A note regarding COVID-19
Fredericksburg
Lone Star Gourd Festival
Sept. 30-Oct. 2
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.
Oktoberfest
Sept. 30-Oct. 2
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.
Bandera
Rumble on the River
Sept. 30-Oct. 2
Mansfield Park, 2886 SH 16 North
Biker Rallies of Texas' Rumble on the River celebrates its 20th anniversary. This three-day event held at Bandera's Mansfield Park consists of tent camping, a poker run, vendors, food, field events, music all day Friday and Saturday, a bike show, biker games, and a tattoo contest.
Bowie
Chicken and Bread Days Heritage Festival
Oct. 1
Bowie Community Development, 101 E. Pecan St.
Hundreds of visitors flock to Bowie for the annual Chicken and Bread Days Heritage Festival, which honors Bowie's history and community. See the championship fiddler's contest, Piston Heads Auto Club Show, quilt and art shows, and live music. Kids love coop activities such as the egg toss.
Plano
Fall Train Show
Oct. 1-2
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.
Medina
Love Creek Orchards Pumpkin Patch
Oct. 1-30
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.
Granbury
LakeFest
Oct. 1
Lake Granbury Conference Center, 621 E. Pearl St.
Radio station 92.1 Hank FM presents a full day of live music, shopping, fun, and a scenic view of Lake Granbury. The Conference Center is chock-full of trade show vendors, food trucks, and lake-tastic live entertainment.
Waxahachie
OddFest
Oct. 1
Singelton Plaza, 200 N. Rogers St.
This art and music festival showcases the artists and musicians from Texas who lean toward the odd. Local craft beers and food vendors round out this one-of-a-kind event.
Huntsville
Fair on the Square
Oct. 1
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.
Seguin
Guadalupe County Fair and Rodeo
Oct. 5-9
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.
Waco
Heart O' Texas Fair and Rodeo
Oct. 6-16
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.
Austin
Austin City Limits Music Festival
Oct. 7-9, 14-16
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.
Alpine
Big Bend Bluegrass Festival
Oct. 7-8
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, and drawings.
Fredericksburg
Texas Mesquite Arts Festival
Oct. 7-9
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.
Rockport-fulton
Seafair
Oct. 7-9
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.
New Braunfels
Music and Wine Festival: Rockin’ with Texas Wine and Food
Oct. 7
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.
Jefferson
East Texas Burn Run
Oct. 7-11
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.
Cuero
Turkeyfest
Oct. 7-9
Cuero Municipal Park, Leonard Roy Harmon Drive
Held annually the second weekend of October, the 50th Turkeyfest features food, dances, a parade, entertainment for the whole family, and of course the final heat in the “Great Gobbler Gallop” turkey race to see which town gets the title of “Turkey Capital of the World.”
Lampasas
Fall Fest
Oct. 8
Courtyard Square, 409 S. Pecan St.
Held next to the beautiful courthouse, patrons can shop for plants and garden art. Food vendors are on site.
Salado
Oktoberfest
Oct. 8
Barrow Brewing Company, 108 Royal St.
On the banks of Salado Creek, enjoy a family-friendly festival with special beer releases, stein-holding competitions, German food, games, vendors, and German beer.
Cedar Hill
Country Day on the Hill
Oct. 8
Historic Downtown, 208 Houston and Broad streets
Fun and excitement abound each year on the second Saturday of October when Cedar Hill celebrates Country Day on the Hill. The annual event features a parade, craft vendors, food, activities, contests, and live entertainment throughout the entire day.
Chappell Hill
Scarecrow Festival
Oct. 8-9
Downtown Chappell Hill
The Chappell Hill Historical Society hosts this annual event that places visitors in the magical land of scarecrows with 400 vendors, food, live music, and family-friendly fun in downtown Chappell Hill.
Houston
Bayou City Art Festival
Oct. 8-9
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.
Waxahachie
Chautauqua Cowboy Poet Gathering
Oct. 8
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.
Wichita Falls
Buddy Walk
Oct. 8
Garnett Field at McNiel Junior High, 4712 Barnett Road
Bring the family out to unite for a common cause and raise funds for The Arc of Wichita County and Play for All Community Playground at the 2022 Wichita Falls Buddy Walk. Whether you have Down syndrome, know someone who does, or just want to show your support, take the first step and donate or register today. Enjoy bounce houses, food trucks, music, prizes, carnival games, raffle drawings, and other activities.
