Home Archives The 75+ Biggest Fall Festivals in Greater Houston

The 75+ Biggest Fall Festivals in Greater Houston

The Texas Renaissance Festival happens every weekend throughout the fall | Photo courtesy of Texas Renaissance Festival

Last Update: Monday, September 25, 2023 at 1pm

Circle these dates for over 75 of this season’s biggest fall festivals coming to Greater Houston—showcasing music, art, food, cultures and more—from Friday, September 22 through Thanksgiving, Thursday, November 23, 2023.

With cooler weather comes a bustling festival season throughout Houston; every month bringing a new slate of outdoor fun and cultural festivities.

We’ve gathered some of the city’s best festivals we’ve come to know and love over the years, as well as special events taking place across the city.

2023 Fall Festivals in Greater Houston

People walking toward a market held among towering trees
B-52 Brewing in Conroe hosts their annual Oktoberfest celebration in September | Courtesy of B-52 Brewing

Fall Festivals in September 2023

  • Galveston Island Shrimp Festival in Downtown Galveston | Friday, September 22 & Saturday, September 23 – Sample some of the Gulf Coast’s best shrimp and gumbo, enjoy the L’il Shrimps parade, live music, a Strand merchant market and other family fun. Friday’s Kick Off Party is $65 and includes dinner, open bar and live entertainment. Saturday’s festival is free to attend; sampling cups are $13. Friday 7:30pm to 10pm; Saturday 10am to 6pm.
  • Karbachtoberfest Week 1 at Karbach Brewing Company | Friday, September 22 to Sunday, September 24 | FREE – The Spring Branch brewery kicks off their three-week celebration with Friday night music from Grand Old Grizzly and Ransom Brothers; a Saturday of stein hoisting, chicken dances and keg races, with polka music, live DJ and The Monica’s ’90s Band; and Sunday wraps up with wiener dog races and pet vendors. Times vary.
  • Take Me Outdoors Houston at Discovery Green | Saturday, September 23 | FREE – Texas Parks and Wildlife Department hosts this bilingual event celebrating the Great Outdoors with animal ambassadors, hands-on activities, resources and more. 9am to 2pm.
  • Bat Fest at Houston Arboretum and Nature Center| Saturday, September 23 | FREE – Learn more about bats and why they are a vital part of our ecosystem at this festival where the whole family can enjoy fun bat-themed activities and crafts, story times, food trucks, and more. 10am to 2pm.
  • Fall Fest at Sugar Land Town Square | Saturday, September 23 | FREE – This family-friendly celebration of fall offers something for everyone, including live music, food and beverages, carnival games, a market, and more. 10am to 3pm.
  • GroovFest at the Tomball Depot | Saturday, September 23 | FREE – Throw it back to yesteryear with a day of groovy live music featuring the songs of Buddy Holly, the Doors, the Beatles and more from the Fab 5, plus a Volkswagen show, kids activities, delicious food and more in Tomball. 11am to 6pm.
Courtesy of Galveston Island Shrimp Festival
  • B52 Oktoberfest at B-52 Brewing | Saturday, September 23 | FREE – Enjoy German brews and traditional foods at the Conroe brewery’s annual Oktoberfest celebration, featuring live music, games and competitions, a best-dressed contest and more. Free to attend; drink bundles are $30. Noon to 9pm.
