own gourd art.

texasgourdsociety.org

Marktplatz, 100 block of West Main Street

At the 41st Oktoberfest, celebrate the fun and flavor of Fredericksburg's German heritage with three days of music, food, drink, dancing, arts and crafts, and children's entertainment.

oktoberfestinfbg.com

Various locations

The Mason County Republican Women's 36th annual home tour is a one-day event that showcases historic, new, and restored homes. The tours are a scholarship fundraising event with different homes listed each year. Tickets are available only the day of event at Market Square, located on the west side of the Mason Square.

masontxcoc.com/calendar

Plano Event Center, 2000 E. Spring Creek Parkway

Experience the largest model train show in the North Dallas area. Everyone's welcome—from the novice to the seasoned engineer. The return of the Fall Plano Train Show includes train club layouts, how-to clinics, and vendors. Children 12 and under are free.

dfwtrainshows.com

Love Creek Apple Orchard, 14024 SH 16 North

The pumpkin patch is open Saturday through Monday (closed Oct. 31). Admission includes pumpkin painting, an apple orchard tour, farm animals, games, a hayride, hay maze, storytelling, scarecrow building, and sing-alongs. Don’t forget to play an instrument in the Great Hill Country Symphony and enjoy tree ripened apples, an old-fashioned sweet cider press, and apple goodies.

lovecreekorchards.com

Sugar Land Town Square, 2711 Plaza Drive

Come to Sugar Land Town Square for a day of shopping, with small and local makers offering items that include candles, home goods, jewelry, clothing, accessories, and gifts.

sugarlandtownsquare.com

Downtown Huntsville, 1203 University Ave.

For over 40 years on the first Saturday in October, the Huntsville-Walker County Chamber of Commerce has hosted the annual tradition of Fair on the Square, featuring 400 booths of arts, crafts, food, and entertainment.

faironthesquare.com

Mesquite Arena, 1818 Rodeo Drive

Watch young bullriders, ages 4-18, from across the world compete for a grand prize and exclusive title of World Champion Mini Bull Rider.

visitmesquitetx.com

Seguin Events Complex, 950 S. Austin St.

The 139th annual Guadalupe County Fair and Rodeo features a carnival, barbecue cookoff, agriculture and livestock exhibits, PCRA rodeo, and concerts.

gcfair.org

Extraco Events Center , 4601 Bosque Blvd.

See everything from professional bull riders to mutton bustin' buckaroos. Enjoy live music nightly, calf scrambles, and livestock shows. Heart O' Texas has been held for more than 65 years, with attendance swelling each year. In 2018, more than 193,000 people attended.

hotfair.com

The Grapevine, 1612 Hunter Road

Come and taste it for the United Way at this event that celebrates Texas Wine Month. Every Thursday in October, The Grapevine features complimentary tastings from up to three Texas wineries and a Texas craft brewery, live music, and prize giveaways. Proceeds from featured wine selections benefit United Way of Comal County all month long.

gruenemusicandwinefest.org

Zilker Park , 2207 Lou Neff Road

One of the country's largest celebrations of music, this six-day festival brings the magic of the famed public TV series "Austin City Limits" outside the studio and into Austin's most beloved park with more than 140 musical acts on eight stages over two weekends. Headliners this year include Red Hot Chili Peppers, Pink, the Chicks, SZA, Kacey Musgraves, and Lil Nas X.

aclfestival.com

Alpine Civic Center, 801 W. Holland Ave.

Alpine’s mild weather makes it an attractive year-round destination, and the town is certified with an official Music Friendly Communities designation from the Texas Music Office. The inaugural Bluegrass Festival line-up includes the Kody Norris Show, the Edgar Loudermilk, the Old Rugged Choir, Second Time Around, Bluegrass Express, and Calamity Creek. Enjoy jamming, concessions, workshops, Rand drawings.

bigbendbluegrass.com

Marktplatz, 100 block of West Main Street

This is the 28th year for the festival dedicated to the world's largest selection of original mesquite art. The event is a showcase for sculpture, furniture, wood turnings, architectural accents, gift items, ornaments, and other items.

texasmesquiteartfestivals.com

Texas Motorplex , 7500 SH 287 West

NHRA Fall Nationals event action is packed with racing, concerts, special events, and other entertainment.

texasmotorplex.com

Aransas Navigation District, 100 Seabreeze Drive

Seafair celebrates its 47th year on the bayfront on Aransas Navigation District festival grounds. This fun festival has a gumbo cookoff, hilarious crab races, arts and crafts, a market, food vendors, an outdoor boat show, and live big-name and local entertainment including Cory Morrow.

