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We've rounded up the best events to put on your fall calendar, from rodeos to Renaissance to endless festival eats
llustration by Marcus Murray
Houstonians know that fall is a special time of year in our great city. The seemingly endless heat of summer finally makes way for cooler weather – and that means it’s time to celebrate! Between Houston’s fall festivals, Halloween attractions, and holiday markets, there’s always something to look forward to.
Transport to another country without ever leaving Texas at the Japan Festival Houston, happening September 6th and 7th. This Houston fall festival features Japanese food, music, dance, traditional Japanese flower arranging, and so much more. It’s one of the U.S.’s most popular celebrations of Japanese culture, held in Houston’s very own Hermann Park.
Karbach Brewing Company’s legendary Karbachtoberfest begins September 20th. Three whole weekends packed with live music, stein hoisting, weiner dog races, and, of course, plenty of beer. We recommend strengthening those biceps before you go to prepare yourself for stein holding!
The Viet Cultural Fest, another must-do on your Houston fall events calendar, will be held September 20th at NRG Park. The festival aims to preserve and promote Vietnamese culture in an annual tradition that welcomes people of all ages and backgrounds.
This year’s theme is “Uống Nước Nhớ Nguồn,” “When drinking water, remember its source.” The proverb encourages attendees to honor the past, cherish the present, and build the future. Find traditional performances, authentic cuisine, cultural exhibits and more.
Waller County Fair, Houston’s premier fall fair, kicks off its 80th year on September 25th. Celebrate Houston culture and agriculture with fun for the whole family, including a rodeo, carnival rides, livestock shows, and live entertainment. Plus, be there when the 2025 Fair Queen is crowned.
Celebrate Halloween in Houston when Pumpkins After Dark returns for its second year state-side on October 9th at Big Rivers Waterpark & Adventures. A newcomer to Houston October events, Pumpkins After Dark Houston premiered in October 2024. The display of over 10,000 hand-carved pumpkins made waves and its upcoming season is sure to exceed expectations.
Discover art from more than 250 artists at the Bayou City Art Festival, October 10th through 12th at Memorial Park. This Houston art festival has something for everyone: art, prints, sculptures, jewelry, and more at a varying range of price points. You’ll also find local eats from Houston-based food vendors, a beer garden, live entertainment, and more.
Transport to an enchanting world of kings, queens, jesters, and merriment at the Texas Renaissance Festival. It’s the largest and most acclaimed Renaissance-themed attraction in the U.S. and a premier Houston October event. See live performances, eat a giant turkey leg, visit artisan “shoppes,” and more, during weekends October 11th through November 30th.
Honor those who are no longer with us at Día de los Muertos at Discovery Green. The event is centered around a community ofrenda made by Houston artist Angel Quesada. Community members are encouraged to place images of loved ones on the ofrenda. You’ll also find family-friendly art activities, artists demos, vendors, and more. Join the event at Sarofim Picnic Lawn on November 1st.
The Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market kicks off the holiday season on November 13th at NRG Center. It’s Houston’s signature holiday fundraising shopping event with hundreds of merchants selling home decor, gifts, apparel, toys, and so much more.
Relish in the finally-cool(er) weather with a hike in the Houston area. Houston has more than 150 scenic trails designed for a range of experience levels, many of which are family-friendly. You may even catch some fall foliage in places like Sam Houston National Forest or Huntsville State Park.
Catch live renditions of your favorite music from Hans Zimmer, Beyonce, Frank Sinatra and more at Candlelight Concerts.
What’s fall without a good, old-fashioned pumpkin patch? Houston has no shortage of options. Visit one of many sprawling pumpkin patches, like Froberg’s Farm, Oil Ranch, Old Time Christmas Tree Farm, and more. In addition to picking a plump pumpkin, many pumpkin patches also offer the option to go for a spin on a carnival ride or pet a farm animal.
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