  • 27th Houston Turkish Festival at the Water Works at Buffalo Bayou | Saturday, September 23 & Sunday, September 24 – Sample simit sandwiches and falafel wraps, shop a bazaar of art and other unique finds, and enjoy traditional folk dances and music as you celebrate the vibrant culture of Turkey. $10 in advance; free for ages 12 and under. Saturday 11am to 9pm; Sunday 11am to 8pm.
  • Slavic Heritage Festival at Northside Columbus Hall | Sunday, September 24 – This family-friendly event showcases the rich culture of Slavic countries, with traditional dances, food, a kolache-eating contest, vendors, music and other fun surprises. $5. Noon to 6pm.
  • Brews & Browse End Of Summer Market at Urban South HTX | Sunday, September 24 | FREE – Capping off the summer, the Arts District brewery busts out the festivities with a family-friendly market that also includes a bounce house, face painting, raffle prizes, food, treats and more. 1pm to 6pm.
  • Festival de la Salsa at Discovery Green | Sunday, September 24 – The Downtown park space hosts a full day of salsa celebration, infused with Latin culture and showcasing the many influences of Africa, Europe, the Caribbean, United States and beyond. Enjoy live music, folklorico and cultural performances, food vendors and more during an event that promotes unity and cultural diversity. $10 in advance; free for ages 12 and under. 1pm to 10pm.
Mid-Autumn Festival | Courtesy of Asia Society Texas
  • Fort Bend County Fair at Fort Bend County Fairgrounds | Thursday, September 28 to Sunday, October 8 – Be part of the 87-year tradition when the county fair rolls back into Fort Bend through Sunday, October 8. Have a blast on carnival rides, chow down at BBQ cook-offs, hear live music, check out a week of rodeo events, and more. $15 for ages 12 and up; $5 for ages 6 to 11; free for ages 5 and under. Season passes start at $50. Times vary.
  • Oktoberfest 2023 at Saint Arnold Brewing Company | Friday, September 29 & Saturday, September 30 | FREE – The spacious beer garden at Saint Arnold hosts high energy live music from Das Ist Lustig with Valina Polka, plus King and Queens of Oktoberfest contests, chicken dances, stein hoisting, glass boots and more. 4pm to 9pm.
  • SmashtoVerfest at 8th Wonder Brewery | Friday, September 29 & Saturday, September 30 – Drawing competition from around the country, this two-day tournament sees players face off in Smash Bros 64 at the EaDo brewery. Put five on it to play, or swing by and watch the action unfold for free. Local vendors will be on-site and giveaways will be up for grabs. $5 and up to play. 7pm.
  • TEATRX presents La Vida es Cortos/Life is Short at MATCH | Friday, September 29 to Sunday, October 1 – This festival in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month presents short stories on stage and screen, written and performed by Latinx artists. This year’s offerings include short films made for young audiences, plus selected plays that range from a Mayan folktale to a futuristic tale about two undocumented sisters searching for a better life. Pay-what-you-can. Showtimes vary.
  • Manhattan Short Film Festival 2023 at MFAH | Friday, September 29 to Sunday, October 1 – The annual film event returns to Museum of Fine Arts Houston, becoming just one of many locations around the globe to screen this selection of short films from a rising generation of international filmmakers. $10. Times vary.
