Texas’ fall season may be short, but that doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be celebrated. From September to November, there are quite a few Texas activities and attractions that should not be missed. No matter if you want to explore the great outdoors, attend a fall festival, or simply enjoy a great German brew, there is a perfect activity on this list for you to do in Texas this autumn season.
Go Camping
What Is It? Since summer is so hot in the Lone Star State, one of the best times to hit up a hiking trail or spend the night camping under the stars is during fall.
Why Do It? Actually, October is one of the best times to visit one of Texas’ most popular parks, Big Bend National Park. This remote area is teeming with wildlife and boasts incredible views of the Chisos Mountains.
Good to Know: With a number of state parks and two national parks in the state, there is no lack of camping options in Texas.
View Fall Foliage
What Is It? Texas’ fall is short and sweet. The Texas landscape may not be known as a haven for fall foliage, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t some beautiful places to view changing leaves.
Why Do It? For picture-perfect fall foliage views, head to Lost Maples State Natural Area in Vanderpool to see the changing maple trees.
Good to Know: Visit Lost Maples Natural Area during late October or early November to catch a glimpse of the brightest fall foliage Texas has to offer.
Go to a Pumpkin Patch
What Is It? Get in the autumn mood by picking a pumpkin from a pumpkin patch.
Why Do It? Offering tons of family fun, there are a number of pumpkin patches, big and small, that pop up around the state during October.
Good to Know: You can also find festive fall activities like corn mazes, petting zoos and hayrides at many of these pumpkin patches.
Celebrate Oktoberfest
What Is It? Texas has a strong German influence, from German towns to German restaurants. Therefore, it is no surprise that a number of great Oktoberfests occur during fall in the Lone Star State.
Why Do It? These festivals typically focus on great beer, good sausage and Texans adorned in German fashion.
Good to Know: An iconic Oktoberfest that has been occurring for over 40 years is Wurstfest in the German town of New Braunfels. It’s a great festival to dance to polka music, eat strudel and sausage, and, of course, enjoy a dark German brew.
Get Lost in a Corn Maze
What Is It? Cornfields grow tall during the autumn season, so many Texas farms carve incredible corn mazes out of their huge cornfields.
Why Do It? Sweet Berry Farm in Marble Falls has a Texas-shaped corn maze, making it a perfect place to get lost while embracing a Texas fall.
Good to Know: You’ll find many corn mazes and fall festivals scattered throughout Texas, with favorites at Dewberry Farm, YesterLand Farm, and Barton Hill Farms.
Go to the State Fair of Texas
What Is It? The State Fair of Texas, which runs for 24 days, is the largest fair in the state, making it a must-attend event from late September through early October.
Why Do It? With a focus on livestock exhibits, carnival rides and fried food, there really is nothing not to like about this state fair.
Good to Know: One of the main attractions of the fair is actually the Red River Rivalry, the big football game between Texas and Oklahoma.
Attend ACL
What Is It? One of the biggest music festivals in the Lone Star State and one of the most well-known in the nation occurs in Austin during the fall.
Why Do It? Expect huge acts to hit the stage at the Austin City Limits Music Festival, as well as popular local musicians.
Good to Know: This music festival has grown so big that it now spans two weekends, three days each.
Watch Football
What Is It? Football is a lifestyle here in Texas, and fall means football season to many devoted fans.
Why Do It? A part of the culture of Texas, you can catch a game or two this football season, no matter if it’s from the stands or your living room. There are a number of football games occurring this fall, from high school to college to NFL games.
Good to Know: Since everything is bigger in Texas, you can enjoy a game from the biggest stadium in the Lone Star State, Kyle Field at Texas A&M University.
Attend the Texas Renaissance Festival
What Is It? Travel back to the 16th century at the Texas Renaissance Festival, which is the nation’s largest ren fair.
Why Do It? You can view hundreds of performances, engage in the costumed characters and shop at the 300 craft and arts booths.
Good to Know: Dress in your best Renaissance garb as you attend this unique event that runs from late September to late November.
Go Hunting
What Is It? For many Texans, autumn signifies hunting season.
Why Do It? Depending on your area and what you intend to hunt will depend on when the hunting season starts for you. Dove season starts as early as September but deer hunting season doesn’t begin until November (late September for bow-hunters).
Good to Know: Texas actually is home to the largest white-tailed deer herd in the United States, so hunting these animals helps control the population. Remember to always hunt responsibly.
