Top Fall Activities and Events to Experience in Texas

Texas has a lot more to do each fall than cheer on our favorite football players on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

From the iconic Texas State Fair and the welcoming smile of Big Tex, to star-studded performances like Luke Combs at ACL Fest, to long-standing local traditions such as the Tyler Rose Festival and the East Texas Yamboree in Gilmer—some of which have been celebrated for nearly a century—the Lone Star State offers no shortage of things to do.

The list below is just a highlight of some of the largest and longest-running fall events in Texas, but keep in mind that from the smallest towns to the largest cities, there are traditional fall events on the calendar, such as Halloween fun, pumpkin patches, corn mazes, and fall colors across the state.

Here’s a region-by-region look at things to do in Texas this fall:

North Texas

North Texas hosts some of the biggest and most iconic fall events in the state, making it a must-visit region for seasonal fun.

• State Fair of Texas (Dallas): Running from late September into October, the State Fair is a Texas institution featuring carnival rides, agricultural exhibits, unique fried foods, live music, and Big Tex’s welcoming wave.
  Dates: Sept. 26 – Oct. 19.
• Autumn at the Arboretum (Dallas): The Dallas Arboretum transforms into a spectacular pumpkin village, displaying thousands of pumpkins, gourds, and squash in themed displays, plus family-friendly events throughout the season.
  Dates: Sept. 20 – Nov. 2.
• Grapevine’s Oktoberfest Beer & Bites Tour: Held annually at the historic Grapevine Main Street, this event celebrates Bavarian tradition—Texas-style—with a guided walking tour, and a behind-the-scenes tour of a local craft brewery, complete with a 4-beer flight of their seasonal and signature brews, plus a hearty barbecue experience as well as fudge tasting at a local chocolatier.
  Dates: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday through Oct. 26.
• Fall Foliage at Possum Kingdom Lake: Enjoy picturesque hikes amid changing leaves in the area parks or along scenic byways. This lake is located 80 miles west of Fort Worth and features 300 miles of shoreline.
  Dates: Mid-October is considered the start of fall foliage season.

Central Texas & Hill Country

This region is lively during the fall, known for its music festivals, wine trails, and Hill Country charm.

• Austin City Limits (ACL) Music Festival: One of Texas’s largest music events, ACL brings major acts and local artists to Zilker Park over two weekends in October. Headliners in 2025 include: Hozier, Luke Combs, Cage the Elephant, Empire of the Sun, Sabrina Carpenter, The Strokes, Doechi, DJO, Doja Cat, John Summit, Feid, T-Pain, and Mk.gee.
  Dates: Oct. 3-5 and Oct. 10-12.
• Texas Wine Month Trail: Throughout October, Hill Country wineries host tastings and special events, showcasing local vineyards amid peak autumn scenery. There is a Texas Wine Month Passport 2025 that features complimentary tastings and exclusive discounts at 45+ unique Hill Country Wineries.
  Dates: Oct. 1-31.
• Wurstfest (New Braunfels): Early November marks this ten-day salute to sausage, featuring authentic German food, music, dancing, and family-friendly entertainment along the Comal River.
  Dates: Nov. 7-16.
• Pumpkin Patches & Corn Mazes: Central Texas offers several pumpkin farms and corn mazes, such as Sweet Berry Farm in Marble Falls, where for almost 25 years, families have picked their own pumpkins and gotten lost in seasonal adventures spread over 150+ acres.
  Dates: Mid-September to late-November.

East Texas

East Texas stands out for natural beauty in autumn, with its forests displaying vibrant colors, and a calendar full of cozy, festive events.

• East Texas Yamboree (Gilmer): An annual event (for 88 years!) celebrating the yam harvest, including parades, livestock shows, barn dances, concerts, and carnivals during mid-October.
  Dates: Oct. 15-18.
• Tyler Rose Festival: This festival, held each October since 1933, honors Tyler’s status as the “Rose Capital of America,” including a parade, rose show, and queen’s coronation.
  Dates: Oct. 16-19.
• Fall Foliage Tours (Daingerfield & Palestine): East Texas and the Piney Woods have some of the best autumn leaves in the state; scenic drives or train rides through forested landscapes are especially popular. The 125-mile Texas Forest Trail section from Daingerfield to Palestine has some of the best viewing, according to TravelTexas.com.
  Dates: Typically peaks the week of Thanksgiving.

South Texas & Coastal Bend

The south offers a blend of cultural celebrations and outdoor activities, perfect for enjoying comfortable fall weather and coastal views.

• Texas Jazz Festival (Corpus Christi): October’s free, long-running jazz event brings musicians and fans together for food, music, and family entertainment along the bayfront. Past artists have included Arnett Cobb, Al Hirt, Stan Kenton, Spyro Gyra, Wanda Gregory, Ramsey Lewis, Zoot Sims, Mary Lou Williams, and Al Jarreau, according to TSHA.
  Dates: Oct. 17-19.
• Day of the Dead River Parade (San Antonio): The 7^th Annual Day of the Dead River Parade will be held on San Antonio’s iconic River Walk. Watch the elaborately decorated floats cruise on by. This parade occurs at the same time as the Day of the Dead San Antonio celebration at historic La Villita.
  Dates: Oct. 24. 
• Texas Renaissance Festival (outside Houston): Spanning eight weekends in October and November, it covers 55 acres with stages, hosts themed weekends, and attracts over 500,000 visitors annually.
  Dates: Oct. 11 – Nov. 30.

West Texas & Panhandle

West Texas offers outdoor escapes and community festivals against unique desert and mountain backdrops.

• El Paso’s Dia de Los Muertos Celebration: This traditional Mexican festival honors ancestors with altars, processions, and music, bringing border culture alive in late October or early November. Some 50,000 visitors participate in the day-long festival and parade.
  Dates: Nov. 1-2.
• Lubbock Pumpkin Trail: The trail features hundreds of decorated pumpkins and family-friendly exhibits in the city parks.
  Dates: Oct. 16-19.
• Big Bend Bluegrass Festival (Alpine): Some of the biggest names in bluegrass music take the stage during the two-day festival at the Alpine Civic Center. It also offers opportunities to connect with fellow bluegrass lovers, participate in workshops, and jam with other musicians.
  Dates: Oct. 3-4.
• Palo Duro Canyon Fall Colors: The nation’s second-largest canyon explodes with reds and golds; hiking, biking, and horseback riding are popular ways to experience the scenery.
  Dates: Usually late October to early November.

Tips for Attending Fall Events

Most events require tickets, with some selling out in advance, so plan ahead where possible. Weather can range from chilly mornings to hot afternoons: dress in layers and check forecast updates before heading out.

Parking and traffic can also be a challenge, especially for large gatherings like the State Fair of Texas or Austin City Limits Festival. If available, consider using shuttle services, park-and-ride options, or rideshare apps to save time and avoid long walks from overflow lots. 

Arriving early not only helps with parking but also gives you the chance to explore vendor booths or snag a good spot before the crowds arrive.

For family outings, especially pumpkin patches, corn mazes, or kid-friendly festivals, bring essentials like sunscreen, refillable water bottles, and snacks to keep everyone comfortable throughout the day.

Many Texas fall events are outdoors, so sturdy shoes for uneven ground or grassy areas will come in handy.

From world-class events to local celebrations, Texas has plenty of fun things to do this Fall.