With the sweltering heat hopefully behind us, October in Houston brings plenty of outdoor fun (fun that just so happens to be pretty tasty, too).
Also in October 2019
Top 17 Plays & Arts Performances
Happening This Week
This month sees the return of fan-favorite festivals, including Southern Smoke, The Original Greek Fest, the Houston Italian Festival, and Tacolandia. You’ll also find a few bier-fueled Oktoberfest celebrations. Here are the hottest culinary happenings taking place in Houston this October.
Top 14 Food & Drink Events This Month: October 2019
- Houston Corks & Forks at The Ballroom at Bayou Place | Thursday, October 3 – Join the American Cancer Society in finishing the fight against cancer at this annual gala and culinary competition. Guests can expect food tastings paired with fine wines, a competition from top local chefs, live music, spectacular live and silent auctions and more. Tickets start at $150 for individuals. 7:30pm to 10:30pm. Cocktail attire is required.
- Korean Festival at Discovery Green | Saturday, October 5 | FREE – Head to Downtown’s Discovery Green park to get a taste of Korean culture via food and drink, arts and entertainment, music and dancing and more. The event is free and open to the public. 10am to 10pm.
- Southern Smoke at The Hay Merchant and Georgia James | Sunday, October 6 – Drinks, charity, and smoke meet for this epic annual fundraising event from local icon Chef Chris Shepherd. Head to 1018 Westheimer, 1100 Westheimer and 1415 California to raise funds for both the National MS Society and the Southern Smoke Emergency Relief Fund, helping people in the food and beverage industry in crisis. This year’s lineup of chefs includes Aaron Franklin, Chris Cosentino, Erin Smith and Patrick Feges, Hugo Ortega, Jonny Rhodes, Justin Yu, Lyle Bento, Sarah Grueneberg and more. Tickets are $200 for general admission; $350 for VIP. 4pm to 8pm (3pm for VIP).
- The Original Greek Festival at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral | Thursday, October 3 through Sunday, October 6 – Immerse yourself in Greek tradition at this annual family-friendly festival, where you’ll find traditional music and dancing, flowing wine, shopping opportunities, and authentic Greek eats, from souvlaki and spanakopita to pastitsio and baklava. Tickets are $5 at the gate (free on Friday before 3pm); children ages 12 and under get in free. Times vary.
- Oktoberfest 2019 at Saint Arnold Brewery | Friday, October 4 through Sunday, October 6 – Break out your best dirndl or lederhosen for Saint Arnold’s annual Oktoberfest party (those that dress to impress may just be crowned King or Queen of Oktoberfest). The event kicks off with a special German dinner and party in the Beer Hall on Friday, followed by the big festival in its Beer Garden & Restaurant on Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are $65 for dinner on Friday, with free admission on Saturday and Sunday. Times vary.
- King’s Oktoberfest Weekend at King’s Biergarten & King’s BierHaus | Friday, October 4 through Sunday, October 6 (Pearland); Friday, October 18 through Sunday, October 20 (Heights) – King’s annual Oktoberfest celebration returns with more live German music, more biers, more brats and more fun. Held on two separate weekends (one at Pearland’s Biergarten and one at the BierHaus in the Heights), activities include a Ceremonial Keg Tapping, Bier Pong Tournament, Bavarian Strongman Competition, and Munich Oktoberfest 2020 giveaway. Tickets start at $12 for a one-day pass, with three-day passes for $20, double weekender passes for $30, and VIP for $55-$99. Times vary for King’s Biergarten. Times vary for King’s BierHaus.
- The Epicurean Project at The Revaire | Monday, October 7 – Guests are invited to explore the landscape of Houston’s culinary scene as top Texas culinary artists and food exhibitors showcase the finest ingredients at this one-night meeting of the minds. The Epicurean Project maintains support for its ongoing charitable partnership with Houston-based charity Recipe for Success. Registration is required. 6:30pm to 9:30pm.
- Houston Italian Festival at the University of St. Thomas | Thursday, October 10 through Sunday, October 14 – Celebrating 41 years, the Houston Italian Festival brings Italian culture to the forefront, offering fun events from an Adult Grape Stomp Contest and Pasta Eating Competition to Bocce Tournament in addition to live music, Italian wine and beer sampling, and your favorite Italian eats. Tickets are $6 in advance, with food and wine tickets available an additional cost. Times vary.
- Conroe Cajun Catfish Festival in Downtown Conroe | Friday, October 11 to Sunday, October 13 – Held in the historic Downtown Conroe, this family-friendly event features catfish and Cajun eats alongside non-stop live music with local, regional, and national performers, food and drink vendors, arts and crafts, a carnival, KidZone area, and annual Catfish Pageant. Tickets are $10 in advance; $15 at the gate; $20 for a three-day pass, with VIP passes available. Times vary.
- East End Street Fest on Navigation Esplanade | Saturday, October 19 | FREE – Celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Houston’s historic East End with live music, art, food, and interactive fun at the annual East End Street Fest. Taking place along Navigation, the family-friendly festival is free and open to the public, with food, beverage, and merchant items available for purchase. 2pm to 9:30pm.
- Freight Train Food Truck Festival at Tomball Railroad Depot | Saturday, October 19 | FREE – Around 20 gourmet kitchens will roll into the historic downtown Railroad Depot for this fourth annual Freight Train Food Truck Festival, with performances from Folk Family Revival and Mambo Jazz Kings. Admission and parking are free. 11am to 5pm.
- Tacolandia at The Water Works at Buffalo Bayou Park | Saturday, October 19 – Eat all the tacos you can at this fourth annual taco sampling event and throwdown, featuring 30+ vendors including Blanco Tacos and Tequila, Chilosos, La Calle, Peli Peli, Yong and more. Tickets for general admission are $35 in advance and include entry into the event and unlimited taco samples; VIP tickets and fiesta group packs are also available. 4pm to 7pm.
- 2019 Beer Fest at Revival Market | Sunday, October 20 – Now that Revival has a liquor license, it’s hosting its first annual Beer Fest, offering a taste of six local breweries and cheeses from Houston Dairymaids. Guests can also expect bites like pork schnitzel, raclette cheeses, hot dogs, and fruit streusels for sale, plus live polka music and kids’ face painting. Tickets for beer tasting wristbands are $25. 3pm to 7pm.
- Flying Saucer BeerFeast at Sugar Land Town Square | Saturday, October 26 – The 8th annual Flying Saucer BeerFeast will feature over 100 quality craft beers from over 75 breweries across the globe, plus food vendors, live music, and fun. Tickets are $40 for general admission and include 12 two-ounce beer samples and an official taster glass; VIP tickets (limited) are $65 and include early entry at 1pm, 12 two-ounce beer samplings, VIP-only beers and sections, and an official taster glass. Designated driver tickets are available for $15. Guests should this event is 21-and-up only. 2pm to 6:30pm.
Find More Things to Do in Houston All Year Long
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