A note regarding COVID-19
Palestine
Piney Woods Express Diesel Train
Sept. 13-Oct. 26
Texas State Railroad Palestine Depot, 789 Park Road 70
From the moment one steps aboard a vintage 1920s car, 135 years of history come alive. Relaxed seating, thoughtful décor, and responsive car attendants add to the ambiance of the scenic journey afforded by travelers a century ago.
Frisco
Catholic Bowl IV
Sept. 14
The Star in Frisco, 1 Cowboys Way
Four to six high school football teams from Texas and surrounding states compete in games. Teams start with a private group mass the night before, learn about the September 11th attacks, and compete against like-minded teams.
Wichita Falls
Hunting, Fishing, and Farming Expo
Sept. 14-15
MPEC , 1000 Fifth St.
Visit vendors specializing in products and services in the hunting, fishing, and farming industries.
Lake Jackson
Xtreme Hummingbird Xtravaganza
Sept. 14, 21
Gulf Coast Bird Observatory, 299 SH 332 West
Bird lovers can see hummers dart in and out of nectar-producing flowers and feeders and watch a bird bander take measurements of the tiny birds and clamp a thin, number-coded band on one of its legs. There are also activities for kids, nature-themed booths, and native plant sales.
Rockport
Makers Market
Sept. 14, Oct. 12, Nov. 9
Downtown , 302 S. Austin St.
Find handmade items from local artists and fun, one-of-a-kind home décor at this monthly local outdoor market.
South Padre Island
Summer Causeway Run and Fitness Walk
Sept. 14
Port Isabel Community Center, 213 N. Yturria St.
This year’s event follows a 6.2 mile (10K) course starting at the Port Isabel Community Center, continuing to the Queen Isabella Causeway and over the Laguna Madre Bay, and ending in front of Louie’s Backyard.
Kerrville
Run for Riverside 5K
Sept. 14
Riverside Nature Center, 150 Francisco Lemos St.
Run or walk on the Kerrville River Trail along the Guadalupe River with plenty of shade and water stops. There’s a pre-race warm-up, refreshments, a raffle, and a silent auction to benefit the center.
Fort Worth
Cal Tri Fort Worth
Sept. 15
Marine Creek Field, 2596 Jim Wright Freeway
The Cal Tri Fort Worth has 14 event options where competitors run, bike, and swim various distances. There’s also a free youth sprint for kids ages 7 to 17.
Amarillo
Fall Festival and Giant Maze
Sept. 16-Oct. 29
Maxwell’s Pumpkin Farm, 12908 S. Bell St.
At this fall community tradition, visitors can expect more than 30 attractions and activities including a pumkpin patch, paintball, cornhole, wagon train rides, tube slides, and the giant cornfield maze—all within an 80-acre agritainment venue.
Snyder
Canyon Gun Club Gun Show
Sept. 19-21
The Coliseum, 900 E. Coliseum Drive
At 41 years strong, this is one of the best gun shows around. Lots of vendors are there to help you with all of your firearm questions and needs.
Bandera
Bandera Brewery Beerfest
Sept. 19-22
Bandera Brewery, 3540 SH 16
At the fourth annual Beerfest, visitors can enjoy games, craft beer, music, and food. No ticket is required to enter but signing up for games in advance is highly encouraged. Winners of the games compete in a grand championship playoff game on Sunday.
Texas Sportbike Summit in the Hills Rally
Sept. 19-22
Mansfield Park, 2886 SH 16 North
This inaugural event welcomes bike enthusiasts to ride the Three Sisters (ranch roads 335, 336, and 337), rated one of the Top 10 rides in the United States. Thousands are expected to gather for this event in the Texas Hill Country, which also includes vendors and music.
Rockport
HummerBird Celebration
Sept. 19-22
Aransas County Airport, 421 John D. Wendell Road
This 36th annual celebration offers speaker programs, shopping, birding trips, hummer home bus tours, and information about the hummingbird migration through Rockport and Fulton.
Palestine
El Camino Gravel Challenge
Sept. 20-22
Oxbow Bakery, 215 E. Crawford St.
The toughest gravel challenge in the state of Texas returns for its 10th year. The race starts and finishes in Old Town Palestine and goes through the Davy Crockett National Forest. Riders have their choice of route length: 25, 65, 105, and 205 miles.
