September
26 - Pumpkin Patch and Fall Festival
Blessington Farms kicks off the fall season with a pumpkin patch and Farm Funland activities like mazes, slides and barrel train rides. After the kickoff, the pumpkin patch and activities are open to visitors on Saturdays between Sept. 27-Nov. 8 and Oct. 13. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. $10 (general admission), Free (children under 18 months).
Blessington Farms, 510 Chisolm Trail, Simonton 832-444-8717 www.blessingtonfarms.com
October
01-04 - The Original Greek Festival
This festival highlights Greek culture through traditional food, crafts, art and gifts. Each night features traditional Greek dancing reflecting the customs and culture of the country. Cathedral tours are also offered throughout the festival. 5-10 p.m. (Oct. 1), 11 a.m.-3 p.m., 5 p.m.-10 p.m. (Oct. 2), 11 a.m.-10 p.m. (Oct. 3), noon-6 p.m. (Oct. 4). $5 (admission at the gate), free (Oct. 2 11 a.m.-3 p.m. and every day for children 12 and under), $22 (presale ticket includes one-day admission and a dinner plate).
Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 3511 Yoakum Blvd. Houston 713-526-5377 www.greekfestival.org
03 - Flying Saucer BeerFeast
Sugar Land’s Flying Saucer Draught Emporium restaurant hosts its fourth annual event featuring more than 50 breweries and 80 craft beers. Restaurants in Sugar Land Town Square have food available for purchase for attendees. A ticket purchase includes admission to the event, a tasting card that includes 12 beer samples and a tasting glass. Additional tasting cards are available for purchase. 21 and older. 2-6:30 p.m. $35-65.
Flying Saucer Draught Emporium, 15929 City Walk, Sugar Land 281-242-7468 www.beerknurd.com
08-11 - Festa Italiana
Festivalgoers celebrate Italian culture through traditional food, music and art. The event also features a car show, grape stomp and pasta-eating contest highlighting Italian customs. 5-10 p.m. (Oct.8), 11 a.m.-10 p.m. (Oct. 9, 10), 11 a.m.-6 p.m. (Oct. 11). $8 (general admission), free (children age 12 and under).
University of St. Thomas, 3800 Montrose Blvd., Houston 713-524-4222 www.houstonitalianfestival.com
Oct. 10-Nov. 29 - Texas Renaissance Festival
Hundreds of thousands of people visit the Texas Renaissance Festival each year. For eight weekends in October and November festival attendees dress up and explore the Renaissance-themed park. Each weekend features food and drink vendors, live entertainment and more than 400 shops. Shuttles are available for guests staying at Executive Inn and Suites and Magnolia Inn and Suites. 9 a.m.-8 p.m. $26 (regular adult), $14 (regular child).
21778 FM 1774, Todd Mission 281-356-2178 www.texrenfest.com
16 and 17 - Needville Harvest Festival
The 32nd annual event features two days of fall-themed activities, food and entertainment. Friday night includes fajita and margarita competitions as well as a barbecue cookoff. On Saturday attendees experience a talent show, live music and dancing, a hot dog eating competition and helicopter rides for all ages. More than 80 vendors sell food, crafts and gifts on both days. 5 p.m.-midnight (Oct. 16), 8 a.m.-midnight (Oct. 17). $6 (two-day pass).
3001 Violet St., Needville 281-468-9314 www.needvillefest.com
27 - Texian Market Days at the George Ranch Historical Park
The 32nd annual festival covers the 480 acres of George Ranch Historical Park. Attendees can learn about Texas history through battle re-enactments, games, interactive displays and more during the living history festival. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. $15 (adults), $10 (children).
George Ranch Historical Park, 10215 FM 762, Richmond 281-342-6478 www.georgeranch.org
November
04 and 05 - Holidays in the Plaza
Attendees can experience free concerts and holiday festivities in Sugar Land Town Square. Friday features the Houston Choral Showcase, and Saturday features the River Pointe Church School of Rock performing holiday tunes. 7-9 p.m. (Nov. 4), 6-8 p.m. (Nov. 5). Free.
Sugar Land Town Square, 2700 Town Center Blvd. N., Sugar Land 281-276-6000 www.sugarlandtownsquare.com
December
05 - Holiday on the Plaza
The city of Katy and Katy Market Days host an old fashioned Christmas at Harvest Plaza in downtown Katy. Local church and school choirs and dance teams perform throughout the day. Craft stations are set up to write letters to Santa and make holiday ornaments. The festival is capped with the official lighting of the city Christmas tree and photos with Santa Claus. 10 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Free, $5 (photos with Santa).
5701 Third St., Katy 281-391-4840 https://cityofkaty.com/departments/parks/special-events/
11-13 - Tomball German Christmas Market
The event brings traditional German food, products and activities to the city of Tomball. Multiple stages present continuous live music and dancing, and there is an open-air market where more than 175 merchants and vendors sell German Christmas items, arts and crafts, food and more. 6-10 p.m. (Dec. 11), 10 a.m.-10 p.m. (Dec. 12), 10 a.m.-6 p.m. (Dec. 13). Free.
Old Town Tomball, 201 S. Elm St., Tomball 281-379-6844 www.tomballgermanfest.com
This is not a comprehensive list of area events. For more listings or to request a listing please contact [email protected]