  • Chopd & Stewed Festival at Post Houston | Saturday, September 30 – ChòpnBlọk is putting on this inaugural fest to showcase West African food and culture. The exciting new event will feature appearances by top culinary talent, including Dawn Burrell and Eric Adjepong of Top Chef fame, local stars Ope Amosu and Greg Gatlin, and a whole lot more. Plus, get access to the Culinary Village on the Skylawn, Òrékê Artisan Market, and an evening Sounds of the Motherland Independence Celebration on the eve of Nigerian Independence Day. $45 and up. 9am to midnight.
  • Mid-Autumn Festival at Asia Society Texas Center | Saturday, September 30 | FREE – Welcome the autumn harvest and full moon at Asia Society’s all-ages fall festival that will spotlight Taiwan this year with Taiwanese artists, storytelling, parades, and art activities like lantern making, paper cutting and faux mooncakes. Registration is required for one of two festival time slots. 10am to noon, and noon to 2pm.
Courtesy of Chefs For Farmers
  • Bye Bye Summer Art Tour in Downtown Bastrop | Saturday, September 30 | FREE – The Central Texas town holds a mostly indoor walking art tour through historic downtown. Across multiple art hubs just a short walk from one another, you’ll find hundreds of artworks available for viewing and purchase, urban sketching sessions, glassblowing demonstrations, live music and a chance to meet and talk with many of the artists eager to share their creations. Free with registration. 10am to 7pm.
  • Houston Country, Folk & Blues Festival at Heritage Place | Saturday, September 30 | FREE – The Downtown Conroe park hosts a full day of live music from Grammy-winning gospel group Endurance, country artist Bri Bagwell, blues from Mike Zito and Boogie Long, and a headlining set from Jonathan Tyler & Northern Lights. You can also browse a local vendor market, shop fresh-from-farm goods, enjoy delicious food and craft beer and wine, and compete in dozens of contests and attractions. 10am to 9pm.
  • Art Ramble at Sawyer Yards | Saturday, September 30 | FREE – This first-ever event in Sawyer Yards invites everyone to walk through the open studios of more than 100 artists across five buildings, meeting with the creators and discovering unique works at a variety of price points. Expect local drink vendors, food, and music while you explore. 2pm to 7pm.
  • Bellaire Foodie Festival at Bellaire Civic Center | Saturday, September 30 – Dandelion Cafe, The Toasted Yolk, Lankford’s and Mandito’s are just a few of more than a dozen food vendors, joined by several breweries and wineries, that are slated to appear at this all-ages food festival highlighting Bellaire offerings. $20 and up. 5pm to 8pm.
  • KTX Oktoberfest at Typhoon Texas Waterpark | Saturday, September 30 | FREE – The Katy waterpark hosts a full night celebration with German-themed food and drink, live music and entertainment, contests, and traditional Bavarian brews. Free to attend; drink passes start at $15. 5pm to 10pm.
  • Salsa y Salud at Miller Outdoor Theatre | Saturday, September 30 | FREE – Take in a high-energy night of salsa performances, dance theater, visual arts and more at the annual event that will commemorate Miller’s 100th anniversary. 7:30pm.
  • Chefs For Farmers at Autry Park | Saturday, September 30 & Sunday, October 1 – Now with an extra day for Houstonians to enjoy, the all-inclusive tasting event in River Oaks has curated a lineup of top culinary talent to showcase family farms throughout Texas. Expect immersive activations and live entertainment, wines from the top vineyards and craft cocktails, and excellent farm-fresh eats. $135; VIP available for $185. 1pm to 5pm.
Oktoberfest in Sugar Land | Courtesy of Sugar Land Town Square