Edna
Fall Golf Tournament
Sept. 21
Edna Country Club, 1241 CR 301
Grab a partner and join in the fun of the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce’s Fall Golf Tournament. Entry includes green fees, lunch, two mulligans per 18 holes, and three contests. Golf cart rentals are on a first come, first served basis.
Corpus Christi
Conquer the Coast
Sept. 21
Whataburger Field, 734 E. Port Ave.
Attracting cyclists from around the country, the annual bike ride challenges even the most seasoned riders with a 66-mile course that tests participants as they pedal up the 243-foot Harbor Bridge and face the “toughest 18 miles in Texas.” For a less strenuous ride, racers can choose the 21-mile intermediate route or the breezy 10-mile course that is ideal for families, leisure riders, and novice bikers.
Taylor
Texas Mamma Jamma Ride
Sept. 21
Murphy Park, 1600 Veterans Drive
The third Saturday in September, hosted by Lone Star Circle of Care, the Texas Mamma Jamma Ride is an annual bike ride for riders of every ability that raises funds to support the Big Pink Bus, a mobile mammography unit.
Amarillo
Lone Star Reptile Expos
Sept. 21-22
Amarillo Civic Center, 401 S. Buchanan St.
Vendors exhibit and sell a large selection of snakes, frogs, toads, turtles, lizards, insects, mice, rats, and other kinds of herps from around the world, while also offering supplies, feeders, and valuable information.
Galveston
AIA Sandcastle Competition
Sept. 21-22
East Beach, 1923 Boddeker Drive
Houston-area architects head to Galveston’s East Beach for one of the world’s largest amateur sandcastle competitions. The sculptures remain for viewing on Sunday.
Boerne
Moondance Outdoor Concert
Sept. 21
Cibolo Center for Conservation, 140 City Park Road
Bring lawn chairs and coolers to this longstanding, beloved tradition at the Cibolo that features live music from local bands under the oak trees.
Music in the Cave: Rudi and the Rudiments in Concert
Sept. 21
Cave Without a Name Throne Room, 325 Kreutzberg Road
Celebrating the fall equinox, this concert showcases a variety of acoustic, world-beat music styles featuring the words and music of singer-performance artist Rudi Harst accompanied by his band, The Rudiments.
Ingram
Stonehenge Half K and Field Day
Sept. 21
Hill Country Arts Foundation, 120 Point Theatre Road
Hill Country Arts Foundation invites all underachievers to participate in this new fundraising event. Wear a silly costume, come and compete for 10 minutes if you like, and don’t take it too seriously because everyone gets a medal.
Kerrville
Concert by the River
Sept. 21
Louise Hays Park, 202 Thompson Drive
Pack your lawn chairs and picnic blankets and come out to the park to enjoy a free end-of-summer concert along the banks of the beautiful Guadalupe River.
Dallas
Tour des Fleurs
Sept. 21
Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Garden, 8525 Garland Road
Hosted by the Dallas Arboretum, the Tour des Fleurs starts and finishes on the Lakeside Trail of White Rock Lake directly in front of the Arboretum. From there, participants run along the shores of White Rock Lake and in and among the beautiful historic Dallas neighborhoods surrounding the lake. A post-race party takes place on the Dallas Arboretum’s Martin Rutchik Concert Stage and Lawn. It features live music and full Arboretum access for every participant and their families.
The Colony
Nerf Capture the Flag
Sept. 27
The Colony Recreation Center, 5151 N. Colony Blvd.
Grab your friends and prepare for battle at Nerf Capture the Flag. Some ammo is provided, but you must bring your own equipment and all the extra ammo you can carry. T-shirts in your team color are included in your ticket cost. No automatic blasters or Nerf balls are allowed, only standard Nerf blasters and darts only. Bring your own safety glasses to wear.
Bandera
Rumble on the River
Sept. 27-29
Mansfield Park, 2886 SH 16 North
Biker Rallies of Texas presents the annual Rumble on the River, which includes a poker run, bike show, biker games, a tattoo contest, cowboy rodeo, concerts, venders, food, and free tent camping.
