Top Texas Fall Festivals
When summer’s sizzle finally eases, Texas weather hits its sweet spot. Mesquite smoke is drifting in from tailgates, roadside stands are brimming with freshly harvested pumpkins and pecans, and a cornucopia of fall festivals await visitors.
Suffice it to say: Autumn isn’t just a season here; it’s an invitation to get outside and revel in everything the Lone Star State does best. Whether you prefer to indulge in food, music, the arts, or just some good old-fashioned fun, these festivals and fairs deserve a spot on your fall calendar.
Major Fall Festivals & Fairs
Attend the most highly anticipated, larger-than-life events of autumn.
State Fair of Texas, Fair Park, Dallas (Sept. 26 – Oct. 19)
Say howdy to “the most Texan place on Earth.” After an obligatory photo in front of Big Tex, hop on the Midway carnival rides, including the famous Texas Star Ferris wheel. Once you’ve gotten the loop the loops out of the way, get your fill of award-winning fried foods, from Fletcher’s Corny Dogs to wild creations (fried Thanksgiving dinner balls, anyone?). Check out performances on the main stage, squeal with joy at the pig races, and step inside the auto show for air-conditioning when you need a breather.
Tickets: $15+ for adults, $10+ for children and seniors. Season passes are available. Bring five canned goods to donate to the North Texas Food Bank on Wednesdays for a $5 admission fee.
Tip: Consider using Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) for transportation. There’s a stop at the front gates.
Autumn at the Arboretum, Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden, Dallas (Sept. 20 – Nov. 2)
Every fall, the Dallas Arboretum morphs into the famed Pumpkin Village, a spectacle Fodor’s Travel ranks among America’s top pumpkin fests. More than 100,000 pumpkins, gourds, squash, and corn husks become towering houses, winding gardens, and even a storybook carriage — perfect backdrops for family photos. After you’ve explored the gourd-scapes, wander through beds bursting with 150,000 autumn flowers for a full dose of fall color.
Tickets: Approximately $25 for adults, $21 for kids ages 2–12.
Tip: Book a weekday ticket to beat the crowds.
Fall Festival at Mainstay Farm, Cleburne (Sept. 20 – Nov. 2)
Itching for a classic autumnal farm visit? Mainstay Farm has you covered. Grab a plump pumpkin in the barn, hop on a hayride, and test your sense of direction in the corn maze before snapping a family photo with the vintage flatbed farm truck. Snip colorful stems in the you-pick zinnia garden, then chase a little adrenaline on the carnival rides. When hunger hits, spread out a picnic of concessions, including pulled pork sandwiches, burgers, slushies, and salads, and soak up the country air.
Tickets: Prices vary, so check online.
Tip: Wear tennis shoes you don’t mind getting dusty.
Texas Renaissance Festival, Todd Mission (WEEKENDS, Oct. 11 – Nov. 30, and Thanksgiving Friday)
Celebrating its 51st anniversary this year, the Texas Renaissance Festival, about 50 miles northwest of Houston, is the largest Renaissance fair in the United States. Step back in time to a 16th-century village featuring more than 400 shops, food vendors, and 21 interactive stages. Expect all the Ren fair favorites: jousting tournaments, a fairy court, acrobats, magicians, birds of prey shows, a fire show, and fireworks after dark to close out the evening. If getting into character makes your heart sing, attend one of the themed weekends, such as 1001 Dreams (elves, fairies, etc.), All Hallows’ Eve, or Pirate Adventure.
Tickets: $14+, but pricing varies by weekend and purchase date; early bird discounts are often available. Season passes are also offered.
Tip: Set up a tent on the dedicated campground for a full immersive experience.
Music & Arts Celebrations
Get inspired by acts on the big stage or creations of small-town artists.