Fall Festivals in October 2023

  • Nigerian Food Festival at Royal Palace Event Center | Sunday, October 1 | FREE – This Alief food festival on Nigerian Independence Day is packed with traditional Nigerian dishes, desserts and drinks along with live music, dancing, art, performances and a vendor market. Limited free tickets; free for ages 14 and under. Noon to 7pm.
  • Oktoberfest at Ingenious Brewing Company | Sunday, October 1 | FREE – The Humble brewery welcomes the month of October with a celebration of fun games, a costume contest, German grub from GastroCraft, competitions, trivia and more. Noon to 9pm.
  • 19th Annual Wine Walk at Market Street | Thursday, October 5 – Sample incredible wines and fun food pairings at the 19th Annual H-E-B Wine Walk in the Woodlands. Chat up wine and craft beer experts, enjoy live music and get into the spirit of culinary exploration. $75. 6pm to 9pm.
  • The Original Greek Festival at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral | Thursday, October 5 to Saturday, October 7 – The annual Greek festival returns to the heart of Montrose, where you can expect bountiful Greek food, wine tastings, dancing, games and other family-friendly fun. $5; free for ages 12 and under. Thursday 5pm to 10pm; Friday and Saturday 11am to 10pm.
Courtesy of Nigeria Cultural Parade
  • 44th Festival Chicano at Miller Outdoor Theatre | Thursday, October 5 to Saturday, October 7 | FREE – The Hermann Park stage again hosts this annual festival celebration of Chicano culture with performances across three nights, featuring David Lee Garza y Los Musicales on Thursday; Los Palominos on Friday; and a Saturday night performance from Little Joe y La Familia. 7pm.
  • Grito Fest 2023 in Baytown | Friday, October 6 & Saturday, October 7 | FREE – The two-day Grito Fest celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month in Baytown, getting the ball rolling with a pre-party at Baytown Town Square, featuring mariachi, ballet folklórico and Tejano artist Gary Hobbs. The festival moves to Bicentennial Park on Saturday, with a full day of festival fun like a grito competition, jalapeño eating contest, dance performances and music from Ruben Ramos and the Mexican Revolution, and headliner La Leyenda. Times vary.
  • Nigeria Cultural Parade & Festival at Root Memorial Square | Saturday, October 7 | FREE – Celebrate Nigeria’s Independence Day at the annual parade that begins at Root Memorial Square, just outside of Toyota Center. Dish on jollof rice, and enjoy afrobeats and a cultural procession through the streets of Downtown. 10am to 4pm.
  • Frida Love Market at the Esplanade at Navigation | Saturday, October 7 | No Cover – At the East End Esplanade, this special pet-friendly market gathers local vendors for a community event that celebrates culture and the legacy of Frida Kahlo. 11am to 4pm.
  • Korean Festival at Discovery Green | Saturday, October 7 | FREE – Enjoy Korean music, foods, performances, shopping and more at this day-long, family-friendly event in Downtown. 11am to 9pm.
  • Poder Hispano at M-K-T | Saturday, October 7 | FREE – The sprawling Heights district for dining and shopping hosts a special family-friendly market that highlights the cultures of Latin America through flavorful foods, arts and music. Noon to 4pm.
Courtesy of Korean Festival Houston
  • Fall Beer Fest at Kemah Boardwalk | Saturday, October 7 – Two dozen breweries set up on the Boardwalk for a Saturday afternoon of beer sampling, vendor giveaways, bratwurst, live music and more. $55. 2pm to 5pm.
  • Utopia Fall Reggae Fest at SoHo Festival Grounds | Saturday, October 7 – Houston’s reggae fest heads to South Houston for another round of good vibes, drinks and vendors, a Houston flower garden, and a lineup of musical talent providing grooves. $35 and up. 2pm to 11pm.
  • 2023 Beaumont Oktoberfest at Rogers Park | Saturday, October 7 | FREE – This 8th annual family-friendly fest hosts a full evening of live music and DJ tunes, plus a wide selection of German Oktoberfest-style beer and local craft favs. Make sure to come hungry as over a dozen food vendors will be doling out delicious grub. 3pm to 8pm.
  • Oktoberfest at Sugar Land Town Square | Saturday, October 7 – Flying Saucer Biergarten opens more than 50 taps for a Bavarian celebration in Sugar Land, featuring a vintage and crafts market, live music and dance, and traditional German foods with games and contests like the dachshund dash, stein races, bratwurst eating contest and more. $5 in advance, free for ages 11 and under; tasting packages are $25 and up. 4pm to 9pm.