Tyler
Texas Rose Festival
Oct. 13-15
Tyler Rose Garden, 420 Rose Park Drive
Since its beginning in 1933, the Texas Rose Festival has represented the spirit that brings Tyler together as a community. Rich in heritage and tradition, the festival offers enchanting ceremonial events such as the Queen’s Coronation, Ribbon Cutting and Rose Presentation, the Queen’s Tea, and the Rose Parade, all amidst a backdrop of brilliant roses as vibrant and colorful as the community they represent.
Burnet
Utopiafest Down in the Oaks
Oct. 14-15
Reveille Peak Ranch, 105 CR 114
What began as a gathering of music lovers on a ranch has evolved into a weekend of camping and live music featuring more than 35 bands. Festivalgoers enjoy a curated culinary experience, a wine grove, a Texas craft beer garden, workshops, art installations, and a kids' area.
Granbury
Harvest Moon Festival of the Arts
Oct. 14-16
Granbury Square, 100 E. Pearl St.
Presented by the Historic Granbury Merchants Association, this long-running festival showcases artists, makers, and craftspeople. In addition to artist gallery booths, visitors can find food, local entertainment, and seasonal activities—all surrounded by a vibrant downtown square with wineries, unique shops, boutiques, art galleries, live entertainment venues, and great restaurants.
Royse City
FunFest
Oct. 15
Main Street
Vendors, carnival games, bounce houses, train rides, contests, and live music create a day full of fun. Admission is free.
Bryan
Brazos Valley Fair and Rodeo
Oct. 15-23
Brazos County Expo Complex, 5827 Leonard Road
The Brazos Valley Fair and Rodeo showcases agriculture, education, and youth to enhance Texas culture and has become a staple event of the region. Spectators can expect two action-packed weekends. From the tractor pull to the rodeo events including bull riding, team roping, barrel racing, and mutton bustin’. The fair also includes the carnival, animal exhibits, shopping, and live music.
Addison
Addison After Dark: Harvest Hootenanny
Oct. 15
Addison Circle Park, 4970 Addison Circle
It's fall y’all and time to get your hootenanny on. This shindig boasts singer-songwriters, food trucks, family carnival games, and a petting zoo. Wear your favorite costume and take a spin on the hayride.
Canadian
Fall Foliage Festival
Oct. 15-16
Various locations
As fall rolls in, Canadian celebrates leaf-peeping season with nature tours, an art show, a quilt show, arts and crafts, a car show, and even a snake show.
Clifton
FallFest
Oct. 15
Historic Downtown Clifton, 403 W. Third St.
Autumn's return is greeted with a smile and the 21st annual FallFest. Celebrating Clifton’s cornucopia of heritages in historic Downtown, FallFest features live music, arts and crafts demonstrations, heritage exhibits and performances, a corn hole tournament, a car show, food, shopping, and a kids' area.
Kerens
Cotton Harvest Festival
Oct. 15
Various locations, 121 N. Colket Ave.
In days gone by, Kerens was a major cotton producing area in Texas. To celebrate the harvest and fund the newly built library, the Kerens Cotton Harvest Festival began. For the last 17 years, the committee has striven to revive the excitement of the harvest fun from years gone. The main street in town is filled with with nearly 100 exhibitors selling their wares, a car show, tractor show, quilt show, photography, and a pie contest along with wonderful live music in the air. To top off the festival, a street dance is held in the evening.
Fredericksburg
Knights of Columbus Bestfest
Oct. 15
Marktplatz, 100 block of West Main Street
Not quite Oktoberfest but the Bestfest, with specialty beer and sausage tastings, live music and polka bands, prizes, games for kids, and proceeds benefiting local charities.
Plano
International Festival
Oct. 15
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.
Mesquite
PumpkinFest
Oct. 15
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.
Kerrville
Chalk Festival
Oct. 15-16
Peterson Plaza, Downtown Kerrville, Main Street
This annual street painting festival celebrates chalk art, with kids' chalk zones, free family activities, great food, and music.
Galveston
ArtOberFest
Oct. 15-16
Postoffice Street, Between 20th and 23rd streets
This juried fine art festival features various artists, food, and live music on Postoffice Street amid Galveston’s Victorian architecture, art galleries, and shops. Admission proceeds benefit The 1894 Grand Opera House's education and community outreach programs.