rocktportseafair.com

Gruene Hall, 1281 Gruene Road

Benefiting the United Way of Comal County and presented by Gruene Hall and KNBT 92.1FM Radio New Braunfels, this annual event features a dinner catered by Gristmill River Restaurant, wine tasting, a private performance by a Gruene Hall favorite, and the Great Guitar Auction featuring guitars signed by some of the best artists to headline the historic stage.

gruenemusicandwinefest.org

Downtown Jefferson

Come for bikes, bands, and beer all weekend long. Centering around historic Auntie Skinners Riverboat Club, this event has bike games, a live auction, live music, a bike show, and a raffle for a brand new 2021 motorcycle. Sponsored by the Phoenix Organization of Jefferson and Brothers Keepers Motorcycle Club, the event benefits Percy R. Johnson Burn Foundation and Camp I'm Still Me.

easttexasburnrun.com

Sam Houston Park and along Allen Parkway

Bayou City Art Festival celebrates 50 years of providing unique art experiences and education for the greater Houston area. As one of the top art festivals in the country, the outdoor gallery an opportunity to meet artists, view original works, and purchase one-of-a-kind art, world-class paintings, prints, and other items. The festival features two entertainment stages, a food truck park, beverage stations, art installations, and the Active Imagination Zone with hands-on art activities for all ages. This year's featured artist is Cindy Olmes, a mixed-media artist from Cincinnati, who showcases her work along with 250 artists from around the country.

artcolonyassociation.org

Chautauqua Auditorium, 400 S. Grand St.

There's fun for the whole family at this event, including a Longhorn stampede around Ellis County Courthouse, cowboy poets, Western music, an open mic, chuckwagon meals, a frontier women's wardrobe presentation, birds of prey exhibition, and live music with Kristyn Harris, Devon Dawson, Washtub Jerry, Ramblin' Rangers, and others.

waxahachiechautauqua.org

Kell House Museum, 900 Bluff St.

Wear your wildest clothes and join in the fun of an interactive showing of the tea party scene from the classic "Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland" by Lewis Carroll. Learn about Victorian tea customs while snacking on punch and cake and discover historic lawn games such as croquet. Enjoy a morning the way the Kell children might have over 100 years ago.

kellhouseheritagecenter.org

Cibolo Center for Conservation, 140 City Park Road

Join naturalist Jasmine Torrez and explore the Cibolo Center for Conservation to discover various living organisms that call the Cibolo home.

cibolo.org/calendar

Downtown Cameron , 102 E. First St.

The Cameron Chamber of Commerce is excited to partner with 44 Farms to kick off a great meat-centric event in downtown Cameron. Guests indulge in a delicious ribeye steak dinner with all the trimmings from Cameron's own local beef producer, 44 Farms. The Cameron Car Club hosts a car show with other downtown activities plus artists, food trucks, wine, beer, and other beverages. There are games for all, and music and entertainment keep your heart beating and your feet stomping.

steaksteinwinefestival.com

Stewart Creek Park, 3700 Sparks Road

Get ready for a haunted campout, just in time for spooky season. Family Fright Night offers a Halloween adventure suitable for all ages. Enjoy a lakeside campout with a haunted trail, tent trick-or-treating, and kids' costume and scream contests. Kick back with a scary movie screening, hayride, and fireside s’mores.

visitthecolonytx.com/calendar.aspx

Haggard Park, 901 E. 15th St.

Tour the world and improve your wellness at the Plano International Festival. The area’s largest cultural event has food, fun, and entertainment for the whole family. Enjoy multicultural music and dance performances, ethnic food trucks, cultural displays, and other festivities from over 100 cultures. Kids can explore STEAM activities plus travel the booths with a virtual passport. Come early for free flu and COVID shots and a variety of health screenings.

planointernationalfestival.org

Valley Creek Park, 2482 Pioneer Road

Mesquite's annual fall festival includes a pumpkin-decorating contest, petting zoo, haunted house, carnival games, jousting, a falconry show, and other family-friendly festivities.

visitmesquitetx.com

Longview Museum of Fine Arts, 215 E. Tyler St.

Curated by Los Angeles art critic Peter Frank, this exhibition presents seven masterful painters from across the country pushing the boundaries of abstraction.

lmfa.org

Various locations

Indulge at the 31st annual Fredericksburg Food and Wine Fest, a grand celebration of Texas food and wine with musical entertainment and fun plus several special events at different locations including Messina Hof Hill Country, Becker Vineyards, and the Marktplatz in downtown Fredericksburg.

fbgfoodandwinefest.com

Historic Downtown Elgin , 109 Depot St.

