Fall Into Fun

EIGHT FESTIVALS THAT MAKE AUTUMN THE PERFECT TIME FOR A TEXAS ROAD TRIP

BY LIVING MAGAZINE

When the temperatures begin to cool, Texas towns have a favorite way of celebrating: throw a festival. From September through November, communities across the state gather to honor everything from rice

and roses to mushrooms, yams, German heritage and the arts. We’ve rounded up eight fall festivals that make a good excuse for a day trip or weekend getaway. Some celebrate long-standing Texas traditions, while others offer food, music, shopping and plenty of family-friendly fun. Wherever you go, you’ll find a little hometown hospitality along with the festivities.

FORT WORTH OKTOBERFEST

September 24 – 26 | Fort Worth, Texas

Get a taste of Bavaria with a Texas twist at Fort Worth Oktoberfest, a three-day celebration of German culture at Trinity Park . Expect live music, folk dancing, traditional German food, contests, games and plenty of festive fun. The weekend kicks off with the ceremonial tapping of the kegs, setting the tone for a lively celebration that blends Bavarian traditions with Fort Worth flair.

TEXAS RICE FESTIVAL

September 30 – October 3 | Winnie, Texas

Southeast Texas’ rice-growing heritage takes center stage at the Texas Rice Festival in Winnie. Held at Winnie-Stowell Park, the annual celebration brings together food, entertainment, contests, livestock events,

vendors and activities for the whole family. The festival celebrates the area’s annual rice harvest and the agricultural traditions that have helped shape the community. With plenty of food and entertainment mixed in, it’s a down-home Texas festival with something for everyone.

TEXAS ROSE FESTIVAL

October 15 – 18 | Tyler, Texas

Tyler’s reputation as the Rose City takes center stage during the Texas Rose Festival, one of East Texas’ most cherished traditions. Established in 1933, the festival combines beautiful roses with a series of elegant ceremonial events. The 2026 celebration features the Queen’s Tea, Rose Presentation, Coronation, parade, rose displays, an art show and an arts and crafts fair. It’s a particularly pretty way to

experience Tyler and the floral heritage that has become part of its identity.

EAST TEXAS YAMBOREE

October 14 – 17 | Gilmer, Texas

There’s no shortage of personality at the East Texas Yamboree, an annual celebration that has been honoring Gilmer’s sweet-potato-growing heritage since 1935. The four-day festival combines agricultural

traditions with entertainment and plenty of hometown competition. Visitors can enjoy livestock and agricultural events, arts and crafts, music, food and community celebrations. And yes, there are plenty of yam-themed activities to keep things interesting. It’s a quintessential small-town Texas tradition that continues to bring generations together.

TEXAS MUSHROOM FESTIVAL

October 17 | Madisonville, Texas

Mushrooms may seem like an unlikely reason for a festival, but Madisonville has turned them into a much-loved annual tradition. Known as the Mushroom Capital of Texas, the town welcomes thousands of visitors for a day devoted to food, shopping, entertainment and all things fungi. The festival includes the Taste of Texas Tent with wine and craft beer tastings, an auto showcase, vendors, live entertainment and a family-friendly kids’ area. A new Mushroom Market adds another fun way to discover mushroom-inspired products and learn more about growing, foraging and cooking with fungi.

TEXAS RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL

October 10 – November 29 | Todd Mission, Texas

Travel several centuries back in time at the Texas Renaissance Festival, where an elaborate village comes alive each fall with costumed characters, artisans, musicians, performers and plenty of merriment. The festival runs weekends from October 10 through November 29, plus Thanksgiving Friday, making it one of the season’s longest-running attractions. Wander through the marketplace, watch live performances, sample themed foods and browse handcrafted jewelry, pottery, leather goods and other wares . Each weekend features a different theme and special events, so there's always something new to discover.

WURSTFEST

November 6 – 15 | New Braunfels, Texas

German heritage meets Texas hospitality at Wurst fest , New Braunfels’ annual celebration along the Comal River. For 10 days, visitors can enjoy German food, live music, dancing, carnival rides, games and Alpine and Bavarian-style entertainment. The festival has become one of Texas’ most recognizable fall traditions, drawing visitors who come as much for the festive atmosphere as for the food. Whether you’re there for the sausage, the music or the people-watching, Wurstfest is a celebration that doesn’t take itself too seriously.

WINNSBORO ART & WINE FESTIVAL

November 6 – 7 | Winnsboro, Texas

For a more leisurely fall outing, head to historic downtown Winnsboro for the annual Art & Wine Festival. The Cultural Arts District transforms into an open-air marketplace featuring juried artists, Texas wineries, regional food vendors and live local music. Art work ranges from painting and photography to pottery, glass, jewelry, textiles and sculpture, making this a great place to browse for something special while enjoying the small-town atmosphere. Admission is free, and the festival offers an easy excuse to spend a fall weekend exploring Winnsboro.

Whether you’re looking for a lively weekend, a family-friendly outing or a leisurely day exploring a new town, these festivals offer plenty of reasons to get out and enjoy the season. Pick a destination, gather your favorite people and discover a little more of what makes Texas worth celebrating.