El Paso
El Paso Winefest
Oct. 15
Downtown El Paso, Near San Jacinto Plaza, 401 N. Mesa St.
El Paso Wine and Food Festival brings together the stars of El Paso's culinary scene with acclaimed local chefs and fine wines. Located in the heart of downtown El Paso, the Grand Tasting features 400 wines from around the world plus food from 20 of El Paso's finest restaurants. Select wines are also on sale; all proceeds support the charitable projects of Rotary Club of El Paso.
Elgin
Hogeye Festival Weekend
Oct. 20-22
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.
Port Aransas
Wooden Boat Festival
Oct. 21-23
Roberts Point Park, 301 JC Barr Blvd.
Bring your wooden boats to display. Boats don't need to be fancy, just made of wood. They can even be displayed unfinished. Guests can attend informative programs on boat building and even build their own boats.
Austin
Gem Capers 2022
Oct. 21-23
Palmer Events Center, 900 Barton Springs Road
Hosted by Austin Gem and Mineral Society, this gem and mineral show offers over 30 vendors selling jewelry, beads, gemstones, minerals, crystals, fossils, and spheres. Exhibits include a touch table of rocks and fossils, fluorescent minerals, and members’ collections.
Galveston
Island Oktoberfest
Oct. 21-22
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.
Yorktown
Western Days
Oct. 21-23
Yorktown Western Days, 100 N. Riedel St.
This fun family festival, held in Yorktown's Downtown City Park, includes music, parades, cookoffs, vendors, a kids' tractor pull, mutton bustin', a quilt show, an arrowhead exhibition, a pig scramble, and stick horse rodeo; plus, the Yorktown Historical Museum is open.
Cisco
Pie Fest
Oct. 22
Conrad Hilton Center, 309 Conrad Hilton Blvd.
Attend a good old-fashioned 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.
Cottonwood Shores
Legends of the Falls Hayride Theatre Event and Festival
Oct. 22-23
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.
Dallas
North Texas EggFest
Oct. 22
Sunnyland Outdoor Living, 7879 Spring Valley Road at Coit
The sixth annual North Texas EggFest features cooking demonstrations, delicious samples, live music, deals on Big Green Egg charcoal grills, and other festivities. Everyone is welcome to show off their cooking skills with cooking teams including amateurs, experienced restaurant staff, first-timers, and local chefs. Proceeds benefit the Texas Restaurant Foundation.
Fredericksburg
Food and Wine Fest
Oct. 22
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.
Hill Country Indian Artifact Show
Oct. 22
Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park, 432 Lady Bird Drive
This show features a wide variety of some of the finest Native American artifacts from Texas and the United States including arrowheads, pottery, and beads.
Plano
Rest In Plano Fest and Apparition Expedition
Oct. 22
Haggard Park, 901 E. 15th St.
Enjoy this Halloween-themed festival in downtown Plano. The two-day Halloween-centric celebration features artisans, performers, musicians, and the popular Apparition Expedition that gives visitors a peek into Plano’s paranormal past with walking tours through the city’s haunted history.
New Braunfels
Texas Clay Festival
Oct. 22-23
Gruene Historic District
Respected potters and sculptors from around Texas display and sell their wares, and demonstrate a variety of techniques. Hands-on activities are available for children.
Palestine
Hot Pepper Festival
Oct. 22
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.
Kerrville
Texas Fleece and Fiber Festival
Oct. 27-30
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).
Crane
Horsehead Crossing Trails of Time Living History Event
Oct. 28-29
Horsehead Crossing on the Pecos River, FM 11 near Girvin
Celebrate one of the state's most iconic places at this two-day celebration, which commemorates the various historical figures who passed over this well-known crossing throughout the 16th through 19th centuries including those traveling on the Comanche War Trail, the Emigrant Trail, the Butterfield Overland Stage, and the Goodnight-Loving Trail, made famous by Larry McMurtry’s "Lonesome Dove." Planned events include live cannon fire, reenactors, chuckwagon meals and contests, historians and presenters, a silent auction, vendors and exhibitors, and a trail ride.
Sanger
Sellabration
Oct. 29
Sanger Downtown Area, 300 Bolivar St.