Held the fourth Saturday of October, this festival features handmade arts and crafts, live music, food, kids' activities, and plenty of pig puns to go around. Events include Lindsy Kay Wing Children's Costume Pet Parade, Road Hog Car Show, Gordon Swenson Memorial Barbecue Pork-Off, a carnival, cow patty bingo. Before the main event, the Hogeye Stroll, "Pearls Before Swine Art Show," and the Hogalicious Dessert Contest take place on Oct. 20. And on Oct. 21 is a street dance with Kenny Orts and No Chance.

hogeyefestival.com

Smart Financial Centre, 18111 Lexington Blvd.

Dynamic duo and stars of "Only Murders in the Building," Steve Martin and Martin Short are back at Smart Financial Centre with very special guests pianists Jeff Babko and banjo player Alison Brown and Fair Weather Friends for the "You Won't Believe What They Look Like Today" tour.

smartfinancialcentre.net

First Lutheran Church, 2415 Winnie St.

Island Oktoberfest brings the “oompah” back to Galveston for its 40th year. At the city's premier fall festival, visitors can revel in German heritage with a full weekend of food, drinks, live performances, games, and special activities. Guests are encouraged to wear German costumes.

galvestonoktoberfest.com

Conrad Hilton Center, 309 Conrad Hilton Blvd.

Attend a good old-fashioned summer festival with Pie Fest. This pie-centric event includes a pie baking contest, pie eating contest, pie in the face game, and a 40-foot long pie buffet. There is also lots of family fun, games, music, a car show, food, and arts and crafts.

ciscotxpiefest.com

Cottonwood Shores Community Park, 4111 Cottonwood Drive

This one-of-a-kind theatrical event highlights the unique history of Cottonwood Shores, which has roots reaching back to the Texas Revolution as well as prehistoric Native American settlements. Participants embark on a hayride with an on-board tour guide who points out key historical sites in the city. The ride pauses at featured locations to hear from the "legends" who carved the paths for the current way of life in Texas Hill Country. In addition to the hayrides, there is a festival at the base site, along with demonstrations of historical tools, such as how to use the atlatl, flint knapping for arrowheads, and cannon fire used during the Texas Revolution.

Kerrville-Schreiner Park, 2385 Bandera Highway

The largest mountain bike festival in Texas appeals to families as well as a wide variety of outdoor adventure participants, with several events to choose from.

kerrvillemountainbikefestival.com

Kerrville Olympic Pool, 601 Olympic Drive

With family-friendly tours and scarier haunted tours, this event offers a night of goosebumps, spooks, and screams as Olympic Pool is transformed into a ghoulish haunted house.

kerrvilletx.gov

Main Street District

The 2022 Hot Pepper Festival features a wide variety of vendors, food and drinks, music and other live entertainment, and, of course, the Hot Pepper Eating Contest. The event is held at the Main Street District, which is comprised of 44 blocks that extend from the courthouse square to the Depot Visitor Center.

visitpalestine.com

Long Center, 701 W. Riverside Drive

This concert is a wonderful chance to introduce children to the wonders of live orchestral music and also a great opportunity to wear costumes and have tons of fun. The concert hall is decorated top to bottom to enhance children's concert experience. It’s creepy, crawly, and spooky!

my.austinsymphony.org/halloweenconcert

Hobby Center for the Performing Arts, 800 Bagby St.

They’ve been to Wally World, they’ve been to Vegas, and now the Griswolds are going to Broadway. The characters you know and love from the hit "Vacation" movies are back—and they’re taking their biggest vacation yet in this new musical comedy. So get in your family truckster and join Clark, Ellen, Audrey, and Rusty on their big New York City adventure.

tuts.com

Kerr County Hill Country Youth Event Center, 3785 SH 27

Fiber artists, enthusiasts, and producers come together under one roof. Vendors from all over Texas and beyond offer their products and art over the course of three days. Teachers and speakers share information in classes from fiber arts to animal husbandry practices. There are also demonstrations, exhibits, and smaller events (Texas Make It with Wool, TAGRA Jackpot Show, and Texas Sheep Dog Association).

texasfleeceandfiber.com

Badu Park, 300 Legion Drive

Bring your carved pumpkins and enjoy the evening float and glow as you see lots of carved and lit pumpkins gliding across the Llano River. Witches, fairies, pirates, and mermaids are welcome, as costumes are encouraged.

llanochamber.org

Central Park, 201 S. Austin St.

