Fall is finally here and though it may still feel like Summer here in the Lone Star State, it is indeed time to start carving pumpkins, drinking cider and going to football games. Just because it doesn't get cold until February doesn't mean Texans can't enjoy the Autumn. Here are 10 Texas Fall events you should check out this year.
Kolache Fest - Hallettsville
When: Saturday, Sept. 30
Where: Downtown Hallettsville and the KC Hall
Kolache Fest is an annual celebration of German and Czechoslovakian heritage in Hallettsville. If you don't know the difference between kolaches and klobasnikies they'll fill you in on it at Kolache Fest. At Kolache Fest you can indulge in as many of the delectable fruit-filled pastries as your Texan heart desires, as well as view the beautiful arts and crafts created by Texas vendors. There's a fun run, a parade and live music, too!
Texas Craft Brewers Festival - Austin
When: Saturday, Sept. 30
Where: Fiesta Gardens, Austin
The Texas Craft Brewer's Festival is the largest beer event in the state that focuses solely on Texas-made craft beer. It's a 21-plus event where no minors are allowed, so leave the kids at home for this one. Tickets are not available at the gate so get yours here before they sell out!
State Fair of Texas - Dallas
When: Sept. 29 through Oct. 22
Where: Fair Park, Dallas
The State Fair of Texas is the largest state fair in the nation. Known for innovations in fried fair food and the Red River Rivalry football game between the University of Texas and the University of Oklahoma, the State Fair of Texas is an event you don't want to miss.
Galveston Island Shrimp Festival - Galveston
When: Sept. 29 - 30
Where: The Strand
The Galveston Island Shrimp Festival is two days of all the Gulf shrimp and live music you can handle. The family-friendly event includes a shrimp gumbo cook-off and a gumbo tasting as well as vendors and a 5k.
Texas Rice Festival - Winnie
When: Sept. 30 and Oct. 4-7
Where: Winnie City Park
target="_blank">Image via Facebook/Texas Rice Festival
The small town of Winnie, Texas has been hosting the Texas Rice Festival for almost 50 years now. There's a barbecue cook-off, a rice tasting, a gospel jubilee and more fun things to do. The barbecue cook-off takes place this weekend, Sept. 30, but the festival will be held Oct. 4-7.
Gruene Music & Wine Fest - New Braunfels
When: Oct. 5-8
Where: Gruene Historic District
The Gruene Music and Wine Fest is held annually in the Gruene historic district in New Braunfels, Texas. Attendees can sample Texas wines and visit craft and art vendors while enjoying live music and strolling through the tree-lined streets of historic Gruene.
Floresville Peanut Festival - Floresville
When: Oct. 10, 12-14
Where: Downtown Floresville
The annual Peanut Festival in Floresville started way back in 1938 to promote the peanut farming industry in Texas. Each year the citizens of Floresville crown Queen Tunaep (peanut spelled backwards). Queen Tunaep contestants don elaborate gowns with custom-made trains. The festival also hosts parades, vendor and the annual "Goober Games". It's a family-friendly event you won't want to miss!
Chappell Hill Scarecrow Festival - Chappel Hill
When: Oct. 14 & 15
Where: Main Street
Hosted by the Chappell Hill Historical Society, the annual Chappell Hill Scarecrow Festival boasts over 250 vendors displaying crafts, clothing, jewelry and food. Guests can also take in some fantastic live music, cultural displays and plenty of other activities perfect for a small town Texas Fall festival.
Floydada Punkin Days - Floydada
When: Oct. 14
Where: Downtown Floydada
Floydada earned the reputation of "pumpkin capital of Texas" for its bumper crop of pumpkins each year. The Floydada Punkin' Days celebrates the pumpkin harvest in the little town every October. The festival starts on Friday the night before the festival for a barbecue cook-off, and continues all day Saturday.
Pecan Fest Heritage Days - Seguin
When: Oct. 27-29
Where: Entire town of Seguin
The Pecan Fest Heritage Days is a unique festival that takes place over three days and encompasses the entire town of Seguin. Trade Days is a vendor event that takes place downtown, and you can learn about history at the Texas Agricultural and Heritage Education Center. If the arts are more your thing, check out the Teatro de Artes de Juan Seguin. This festival is both educational and entertaining.