Historically, over 5,000 people each year have attended this festival, which is the highlight of the community. Festivities include craft and food vendors, kids' games, the Little Miss and Mr. Sanger pageant, and wiener dog races all in a street-fair atmosphere.
Waxahachie
Texas Country Reporter Festival
Oct. 29
Historic Downtown Waxahachie, 100 W. Main St.
For 26 years, this one-day event has featured artists, craftsmen, musicians, and chefs from all over the Lone Star State—many have been featured on the "Texas Country Reporter" over the years.
Mesquite
Dia de los Muertos Cultural Celebration
Oct. 29
Mesquite Arts Center, 1527 N. Galloway Ave.
Experience dia de Los Muertos Mesquite-style. Celebrate the cultural traditions of the holiday with sugar skull painting, folklorico dancers, and other Day of the Dead traditions.
Seguin
Pecan Fest
Oct. 29
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.
Boerne
Black Rifle Block Party
Oct. 29
Black Rifle Coffee Co., 101 S. Main St.
At this family-friendly event, enjoy live music, a car show, and food and beverages from participating businesses.
Katy
Wild West Brewfest
Nov. 3-5
Typhoon Texas, 555 Katy Fort Bend Road
Voted the No. 1 Brewfest in North America by beeryeti.com, the Wild West Brewfest features more than 100 brewers from across the country, with 500-plus beers. The multiday event kicks off Thursday evening with the K-Town Throwdown, followed by the Launch Party on Friday, and the official Wild West Brewfest taking place on Saturday. Come hang out with your friends in multiple party zones, enjoy awesome food trucks and live music, all while giving back to the community.
Galveston
Lone Star Motorcycle Rally
Nov. 3-6
Downtown and along Seawall
Visitors have a chance to experience one of the largest biker rallies in the country as the Lone Star Motorcycle Rally makes its way to the island, with bike shows, a tattoo contest, live entertainment, and hundreds of vendors.
New Braunfels
Wurstfest
Nov. 4-13
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.
Rockport
Film Festival
Nov. 4-6
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.
Greenville
Bob Wills Fiddle Festival and Contest
Nov. 4-5
Downtown, Lee Street
This event, unique to the city of Greenville, pays tribute to American music traditions and the life and music of Bob Wills, the King of Western swing. Featuring fiddling competitions and performances by top-notch fiddlers, the eighth annual event offers a lineup of artists who bring talent, legacy, variety, and spontaneity, plus toe-tapping music all in the spirit of great entertainment.
Austin
Austin Celtic Festival
Nov. 5-6
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.
Texas Book Festival
Nov. 5-6
Various locations
The festival has evolved into one of the premier literary events in the country and hosts about 250 authors each year. Join other bookworms for readings, panel discussions, signings, cooking demonstrations, live music, local food, YA authors, children's activities, and fun literary-related happenings like the annual Lit Crawl. This year's event takes place at Symphony Square and Austin Central Library.
Rockport
Lamar Market Days
Nov. 5-6
Lamar Volunteer Fire Department, 302 Bois d'Arc St.
The Lamar Volunteer Fire Department host this annual fundraiser on the first weekend in November. Along with a community-wide garage sale/scavenger hunt, the weekend features events at the fire station including a car show, vendors, women’s club bake sale, plant sale, and a fireman’s barbecue brisket sale with homemade desserts.
Salado
Scottish Gathering and Highland Games
Nov. 11-13
Thomas Arnold Elementary School Grounds, 604 Thomas Arnold Road
Come celebrate all things Scottish at the 61st annual Scottish Gathering and Highland Games. This three-day event is filled with the skirl of the bagpipes and the wearing of the tartan, with a parade, bagpipes, and Highland dancers. Stop and shop at the many vendor tables, enjoy delicious food, and watch the exciting Highland games. You can also find the largest gathering of Scottish Clan tents in Texas, where members share information about Scottish history and genealogy.
Alvin
Novemberfest
Nov. 12
National Oak Park, 118 S. Magnolia St.
The 18th annual Novemberfest, presented by the Alvin Rotary Club, includes arts, crafts, collectibles, a car and bike show, antique tractor and farm equipment displays, a pancake breakfast, a raffle, entertainment, a veterans' tribute, food court, and kids' games. Proceeds support scholarships and other charitable activities in the Alvin area.
Henderson
Heritage Syrup Festival
Nov. 12
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.