Palestine
Wine in the Pines Train Ride
Sept. 27
Texas State Railroad Palestine Depot, 789 Park Road 70
This adults-only train ride takes passengers on a four-hour round-trip journey through the Piney Woods of East Texas and includes wines from Red 55 Winery, located in Lindale. Appetizers are paired with each wine. The journey goes to Rusk Railroad Depot, where the train stops and passengers have dinner under the stars.
South Padre Island
SPIsland Games
Sept. 27-28
SPI Convention Center, 7355 Padre Blvd.
At this fitness competition, participants come together and celebrate life and fitness.
Houston
Take Me Outdoors Houston
Sept. 28
Discovery Green, 1500 McKinney St.
Discover the wonders of nature starting with the animals and resources in Houston’s own backyard. Texas Parks and Wildlife invites you to get to know the great outdoors during its 12th annual free, family-oriented outdoors festival. Exhibitors provide hands-on activities, booths, and opportunities to engage audiences and inspire curiosity.
Corpus Christi
Run The Runway
Sept. 28
Corpus Christi International Airport, 1000 International Drive
Take a scenic run or walk on one of the airport’s runways and explore the world of aviation, including up-close views of planes, trucks, and specialty vehicles. A 1K Kids Fun Run kicks off the race, followed by an out-and-back 5K walk or run. All proceeds benefit Wings of Texas, a local nonprofit making the Coastal Bend a more inclusive place to live, work, play, and learn.
v-f-productions.raceentry.com/run-the-runway-corpus-christi/race-information
Sargent
Kayak Fun Run
Sept. 28
Caney Creek RV Park, 230 County Road 285 (Socha Road)
Get ready to make a splash for a fantastic cause. The annual Kayak Fun Run takes participants for a leisurely paddle down the scenic Caney Creek. This event supports the Friends of the Sargent Library with all proceeds benefitting the local library and community events. The course begins at Caney Creek RV Park and ends 6 miles later at Caney Creek Boat Ramp 1 County Road 298 (Caney Drive).
facebook.com/events/caney-creek-rv-park/kayak-fun-run/965103834997952
Lake Jackson
Bull Red Run-a-Palooza Fun Run and Youth Fishing
Sept. 28
Sea Center Texas, 302 Medical Drive
This 2K fun run takes runners around the rearing ponds. Pack your sunscreen, hat, lawn chair, and fishing gear for a couple of hours of catch-and-release fishing. Bring your own equipment and bait. Barbless hooks only.
Kerrville
Triathlon Festival
Sept. 28-29
Louise Hays Park, 202 Thompson Drive
Features eight different distance events, including a rookie and sprint distance, and a free kids run, this event is known for it 70.3-distance triathlon and one of most scenic races in Texas.
South Padre Island
SPI Triahtlon
Sept. 29
Jim’s Pier, 209 Whiting St.
The triathlon offers Olympic and sprint distance courses and challenges all skill levels, from the seasoned veteran to the first-timer.
Clute
Planetarium Show
Oct. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
Center for the Arts and Sciences, 400 College Blvd.
This planetarium show recreates the night sky as it appears to the naked eye and gives viewers a close-up look at comets, exploding stars, and black holes. Showdates vary throughout each month.
South Padre Island
Sandcastle Days
Oct. 3-6
Clayton’s Beach Bar and Grill, 6900 Padre Blvd.
More than 30,000 come to see master sandcastle builders demonstrate their abilities. The event features game vendors, food and drinks, and art booths.
Corpus Christi
Moonlight Luau in the Gardens
Oct. 4
South Texas Botanical Gardens and Nature Center, 8545 S. Staples St.
Moonlight Luau in the Gardens blends the attraction’s unique tropical collections of plumeria, bromeliads, orchids, and hibiscus with a luau flavor at multiple food and beverage stations. There is live music, tiki torches, tropical parrots, iguanas, a butterfly release, silent auction, raffle, and garden strolls. Feel free to wear luau attire.
Port Aransas
Hunt for Reds October Couples Fishing Tournament
Oct. 4-5
Roberts Point Park, 301 JC Barr Blvd.
Compete in a couples fishing tournament on the shores of Port Aransas. Awards are given out for largest fish, fish with the most spots, and heaviest fish.
