November Events: Fall Festivals
Fall is a sight to behold in Texas: foliage, scarecrows, monarch butterflies, sugar skulls, and a whole harvest of fall festivals across the state. You and your family can celebrate the full splendor of the season with hayrides in Orange, the Dia de los Muertos celebration in El Paso, and more.
North Texas
St. Martin de Porres Fall Festival, Nov. 3, Prosper
There is no shortage of ways to celebrate Prosper’s diverse community at this fall event. Taste-test goodies from local food vendors, take in the lively entertainment, and play a game or two with the family. Younger kids can explore the children’s area while older kiddos can get a thrill on the amusement rides. You can also check a few gifts off your list at the holiday boutique.
Fall Festival and Craft Fair, Nov. 9, Carrollton
Experience all your favorite fall activities at Camden Hill Montessori. Paint your face like an autumn leaf, pinecone, or cat (whatever strikes your fancy), get some exercise inside the bounce houses, or make some new friends at the petting zoo. There will be fall crafts galore and all sorts of entertainment sponsored by Therapy and Beyond and the Camden Hill Montessori School.
Central Texas
Monarch Fall Festival, Nov. 2, New Braunfels
Every fall, majestic monarch butterflies migrate south for the winter, gracing Texas with their beauty along the way. Join fellow nature enthusiasts at the Fischer Park Nature Education Center to celebrate their journey and enjoy family-fun activities, such as pumpkin decorating, music, games, and even a scarecrow-decorating competition.
Family Festifall, Nov. 9, Bryan
The Downtown Bryan Association is bringing together community organizations and businesses for a special, family-focused event with loads of hands-on visual, literary, science, and performing-arts activities. Parents can explore community resources while kids can engage in activities centered on topics such as individuality, diversity, and self-expression.
East Texas
Autumn Fair, Nov. 2, Orange
Hay there! Don’t miss Autumn Fair, this year’s finale event at Shangri La Botanical Gardens & Nature Center’s Scarecrow Festival. This event is the last chance you’ll have to say “Howdy!” to the host of scarecrows dotting the lawn this fall. Your entertainment options are vast: Hop on a hayride, get your face painted, or catch the live animal shows. You can also listen to music, play games, or try your luck at the raffles.
Fall Foliage Driving Trails, Nov. 22–Dec 7, Palestine
East Texas is the prime place to witness the leaves transform each fall from lush greens to brilliant yellows and fiery oranges. If you’re searching for a family photo op, picnic, or hiking adventure, look no further than the Texas Forest Trail Region. Starting in Palestine, you can drive along the Pineywoods Autumn Trail for no less than 145 miles of historical sites and unbe-leaf-able fall colors.
South Texas
Fall Flotilla, Nov. 2, Goliad
Canoe believe it? Goliad State Park staff will shuttle you from your car and help you and your family kayak, boat, or canoe down the San Antonio River for free! Register here and bring your flotation devices, paddles, and watercrafts to the staging area (located on the north side of the U.S. 59/San Antonio River ridge). You might want to stop by the quaint city of Goliad’s historic courthouse, antique shops, and restaurants too.
Adults and children over age 12 will need to pay the $3 Goliad State Park entrance fee.
39th Martyn Farm Harvest Festival, Nov. 9–10, Pasadena
For a homespun fall, look no further. This old-fashioned festival gives your family the opportunity to experience handicrafts and leisure activities from simpler times, such as wagon rides, quilting, weaving, blacksmithing, and woodcarving. Then, gather round for cowboy-poet storytelling, music, and dance performances. Feeling competitive? And hungry? Enter the pie-eating contest.
Admission is $10 for adult members and $5 for seniors and children ages 4 through 12. Admission is $12 for adult non-members and $8 for seniors and children ages 4 through 12.
Pro tip: Park for free at the UHCL Lot D, and take the shuttle. Otherwise, on-site parking is $5.
West Texas
Dia de los Muertos, Nov. 2, El Paso
El Paso’s Dia de los Muertos celebration is an abundance of light and color, thanks to the artistry of the Colectivo Ultima Hora artists’ collective from Mexico City. Last year, more than 10,000 people celebrated the holiday in the downtown arts district. This year, visitors can expect plenty of artisan goods and hands-on activities. Don’t miss the spectacular Desfile de Alebrijes Parade and the evening concerts in Arts Festival Plaza.
Davis Mountains Open Days, Nov. 9, Fort Davis
The Davis Mountains Preserve is closed for the majority of the year, so hikers, bikers, horseback riders, birders, and picnickers must jump at the opportunity to explore this marvelous natural landscape when the opportunity comes. This November, you have one day to explore the grounds during the temperate fall weather. Simply sign in at the kiosk at the McIvor Conservation Center and start your adventure!
Find more ways to celebrate fall here.
© 2019 Texas Farm Bureau Insurance