  • Venezuelan Festival at Central Green Park | Saturday, October 7 | FREE – The Katy shopping center hosts its annual Venezuelan Festival that also celebrates Central Green’s 10th birthday. Enjoy delicious arepas, take in vibrant cultural performances, and celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. 6pm to 10pm.
  • TerrorFest 2 at Southern Star Brewery | Saturday, October 7 & Sunday, October 8 – The Conroe brewery hosts a two-day spooky fest with a UFO and supernatural theme this year. Expect immersive experiences, horror film celebrities, a costume contest, escape rooms, a haunted house, artists and vendors, and more. $20 for a weekend pass; free for ages 10 and under. Saturday 10am to 6pm; Sunday 10am to 5pm.
  • Texas Renaissance Festival in Todd Mission | Saturday, October 7 to Sunday, November 26 – Back for its 49th year, the annual renaissance faire offers a whole fall of reveling in the enchanted worlds of kings and queens, knights, fairies and elves, with unique themes, crowd-pleasing performances, and delicious eats. Costumes are encouraged and you can shop unique crafts, leather goods, clothing and more. Ticket prices vary by weekend, but advance tickets are generally $29; $15 for ages 5 to 12. 9am to 8pm.
Courtesy of Wings Over Houston Airshow
  • Southern Smoke Festival 2023 at Discovery Green | Friday, October 13 & Saturday, October 14 – More than 65 talented chefs and culinary visionaries from across the nation will assemble for the annual Southern Smoke Festival, which offers big and bold bites, curated drinks and cocktails, live music and a whole lot of fun among some of the best minds in the food and beverage industry. Hit up Discovery Green for Saturday’s Throwdown event, where dozens of featured chefs will be serving samples of everything from delicious smoked meats to flaky pastry goodies along with wine, beer and spirits, plus live entertainment. $175 and up. 3pm to 8pm.
  • 34th Annual Conroe Cajun Catfish Festival in Downtown Conroe | Friday, October 13 to Sunday, October 15 – The family-friendly Conroe Cajun Catfish Festival features three days of live music with local, regional and national performers on three stages, food vendors offering festival and Cajun favorites, arts and crafts vendors, a professional carnival, assorted community and educational exhibits, an annual Catfish Pageant and a KidZone area, and more. $15 and up; free for ages 12 and under. Times vary.
  • King’s Oktoberfest 2023 at King’s Bierhaus Heights | Friday, October 13 to Sunday, October 15 – The Bavarian BierHaus in the Heights hosts a weekend of Oktoberfest fun with a wide selection of German beer and authentic German plates, costume contests, mug lifting competitions, live music and carnival games. One-day passes are $20 and up, $59 including drinks. VIP passes are $120 and includes food and more. Times vary.
  • Pearland Art on the Pavilion at Pearland Town Center | Saturday, October 14 & Sunday, October 15 | No Cover – Hit up Pearland’s outdoor shopping district for a two-day juried art market featuring regional artists showcasing and selling one-of-a-kind artwork, with performances by local bands and musicians, plus food truck offerings. 10am to 5pm.
  • CAF Wings Over Houston Airshow 2023 at Ellington Field | Saturday, October 14 & Sunday, October 15 – One of the top airshows in the nation, Wings Over Houston showcases vintage World War II aircraft and modern aviation with soaring spectacles, reenactments, and high-flying aerobatics. $32.50 and up.
  • Galveston Greek Festival at Assumption of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church | Saturday, October 14 & Sunday, October 15 | FREE – Celebrate all things Greek at this annual Galveston festival featuring food, wines, beer, pastries, souvenirs and more from Greece. You can also catch live Douzouki by Dmitiri Karagerogo, traditional Greek dancers, church tours, and imported merch and food. Free to attend, donations welcome. Food and drink tickets are $2. Saturday 11am to 7pm; Sunday noon to 5pm.
  • Bayou City Art Festival in Sam Houston Park | Saturday, October 14 & Sunday, October 15 – The Bayou City Art Festival returns to Sam Houston Park in Downtown for two days of art shopping and showcases by more than 220 national and international artists. Plus, you can stroll the craft beer and boutique wine gardens, participate in a community art project and take in live performances. Tickets are $18 and up; free for ages 12 and under. 10am to 6pm.
  • Sazon Latin Food Festival at Karbach Brewing | Sunday, October 15 | FREE – Taste all the best flavors from the Caribbean, Central, and South America as more than 20 different Latin food vendors set up at the Spring Branch brewery. 11am to 6pm.
