As the weather cools off in Houston, everyone looks for a reason to head outside and enjoy the best of what our city has to offer, which often includes food, football, and festivals. Whether you’re looking for good eats, delicious drinks, wanting to put on a costume, or just people-watch, we’ve got you covered with plenty of fall festival options.
Texas Renaissance Festival
October 7 - 26, 2023
Hear ye, hear ye, first up in our festival line up is the iconic Texas Renaissance Festival. The festival begins Oct. 7 and runs through Nov. 26. RenFest, as it’s affectionately referred to, boasts a loyal following of lords and ladies from all over Texas and surrounding areas who continually make the pilgrimage back to the Middle Ages. Grab a turkey leg, drink some mead, and enjoy the festival’s jam-packed entertainment list with tons of bands, ventriloquists, dance troupes and more! There are also hilariously themed weekends like Oktoberfest, Barbarian Invasion, Pirate Adventure, Roman Bacchanal, Highland Fling and Celtic Christmas. Pick the weekend that best suits your tastes and bring the family, the festival is family-friendly. For more information on the Texas Renaissance Festival, click here.
King's Oktoberfest
October 13-14, 2023
Not to be outdone by Middle Ages enthusiasts, King's Oktoberfest takes place October 13 and 14. Enjoy a celebration that encompasses the best of German and Texas cultures. Meaning, whether you want to wear your lederhosen or your cowboy boots, everyone is invited to the party. This two-day celebration will occur in the historic Heights area of Houston at 2044 E T C Jester Blvd, Houston, TX 77008. Enjoy Live German music, massive Oktoberfest tents, exclusive German biers, authentic Oktoberfest food, exciting Oktoberfest competitions, and much more. Variety of Wursts, 8-Hour Roasted Turkey Legs, German Chocolate Cake, and much more. For the competitive festivalgoer, there will be lots of fun activities like cornhole, Jenga, Connect Four and even a few feats of strength competitions. Prove your German prowess by competing in the stein race, stein hoisting or brat toss! For more information on Oktoberfest Houston, click here.
Bayou City Art Festival
October 14-15, 2023
Any art enthusiast will love the Bayou City Art Festival taking place in Downtown Houston, October 14-15. The event, put on by the Art Colony Association, spotlights 300 artists in an outdoor fine arts festival. With everything from original art to prints, sculptures and more, the streets of Downtown will be lined with exciting pieces for collectors or the casual shopper. The Art Colony Association, Inc. is hosting Michelle McDowell Smith as the Featured Artist for the 2023 Bayou City Art Festival - Downtown. McDowell Smith is a painter and a media collage artist based in Roanoke, Virginia. She earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Savannah College of Art and Design with a major in illustration. There will also be roaming performances and a children’s creative zone complete with bubbles and poetry workshops. Proceeds for this event work to provide financial support to local nonprofits. To learn more and purchase tickets, click here.
Dewberry Farm Fall Festival
September 16 – November 12, 2023
Bring the whole family for a day full of Texas-style fun, with flowers, farm animals, an 8-acre corn maze, over 40 kid-friendly attractions, and delicious food for everyone. The big Fall Festival at Dewberry Farm begins September 16 with the opening event from 1 to 6 p.m. Held every weekend thereafter from 10 a.m. Fridays and Halloween night events are added in October. This farm in Brookshire, about a 45-minute drive from downtown Houston, is super fun for the whole family. It has its own Ferris wheel, slides, and a carousel. There are also train tours. Stop by the corral for a special shout-out to the famous rescue bull, Sir Loin. If you've ever ridden a mechanical bull, dare to ride Jumping Jack!