Plano
Underground Movement Festival
Nov. 12
McCall Plaza, 998 E. 15th St.
The Secret Society Club and Plano Stages present volume 7 of the Underground Movement Festival, an event that brings the culture of hip-hop movement from underground. This is an all-ages, family-friendly event.
Galveston
"Ice Land: A Caribbean Christmas"
Nov. 18-Jan. 7
Moody Gardens, 1 Hope Boulevard
Part of Holiday in the Gardens, come see 2 million pounds of colorful ice carved into shapes of sea creatures in a chilled structure (parkas provided). Other holiday festivities include the Festival of Lights Trail, Arctic Slide, train ride, and ice skating rink.
Corpus Christi
Wine Festival
Nov. 19
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.
Boerne
Dickens on Main
Nov. 25-26
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.
Kerrville
Texas Furniture Makers' Show
Dec. 1-23
Kerr Arts and Cultural Center, 228 Earl Garrett St.
Open Tuesday through Saturday, this annual statewide competition showcases some of the finest custom furniture makers in Texas.
Galveston
Dickens on The Strand
Dec. 2-4
Strand National Historic Landmark District, 2002 Strand St.
The Galveston Historical Foundation presents the 49th annual Dickens on the Strand, a holiday tradition based on 19th-century Victorian London. It features parades, nonstop entertainment on four stages, new additions like Tiny Tim’s Play Land, the Shopkeeper Skills Village, and roaming characters throughout the festival. Costumed vendors peddle their wares from street stalls and rolling carts laden with holiday food and drink, Victorian-inspired crafts, clothing, jewelry, holiday decorations, and gift items.
Amarillo
Center City Electric Light Parade
Dec. 2
Downtown Amarillo , Polk Street
Kick off the holiday season with the Center City Electric Light Parade in downtown Amarillo. This year's theme is "March of the Toys." The parade includes visits with Mr. and Mrs. Clause, food vendors, music, and the lighting of the city's Christmas tree.
Palestine
Festival of Trees
Dec. 2-31
Various locations
Follow the trail of lights and greenery downtown to explore the 11th annual Festival of Trees. Each tree is decorated by a local nonprofit organization. Find the locations by downloading the Visit Palestine app in Google Play or the Apple Store and choose Tours at the top right. From there, you can choose the Christmas Light Tour.
visitpalestine.com/events/2020/11th-annual-festival-of-trees
Huntsville
Christmas Fair
Dec. 3
Downtown Huntsville, 1203 University Ave.
Come to downtown Huntsville for Christmas performances, a special Christmas book reading for kids, snow, food, crafts, games, Santa Claus, and other holiday festivities.
Baytown
Christmas on Texas Avenue Festival
Dec. 3-4
Baytown Town Square, 213 W. Texas Ave.
Celebrating 25 years, Christmas on Texas Avenue Festival offers door prizes every 25 minutes, Santa's playground for young and old fans, shopping, food trucks, visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, a car and bike show, and live music.
Ozona
Crockett County Deerfest
Dec. 3
Crockett County Fair Park Convention Center, 1303 Ave. AA
This community-wide appreciation banquet for hunters helps raise money for local civic organizations and the West Texas Rehab. Proceeds are raised through ticket sales for door prizes and admission fees. Door prizes include guns and $10,000 in Cabela's gift cards.
Boerne
Oma's Christmas Craft Fair
Dec. 3-4
Kendall County Fair Grounds, 1307 River Road
The annual event, a part of the Kendall County Fair Association for over 35 years, cherishes the workmanship of artisans who still have a love for handcrafted items. Featured craftsmen are skilled in time-tested American folk art techniques. They carve, weave, string, paint, sew, cook, draw, and create beautiful items all year long.
Sherman
Snowflake Festival and Christmas Parade
Dec. 3
Grayson County Courthouse Square, 100 W. Houston St.
The fun and festive family-friendly festival leads up to the city's annual Christmas parade in historic downtown Sherman. The tradition includes the big Christmas tree lighting.
Mesquite
Christmas in the Park
Dec. 4-5
Westlake Park, 601 Gross Road
Mesquite Parks and Recreation’s largest annual event, Christmas in the Park, kicks off the holiday season with free carnival rides, arts and crafts, visiting with Santa and Mrs. Claus, indulging on cookies and hot cocoa, and other activities.