Kids Day Festival | Courtesy of Buffalo Bayou Partnership
  • 7th Annual Hess Houston Corporate 5K at Memorial Park | Tuesday, October 17 through Thursday, October 19 – Houston’s largest office party returns what will be its biggest year yet, bringing offices and coworkers together for a 5K fun run/walk and after work outdoor happy hour event with refreshments, live entertainment, and more. Corporations are invited to bulk-register teams of 10, 20, or 50 entries; individual entries are $50. Daily 4pm to 6:30pm.
  • 2023 KBR Kids Day at Tony Marron Park in Second Ward | Saturday, October 21 | FREE – Buffalo Bayou Partnership’s annual family festival returns to the Second Ward park, filled with local entertainment, hands-on activities, live performers, face painters and much more. Costumes are encouraged. 11am to 3pm.
  • Sugar Land Dia de los Muertos Celebration at Sugar Land Town Square | Saturday, October 21 | FREE – Take in traditional mariachi and ballet folklórico performances, Aztec dancers, Hispanic cuisine and more at this annual festival in Sugar Land for the whole family. Noon to 5pm.
  • Houston Filipino Street Festival at Constellation Field | Saturday, October 21 – Celebrate the Philippines and local Filipino culture at this family-friendly festival in Sugar Land that presents traditions, live performances and street food in an embrace of cultural diversity. $17 and up; free for ages 7 and under. Noon to 7pm.
  • 9th Annual Tacolandia at the Water Works at Buffalo Bayou Park | Saturday, October 21 – The 9th annual taco festival gathers dozens of taco vendors for sampling, along with a games zone, live DJ, a pepper eating contest and plenty of margs to wash it down. $35 and up. 4pm to 7pm.
  • ArtoberFest in Downtown Galveston | Saturday, October 21 & Sunday, October 22 – Strolls the streets of Galveston’s historic downtown cultural arts district, exploring works by more than 120 artists whom you can meet with, plus catch live music, art demonstrations, food and more. $5; free for ages 11 and under. Saturday 10am to 6pm; Sunday 10am to 5pm.
  • Starry Nite Arts Festival in Bellaire | Saturday, October 21 & Sunday, October 22 | FREE – Experience a traditional Asian night market with authentic street food, bingo, art, and live entertainment at the return of the in-person, family-friendly Starry Nite Festival in Houston’s Asiatown. Saturday 3pm to 9pm; Sunday 2pm to 7pm.
  • The Monster S.M.A.S.H. Beer Fest at Spindletap Brewery | Sunday, October 22 – The North Houston brewery hosts a Halloween-inspired competition where more than 20 local breweries will compete for your votes with concoctions that only utilize one type of malt and one strain of hops. Stick around all afternoon and enjoy food trucks and live DJ. $30. 1pm to 4pm.
Danza Azteca Taxcayolotl at MECA’s Día de los Muertos | Courtesy of MECA Houston
  • CultureMap‘s The Tailgate at Silver Street Studios | Wednesday, October 25 – Arts District hosts this tailgate-themed event complete with foods from award-winning chefs, gameday-inspired cocktails, activities, live entertainment, and more. Advance tickets are $35; $50 closer to the event. 7pm.
  • Island Oktoberfest at First Lutheran Church of Galveston | Friday, October 27 & Saturday, October 28 | FREE – Galveston’s family-friendly festival returns for its 41st year, offering a weekend of free entertainment, food, rides and games. Enjoy traditional German food and drink while you take in a slate of polka performers on both days. Friday 5pm to 10pm; Saturday 11am to 10pm.
  • 10th Annual Magnolia Park Dia de los Muertos Festival & Parade at Hidalgo Park | Saturday, October 28 | FREE – Houston’s First Barrio celebrates Día de los Muertos with a free festival and parade at Hidalgo Park in Second Ward, including food, kids activities, cultural performances and live music. Noon to 5pm.
  • Día de Muertos Festival at MECA Houston | Saturday, October 28 & Sunday, October 29 | FREE – MECA’s annual two-day Día de los Muertos community festival in Sixth Ward returns, packed with delicious foods, live music and dance performances, arts and crafts activities, a local vendor market, artists, ofrendas and more. 11am to 7pm both days.
  • Halloween Town at Constellation Field | Sunday, October 29 – The ballpark in Sugar Land hosts another year of Halloween Town, featuring candy, vendors, a costume contest, rides, and much more. Advance tickets are $11 and up; $8 for ages 4 to 12; free for ages 3 and under. Noon to 5pm.
The annual Night Market returns to Asia Society in November | Courtesy of Asia Society Texas

