In addition to seasonal outdoor activities, Texas has a variety of festivals and fairs that occur during the fall season. In September, October, and November, festivals occur all over the state, from Oktoberfests to music festivals to themed events. However, these festivals are the best of Texas’ fall attractions. Enjoy the change of season by attending these great fall events.
Texas Renaissance Festival, Todd Mission
The Texas Renaissance Festival, dubbed Ren Fair or Ren Fest by festival-goers, occurs every fall. This fall festival is like taking a step back into the 16th century. Enjoy jousting matches, a cup of mead and a variety of performances and craft booths. Guests and workers alike dress up in medieval attire at this popular Texas fall festival.
Dates: Weekends – October 7th – November 2th & Thanksgiving Friday, 2023
Official Website
State Fair of Texas, Dallas
Every September and October, Texans celebrate all things Texan at the State Fair of Texas in Dallas. The State Fair of Texas is the biggest fair and stock show in the state. Enjoy live music, fair food and carnival rides. However, many Texans head to the fair during its highlight – the big University of Texas and Oklahoma game. Go Longhorns!
Dates: September 29th – October 22nd, 2023
Official Website
Austin City Limits Music Festival, Austin
Austin City Limits Music Festival is one of the most popular music festivals in the nation. And now that this festival, commonly referred to as ACL, has grown so much, there are currently two weekends to attend. Typically, in October, flocks of music lovers head to Austin to watch more than 100 bands play on eight stages. Austin City Limits is no doubt one of the best music festivals to attend in the fall. After the festival, explore Austin’s top attractions and recharge at one of the nearby hotels.
Dates: October 6th-8th & 13th-15th, 2023
Official Website
Wurstfest, New Braunfels
Wurstfest occurs every fall in New Braunfels during November, and it’s a celebration of German culture. With a number of German beers, sausages and polka music, this fun fall festival lasts ten days. Wurstfest is currently one of the longest-running German festivals in the Lone Star State.
Dates: November 3rd – 12th, 2023
Official Website
Chappell Hill Scarecrow Festival, Chappell Hill
Held in Chappell Hill, the Scarecrow Festival happens for two days every October. The festival features over 250 different vendors and a number of live music acts, as well as a petting zoo, face painting and pony rides. However, a scarecrow festival wouldn’t be complete without scarecrows; the Chappell Hill Scarecrow Festival obviously hosts a scarecrow contest.
Dates: October 14th – 15th, 2023
Official Website
AustOberfest, Austin
AustOberfest, or “Austin Oktoberfest,” is a German festival full of beer tastings, bowling, polka music and all the German sausages you can eat. The price of admission actually includes an AustOberfest Commemorative Glass, Bier Tastings, and All-You-Can-Eat Sausage. You will certainly leave full after attending this fall festival in Austin.
Dates: October 14th, 2023
Official Website
Oktoberfest in Fredericksburg, Fredericksburg
There’s no other way to celebrate an authentic Oktoberfest in Texas than at one of the most notable German towns in the state, Fredericksburg. Oktoberfest in Fredericksburg consists of live music, German beer and even a dominos tournament. This event is family-friendly, as there is a Kinder Park area for the little ones. For 40 years, Texans have been attending this authentic German festival every October.
Dates: October 6th – October 8th, 2023
Official Website
Island Oktoberfest, Galveston
Galveston residents and visitors alike have enjoyed Island Oktoberfest for almost 40 years. Every October, festival-goers enjoy live music, German beer, a variety of food options, shopping and live auctions. The best thing about this fall festival, however, is free admission. German costumes are encouraged!
Dates: October 27th – 28th, 2023
Official Website
Conroe Cajun Catfish Festival, Conroe
This Cajun Catfish Festival takes place in Conroe, Texas. The Cajun food and live music are the main attractions at the Cajun Catfish Festival, which draws nearly 40,000 visitors every October. However, you can also enjoy a car show, a pageant, and a carnival at the Cajun Catfish Festival.
Dates: October 13th-15th, 2023
Official Website