Viet Cultural Fest - Flavors of Vietnam
September 16, 2023
The Viet Cultural Fest festival, organized by the Vietnamese Association of Culture and Science, debuted with great success in Houston in 2019. This year, it returns to NRG Park for its second edition with the theme Flavors of Vietnam to present the cuisine of the three regions of Vietnam: north, center, and south, and show the cultural richness of that country. The program includes a traditional costume contest for girls and teenagers, a Phở eating contest, many cultural games, dances, music, art exhibitions, and more. The Viet Cultural Fest will be a fun-filled day for the whole family!
Chefs for Farmers - Food & Wine Festival
September 30 – October 1, 2023
If you're a foodie, you can sample the flavors of Houston at the annual Chefs For Farmers food festival at Autry Park. In one location, you have the opportunity to sample delicious bites from more than 40 participating local chefs and farms, as well as wines from several wineries. Tickets to the event include unlimited food and drinks, as well as live entertainment. This festival, which many call “the gastronomic rodeo,” is a great feast for the palate!
Original Greek Festival
October 5-7, 2023
The 57th edition of the Original Greek Festival will be held at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Houston (3511 Yoakum Blvd.). Houston's Greek Orthodox community is one of the largest in the US. Its formation began in 1917. Come see it! In this great cultural festival, you can enjoy delicious Greek food, music, and dancing. You will also have the opportunity to purchase crafts and gift items, among other options. Tours of the cathedral are also available. Admission to the festival costs $5. There are also ticket options with food included.
KOREAN FESTIVAL AT DISCOVERY GREEN
October 7, 2023
The Korean Festival showcases the best of Korean food, music, performing arts and culture with vendors and artists from around the world. This festival attracts a wide range of Houstonians and visitors, including foodies, KPop fans, and those interested in experiencing Korean culture in the heart of Houston. Since its inception in 2009, the Korean Festival has become one of the largest free cultural events held at Discovery Green Park in downtown Houston, drawing thousands of attendees to its cultural presentations and culinary experiences.
SOUTHERN SMOKE FESTIVAL 2023
October 13 and 14, 2023
The Southern Smoke Festival returns to Houston to bring food lovers delicious food from more than 40 chefs from Houston and cities across the country for two days. The festival is organized by and benefits the Southern Smoke Foundation, a nonprofit organization created by James Beard Award-winning chef Chris Shepherd and his wife Lindsey Brown to help people in the food and beverage industry around the world and country through the Emergency Relief Fund. This year, there are two festival events. On Friday, October 13th there is a Respect The Rosé wine dinner at the Four Seasons Hotel Houston, themed to 007/Monte Carlo ($500 per person). Participating chefs will include: James Beard Award winners Sarah Grueneberg (Monteverde, Chicago), Ryan Prewitt (Pêche, New Orleans), Jason Stanhope (FIG, Charleston), and Stephen Stryjewski (Cochon, New Orleans), as well as Memphis chefs Michael Hudman and Andy Ticer, and acclaimed Houston pastry chef Rebecca Masson. On Saturday, October 14, The Throwdown will take place at Discovery Green Park in downtown Houston. More than 40 chefs will participate, serving dishes prepared on fire on site, as well as cocktails, wines, and beers. There will also be live music ($175 per person).
FALL FESTIVAL AT GEORGE RANCH HISTORICAL PARK
November 24 and 25, 2023
Come to the park this Thanksgiving weekend to enjoy a fall festival styled on a historic Texas ranch! In addition to the regular tours, you'll see how traditional pumpkin pie is made on the 1860s cast iron stove and what's done at the cowboy campfire. Turkey will also be talked about while it's being prepared at the Ranch. House. This is also your last chance this year to take great family photos at the ranch's Pumpkin Round-Up. The park will be open from 9 am to 5 pm Make sure you arrive early to see it all, and don't forget to pack a picnic lunch!
More festivals to come to Houston! As dates for the Houston Day of the Dead Festival and other fall festivals are confirmed, we will update this post. So come back soon! Explore more activities on our EVENTS page. If you need to look for accommodation, check out our HOUSTON HOTEL GUIDE. To save on hotels and attractions, see deals and coupons HERE.