FALL FESTIVALS
When the weather starts to turn cool and the leaves change color residents of Central Texas can find fall festivals full of hayrides, corn mazes, music and more. This is a guide to family-friendly fall festivals in the area, all within a short drive of Round Rock, Pflugerville or Hutto.
October
Through 6, 8-13, 15-20, 22-27, 29-31, Nov. 1-3, 5-8 [polldaddy poll=9103938]
Harvest the Fall Fun: Sweet Berry Farms hosts this event with a variety of fall-themed games and events. Children and adults can partake in stuffing a scarecrow, hayrides, the ‘Texas’ Hayfield Maze for ages 6 and older, eat homemade ice cream including a pumpkin pie flavor and more. The Pumpkin Grille will serve lunch on weekend days. Pets are not allowed at the event. 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. (Mon.-Tue., Thu.-Sat.), 11 a.m.-5 p.m. (Sun.). Free (admission), $2-$16.50 (per event within festival). 1801 FM 1980, Marble Falls. www.sweetberryfarm.com
Through 4, 10-12, 17-18, 24-25, 31, Nov. 1, 7-8
[caption id="attachment_96095" align="alignright" width="460"]
Elgin CHRISTmas Tree Farm Pumpkin Festival[/caption]
The Fall Festival & Great Pumpkin Maze at Barton Hill Farms: A custom, 5-acre corn maze is among the main attractions at this annual festival, organized by Bastrop-based Barton Hill Farms. The theme of the festival is based on the “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” television special. Craig Swanson, Barton Hill Farms co-owner, said the festival is a way for parents to share their childhood memories with their children. Other activities include a flashlight maze, country and bluegrass performed live every day, a pumpkin patch, pumpkin painting and kayaking on the Colorado River, as well as food and beverages, including barbecue, meat pies, sausage wraps, desserts, kettle corn and adult beverages. 10 a.m.-10 p.m. (Sat.), 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (Sun. and Columbus Day). $7-$15 ($1 discounts available online). Barton Hill Farms, 1115 FM 969, Bastrop. www.bartonhillfarms.com
Through 11, 17-18
Elgin CHRISTmas Tree Farm Pumpkin Festival: The 13th annual pumpkin festival kicks off during the second weekend of October. Event-goers can take part in pumpkin painting, listen to bluegrass music, and eat Elgin sausage and baked goods. Hayrides, mazes and pumpkin painting are included with the price of admission. 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. (Oct. 10 and 17), noon-5:30 p.m. (Oct. 11 and 18). $6 (children ages 2-12), $8 (age 13 and older). 120 Nature’s Way, Elgin. www.elginchristmastreefarm.com
[caption id="attachment_96094" align="alignright" width="460"]
Dia de los Muertos Festival[/caption]
Dia de los Muertos Festival: Bright colors, skeletons and dancing will be on hand at this annual festival, organized by Easter Seals Central Texas. The event is a nod to Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, a Mexican holiday in which family and friends who have died are remembered. Guests can witness live music, performances and art while children play in a children’s zone. Food and beverages are available. Proceeds from the festival benefit Easter Seals Central Texas, which aims to create opportunities for people with disabilities. Noon-10 p.m. Free (children age 12 and younger when an adult ticket is purchased), $15 (presale general admission), $100 (VIP). Fiesta Gardens West End, 2101 Jesse E. Segovia St., Austin. 512-615-6800. www.easterseals.com
The Great Pumpkin Festival: Saint Richard’s Episcopal Church hosts the annual fall festival, which features a pumpkin patch, live music, carnival games, pony rides and a petting zoo. Mobile vendors provide food at the event. Musical acts The Lost and Nameless Orchestra and Paul Van perform. 2:30-6:30 p.m. Free. Saint Richard’s Episcopal Church, 1420 E. Palm Valley Blvd., Round Rock. 512-255-5436. www.saintrichards.org
Through 25
[caption id="attachment_96096" align="alignright" width="460"]
Pecan Fest[/caption]
Pecan Fest 2015: This Seguin festival in celebration of pecans kicks off with ghost tours at the Magnolia Hotel and Mosheim Mansion. The next day’s events include a beer and wine garden, live music, dancing, food booths, more than 80 arts and crafts booths, pecan-based baked goods and a pumpkin decorating contest. A pecan pie contest and Tour de Pecan Bike Ride take place at Power Plant Texas Grill on the Guadalupe River, where attendees can also go tubing. Day Three features riverside cemetery tours, and actors play the part of eight prominent Seguin citizens. Evening (Oct. 23), 9 a.m.-midnight (Oct. 24), 1:30-3:30 p.m. (Oct. 25). Free (some activities), Cost TBD (cemetary tours). Central Park in Downtown Seguin (live music, beer and wine garden, and booths); Power Plant Texas Grill, 2006 Stockdale Hwy., Seguin (pecan pie contest and bike ride); Magnolia Hotel, 203 S. Crockett St., Seguin (ghost tours); Riverside Cemetery, 201 E. Klein St., Seguin (cemetery tours). 800-580-7322. www.seguingonuts.com
The Round Rock Parks and Recreation Free Fall Fun Festival 2015: The Monster Mash-themed festival features carnival games, hayrides, cookies and punch, and storytime. Guests are encouraged to bring a canned item for the Round Rock Area Serving Center. 9-11:30 a.m. Free. Old Settlers Park, 3300 E. Palm Valley Blvd., Round Rock. 512-218-3220 or 512-218-5540. www.roundrockrecreation.com
November
[caption id="attachment_96098" align="alignright" width="460"]
Great Pumpkin Festival[/caption]
Farmshare Austin Harvest Festival and Farmer Olympics: Local food, family-friendly activities, live music and an olympic event are among the festivities at the farm’s annual harvest festival. Farmshare Austin, a nonprofit organization, aims to improve food security in the community by preserving farmland, training farmers and increasing access to organic food. An egg toss and wheelbarrow race are among the games in which guests can participate on the 3-acre farm. Pets are not allowed at the event. Noon-4 p.m. Free. 3608 River Road, Cedar Creek. www.farmshareaustin.org
HAUNTED HOUSES & HALLOWEEN FUN
For residents looking for a scare or thrill, the area offers haunted houses and other Halloween-themed events. Call ahead for questions about which houses and events are appropriate for which ages.