Seguin
Yulefest
Dec. 4
Seguin Coliseum, 950 S. Austin St.
The Seguin Art League has been presenting this event for 10 years. Enjoy a fine arts and crafts show featuring handmade items, gifts, and decorations; over 70 vendor booths; door prizes; food; and a craft activity for children.
Clute
Christmas in the Park
Dec. 9-10
Clute Municipal Park, 100 Parkview Drive
Come out and celebrate the holiday season with two days of Christmas activities and fun featuring a lighted Christmas trail and seasonal photo opportunities.
Montgomery
Christmas in Historic Montgomery
Dec. 10
Downtown Montgomery, Texas, 14420 Liberty St.
Montgomery County's oldest Christmas celebration—marking its 45th year—offers a full day of events in downtown Montgomery, one of Texas' oldest towns and the birthplace of the Texas flag. The event includes strolling carolers, a marketplace with homemade gifts and décor items, old-fashioned decorations in the historic buildings on the evening 45th Historic Home Tour, and the 33rd famous Cookie Walk, where tables are laden with decorative cookies and candies to purchase by the pound.
Spring
Islamic Arts Festival
Dec. 10-11
Masjid Al-Salam, 16700 Old Louetta Road
This event showcases the art of emerging and student artists and in the past has offered interactive sessions including calligraphy, Ebru, painting, and henna, plus children’s art activities. The festival has gained recognition as the oldest continuously running festival of Islamic arts in America.
Palestine
Whiskey and Wine Swirl
Dec. 10
Sip, shop, and walk your way through historic downtown while enjoying culinary delights paired with fine wines and bold whiskies from Texas vineyards and distilleries. Your ticket includes entry to the after-party held at Tahwahkaro Distilling Company, where you can get a tour of the operations, an up-close view of the kettles, live music, and a dessert bar. Check in is at the Palestine Chamber of Commerce.
Boerne
Toast To Olde Town
Dec. 10-11
Historic Downtown Boerne, 100 N. Main St.
At this merry mistletoe weekend in celebration of Boerne’s "olde town" heritage, visitors are invited to take a quiet stroll through downtown, where they can find live music, wassail tasting, shopping along the Hill Country Mile, Santa, and a Christmas market at Main Plaza.
Kinder Fest
Dec. 16-18
Historic Downtown Boerne, 100 N. Main St.
On this child-friendly weekend, everyone is encouraged to show off their ugly Christmas sweaters, silly Christmas pajamas, and Whoville hairdos. Events include the Cookie Crawl, a free Santa scavenger hunt, Christmas card decorating, a visit with Santa, and the Cowboy Christmas Market.
Grand Prairie
Lunar New Year
Jan. 6-8, 13-15, 21-22
Asia Times Square, 2625 W. Pioneer Parkway
Celebrate Lunar New Year with Asia Times Square in Grand Prairie. Enjoy live performances, food from different cultures, and other festivities.
Luckenbach
Blues Festival
Jan. 14
Luckenbach Texas, 412 Luckenbach Town Loop
The 16th annual Luckenbach Blues Festival showcases an all-day lineup of blues musicians and bands.
Fredericksburg
Hill Country Indian Artifact Show
Jan. 14
Pioneer Pavilion at Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park, 432 Lady Bird Drive
Featuring a wide variety of some of the finest Native American artifacts from Texas and the United States, including arrowheads, pottery, beads, and books.
Houston
29th Annual MLK Grande Parade Midtown Houston
Jan. 16
Midtown Houston , 1200 Holman Street (San Jacinto Street and Elgin Street)
Consisting of 15 floats and 30 marching bands, the MLK Grande Parade in Midtown Houston is one of the largest single-day multicultural events in the U.S. that is held in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. During the annual parade, 300,000 spectators are expected.
Plano
Dallas Area Train Show
Jan. 21-22
Plano Event Center, 2000 E. Spring Creek Parkway
The North Texas Council of Railroad Clubs organizes two train shows each year held in Plano. Come see and learn all about trains with exhibitors, layouts, home displays, clinics for model railroad building, and other programming.
Surfside Beach
Surfside Food and Art Festival
Jan. 28
Stahlman Park, 2211 Bluewater Highway
The fifth annual Surfside Food and Art Festival offers live music, a chili cookoff, art and food vendors, a community art project, and fun activities for kids.
