The month of October could quite possibly be the best time of year in Houston. The weather has cooled off and outdoor activities abound. Check out our list of great things to do in October in Houston, and get started making memories with your loved ones.
Kemah’s Boo on the Boardwalk
Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday in October
Boo on the Boardwalk is back and as hauntingly fun as ever! Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday in Kemah is action-packed with spooky and some not-so-scary events. In fact, bring the entire family as there will be arts and crafts, djs, live music, experiences and great food! Plus, your kids can trick or treat in the retail stores from 2-8 p.m. everyday. There’s plenty to do for ghouls and goblins of all ages.
6th Annual Nigeria Cultural Parade & Festival
Oct. 1, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Fall in Houston means festivals! Don't miss out on the 6th Annual Nigeria Cultural Parade & Festival. This parade and festival brings the fun and beauty of Nigerian culture to Downtown Houston. Enjoy the sights, sounds, smells and tastes of this rich culture for an unforgettable family experience at Root Memorial Square Park. Word to the wise, you have to get the infamous Jollof rice and peppered suya!
Chefs For Farmers Food and Wine Festival
Oct. 2, 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Initiated as a small farm-to-table dinner series in Dallas in 2010, Chefs For Farmers has grown over the last ten years, becoming one of the most sought out annual food and wine events in the state. For its first visit to Houston, Chefs For Farmers promises a powerhouse lineup of Houston’s top chefs and culinary personalities. Together, they will serve up curated, locally sourced dishes for the all-inclusive tasting event in effort to support Texan family farms. The event will be an immersive culinary journey, combining culture, music, and art for the ultimate celebration.
50th Annual Bayou City Art Festival
Oct. 8 – 9, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Bayou City Art Festival will return to Downtown Houston on Oct. 8-9. In its 50th year, Bayou City Art Fest has become one of the top art festivals in the country by bringing diverse artists and works to Houston. Patrons will have the opportunity to meet artists, view original works, and purchase artwork from 19 art disciplines including world-class paintings, prints, jewelry, sculptures, and more. The festival will feature live music, a food truck park, and beverage stations throughout the festival along with two entertainment stages and art installations. Further, there will be plenty of opportunities for libations and amazing eats.
Oktoberfest at King’s Bierhaus
Oct. 14 – 15
Get ready for one of Houston’s favorite Oktoberfest celebrations at King’s Bierhaus. Head to the historic Houston Heights area and enjoy lots of beer, along with time-honored Bavarian events like the strongman and strongwoman contest, as well as more modern fare like the dog costume contest. Dress in your Bavarian best for a chance to be crowned King or Queen of Oktoberfest 2022. The event will also feature live music, carnival games, a photo booth, prizes, raffles and a giveaway that includes a voucher to go to Germany to experience its Oktoberfest! Prost!
Southern Smoke Festival
Oct. 21 – 23
James Beard Award-winning chef Chris Shepherd and the Southern Smoke Foundation will host Southern Smoke Festival 2022 Oct. 21-23, featuring more than 60 of the best chefs and culinary celebrities—Tom Colicchio, Sarah Grueneberg, Cheetie Kumar, Brooke Williamson, Erick Williams, plus a whole slew of Houston chefs. The weekend’s events will take place throughout the city of Houston including Hermann Park, EaDo, and Post Oak areas. From Texas-sized BBQs to amazing raw bar tastings, you’ll get to experience some of the best from the biggest culinary names in the business! Tickets are on sale now, so be sure to snag them while they’re available.
2022 Houston Filipino Street Festival
Oct. 22, Noon – 7 p.m.
The Houston Filipino Street Festival has grown to be the biggest Filipino Festival in the South. Come celebrate the best of Filipino culture with amazing food, entertainment, family activities, and more. The Philippines is comprised of 7,100 islands with 80 provinces and 170 different dialects. Each region in the Philippines has its own unique and colorful way of celebrating its distinct regional culture, which you’ll see reflected at the festival. All proceeds go to supporting the Filipino Young Professionals of Houston and its outreach.
Pumpkin Planters at the Arboretum
Oct. 29, 1 – 2:30 p.m.
What better way to celebrate the Houston Arboretum’s fall bounty than with pumpkins and wildflowers? Head to the arboretum for this fun and creative family class and make a festive pumpkin planter. Guests will learn how to properly plan, plant, and care for three species of native plants in a cute artificial pumpkin container. Then, add some flair to your mini-gardens with ribbons, glass pebbles, and more. Of course, if it’s a nice day, hit one of the arboretum’s amazing trails full of wildlife and interesting finds.
Wings Over Houston
Oct. 29 – 30, 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Wings Over Houston is the ultimate airshow! This premier Houston event is dedicated to showcasing vintage World War II aircraft, along with the thrills of modern aviation, and has supported a variety of local and national charities during its 37-year history. Spread throughout the Airshow are numerous static (non-flying during the show) displays of modern aircraft along with historic war-time aircraft. Tour the inside of a massive cargo transport; examine various types of helicopters, training aircraft, experimental planes, and more! You can visit with the pilots and crew of the planes and maybe even grab an autograph or giveaway token.