Free family fun, holiday shopping and more: First United Methodist Church Missouri City's Fall Festival returns Nov. 14

First United Methodist Church Missouri City will host its 32nd annual Fall Festival on Nov. 14, bringing local families together for holiday shopping, homemade food and free carnival entertainment while raising funds for community outreach.

From 10 a.m.-4 p.m., visitors can explore approximately 70 vendors, enjoy a free children's carnival midway and sample homemade favorites from Aunt Hattie's Bakery and the church's Tea Room.

What can visitors expect?

From free children's activities to holiday shopping and homemade treats, the Fall Festival offers something for all ages. Highlights include:

• Free carnival midway: Games, bounce houses, inflatables, rope bridge, face painting and art activities

• Holiday marketplace: Approximately 70 vendors offering handcrafted gifts, jewelry, clothing, seasonal decorations and specialty products

• Silent auction: Opportunities to bid on donated gift cards, experiences, gift baskets and other items

• Food and refreshments: Outdoor food trucks and an indoor Tea Room serving lunch and desserts

• Aunt Hattie's Bakery: Homemade pies, cakes, cookies and other baked goods, including sugar-free and gluten-free options

The festival began as a small outdoor gathering but expanded indoors after an unexpected rainstorm forced organizers to relocate vendors. The change allowed the event to accommodate more booths and operate rain or shine, helping it grow into an annual tradition that supports community and church initiatives.

How does the festival give back to Fort Bend County?

Beyond providing family-friendly entertainment, the Fall Festival raises funds for church-supported missions, local outreach programs and unexpected facility needs.

Organizations and initiatives supported by the church include:

• Local nonprofits: Fort Bend Family Promise and East Fort Bend Human Needs Ministry, which help families facing housing insecurity and other financial hardships

• Armstrong Elementary School: Classroom activities, staff appreciation events and ongoing volunteer support, including reading assistance for students

• Higher education: Contributions to the Wiley University Endowment Fund in Marshall, Texas, supporting scholarships and university operations

• Church facility needs: Funding for unexpected repairs, equipment replacements and improvements not covered by the church's regular budget

The festival also brings together local organizations and young volunteers. Members of Boy Scout Troop 103, local Girl Scout and Cub Scout troops, and the Fort Bend Boys Choir help operate carnival games, while Fort Bend ISD high school students earn service hours by volunteering.

Local businesses donate gift cards and other items for the silent auction, further connecting the festival to the community it supports.

What should visitors know?

The festival is open to everyone, regardless of church membership. Admission, parking and carnival activities are free, while food, vendor purchases and silent auction bids cost extra.

Visitors can park on church grounds, while volunteers have designated off-site parking and shuttle services.

Community members interested in volunteering or participating as vendors can find information on the church's website.

Following the festival, the church will hold a combined worship service Sunday, Nov. 15, at 10 a.m. to celebrate the weekend's community involvement.

Event details:

• Date: Saturday, Nov. 14

• Time: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

• Location: 3900 Lexington Blvd., Missouri City

• Website: www.fumcmc.org/fall-festival/

Frequently asked questions