Ennis
Stampede of Speed
Oct. 4-13
Texas Motorplex , 7500 US 287
Billing itself as “the fastest 10 days in Texas,” Stampede of Speed is a festival that leads up to the National Hot Rod Association’s Fall Nationals. The schedule kicks off with a traditional cattle drive in downtown Waxahachie and includes concerts and drag racing.
Jefferson
Brian Sowers Legacy Crappie Tournament and Dinner
Oct. 4-5
Various locations
Crappie Anglers of Texas and Marion County hosts this weekend of fishing tournaments for kids and adults at Lake O’ the Pines, with prizes, a free fish fry at Jefferson Stadium parking lot, and an opportunity to meet and mingle with pro anglers.
Rockport
Rockport-Fulton SeaFair
Oct. 4-6
Festival Grounds at Rockport Harbor, 1500 E. Laurel St.
Celebrating its 49th years, the event features gumbo, crab races, arts and crafts, a market, food vendors, a boat and outdoor car show, cardboard boat races, and live big-name and local entertainment.
Eastland
Old Rip Parade and RipFest
Oct. 5
Eastland Downtown Square, 100 W. Main St.
Celebrate Eastland’s legendary Old Rip, the horned toad found alive after being buried for 31 years in the courthouse cornerstone. The festivities begin in the morning with the Miles for Meals 5K at Seibert Elementary. Then, head downtown for the 42nd annual Old Rip Parade, along with face-painting, craft, boutique, toy, and food vendors. Kids’ Street offers inflatables and a climbing tower, while car lovers can check out the vehicles in Bryans Car Show.
Pipe Creek
Pumpkin Patch
Oct. 5-27
Pipe Creek Tree Farm, 805 Phil’s Road
Enjoy a haystack, hop balls, scarecrow dressing, visiting farm animals, a large sandbox, rubber duck races, pumpkin painting, and other fun activities.
Grand Prairie
Flight of the Monarch
Oct. 5
Epic Central, 2971 SH 161
Each autumn, Texas witnesses millions of monarch butterflies embarking on their annual migration south. At this event, visitors can partake in butterfly releases and enjoy live music, food, vendors, and engaging activities.
West Columbia
Hoggtoberfest
Oct. 5
Varner Hogg Plantation State Historic Site, 1702 N. 13th St.
Celebrate the season, learn about harvest time on a 1800s plantation, and enjoy hayrides, crafts, sugar cane, storytelling, and other old-fashioned activities.
Granbury
Romancing the Monarch Festival
Oct. 5
Hood County Demonstration Gardens, 1410 W. Pearl St.
See the botanical butterfly garden welcome mat with pollinating plants and increase your awareness of the monarch migration through Hood County. Visitors learn how to identify monarch butterflies, see visuals of their life cycle, and participate in tagging the butterflies to track their migration to Mexico. Butterflies are released and come to rest on watermelon for their refreshment. Appropriate activities are provided for children of all ages.
South Padre Island
Ride for Rotary: Queen Isabella Causeway Cross
Oct. 6
Louie’s Backyard, 2305 Laguna Blvd.
A wide range of riders of varying experience levels participate in this tour, hosted by the Rotary Club of Historic Brownsville. It’s approximately 33 miles and includes crossing the Queen Isabella Casuseway for a spectacular view.
Walk for Women
Oct. 6
SPI Convention Center, 7355 Padre Blvd.
The walk, which honors breast cancer survivors, fighters, and thrivers, starts at the South Padre Island Convetnion Center and ends at Louie’s Backyard.
Amarillo
Cowboy Mounted Shooting World Championships
Oct. 8-12
Tri-State Fairgrounds, 3301 SE 10th Ave.
The Cowboy Mounted Shooting Association and the American Quarter Horse Association hold their world championships concurrently to determine who is the fastest and most accurate shot on horseback. Contestants compete in fast-action timed events using two .45 caliber single-action revolvers each loaded with five rounds of specially prepared blank ammunition.
Port Aransas
University of Texas Marine Science Institute Open House
Oct. 12
Patton Center for Marine Science, 750 Channel View Drive
Join in for a day of lectures, boat rides, games, and fun for the entire family.
Nacogdoches
SFA Gardens Fabulous Fall Festival Plant Sale
Oct. 12
SFA Gardens Pineywoods Native Plant Center, 2900 Raguet St.
