Fall is one of the best times of year for families in Houston and the surrounding communities, with dozens of fall festivals, pumpkin patches, church fall festivals, harvest celebrations, county fairs, hayrides, corn mazes and family-friendly fall events across Houston, Katy, Fulshear, Richmond, Rosenberg, Sugar Land, Brookshire and West Houston. Whether you’re searching for the best fall festivals in Houston, pumpkin patches near Houston or Katy, a free church fall festival, a weekend trip to the farm, or simply fun things to do with kids this fall, our 2026 Houston fall festival guide brings together more than 35 of the area’s best fall events from September through November. From neighborhood church festivals to sprawling pumpkin farms and major Houston-area attractions, there’s something here for virtually every family, age and budget.

Fall Fun at a Glance: Our Top Picks for 2026

With more than 35 fall festivals, pumpkin patches and family events to choose from, these are some of the standout experiences across Katy, Fulshear, Fort Bend County, West Houston and the greater Houston area.

Best Overall Fall Experience: Dewberry Farm Fall Festival, Brookshire
With a massive pumpkin patch, 8-acre corn maze, farm animals, seasonal food and more than 40 rides and attractions, Dewberry Farm offers one of the most complete fall experiences near Houston.

Best Pumpkin Patch & Farm Experience: Blessington Farms, Simonton
Just minutes from Fulshear, Blessington Farms combines its fall pumpkin patch with more than 20 farm attractions, seasonal photo opportunities, pumpkin painting and plenty of activities for younger children.

Best Local Festival: Katy Rice Harvest Festival, Katy
One of Katy’s signature annual celebrations, the Katy Rice Harvest Festival brings live music, a carnival, food, vendors, children’s activities and the city’s agricultural heritage together in Historic Downtown Katy.

Best Fort Bend Tradition: Fort Bend County Fair & Rodeo, Rosenberg
Rodeo action, livestock shows, carnival rides, live entertainment, food and decades of Fort Bend County tradition make this one of the area’s biggest fall events.

Best Church Fall Festival: St. Bartholomew the Apostle Fall Festival, Katy
This two-day November celebration offers food, games, vendors, live music and family activities, making it one of the larger church fall festivals in the Katy area.

Best Free Family Event: Sugar Land Fall Fest, Sugar Land
Hayrides, live music, face painting, fall photo opportunities and an artisan market make Sugar Land’s annual celebration an excellent choice for families looking for fall fun without a large admission bill.

Best Worth-the-Drive Experience: Texas Renaissance Festival, Todd Mission
One of the largest Renaissance festivals in the nation transforms hundreds of acres into an elaborate medieval world of entertainment, food, shopping, costumed performers and themed weekends throughout the fall.

Fall Festivals & Family Events in Katy

Katy Rice Harvest Festival

One of Katy’s signature annual traditions returns to Historic Downtown Katy for two days of live music, carnival rides, food, shopping and family fun. The 2026 Katy Rice Harvest Festival features more than 100 vendors, an agriculture adventure area, exhibits and a toddler zone, with country favorites Lonestar headlining Saturday and Neal McCoy on Sunday. The festival celebrates Katy’s agricultural roots while offering plenty for both children and adults. 

Location: Historic Downtown Katy
Address: 901 Avenue C, Katy, TX 77493
Dates: October 10–11, 2026
Hours: Saturday, 10 a.m.–10 p.m.; Sunday, noon–6 p.m.
Cost: $15 ages 13 and older; children 12 and under free. Carnival rides are additional.
Best For: All ages
Phone: 281-391-4800
Highlights: Carnival • Live music • 100+ vendors • Food • Agriculture area • Toddler zone 

Katy Rice Harvest Festival Parade

The celebration actually begins a week before the main festival with the Katy Rice Harvest Festival Parade through Historic Downtown Katy. This longtime community tradition brings together local organizations, businesses and residents to celebrate Katy’s heritage before the festival weekend. Families who enjoy hometown parades can attend this event separately and then return the following weekend for the full Rice Harvest Festival.

Location: Historic Downtown Katy
Date: October 3, 2026
Time: 9 a.m.
Cost: Free to watch
Best For: All ages
Phone: 281-391-4800
Highlights: Community parade • Katy history • Family-friendly atmosphere 

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church Fall Festival & Craft Show

St. Paul’s annual Fall Festival & Craft Show offers a relaxed, community-centered day of shopping, food and children’s activities in Katy. More than 50 vendors typically fill the festival with handmade goods, gifts and other items, while an expanded children’s area includes a train and additional activities. Food is available during the event, including hot dogs and pork or brisket sandwiches, making this an easy Saturday outing for families. 

