October tends to be the first-time folks in Houston, TX feel a slight breeze that teases them into thinking fall is around the corner. However, there are some years with warm nights for trick-or-treating in Houston, so it’s certainly not a sure thing! If you’re new to Houston and are not sure what to expect in the Fall, check out these five Houston fall activities around the city!
1. Participate in a Variety of Fall Festivals in Houston
Festivals in Houston peak in the fall when the weather gets to the perfect temperature for outdoor activities. Houston is the home of many fall festivals with themes that are great for any age. These festivals make for super fun fall Houston activities!
Here are a few fall festivals in Houston to check out:
Children’s Festival
This 2-day Children’s festival in The Woodlands features tons of fun for kids & families: live entertainment, demonstrations, performances, interactive activities, character appearances, and more. Tickets are just $10.
Bayou City Art Festival
This Houston favorite for creatives is a 45-year-old tradition that benefits local nonprofits! The Bayou City Art Festival features two shows a year – in the downtown area during Spring and Memorial Park in Autumn. More than 300 artists gather to share their work in a wide variety of mediums. Kids can also get creative in the Kids’ Zone. Overall, attending this fall festival in Houston is like walking through an outdoor museum!
Texas Renaissance Festival
From early October to mid-November, Texas Renaissance Festival offers a unique experience for couples and families alike. It’s dubbed the largest Renaissance festival in the country, and each weekend features a different theme. Costumes are certainly encouraged and make it even more fun! Activities range from jousting tournaments to live shows, craft vendors, live music and more.
Via Colori Street Painting Festival
For 10 years, artists have converged on downtown streets in mid-November to create large masterpieces right on the street. It is an amazing experience to watch the progression as the artists begin their work Saturday morning and continue through Sunday afternoon. Kids can join in on the fun and create their own chalk square for a small fee. All of the proceeds from the festival benefits the Texas Hearing Institute.
2. See an Outdoor Movie for a Fun Nighttime Fall Activity in Houston
Looking for fun fall things to do in Houston? Go see an outdoor movie. You can catch an outdoor movie at Houston’s downtown Discovery Green or catch a popular movie at the Miller Outdoor Theatre which presents its own Movies at Miller. Other outdoor venues include Dow Park in Deer Park, Tomball’s Historic Depot, Sugar Land Town Square, Bellaire, Pearland Town Center, and CityCentre.
3. Get in On the Spooky Halloween Fun in Houston
If you love Halloween, Houston will be a great city for you! Have you heard of a citywide Halloween party? There are so many fun Houston Halloween events to check out this year. One of the spookiest fall things to do in Houston is Scream on the Green which is a yearly Halloween celebration downtown at Discovery Green. The event includes a big costume contest, DJ, and Halloween-themed outdoor movie.
Boo on the Boardwalk is another fantastic Halloween-themed celebration that takes places on weekends in October in Kemah, outside Houston, TX. Many activities are free including weekend trick-or-treating at the retailers, outdoor movies, crafts, activities and more. For a small fee, you can experience the haunted houses – with one just for the junior folks!
4. Fall Outdoor Patios & Dining in Houston
Happy hours and dining outdoors is a nice option in Houston during the fall. Some of the top spots include Onion Creek Cafe (3106 White Oak Drive), Backstreet Café (1103 S. Shepherd Dr), and dog-friendly Barnaby’s (eight locations).
For more upscale dining, Brenner’s on the Bayou has two beautiful outdoor decks with a modern vibe and fire pits that overlook Buffalo Bayou. This steakhouse and bar are also the host to an annual Wine and Beer Fest and a BBQ Fest.
Karbach Brewing Co., a German-style brewery, also has an amazing outdoor patio and biergarten for drinking and dining after its recent expansion. Brewery tours are available for up to 25 folks at a time, weekdays, and weekends.
5. Outdoor Fall Activities in Houston
Head outdoors in the fall for biking and hiking. Houston has plenty of trails and parks plus some great kayaking. Buffalo Bayou Park, Memorial Park, Heights Hike & Bike Trail, and Terry Hershey Park are a few of the top spots around town.
There are plenty of fun fall activities and events in Houston to partake in. Fortunately, most are free – so go enjoy the beautiful weather and make some great memories!