SFA Gardens hosts its annual plant sale. Discover an array of hard-to-find, “Texas-tough” plants with an emphasis on native, pollinator-friendly selections; garden favorite perennials; and trees including Japanese maples, magnolias, and bald cypress.
Vanderpool
Pumpkin Patch
Oct. 12-Nov. 17
Lost Maples Farms, 35005 FM 187
Bring the whole family to enjoy fall attractions, picturesque Hill Country photo ops, food and drinks, barnyard animals, and pumpkins. The location is just south of Lost Maples State Natural Area.
Clute
Fall Astronomy Night
Oct. 12
Center for the Arts and Sciences, 400 College Blvd.
Each fall, BASF Planetarium hosts an astronomy night, with night sky viewing with local avocational astronomers and hands-on educational astronomy activities.
Plano
Beatles Night
Oct.12
Red Tail Pavilion, 2801 E. Spring Creek Parkway
This annual event returns with fan-favorite tribute band Hard Night’s Day delivering a genuine Beatles experience. Bring chairs, blankets, coolers, and beverages. Food and beverages are be available for purchase.
Calvert
The Hunters Moon Fest
Oct. 18-19
The Hunters Moon Fest, Main Street
After a launch party on the evening of Oct. 18, the festival hosts activities the next day that include the Hooves and Heels 5K and Historic Color Fun Run, a car show, artisans, food trucks, and shopping on Main Street. Also, The Eloia Theater presents a production of the play “The 39 Steps,” based on the Alfred Hitchcock movie, and Lone Oak Lounge hosts an inflatable costume party.
Salado
Barrow Volksride
Oct. 19
Barrow Brewing Company, 108 Royal St.
The Barrow Volksride supports the men and women of the Salado Volunteer Fire Department. Bicycle riders choose from 16-, 32-, 66-, or 100-mile routes in Hill Country. Routes start and finish at Barrow Brewing Company and cover roads from Holland to Belton and Nolanville. The 66- and 100- mile routes are a challenge with 2,500 degrees of climb.
Bluff Dale
Lone Star Fireworks Festival
Oct. 19
B Bar S Ranch, 4137 CR 196
The Lone Star Fireworks Festival is an evening event featuring at least eight fireworks displays choreographed to music with a drone show, live music, and food trucks. All of the net proceeds from this event benefit the Foster’s Home for Children in Stephenville.
Goliad
Missions Tour de Goliad
Oct. 19
Downtown Goliad, 127 N. Courthouse Square
Bike through gentle, rolling hills in and around the historic county of Goliad. Enjoy a ride through Goliad’s historic Presidio La Bahia and Goliad State Park, or ride through the countryside. Registration is required.
Grapevine
Butterfly Flutterby
Oct. 19
Grapevine Botanical Gardens at Heritage Park, 411 Ball St.
The 27th annual Butterfly Flutterby celebrates monarch butterflies and their migration from Canada to Mexico by way of Grapevine. Bring the entire family, even your pets, to enjoy a costume contest, live butterfly releases, an arts and crafts station, a Grapevine Garden Club art contest, a science station, a “Butterflies Around the World” exhibit, the “Transition to Beauty” butterfly sculpture, butterfly photo ops, butterfly merch, and snacks available for purchase.
grapevinetexasusa.com/events/annual-events-festivals/butterfly-flutterby/
Palestine
Fall Harvest Lunch Train
Oct. 19, 26
Texas State Railroad Palestine Depot, 789 Park Road 70
Savor the flavors and sights of East Texas on this four-hour round-trip train ride that features complimentary appetizers and champagne or cider followed by a catered lunch served on the grounds of the Rusk Rail Depot.
Lake Jackson
Bird Banding
Oct. 19
Gulf Coast Bird Observatory, 299 SH 332 West
Watch volunteers collect baseline data on bird populations at the sanctuary. The banding station provides an excellent opportunity to see birds up close and to learn all the birds of the Brazosport area.
Halloween Spooktacular
Oct. 20
Sea Center Texas, 302 Medical Drive
Dress up in your Halloween costume and enjoy crafts, games, and other special programs around the fish-filled, floor-to-ceilings aquariums.
Houston
Party in the Park
Oct. 24
Menil Park, 1423 Branard St.
The Menil Collection’s fall fundraiser supports the art museum’s operations, which include the parks and green spaces that make up its campus.