Location: St. Paul’s Episcopal Church
Address: 5373 Franz Road, Katy, TX 77493
Date: October 3, 2026
Hours: 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
Cost: Festival admission not announced; food and vendor purchases additional
Best For: Families, children and shoppers
Phone: 281-391-2785
Highlights: 50+ vendors • Children’s train • Kids’ activities • Crafts • Food 

St. Peter’s UMC Pick-A-Dilly Market & Pumpkin Patch

St. Peter’s United Methodist Church turns its Kingsland Campus into a sprawling fall marketplace for its annual Pick-A-Dilly Market. Nearly 1,000 community members attend the event, which features more than 100 indoor and outdoor vendors, crafts, food, live music, holiday decorations and a pumpkin patch. Proceeds support St. Peter’s Missions Ministry, so families can enjoy a fall outing while helping fund local and broader community outreach. 

Location: St. Peter’s United Methodist Church, Kingsland Campus
Address: 20775 Kingsland Blvd., Katy, TX 77450
Date: October 17, 2026
Hours: 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Cost: Not announced
Best For: All ages, families and shoppers
Phone: 281-492-8031
Highlights: Pumpkin patch • 100+ vendors • Crafts • Food • Live music • Holiday shopping 

Trinity Baptist Church Fall Festival

Trinity Baptist Church of Katy hosts a free fall evening designed especially for families with children. The 2026 festival includes bounce houses, a hayride, face painting, toddler games, story time, music, Gaga Ball, a photo booth and concessions. The church also hosts a trunk-or-treat as part of the festivities. With activities ranging from quieter options for little ones to outdoor attractions for older children, this is one of Katy’s more activity-packed free church fall festivals. 

Location: Trinity Baptist Church of Katy
Address: 10000 Spring Green Blvd., Katy, TX 77494
Date: October 24, 2026
Hours: 4:30–6 p.m.
Cost: Free
Best For: Families with toddlers through elementary-age children; all ages welcome
Phone: 281-579-6724
Highlights: Hayride • Bounce houses • Face painting • Toddler games • Story time • Music • Photo booth • Trunk-or-treat 

First Baptist Katy Fall Festival

First Baptist Katy brings families together for its annual Fall Festival in late October. The event is part of the church’s 2026 family and children’s calendar and offers Katy-area families another faith-centered alternative for celebrating the season. Because the church has not yet published a detailed activity lineup, admission information or other festival specifics for 2026, families should watch for additional details as the date approaches rather than relying on information from previous years. 

Location: First Baptist Katy
Address: 600 Pin Oak Road, Katy, TX 77494
Date: October 21, 2026
Hours: 5:30–7:30 p.m.
Cost: Not announced
Best For: Families and children
Phone: 281-391-1100
Highlights: Fall festival • Family activities; additional 2026 details not announced 

St. Bartholomew the Apostle Fall Festival

St. Bartholomew the Apostle Catholic Church closes out the local fall-festival season with a two-day celebration in November. The parish describes the weekend as a celebration of faith, fellowship and community, with food, games, vendors and live music. A festival raffle features several prizes, including a 2026 Subaru Crosstrek as the grand prize. With Saturday evening festivities followed by a full day on Sunday, this is one of the larger church fall festivals on the Katy calendar. 

Location: St. Bartholomew the Apostle Catholic Church
Address: 5356 11th Street, Katy, TX 77493
Dates: November 14–15, 2026
Hours: Saturday, 6–10 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.–6:30 p.m.
Cost: Festival admission not announced
Best For: All ages and families
Phone: 281-391-4758
Highlights: Food • Games • Vendors • Live music • Festival raffle • Faith and fellowship 

Smith Ranch Fall Festival & Vendor Market

Smith Ranch brings a country-style fall celebration to Katy with a mix of shopping, ranch activities and family entertainment. The 2026 Fall Festival & Vendor Market features local vendors, fall crafts, ranch animals, inflatables, pony rides and paddleboats when weather permits, along with food and seasonal activities. Families can also shop for pumpkins and fall finds while supporting local businesses. Best of all, admission to the festival is free. 

Location: Smith Ranch
Address: 25440 Beckendorff Road, Katy, TX 77493
Date: September 26, 2026
Hours: 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
Cost: Free admission; individual activities, food and purchases may cost extra
Best For: Families, young children and shoppers
Phone: 281-371-3318
Highlights: Pumpkins • Ranch animals • Pony rides • Inflatables • Fall crafts • Paddleboats • Local vendors • Food 

Boots & Brews: Katy Rice Harvest Festival Kickoff

Historic Downtown Katy gets an early taste of Rice Harvest Festival season with Boots & Brews, an evening of Texas country music, local brews, food and dancing under the lights. The 2026 event features live performances by Holly Tucker and Hayden Baker, along with food vendors, local makers and businesses. Proceeds help provide scholarships for local students through the Katy Rice Harvest Festival, making this an entertaining night out with a community purpose. 

