Fall Festival Guide, 2013

Bayou City Art Festival - Oct. 12–13

For more than 40 years, work from local artists has been on display and for sale at the event that takes place twice a year. 10 a.m.–6 p.m. $15 (adults), $3 (children). Downtown Houston, in front of City Hall and around Hermann Square on the streets of Walker, Bagby and McKinney. www.bayoucityartfestival.com

Texas Renaissance Festival - Oct. 12 through Dec. 1

The 39th Texas Renaissance Festival opens Oct. 12 and features another year of 16th Century festivities and entertainment. The 55-acre festival site offers scheduled entertainment by actors and storytellers, human-powered rides, hundreds of artisans and merchants, food, musicians, and jousting demonstrations for eight weekends. 9 a.m.–8 p.m. (Saturdays and Sundays). $26 (13 and up), $13 (ages 5 to 12), free (4 and under). 21778 FM 1774, Todd Mission. 281-356-2178. www.texrenfest.com

ZiegenBock Music Festival - Oct. 19

The 11th annual music festival features more than 15 Texas country music artists, including the Randy Rogers Band, Kevin Fowler, Folk Family Revival, Charlie Lucas and Scooter Brown Band. 2 p.m. $20 (pre-sale tickets), $25 (day of the show), $60 (Lone Star College four-pack), $65 (VIP admission). Sam Houston Race Park, 7575 N. Sam Houston Parkway W., Houston. 281-807-8700. www.ziegenbockfestivalhouston.com

Pumpkin Patch - Sept. 27–Oct. 26

Take pictures in the pumpkin patch while looking for the perfect pumpkin at Blessington Farms. Families can also take part in the Fall Harvest Festivities, including hayrides, a hay maze, giant slides, barrel train rides, pedal cars, Sand Mountain and getting up close with heritage chickens. Admission is $8 per person and children under 18 months are free. Pumpkins are priced per pound. 510 Chisholm Road, Simonton, 77476. 832-444-8717. www.blessingtonfarms.com

Living History Festival - Oct. 26

Families can discover more than 150 years of Texas history at the 30th annual Texian Market Days festival. The event features lots of hands-on activities, battle re-enactments, live entertainment, food, craft vendors and more. The festival offers families an affordable and educational weekend immersed in Texas history. The Fort Bend County Museum Association puts on the event on the grounds of the 480-acre George Ranch Historical Park. $10 (adults) $5 (children ages 5 to 15) Free (ages four and under). www.texianmarketdays.com. www.georgeranch.org

Fall Festival & Craft Show - Oct. 5

Area residents are invited to come shop the crafts and enjoy barbecue at St. Paul's Episcopal Church annual Fall Festival and Craft Show. In addition to checking out the crafts, there will be activities for children. Free. 9 a.m.–4 p.m. 5373 Franz Road Katy. For more information call the church office at 281-391-2785. www.stpaulskaty.org

Founder's Day Festival - Oct. 5

From 9 a.m.–10 p.m. St. Edith Stein Catholic Church will host a festival featuring live bands and entertainment, raffle prizes, international food booths, children's games, bingo, and other activities. Festival-goers can peruse the Country Store, Sweet Shoppe, Beer Garden and other attractions. 3311 N. Fry Road, Katy. 281-492-7500. www.stedithstein.org

Saint Katharine Drexel Bazaar - Oct. 20

The church's annual bazaar includes a barbecue dinner from 11 a.m.–1 p.m., a live auction from 1–6 p.m. and raffle drawing following the live auction. Additionally, there will be games, food booths and a silent auction. 11 a.m.–6 p.m. Free. 22892 Mack Washington Lane, Hempstead. 979-826-2275. www.stkatedrexel.org

FallFest - Oct. 20

CrossPoint Community Church hosts its annual FallFest celebration, featuring laser tag, a trick or treat alley, live music, food trucks, pony rides, a costume contest and inflatable games. The church also collects donations for its food pantry during the event. 6–9 p.m. Free. CrossPoint Community Church, 700 S. Westgreen Blvd., Katy. 281-398-6464. www.crosspt.org

Island Oktoberfest - Oct. 25–26

Live entertainment, vendor booths, children's activities, and German food and spirits encompass the annual event in Galveston, which attracts more than 15,000 visitors. A sausage dinner is considered the traditional festival fare, but the event also boasts homemade cakes, strudel and apple cake. Various types of beer are available at the festival as well, including German beer and seasonal beer. 5–11 p.m. (Oct. 25), 11 a.m.–11 p.m. (Oct. 26). Free. First Lutheran Church grounds and the streets adjacent to 24th Street and Winnie Street, 2415 Ave. G, Galveston. 409-762-8477. www.galvestonoktoberfest.com

Houston Margarita Festival - Oct. 26

Festival-goers can sample more than a dozen types of margaritas during the second annual event. Vendor booths with different types of cuisine are also on-site during the festival, along with live music throughout the day, ranging from jazz to salsa. Discovery Green, 1500 McKinney St., Houston. www.houstonmargaritafestival.com

Howl-O-Ween Fest -Oct. 26

The master-planned community of Bridgeland hosts the fifth annual event featuring animal performances, a dog fashion show, the Splash Dogs competition and the inaugural Ruff Run competition. Several rescue groups will be at the festival for families interested in taking home a new pet. About 10 food trucks will also be on-site, including Chi'lantro BBQ, Bernies Burger Bus, Frosted Betty and Kona Ice. 9 a.m. (Ruff Run), 10 a.m.–4 p.m. (festival). Free. Oak Meadow Park, 17730 House Hahl Road, Cypress. 281-213-1143. www.bridgeland.com/howl-o-ween-fest

Boo Bash - Oct. 27

Children 12 and under can trick or treat at the outdoor market and participate in activities, such as face painting, balloon animals, live entertainment and a maze. Visitors can also spend the afternoon shopping at any of the vendor booths throughout Trader's Village. 1–4 p.m. Free (admission), $3 (parking). Trader's Village, 7979 N. Eldridge Parkway, Houston. 281-890-5500. www.tradersvillage.com

Nutcracker Market - Nov. 7–10

Hundreds of merchants and vendors have products on display and for sale at the annual event presented by the Houston Ballet. There are several special events during the market, including a Saks Fifth Avenue fashion show and luncheon, Macy's fashion show and holiday brunch and a Wells Fargo preview party. Proceeds from the event benefit the Houston Ballet's scholarship program. 10 a.m.–8 p.m. (Nov. 7–8), 10 a.m.–6 p.m. (Nov. 9–10). $13 (pre-sale), $14 (at the door). Reliant Center, One Reliant Park, Houston. 713-535-3231. www.houstonballet.org

This list is not a comprehensive list of area festivals or events.