Bandera
Catcus Rose Endurance Trail Race
Oct. 25-27
Texas Hill State Natural Area, 10600 Bandera Creek Road
Despite this rugged trail-running race being designed to test runners, it goes by quickly because of the picturesque views, technical climbs and descents, and fun terrain.
Marathon
M2M: Marathon 2 Marathon
Oct. 26
The biggest event that this little town of 420 hosts, the M2M is considered an international bucket list race, with runners from 25 states and over seven countries participating over the years. It is also a Boston Marathon qualifier and a net downhill race with 450 to 500 racers. There’s also a half marathon, 10K, and 5K race. Everyone who crosses the finish line receives a T-shirt and medal, plus free beer. A pasta dinner and barbecue lunch is available for purchase.
Port Aransas
Flynn’s Beach Run
Oct. 26
Horace Caldwell Pier, 230 N. On The Beach Road
Race a 5K, 10K, or family walk/run on the beach.
portaransas.org/events/festivals-and-annual-events/beachtober/flynns-beach-run
Lake Jackson
Monster Dash 5K
Oct. 26
MacLean Park, 91 Lake Road
The 5K course takes runners through MacLean Park. There’s also a kids 1K race. Costumes are encouraged, and monster-themed decorations can be expected on the course.
South Padre Island
HalloWings Across South Padre Island
Oct. 26
SPI Birding, Nature Center and Alligator Sanctuary, 6801 Padre Blvd.
Celebrates the monarch migration with a day of fun activities for the young and young at heart. Learn about the migration through butterfly gardening presentations, nature walks, nature crafts, live music, and games.
Kerrville
Pumpkin Run 5K and Harvest Festival
Oct. 26
Salvation Army Kroc Center, 201 Holdsworth Drive
Along with a 5K run/walk, there are free festivities, candy, a bounce house, face painting, carnival games, and a cake walk.
Lampasas
Hunters Welcome
Nov. 1
HEB Parking Lot, 705 S. Key Ave.
Grab a barbecue lunch and support the community as Lampasas welcomes hunters for the season. The first 200 people to stop by get a goodie bag.
Port Aransas
Family Beach Walk
Nov. 1, Dec. 6, Jan. 3
Horace Caldwell Pier, 230 N. On the Beach Drive
Join Master Naturalist Julie Findley on the first Friday of the month to see what wonderful treasures wash up on the beach. Family beach walks take place on the first Friday of the month through Jan. 3.
West Columbia
Meet Your Ancestors
Nov. 2
Columbia Cemetery, Corner of 16th and Jackson streets
Learn about former West Columbia residents (and possibly your ancestors) at one of the most historic cemetaries in Texas. Guides lead guests to graves of notable occupants.
South Padre Island
Muzicians Run
Nov. 2
Beach Waterpark, 33261 State Park Road 100
Choose between a 5K and 10K course, this fun run/walk fuses live entertainment and running. Mariachis perform along the course about every half mile and participants are rewarded with tacos, beer, and margaritas.
Corpus Christi
Harbor Half Marathon
Nov. 2
Whataburger Field , 734 E. Port Ave.
See the city from new heights as you run (or walk) the Harbor Bridge. The 21st annual Harbor Half Marathon is “the highest half in Texas,” challenging the most seasoned runner providing participants with a fun way to experience Corpus Christi.
Clute
Planetarium Show
Nov. 5, 12, 19
Center for the Arts and Sciences, 400 College Blvd.
This planetarium show recreates the night sky as it appears to the naked eye and gives viewers a close-up look at comets, exploding stars, and black holes. Showdates vary throughout each month.
Houston
“Radiant Nature”
Nov. 8-Feb. 23
Houston Botanic Garden, 1 Botanic Lane
The Chinese lantern festival, with larger-than-life installations that showcase the beauty of nature and celebrate the promise of the Lunar New Year, returns with all-new displays and interactive elements.
Surfside Beach
Kites and Castles
Nov. 9
Stahlman Park, 2211 Bluewater Highway
Surfside Flyers Kite Club members display their kites and host featured guest Sandcastle Emerson, who is expected to demonstrate how to build sandcastle masterpieces. At night, there are more kites to see.
Clute
Fall Astronomy Day
Nov. 9
Center for the Arts and Sciences, 400 College Blvd.
