The Woodlands and surrounding areas will play host to a number of festivals throughout the fall and into the holiday season.
September
17. Montgomery Wine and Music Fest Attendees sample wine from 16 Texas wineries and a craft beer wall, and they can also order by the glass or bottle. The festival features a children’s area and continuous live music. 10 a.m.-9 p.m. $5 (children’s area), $25 (wine tasting package purchased online), $30 (at gate). $5 (fee for alcohol), $1 (single tickets). 14420 Liberty St., Montgomery 936-597-5004 www.experiencemontgomery.com
October
01. Flying Saucer BeerFeast Sugar Land’s Flying Saucer hosts its fifth annual event, featuring more than 50 breweries and 80 craft beers. Restaurants have food available for attendees. 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. 2-6:30 p.m. $35-$68. Flying Saucer, 15929 City Walk, Sugar Land 281-242-7468 www.saucerbeerfeast.com
06-09. 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. 6), 11 a.m.-3 p.m., 5-10 p.m. (Oct. 7), 11 a.m.-10 p.m. (Oct. 8), noon-6 p.m. (Oct. 9). $5 (admission at the gate), free admission (11 a.m.-3 p.m. Oct. 7 and every day for children age 12 and younger), $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
08. Oak Ridge North Fall Festival The third annual festival features vendors, games and prizes, music, face painting and a pumpkin patch. The event also includes several food and drink vendors. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. Marilyn Edgar Park, 2653 Hillside Drive, Oak Ridge North 832-381-3215 www.oakridgenorth.com
08. Texian Heritage Festival Attendees experience Texas culture while learning about the state’s extensive history. Activities include dramatic Texas Independence battle re-enactments, Native American dancers and tug of war and roping lessons for children. Entertainment performances are provided by the Chikawa Dancers. Proceeds benefit a local charity in Montgomery County. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. $5 (visitors age 13 and older), free (12 and younger). Fernland Historical Park, 780 Clepper Drive 936-232-3967 www.texianheritage.org
08-November 27. Texas Renaissance Festival For eight weekends in October and November, thousands of 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. $25.95 (online regular adult), $13.95 (online regular child). 21778 FM 1774, Todd Mission 281-356-2178 www.texrenfest.com
13-16. 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.13), 11 a.m.-10 p.m. (Oct. 14, 15), 11 a.m.-6 p.m. (Oct. 16). $6 (online), $8 (at gate), free (children age 12 and younger). University of St. Thomas, 3800 Montrose Blvd., Houston 713-524-4222 www.houstonitalianfestival.com
14. Wicked Wonderland Family Carnival Families are invited to enjoy an evening filled with live performances, photo zones, games and inflatables. A movie in the park begins at 8 p.m. 4-8 p.m. Free. Rob Fleming Park, 6055 Creekside Forest Drive, The Woodlands 281-210-3800 www.thewoodland-stownship-tx.gov
14-16. Conroe Cajun Catfish Festival The 27th annual event spans a three-day weekend in downtown Conroe. Food vendors offer traditional Cajun options and festival favorites, and live entertainment is featured on three different stages. Throughout the weekend there is a professional carnival, catfish pageant, kids zone and other family-friendly attractions. 6 p.m.-midnight (Oct. 14), 11 a.m.-midnight (Oct. 15), noon-6 p.m. (Oct. 16). $20 (three-day pass), $12 (one-day pass), free admission (visitors age 12 and younger). Downtown Conroe, 101 S. Main St., Conroe 936-539-6009 www.conroecajuncatfishfestival.com
15. Fall Craft Show The Ladies Involved Giving His Touch ministry presents its 14th annual event. More than 50 vendors offer fall-themed crafts and gifts, and proceeds go to various outreach efforts, such as Christmas baskets, sponsoring children for summer camps and the state and national women’s auxiliary projects. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Free. Timber Lakes Baptist Church, 1540 Sawdust Road, The Woodlands 281-363-9358 www.tlbctx.org
15. Taste of the Village The Indian Springs Village Association hosts the 12th annual event, which supports the ISVA Community Service Scholarship Fund. The community event features more than 40 booths exhibiting local businesses and organizations, food samples, a raffle, live music and several child-friendly activities, including face painting, inflatables, balloon artistry and walking entertainers. Noon-3 p.m. Free. Indian Springs Shopping Center, Kuykendahl Road and Woodlands Parkway, The Woodlands 713-822-7596 www.indianspringsvillage.com