At this celebration of all things pecan and Seguin's agricultural heritage, visitors can take photos with the World's Largest Pecan, shop with vendors, enjoy live music, and honor the state's official nut.

seguingonuts.com

Cave Without a Name Throne Room, 325 Kreutzberg Road

The Rahim Quazi Trio returns with an eerie evening in the Cave Throne Room just before Halloween. The cave is haunted with tales and songs including "Moonlight Sonata" (played in total darkness), the themes from "Young Frankenstein" and "A Nightmare Before Christmas," Danse Macabre, plus the haunting melodies from Rahim Quazi's album "Ghost Hunting."

cavewithoutaname.com

Gladys Porter Zoo, 500 Ringgold St.

Join the Gladys Porter Zoo for a spooky good time, with trick-or-treating, carnival-style games, mermaids, and fun Halloween-themed activities.

gpz.org

Jefferson Convention and Visitor Center, 305 E. Austin St.

This fun event is for anyone who enjoys history, mystery, the unexplained, and things that go bump in the night, with special guest speakers, vendors, tours, and night time investigations at some of Jefferson's historic, rumored haunted locations.

visitjeffersontexas.com

Wurstfest, 120 Landa St.

During the 10-day festival, find a variety of entertainment, food, and fun while celebrating German culture. Enjoy carnival rides, games, German and Texan beers, special events, and the finest Bavarian-style entertainment.

wurstfest.com

Various locations

This event celebrates the best of independent cinema on the Texas Coast. Showcasing shorts, features, documentaries, animations. and student films, Rockport Film Festival is a welcoming three-day event which highlights talent from Texas and beyond. 

rockportartcenter.com

Cibolo Center for Conservation, 140 City Park Road

Join naturalist Jasmine Torrez and explore the Cibolo Center for Conservation to discover various living organisms that call the Cibolo home.

cibolo.org/calendar

Pioneer Farms, Pioneer Farms Drive

The largest gathering of Celts in Central Texas returns for its annual Celtic Festival. Internationally acclaimed as one of the few remaining festivals that celebrate the authentic music honed by the Celtic people, the Austin Celtic Festival goes beyond gimmicks to highlight traditions and achievements in a way that reminds audiences of the extraordinary craftsmanship and study that made places like Ireland and Scotland leaders in folk music and dance.

austincelticfestival.com

Dallas Arboretum, 8525 Garland Road

Numerous spectacular elements are a part of Holiday at the Arboretum. The Christmas Village has dozens of charming shops fashioned after a European Christmas village. There's also the 50-foot-tall Dazzling Musical Tree animated with more than 42,000 lights and merry holiday tunes, the 12 Days of Christmas gazebos that represent each of the 12 days of Christmas, and the stunningly decorated historic DeGolyer house.

dallasarboretum.org

Depot Museum Grounds and Downtown Historic District, 514 N. High St.

The tradition of ribbon cane syrup making is commemorated at this festival. The highlight of the only folklife festival in East Texas is the syrup-making demonstration on the Depot Museum grounds. Experienced syrup makers operate the museum’s antique mule-powered equipment to produce old-fashioned cane syrup. While the syrup cooks, other folk artists demonstrate the techniques of lace making, rope making, basket making, blacksmithing, wood carving, quilting, and other old-time survival skills. Festivities also include folk singers, antique tractors, a petting zoo, food and drinks, cloggers and square dancers, and a melodrama at the Henderson Civic Theatre.

visithendersontx.com

Historic Downtown Elgin , 109 Depot St.

Recognize and celebrate the community's veterans with a parade in downtown Elgin at 10 a.m., then take a veteran to lunch at the Elgin Volunteer Fire Department.

elgintx.com

New Braunfels Convention and Visitor's Center, 375 S. Castell Ave.

Weihnachtsmarkt (Vy-noks-markt) is a German-style Christmas Market with a Texas twist. Held the weekend before Thanksgiving, this New Braunfels tradition offers the charm of the open-air Christmas markets of Germany, except indoors. Enjoy gemutlichkeit (good cheer) and three days of shopping for authentic German ornaments, unique Christmas decorations, specialty items, apparel, and fabulous gifts from a wide array of retail merchants and artisans.

newbraunfelsweihnachtsmarkt.com

Giddings Public Library and Cultural Center, 276 N. Orange St.