Along with viewing the sun through a telescope set up for daylight hours, the star party features “ViewSpace,” an exhibit from the Space Telescope Science Institute, home of NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope.
South Padre Island
Half Marathon Weekend
Nov. 9-10
Isla Blanca Park, 33174 State Park Road 100
Participate in an exciting run on the beach with a half marathon, half marathon relay, and 5K.
Boerne
Music in the Cave: Joseph Kuipers in Concert
Nov. 9
Cave Without a Name , 325 Kreutzberg Road
American cellist Joseph Kuipers is renowned for his creativity and versatility in his captivating performances on both modern and gut strings. He brings select friends to perform with him.
Mason
Wild Game Dinner
Nov. 9
Fort Mason City Park Community Building, 1015 San Antonio St.
Hunting season means the annual Mason County Chamber of Commerce Wild Game Dinner. Feast on a wild game dinner and enter the auction and raffles.
Port Aransas
Barrier Island Ultra
Nov. 9
Roberts Point Park, 2016 On the Beach Drive
Run along the Gulf of Mexico on a course entirely of sand. You choose your challenge—hard-packed sand near the water or softer sand near the road. After your race, hang with participants on the beach, have an ice-cold drink and food from The Beach Lodge, or enjoy some shopping and sightseeing in town.
South Padre Island
South Padre Island Open
Nov. 9-10
Clayton’s Beach Bar and Grill, 6900 Padre Blvd.
The Texas Gulf Surfing Association hosts this surfing competition that features a variety of divisions for all ages. The family-oriented organization specializes in grassroots surfing events that are healthy and fun, while still placing an emphasis on maintaining academic excellence, good sportsmanship, and environmental awareness.
Houston
Ice Rink at Discovery Green
Nov. 15-Feb. 2
Discovery Green, 1500 McKinney St.
Every winter, Discovery Green’s Kinder Lake transforms into Houston’s only outdoor ice-skating rink. Adults and children of all ages can glide beneath the glittering lights of downtown and enjoy a series of programming throughout the season—from themed music nights to discounted skate nights. The ice rink is open every day.
“Atlas” by Jen Lewin
Nov. 15-Feb. 16
Discovery Green, 1500 McKinney St.
By internationally recognized artist Jen Lewin, this interactive public art installation features a collection of 24 handcrafted and hand-painted ethereal glowing moths on a monumental scale. The creatures hang suspended from the trees of the Brown Promenade at Discovery Green and react to sound and movement of visitors. Each moth represents a unique endangered North American moth species.
Lake Jackson
Bird Banding
Nov. 16
Gulf Coast Bird Observatory, 299 SH 332 West
Watch volunteers collect baseline data on bird populations at the sanctuary. The banding station provides an excellent opportunity to see birds up close and to learn all the birds of the Brazosport area.
Mckinney
Nature Connection Walks
Nov. 16, Dec. 21
Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary, 1 Nature Place
Occurring on the third Saturday of each month through December, these walks are inspired by the Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing. Connect with nature in a wildlife sanctuary and enjoy guided activities while walking, standing, and/or sitting along the trails. The trails and guided activities change each month, making each walk a fresh experience.
The Woodlands
The Ice Rink at The Woodlands
Nov. 16-Jan. 20
The Ice Rink, 2005 Lake Robbins Drive
Enjoy ice skating this holiday season at the indoor ice skating rink located in the heart of The Woodlands town center. The Woodlands Ice Rink is open seasonally from mid-November through mid-January.
Pipe Creek
Pipe Creek Christmas Tree Farm
Nov. 18-30
Pipe Creek Tree Farm, 805 Phil’s Road
Take a ride or walk around the tree farm and find your perfect tree for the holiday. Then take pictures of family members’ and friends’ faces in the cutouts of Santa and Mrs. Santa Claus, with children’s faces as ornaments.
Junction
Hill Country Challenge
Nov. 23
Hill Country Challenge , 202 N. 2nd St.
Run, bike, and paddle your way through Junction. The challenge begins with a trail run through South Llano River State Park, followed by a bike ride with a steady climb that rounds out to some rolling hills back to the state park. The race finishes with a 5-mile paddle to Schreiner Park.