15-November 16. Petfest Old Town Spring’s annual pet-friendly weekend is packed with events, such as Texas wiener races, costume contests, cake walks, animal blessings, a fur parade, a fur fun run and a fun-loving dog show. Veterinarians and rescue groups are present to answer questions, and pet food donations for animals in need are collected during the event. Pets that attend must be on a leash and at least 4 months old. 9:45 a.m.-5 p.m (Oct. 15), 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (Oct. 16). Free. Preservation Park, 130 Spring School Road, Spring 281-353-9310 www.petfestoldtownspring.com
22. Pumpkin Fest Faith United Methodist Church hosts the 22nd annual event featuring a pumpkin patch with pumpkins for purchase, a bake sale, child-friendly games and prizes, a petting zoo, and arts and crafts. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. Faith United Methodist Church, 2403 Rayford Road, Spring 281-367-7776 www.faithumcspring.org
22. The Woodlands Fall Market and Fair The annual market and fair offers a variety of activities, including a barbecue lunch, bake sale, silent auction and shopping. Children’s activities include a rock wall, bounce house, face painting and a pumpkin patch. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. Christ Church United Methodist, 6363 Research Forest Drive, The Woodlands 936-273-2030 www.cc-um.org
31. Halloween Safe Streets This Shenandoah tradition encourages trick-or-treaters to gather in a designated residential neighborhood as a way of safely collecting candy provided by the Shenandoah Police Department from participating houses. 6-8 p.m. Free. Tuscany Woods subdivision, Shenandoah 281-298-5522 www.shenandoahtx.us
November
12-13. Children’s Festival The 21st annual family-friendly weekend includes live music, strolling entertainers, face painting, balloon artists, inflatables, games, and arts and crafts. The two-day event is presented by ExxonMobil and Huntsman International in The Woodlands and is open to all ages. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. $8 (per person in advance), $10 (per person at the door). The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, 2005 Lake Robbins Drive, The Woodlands 281-363-3300 www.woodlandscenter.org
12-Dec. 24 Home for the Holidays Old Town Spring welcomes residents home for the holidays with the 35th annual six-week event, which includes strolling performers, a hot chocolate booth and holiday shopping. Children also have the opportunity to write letters to Santa Claus who will also make a special appearance. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. (Mon.-Sat.), noon-6 pm. (Sun.). Free. Old Town Spring, 403 Main St., Spring 281-353-9310 www.oldtownspring.com
18-20. Junior League Holiday Market The Junior League of The Woodlands hosts its 14th annual shopping extravaganza at which shoppers can find unique, personalized gifts to complete their holiday shopping. Proceeds benefit the JLTW organization. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. (Nov. 18, 19), 10 a.m.-4 p.m. (Nov. 20). Free. The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel & Convention Center, 1601 Lake Robbins Drive, The Woodlands 1-888-746-7455 www.jlthewoodlands.org
19. Lighting of the Doves/iWow This long-standing tradition of illuminating The Woodlands Town Center with doves, as a symbol of hope and peace, signals the beginning of the holiday season in The Woodlands. Festivities include international food, snow play areas, strolling entertainment, a fireworks display and a special appearance by Santa Claus. 3-9 p.m. Free. Town Green Park, 2099 Lake Robbins Drive, The Woodlands 281-210-3800 www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov
29. Lighting of the Angels Shenandoah citizens and city officials get into the holiday spirit by participating in this annual event centered around lighting the angels that are placed throughout the city. Entertainment and refreshments take place in the city’s municipal complex. 6-8 p.m. Free. Shenandoah Municipal Complex, 29955 I-45 S., Shenandoah 281-298-5522 www.shenandoahtx.us
November
09-11. Tomball German Christmas Market The 17th annual celebration of German culture brings a taste of traditional German Christmas to Tomball. The event takes over Old Town Tomball with four stages of live German and Czech music, and over 200 vendors selling German Christmas items. The family-friendly weekend also boasts a full carnival, strolling entertainers, a visit from St. Nicholas. A free shuttle bus is available to transport attendees from the Tomball Regional Hospital parking lot to the festivities. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. (Dec. 9), 10 a.m.-10 p.m. (Dec. 10), 11 a.m.-10 p.m. (Dec. 11). Free. Old Town Tomball, 201 S. Elm St., Tomball 281-379-6844 www.tomballgermanfest.com