Fall Festivals in November 2023

  • International Quilt Festival Houston at George R. Brown Convention Center | Thursday, November 2 to Sunday, November 5 – Join more than 55,000 quilting enthusiasts for a full week of classes, exhibits, networking, shopping, guest speakers and more at the International Quilt Festival in Downtown Houston. $15. Thursday to Saturday 10am to 6pm; Sunday 10am to 4pm.
  • Night Market 2023 at Asia Society Texas | Friday, November 3 | FREE – The popular annual event returns to the Museum District, offering a host of family-friendly activities including a curated marketplace, games and cultural installations, an Otaku Alley highlighting all things manga, anime and cosplay, sumo wrestling demonstrations, a Japanese-style carnival, and more. Free to attend, some activities require a ticket. 6pm to 10pm.
  • Puptopia Festival at Brazos River Park | Saturday, November 4 – Furry friends and their owners can come out to Sugar Land and enjoy this special, doggie-centric day that includes entertainment, a dog day spa, PAWground activities, vendors and a K-9 Lounge. $35. 10am to 5pm.
  • Depot Day Fall Fest at Tomball Depot Plaza | Saturday, November 4 | FREE – This annual celebration is all about trains, featuring model railroads mixed with classic fall fair fun, old-fashioned country music, carnival games, a pumpkin patch, a kids’ zone and more. 11am to 6pm.
  • 10th Annual Houston Afrifest at Houston Christian University | Saturday, November 4 – Drawing thousands from across the city, this annual fest celebrates the continent of Africa with a market featuring local and international vendors, and showcasing the arts, music, fashion and foods from across the region. $10; free for ages 12 and under, students, seniors and veterans. 11am to 7pm.
  • 3rd Annual Houston Día de los Muertos Parade & Festival at Sam Houston Park in Downtown | Saturday, November 4 | FREE – The Día de los Muertos festival returns to Downtown, offering an evening of live music, a parade procession from 7pm to 8pm, delicious concessions, arts and crafts, and more. Free to participate in the parade, but traditional attire—full of pageantry and beauty—is recommended. 2pm to 10pm.
Houston Afrifest | Courtesy of Nigerian-American Multicultural Council
  • 15th Annual Houston Cinema Arts Festival at Multiple Venues | Thursday, November 9 to Thursday, November 19 | Some FREE – The city’s annual festival celebrating the silver screen returns to theater spaces across Houston, screening and premiering short films and feature lengths from Houston and around the world, as well as providing special guest panels and workshop opportunities. Screenings are typically individually ticketed and sometimes free, but all-access passes start at $200. Times, locations and prices vary.
  • Houston Diwali: Festival of Lights at Rise Rooftop | Friday, November 10 – The annual Diwali festival heads to Midtown this year, posting up at Rise Rooftop with an all-ages Diwali bazaar, fashion show, cultural performances and street foods. Then, at 10pm, the 18+ party commences with more fashion shows, live performances, laser fireworks and more. Ticket prices TBA. 6pm to 2am.
  • Bastrop Art Fest at Lost Pines Art Center in Downtown Bastrop | Saturday, November 11 | FREE – Stroll the streets of historic Downtown Bastrop at the annual fall art festival, where you’ll join the town’s artist and craft community, try your own hand at art-making, shops works on display, and enjoy family festivities with games and kids activities. 10am to 4pm.
  • 33rd Annual Native American Championship Pow Wow at Traders Village | Saturday, November 11 & Sunday, November 12 – This annual event draws Native and Indigenous people from across the country for back-to-back days of tribal dance displays, art, crafts, fry bread, and more. Free, but parking is $5. 10am to 5pm.
  • Honeyland Festival at Crown Festival Park | Saturday, November 11 & Sunday, November 12 – This inaugural two-day festival in Sugar Land highlights food, music and Black creativity, featuring a series of mixology sessions curated by Fawn Weaver; delicious food samples and culinary demos from Tabitha Brown, Bun B’s Trill Burgers, Ghetto Gastro, Dawn Burrell, Chris Williams and other award-winning talent; plus headlining concerts by Mary J. Blige, Miguel, Tobe Nwigwe, the Houston All-Stars, and more. $175 and up. Times TBD.
  • 30th ZineFest Houston at the Orange Show | Saturday, November 18 | FREE – Celebrating its 30th year, ZineFest is a grassroots festival that gathers media creators from across the city to share their zines, mini-comics and other forms of small press, alternative, underground, DIY media and art. Swing by Houston’s Orange Show for Visionary Art, shop and find community. Noon to 6pm.
  • Houston Margarita Festival at the Water Works at Buffalo Bayou Park | Saturday, November 18 – The annual festival returns to Buffalo Bayou, offering a day of drink tasting and revelry. Pour up a wide range of 17+ flavored margs while you enjoy live music, DJs, dancing, food vendors and more. $25 and up. Noon to 10pm.
  • 74th Annual Thanksgiving Day Parade in Downtown | Thanksgiving, Thursday, November 23 | FREE – Get into the holiday spirit at the 74th Annual H-E-B Houston Thanksgiving Day Parade, a showcase of sensational floats, high-flying balloons, marching bands, artistic entries, and live entertainment through the streets of Downtown. 9am to 11am.
Downtown Thanksgiving Day Parade | Photo: Richard Carson; courtesy of City of Houston

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