Corpus Christi
Christmas Tree Forest
Nov. 23-Jan. 6
Art Museum of South Texas, 1902 N. Shoreline Blvd.
The 15th annual forest showcases 30 trees decorated by school groups and local organizations to represent a selection of award-winning classic children’s books. Visitors to the museum or website can cast their votes digitally for their favorite tree.
Port Aransas
Turkey Trot
Nov. 27
Palmilla Beach Resort and Golf Community, 258 Snapdragon
After the race, stick around for activities for the whole family, including bounce houses, music, and lawn games. Be sure to attend Gobble on the Grand, the Tuesday night packet pickup party.
athleteguild.com/event/port-aransas-tx/2024-port-aransas-turkey-trot
Austin
ThunderCloud Subs Turkey Trot
Nov. 28
The Long Center, 701 W. Riverside Drive
ThunderCloud Subs’ annual 5-mile run/1-mile walk is a great way to work up a Thanksgiving-sized appetite. Compete with the best of Austin or head outside with the kids for a more relaxed holiday jog.
Lake Jackson
Turkey Trot
Nov. 28
Lake Jackson Intermediate School, 100 Oyster Creek Drive
The 5K run/walk and 10K run is held on Thanksgiving Day and benefits the students of the Lake Jackson Intermediate Band Program.
Plano
Turkey Trot
Nov. 28
Oak Point Park Special Events Field, 2801 E. Spring Creek Parkway
Join the fall holiday tradition, a 5K run/walk on Thanksgiving morning. Everyone gets a donut at the finish line.
Van Horn
Trans-Pecos Big Buck Tournament
Nov. 29-Dec. 16
El Mercado, 604 E. Broadway St.
Participate in a hunting tournament with animals qualifying from all Trans-Pecos regions.
Bastrop
Bastrop River of Lights
Nov. 29
Fisherman’s Park, Farm Street
Numerous lighted displays in various seasonal themes line Bastrop’s scenic June Hill Pape River Walk. To access this half-mile promenade, go down the stairs west of the intersection of Main and Pine streets or select the fully accessible entrance at Fisherman’s Park on Farm Street.
Llano
Starry Starry Nights Lighted Christmas Park
Nov. 29-Dec. 31
Badu Park, 300 Legion Drive
The lighted park, which opens the first Friday after Thanksgiving, lets visitors stroll along the Llano River and enjoy displays that light up Badu Park.
Corpus Christi
Holly-Days at the Gardens
Nov. 29-Dec. 21
South Texas Botanical Gardens and Nature Center, 8545 S. Staples St.
See a 20-foot fresh-cut lighted fir tree and 18-foot recycled eco-friendly Christmas tree made of green plastic bottles, plus four smaller ones, created by environmental artist Shelia Rogers. Enjoy holiday light displays, decorated trees, visits with Santa, hayrides, a petting zoo, s’mores and hot cocoa, and photo ops.
Boerne
Music in the Cave: Sounds of the Season
Nov. 30
Cave Without a Name , 325 Kreutzberg Road
A capella quartet Tinsel returns with sounds of the season including original arrangements of contemporary classics and beloved carols.
Mckinney
Holidays at the Heard
Dec. 6-7
Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary, 1 Nature Place
Holiday lights and décor accentuate a half-mile nature trail, creating an enchanting nighttime hike through the woods. Get a glimpse of the “Dinosaurs Live!” exhibit along the trail and enjoy live, festive music under the stars in the Heard outdoor amphitheater.
Galveston
Yaga’s Chili Quest and Beer Fest
Jan. 18
Historic Strand District, 2302 Strand St.
At this celebration of all things chili and beer, attendees can stroll the historic Strand District and sample chili from participating cook teams; choose from over 100 beers to sample at the Indoor Beer Fest; participate in the Beerfoot Beer Run 5k or cornhole tournament; and enjoy live music and the Strand Merchant Walkabout.
Port Aransas
Whooping Crane Festival
Feb. 20-23
Various locations
Each year since 1996, the Whooping Crane Festival has celebrated the annual return of the cranes to their wintering habitat at the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge. The Texas Coastal Bend is the only place where you can see the world’s last naturally occurring population of Whooping Cranes. The event has renowned speakers, birding trips, boating trips, nature tours, photography workshops, and a trade show.