Austin City Limits Music Festival, Zilker Park, Austin (Oct. 3–5 and Oct. 10–12)
Does ACL need an introduction? Austin City Limits is Texas’ premier music event, packing more than 100 artists onto nine stages. The eclectic soundscape — rock, hip-hop, country, EDM, and beyond — comes with plenty of sensory extras. Explore pop-ups from Austin’s favorite eateries, an art market spotlighting local makers, and interactive installations that keep the grounds buzzing between sets. Both weekends share marquee headliners, with slight shifts in the lineup deeper in the bill. The technicolor crowd provides its own spectacle.
Tickets: $170+ for a single-day ticket and $390+ for multi-day passes
Tip: Tickets typically sell out well in advance, so if you can’t attend this year, plan ahead for 2026.
Cottonwood Art Festival, Cottonwood Park, Richardson (Oct. 4–5)
What started as a hippie arts and crafts show in 1969 has blossomed into one of the most prestigious art festivals in the United States. The biannual Cottonwood Art Festival features museum-quality works from more than 197 artists across numerous categories, including painting, sculpture, ceramics, jewelry, and mixed media. In addition to unique art, the festival features live music from local bands. Visitors can also bring furry family members as long as they’re leashed and well-mannered.
Tickets: Free
Tip: Don’t miss the ArtStop children’s area, where young artists can channel their inner Picasso.
Texas Arts & Music Festival, Downtown Brenham (Oct. 17–19)
Every autumn, historic downtown Brenham transforms into a colorful celebration of creativity, where you can wander through an open-air art village filled with handcrafted goods, duck into pop-up galleries, and watch muralists add to the enormous works that already color the district. Live music rolls from multiple stages all weekend, featuring both local and touring acts. Best of all, the fun fuels a bigger mission: In less than a decade, TAMF has already delivered hands-on art instruction to more than 3,500 students, tripling the enrollment in arts programs at Brenham ISD.
Tickets: Free
Tip: Arrive early to secure a parking spot and find a good seat for performances.
Food & Culture Events
Find an event you can really sink your teeth into.
Oktoberfest Fredericksburg, Downtown Fredericksburg (Oct. 3–5)
Nestled in the heart of Texas Hill Country, Fredericksburg is charming town known for its deep German roots. Oktoberfest Fredericksburg is a lively three-day event that takes place on Marktplatz, a historical site and events hub, that draws visitors from all over. The festival features traditional German music, including polka and oompah bands, and authentic cuisine. Visitors can explore an array of art vendors and enjoy various family-friendly activities, including a carnival and a children’s area with games and entertainment.
Tickets: $15 for adults for a single-day ticket and $25+ for multiday passes.
Tip: Embrace the spirit and come donning lederhosen or dirndl.
Pecan Fest, Downtown Seguin (Oct. 25)
Seguin is “nutty” about pecans. So much so they’ve built the world’s largest pecan twice. (The current whopper spans 16 feet.) During Pecan Fest, the scent of roasted nuts and fresh-baked pie drifts through streets lined with artisan booths and toe-tapping live music. Snack your way through pralines, candied clusters, and pie slices while the kids run wild in activity zones. Adults can test their mettle in nutty contests, including the “Get Crackin’” speed-shelling showdown. It’s Texas agriculture served with a hearty scoop of small-town charm.
Tickets: Free
Tip: Arrive early and hungry. There will be free samples.
Day of the Dead San Antonio, La Villita Historic Village, San Antonio (Oct. 24–26)
San Antonio hosts one of the largest Day of the Dead celebrations in the country. This award-winning festival features a breathtaking display of traditional altars (ofrendas) created by local artists, a grand procession that often features elaborate calaveras (decorative skulls) and performers, live music on multiple stages, captivating dance performances, artist workshops, and a vibrant arts market. Don’t miss the 38.5-foot-tall “La Catrina” statue and giant alebrijes (spirit animal) sculptures — as if you could!
Tickets: Some activities are free.
Tip: Many people dress in traditional Day of the Dead attire, so start watching sugar skull face painting tutorials today.
Once you’ve had enough of the crowds, recharge in the quiet beauty of Texas’ top spots for fall foliage.
