Are you ready for fall? As the weather cools off, Houston comes alive. There are so many Houston fall festivals in the next few months, you’ll have activities every weekend! Whether you’re looking for foodie fun, family friendly entertainment or some laughs, there is a fall festival in Houston perfect for your interests. These are some of the best Houston fall festivals 2016!
September Festivals and Events
Houston Jerk Fest
When: September 10, 2016
Where: India House (8888 W Bellfort Blvd)
What: Yeah, mon. This competitive jerk chicken festival pits deliciousness against itself to produce incredible jerk chicken dishes. Celebrating Caribbean culture, the festival brings together the multitude of island nations together through music and food.
Houston Vintage Market and Festival
When: September 16-17, 2016
Where: 1940 Air Terminal Museum & Hangar (8325 Travelair St)
What: As things become more modernized by the minute, some people reserve their love for vintage items. The Vintage Market & Festival in Houston, Texas, lets you survey the many vintage items from clothing to automobiles on site. You will never know what you will find, but that is part of the fun!
Dozynki Polish Harvest Festival
When: September 16-18, 2016
Where: Our Lady of Czestochowa Parish (1731 Blalock Road)
What: Houston, Texas, brings the rich culture of Poland to the U.S. at this wonderful celebration of food, folklore and family. This is an event your palate won’t want to miss, as fresh pierogies, golabki and kielbasa fill the air with a mouth-watering aroma. Get a bite to eat and grab a spot to watch performances by live bands and traditional Polish dance troupes. Family-friendly activities, vendors and a silent auction are also available adding to the fun, relaxing experience.
Houston Hot Sauce Festival
When: September 17-18, 2016
Where: Silver Street Studio (2000 Edwards St)
What: Until the flames of Hell are successfully converted into a best-selling hot sauce, the next best thing is the assortment of flavorful hot sauces you’ll encounter at this Houston-based festival. A range of products such as hot sauce, salsa, wing sauce, dips and more will be available to sample and purchase. Those who are seeking heat should look no further.
Oddball Comedy and Curiousity Festival
When: September 22, 2016
Where: The Woodlands, TX – The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
What: The traveling Oddball Comedy and Curiosity Festival is the brainchild of hilarious video mecca FunnyorDie.com. The laugh out loud event features over twenty comedic artists, from non-sequitur one-liner slingers to thought-provoking storytelling comics and silver-tongued absurdists, as well as musical comedy performers and bands. Along with the artists who perform in multiple cities, there are surprise performances that differ from show to show. Many local comedians can be seen on stage during the festival, and one lucky finalist from the Road2Oddball competition gets to perform stand-up on the road at every OCCF date. Past performers include some of the biggest names in comedy such as Aziz Ansari, Sarah Silverman, Marc Maron, Louis C.K., Amy Schumer and Hannibal Buress.
Waller County Fair
When: September 23-October 2, 2016
Where: Hempstead TX – Waller County Fairgrounds (22000 Fairground Road)
What: The Waller County Fair in Hempstead, Texas, is a community tradition bringing local citizens, farmers and regional entertainers together for ten days of fun. The event features amateur and professional rodeo contests, livestock showings and auctions, traditional deep-fried fair foods, live musical performances from touring country and rock acts and a county fair queen competition and crowning
Fort Bend County Fair & Rodeo
When: September 23 – October 2, 2016
Where: Rosenberg, TX – Rosenberg Fairgrounds (4310 TX-36)
What: The Fort Bend County Fair has grown into one of the largest and most successful fairs in the State. Residents eagerly anticipate visiting with friends and neighbors at some of the many activities the Fair has to offer. Rodeo, BBQ, live music, games, rides and more! Fun for all ages
Gulf Coast Film and Video Festival
When: September 23-24, 2016
Where: Clear Lake, TX – Multiple Locations in the Clear Lake City/NASA Area of Houston
What: The Gulf Coast Film and Video Festival in Seabrook, Texas, is a celebration of the independent film milieu. The two-day event features world premieres, Q&A sessions with auteurs and actors, expert panels, industry workshops, script readings, banquets, mixers and more. From short cinematic works to documentaries and feature length to experimental films, the festival is perfect for cinephiles and moviegoers alike
Oktoberfest Houston
When: September 24, 2016
Where: Northwest Mall Parking Lot (9500 Hempstead Highway)
What: OktoberFest Houston takes over Houston, Texas, with countless celebrations dedicated to this traditional German holiday. While the central celebration takes place, various bars around town host their own lineup of events, allowing guests to navigate their way through the city in a fun and festive atmosphere. Enjoy all the live entertainment, play games, eat hearty German fare, drink delicious pilsners and be merry.