Fredericksburg
Wine Lovers Celebration
Jan. 30-Feb. 24
Various locations
Love is in the air, wine is in your glass, and Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. Take time this February to relax and discover all that wineries in the Texas Wine Country have to offer during this seasonal celebration.
South Padre Island
SPI Kite Fest
Feb. 2-4
South Padre Island Convention Center, 7355 Padre Blvd.
Watch professional flyers showcase their skills in both outdoor and indoor performances. Food concessions are available.
Plano
The Official Supernatural Convention
Feb. 3-5
Plano Event Center, 2000 E. Spring Creek Parkway
Creation Entertainment's Official Supernatural Convention is a fan convention celebrating the hit TV show "Supernatural." The event features stars Jared Padalecki, Jensen Ackles, and Misha Collins, who participate in onstage panels, photo ops, autograph signings as well as special events throughout the weekend.
Austin
Carnaval Brasileiro
Feb. 5
The Concourse Project , 8509 Burleson Road
One of the biggest "carnaval" celebrations outside Brazil, Carnaval Brasileiro excites crowds with samba, costumes, and thrills in Austin, Texas.
Galveston
Mardi Gras! Galveston
Feb. 10-21
Galveston Historic Downtown and Seawall
The third-largest Mardi Gras celebration in the country includes masked balls, balcony parties, parades, concerts, and lots of beads.
Bandera
11th Street Mardi Gras and Main Street Parade
Feb. 10-12
11th Street Cowboy Bar, 307 11th St.
Join the fun at the 11th Sttreet Cowboy Bar for a three-day Mardi Gras celebration with Cajun food and zydeco music. Enjoy all the colorful floats and other parade entries as they travel down Bandera's Main Street in the Mardi Gras Parade on Feb. 11.
Austin
OUTsider Festival
Feb. 15-19
The Vortex, 2307 Manor Road #2135
As one of Austin’s most progressive festivals, OUTsider brings together Austin’s LGBTQ community for three days of creation and inspiration. This multidisciplinary art festival showcases film, performance art, music, and visual arts.
Beaumont
Mardi Gras Southeast Texas
Feb. 16-19
Great Lawn of the Event Center, 700 Crockett St.
Enjoy four days of family-friendly fun in downtown Beaumont, with parades, concerts, kids' activities, arts and crafts, and food vendors.
Jefferson
Mardi Gras
Feb. 17-19
Downtown Jefferson
The Krewe of Hebe presents Jefferson's annual Mardi Gras. The festivities last an entire weekend and feature parades, live music, food, vendors, a carnival, frosty beverages, and, of course, masks and beads.
Freeport
Mardis Gras Festival
Feb. 18
Freeport Historical Museum, 311 E. Park Ave.
Festivities for Mardi Gras include a parade, gumbo cookoff, King Cake-eating contest, and live entertainment.
Mckinney
Krewe of Barkus Dog Parade
Feb. 19
Mitchell Park, 300 W. Louisiana St.
At this parade held each year on the Sunday before Mardi Gras, dogs and their owners dress up in costumes based on the special theme of the event, then they parade around McKinney's downtown square. Prizes are awarded in multiple categories. Music, food trucks, and pet-related vendors add to the festivities.
Huntsville
Prison City Film Festival
Feb 22-25
Old Town Theatre, 1023 12th St.
Built with one overall objective in mind—to showcase independent films and filmmakers—the four-day independent film festival is where filmmakers break out.
Prison City Crawfish and Music Festival
Feb. 25
Downtown Square, 12th Street and University Avenue
This all-day crawfish and music festival takes place in conjunction with the Prison City Film Festival.
Boerne
Spring Antique Show
Feb. 25-26
Kendall County Fair Grounds, 1307 River Road
This antiques show features exhibitor booths overflowing with fine American antiques found from estates around the country. Collectors find real antiques—no reproductions or imports—that include country furniture, baskets, stoneware, glassware, jewelry, textiles, early paper, toys, silver, quilts, pewter, American Oak, and Southwestern items.
Ozona
Crockett County History Day
May 5
Ozona Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center, 505 15th St.
Learn more about the early days on the frontier in and around Ozona during Crockett County History Day on the Ozona Chamber of Commerce grounds. The informative event featurs camels, soldiers, pioneers, flintknapper, and livestock including donkeys from the Peaceful Valley Donkey Rescue.