Giddings salutes Texas authors with a two-day book festival at the Giddings Public Library and Cultural Center. Visit with selected Texas authors, see their works, and purchase an autographed copy. Find a wide range of book genres including: murder mystery, fantasy, science fiction, cookbooks, self-help books, junior fiction, and picture books. Many local schools bring students to meet the authors, learn about the writing process, and inspire them to love reading and writing.

sites.google.com/site/txwordwrangler/home-texas-word-wrangler-book-festival

Fort Worth Botanic Garden, 1700 University Drive

Following sold-out runs in the world’s largest cities including London, Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York, the internationally acclaimed Lightscape is coming to Fort Worth for the holiday season. Taking place within the 120-acre Fort Worth Botanic Garden and set along a beautifully illuminated walking trail custom-designed for Fort Worth, Lightscape features spectacular artistic installations that come to life after dark with color, imagination, and sound. Walk a one-mile-long path with suspended strands and tunnels of light, a fire garden, undulating waves of bluebonnets, singing trees, treetop sculptures, and artistic installations while toasting marshmallows over a fire and drinking hot chocolate and other seasonal drinks at stations along the trail.

fwbg.org/lightscape

Houston Botanic Garden, One Botanic Lane

The internationally acclaimed Lightscape is back at the Houston Botanic Garden this holiday season, with magical light displays created by acclaimed artists from around the world. The illuminated trail winds through the garden with a blend of visitor favorites from the inaugural year, including the towering Winter Cathedral tunnel sparkling with 100,000 lights, and many new-to-Houston works including a field of glowing Texas bluebonnets. With its dynamic installations–including a fire garden with hundreds of flaming candles–Lightscape celebrates artistic creativity within the natural beauty of a living museum.

hbg.org/lightscape

Downtown , 204 E. Holland Ave.

The 29th annual ArtWalk, Alpine's biggest arts festival, spans two days in November and showcases a variety of art exhibitions in many local businesses along with festivities and live music.

artwalkalpine.com

The Wichita Theatre, 919 Indiana Ave.

This musical brings the holiday classic "A Christmas Story" to life. The story takes place in the 1940s in Indiana and focuses on a child named Ralphie, who wants a Red Ryder BB Gun for Christmas.

wichitatheatre.com

Heritage Park, 1581 N Chaparral St

The fifth annual Corpus Christi Food and Wine Festival at Heritage Park features food, live music, art, festive activities, and, of course, plenty of wine.

corpuschristiwinefestival.com/#what-to-expect

Kerr County Courthouse, 700 Main St.

Officially welcome the holiday season, and most importantly the arrival of Santa Clause riding in on his signature fire truck, at this holiday event. Grab your hot cocoa and join others for this annual downtown community tradition.

kerrvilletx.gov

Downtown Fort Worth, 777 Taylor St.

The GM Financial Parade of Lights illuminates the streets of downtown Fort Worth for the 40th year. This year’s parade marks the city’s official kick-off to the holiday season with more than 100 festive floats, each adorned with holiday decor and over half a million sparkling lights.

fortworthparadeoflights.org

Midwestern State University, 3410 Taft Blvd.

The Midwestern State University-Burns Fantasy of Lights is one of the largest holiday displays of its kind in the region, providing a festive holiday atmosphere on campus and a focal point for holiday activities in North Texas.

fol.msutexas.edu

Red Barn, 3187 SH 35

This free, three-day event showcases hundreds of nativities from around the world, some with their own special memory to share, such as the first nativity as a family, one bought while stationed in Germany, a treasured graduation gift from grandparents, one left in the attic by previous homeowners, and a "rescued" nativity from the thrift store.

Gruene Historic District

Reserve a spot in advance to create a lasting Christmas memory with Cowboy Kringle, Gruene's own brand of Santa.

holidaysingruene.com

The Forum, 2120 Speedway Ave.

Take a tour of the Christmas light displays through a beautiful country club neighborhood while riding in a magically decorated carriage.

ptlcarriages.com

Hill Country Mile, 100 N. Main St. 

Boerne’s historic Hill Country Mile transforms into a vintage Christmas experience, with nonstop entertainment in various holiday villages set up throughout the venue. The celebration’s main attractions include live music and performances, visits with Santa Claus, ice sculpting, children’s take-home crafts, snow along Main Street, roving musicians, carolers, and other revelers.

adickenscelebration.com

Downtown and Lions Park

After the parade, which travels through Jefferson and ends at Lions Park, stick around for the "Enchanted Forest" tree lighting ceremony. Be inspired as 100-plus beautifully decorated christmas trees light up and ring in the holidays. Festivities also include Christmas carol singing and a visit from Santa.

visitjeffersontexas.com