Houston Open Air
When: September 24-25, 2016
Where: NRG Park (1 NRG Pkwy)
What: Fill the peaceful, yet disturbingly quiet air with blistering heavy metal and you get the Houston Open Air experience. A lineup featuring popular metal artists will get their riffs, snares and vocal chords amplified to serve you a kick in the teeth. Make it metal-as-hell with throat-tingling whiskey and killer noms to ensure you have the energy to head bang at the speed of the music.
The Woodlands BBQ Festival
When: September 25, 2016
Where: Town Green Park (2099 Lake Robbins Dr)
What: The community partnership between Stibbs & Co., P.C., the Pulmonary Hypertension Association and The Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce. The Festival will feature some of the most talented and celebrated BBQ pit-masters from the Houston area and beyond. We hope that you will join us for an afternoon filled with the finest BBQ on the planet, live music, cold beer and the chance to bring awareness to PH!
October Festivals and Events
October is filled with a ton of incredible Houston fall festivals! Plus, there are some waiting on confirmed dates, so more will be added to the Houston events calendar! Keep an eye out for more fun Houston fall festivals with EverFest!Â
Pearland Arts and Crafts on the Pavilion
When: October 1-2, 2016
Where: Pearland TX – Pearland Town Center Market Street
What: A treasure hunter’s paradise, Pearland Arts & Crafts on the Pavilion offers a wide array of handmade goods and crafts. Check out special art exhibits and enjoy live entertainment from popular local talent. An interactive kid’s station offers the little ones an opportunity to create take-home keepsakes.
Autumn Art & Texas Wine Festival
When: October 1-2, 2016
Where: Spring TX – Historic Old Town Spring (419 Gentry Street)
What: Held in Spring, Texas, the Autumn Art & Texas Wine Festival is a fall event that celebrates a passion for great wine and beautiful art. Guests can sample a variety of wines from around Texas as they view work from some of the state’s premier artists. The two-day event provides festivalgoers with a friendly and casual setting to taste some excellent wines.
Texas Wine Festival
When: October 1, 2016
Where: Tomball, TX – The Empty Glass (106 Market Street)
What: The annual Texas Wine Festival takes place in downtown Tomball and is put on by The Empty Glass. The event kicks off Texas Wine Month and features a hand-selected assortment of Texas wineries as well as local breweries showcasing their delectable libations. The event also offers live music and delicious food from local vendors.
Flying Saucer BeerFeast
When: October 1, 2016
Where: Sugar Land TX – Sugar Land Town Square (15958 City Walk)
What: BeerFeast is a quality celebration of brews where attendees can sample, purchase and drink glass after glass of high quality craft beer. Food trucks join in the festivities to pair excellent beers with delicious cuisine. The feast is a great opportunity to learn about and enjoy one of America’s favorite beverages.
The Color Run
When: October 2, 2016
Where: The Woodlands, TX – Raceway Park (230 Pension Rd)
What: By the end of The Color Run, you’ll look like you finally reached the rainbow and busted through it like a ribbon at the end of a race. You’ll be covered in colors. This kaleidoscopic 5K was established in 2011 and takes place in numerous cities throughout the world. The event isn’t timed so there’s no pressure. Run, laugh, listen to music, dance and be doused with colors along the way.
The Original Greek Festival
When: October 6-9, 2016
Where: Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral (3511 Yoakum Boulevard)
What: The Original Greek Festival is one of the most anticipated Greek festivals in downtown Houston. The event celebrates Greek religion and culture for the Greek people of Houston. It includes a wide array of traditional foods, drinks and desserts. There are tents loaded with some of the authentic Greek meals, pastries and coffees. There are loads of wines and beer as well to sample. Various Greek artists entertain with live music and Greek Folk dance for all four days during the event. There are lots of fun rides and activities for kids to explore at the Athenian playground. Visitors can take a stroll along the exhibits by vendors selling authentic Greek items. These items include Greek jewelry, clothing, house ware items and shoes. The mission of the festival is to celebrate Greek religion and culture on the grounds of the US. It also acts as a fundraiser benefitting many non-profit organizations like the Children’s Assessment Center, Covenant House, the Star of Hope Mission and many more.
Miller Outdoor Theatre Festival Chicano
When: October 6-8, 2016
Where: Miller Outdoor Theatre (6000 Hermann Park Dr)
What: The Festival Chicano in Houston, Texas, is a celebration of all things Chicano in a cultural outdoor party. Live performances by the biggest names in conjunto, Tejano, orchestra and mariachi music are highlights of the one-day event, while authentic arts and crafts and Hispanic cuisine from around the world are among the additional attractions.
St. Andrews Craft Fair
When: October 7-8, 2016
Where: Saint Andrews Episcopal Church (2535 East Broadway Street)
What: Discover rare, unique and beautiful crafts at St. Andrew’s Craft Fair in Pearland, Texas. Hundreds of crafters gather at this event to sell and display their work for the community of Pearland to purchase and admire. Usually held in conjunction with the popular pumpkin patch, this event offers plenty of entertainment for the whole family.Â
Katy Rice Harvest Festival
When: October 8-9, 2016
Where: Historic Downtown Katy (5701 2nd Street)
What: The Katy Rice Harvest Festival is a fall celebration that brings a huge lineup of fun and entertainment to Katy, Texas. Live music, craft and food booths, carnival rides, performances by dance troupes and kid’s activities all come together to make this event a blast for the whole family.Â
Bayou City Art Festival
When: October 8-9. 2016
Where: Downtown Houston surrounding City Hall, Hermann Square, Houston Public Library, Sam Houston Park, and adjacent streets
What: Bayou City Art Festival takes place twice a year in Houston, once in the spring and again in the fall. The event showcases hundreds of artists and their work ranging from two-dimensional pieces to sculptures, to functional art and digital creations. Food, beer and wine are available at the event, and music adds to the artistic vibe. The Children’s Creative Zone offers supervised art activities, so there’s something fun for everyone at this weekend of inspiration and art appreciation.
Houston Italian Festival
When: October 13-16, 2016
Where: University of St. Thomas Campus Life Mall (3818 Graustark Street)
What: The Italian Festival is one of the largest ethnic festivals in Houston and attracts thousands of visitors from around the country. Come and enjoy a feast of sight, sound and Italian flavor while sharing the heritage, culture and romance of Italy at the Houston Italian. At the festival you can taste authentic Italian food and wine and see live musical performances. There will be plenty of activities for all ages to enjoy including: grape stomping and pasta eating contest, bocce ball tournament, marionette puppet shows, Italian movies, cooking demonstrations for adults and children, wine tastings, I Madonnari High School Art contest, Classic Car show on Sunday and much more.
Trill Comedy Festival
When: October 20-23, 2016
Where: Station Theater (1230 Houston Avenue)
What: The Trill Comedy Festival in Houston, Texas, is a laugh-riot and humor throw down featuring over 100 comedic performers. The festival showcases local and national acts in the comedy realms of improv, sketch, stand-up, film and performance art. Varying workshops and intensives from the hilarious performers also take place during each day of the three-day event.
LEGO KidsFest
When: October 21-23, 2016
Where: NRG Park
What: Held in various cities across the country, LEGO KidsFest provides guests of all ages with an opportunity to create, learn and design at a massive LEGO exposition. In addition to the various contests and creative opportunities, life-size superheroes and characters are scattered throughout the festival to offer inspiration for pint-sized designers. Bring the entire family and join in this truly interactive and hands-on event.
Puerto Rican & Cuban Festival
When: October 22, 2016
Where: Tranquility Park (900 Bagby Street)
What: Houston’s Puerto Rican and Cuban Festival is an annual cultural celebration that takes place every year in September. The event features a diverse lineup of entertainment including big-name artists and local talent, spotlighting Puerto Rican and Cuban culture. This international affair also offers a car show, fashion show and arts & crafts and souvenir vendors, and don’t forget to check out the mouth-watering authentic cuisine that is available throughout the grounds.
Tomball Bluegrass Festival
When: October 22, 2016
Where: Tomball Depot – 201 S Elm St
What: The Tomball Bluegrass Festival is a relatively new music festival to East Texas, offering a full afternoon of old style, toe-tappin’ bluegrass music in Tomball. The festival not only features live performances of classic and contemporary bluegrass music, but also has arts & crafts vendors, food and beverages and a pickin’ tent where local musicians can jam out together. Past performers at the festival include Darin and Brook Aldridge, Wood & Wire, Tayhoss and many others.
There you have it! These are some of the BEST Houston Fall Festivals 2016! What events are you most looking forward to? Let us know in the comment section below which Houston fall festivals are your favorite! As always, stay tuned to our blog for all things eat, shop and play in Houston.