Location: Historic Town Square
Address: 910 Avenue C, Katy, TX 77493
Date: September 12, 2026
Hours: 7–10 p.m.
Cost: Free admission; food, beverages and other purchases additional
Best For: Families, adults and country-music fans
Phone: 281-391-4800
Highlights: Live Texas country music • Dancing • Craft beer • Food • Mechanical bull • Family activities • Scholarship fundraiser 

Fall Festivals, Pumpkin Patches & Family Events in Fulshear, Brookshire & Simonton

Dewberry Farm Fall Festival

Just west of Katy in Brookshire, Dewberry Farm is one of the Houston area’s biggest fall destinations. Families can explore a Texas-sized pumpkin patch, tackle an 8-acre corn maze, meet barnyard animals and enjoy more than 40 rides and attractions. A life-sized pumpkin house provides a popular fall photo stop, while weekend fireworks add another reason to stay into the evening. Pumpkins are available for purchase separately. 

Location: Dewberry Farm
Address: 7705 FM 362, Brookshire, TX 77423
Dates: September 12–November 8, 2026
Hours: Vary by operating date
Cost: Current general admission varies by ticket/date; children 2 and under are free; parking is free
Best For: All ages, especially families with children
Phone: 281-934-3276
Highlights: Pumpkin patch • 8-acre corn maze • 40+ rides and attractions • Barnyard animals • Pumpkin house • Fireworks • Fall food
Good to Know: The farm is largely cashless. Pumpkins and several activities, including pony rides, pumpkin painting and gemstone mining, cost extra. 

Blessington Farms Fall on the Farm

Located in Simonton near Fulshear, Blessington Farms offers a more intimate farm-style fall experience with plenty to keep younger children busy. Its 2026 fall season includes a pumpkin patch, seasonal photo opportunities and pumpkin painting, while Farm Funland features more than 20 activities such as a jump pad, Slide Mountain, fossil digging, gemstone mining and a barrel train. Pumpkins range from small take-home finds to larger carving-size selections. 

Location: Blessington Farms
Address: 510 Chisolm Trail, Simonton area, TX
Dates: September 19–November 22, 2026
Hours: Vary by operating date
Cost: General admission varies; pumpkins $2.50–$12.99; pumpkin painting $6
Best For: Families with toddlers through elementary-age children; all ages welcome
Phone: 832-444-8717
Highlights: Pumpkin patch • 20+ farm activities • Fall photo opportunities • Barrel train • Jump pad • Fossil digging • Pumpkin painting 

Fulshear Scarecrow Festival

Fulshear’s community fall celebration brings the season to Fulshear High School with activities centered on families and children. The 2026 Scarecrow Festival is scheduled to feature a Kid Zone, pumpkin patch and the always-popular scarecrow contest, giving families a shorter and more locally focused alternative to the large all-day farm attractions. The Fulshear Regional Chamber of Commerce organizes the event, making it one of the area’s signature community fall traditions. 

Location: Fulshear High School
Address: 9302 Charger Way, Fulshear, TX 77441
Date: October 24, 2026
Hours: 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
Cost: Not announced
Best For: Families and children
Phone: 832-600-3221
Highlights: Pumpkin patch • Kid Zone • Scarecrow contest • Family activities • Community festival
Good to Know: The Chamber’s event header and registration system both list Saturday, October 24, although descriptive text on the event page contains an apparent October 26 typo. 

Fulshear’s Folly Fall Concert

Fulshear’s Folly returns in 2026 as a revived community tradition celebrating the city’s small-town roots. The fall concert at the Fulshear Municipal Complex features live performances by Original Remnants and Diamond West, along with food, drinks, local vendors, shopping and a kid-friendly activity area. The event traces its roots to community barbecues and picnics held in Fulshear beginning in the 1940s, giving this modern fall celebration a little local history along with entertainment. 

Location: Fulshear Municipal Complex
Address: 6611 W. Cross Creek Bend Lane, Fulshear, TX 77441
Date: October 10, 2026
Hours: 4–8 p.m.
Cost: Not announced
Best For: All ages and families
Phone: 281-346-1796
Highlights: Live music • Kids’ activities • Food • Drinks • Local vendors • Shopping • Fulshear history 

Brookwood Annual Fall Fest

Just west of Katy, Brookwood Gift & Garden Center welcomes fall with three days of shopping with a purpose. Brookwood’s 2026 Fall Fest features artisan vendors offering handcrafted gifts, seasonal décor and one-of-a-kind finds, along with the Gift & Garden Center’s plants, home décor and Citizen-made products. Visitors can also make a day of it with lunch at The Brookwood Café. Purchases help support The Brookwood Community, a faith-centered nonprofit serving adults with disabilities. 

Location: Brookwood Gift & Garden Center & Café
Address: 1502 FM 1489, Brookshire, TX 77423
Dates: September 10–12, 2026
Hours: 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Cost: Free admission; shopping and dining additional
Best For: Adults, families, shoppers and older children
Phone: 281-375-2149
Highlights: Artisan vendors • Fall décor • Plants • Handcrafted gifts • Citizen-made products • On-site café 

Brookwood Succulent Pumpkin Workshop

For something different from the traditional pumpkin patch, Brookwood combines pumpkins and gardening in one of its most popular seasonal workshops. Participants create their own succulent pumpkin centerpiece under the guidance of Brookwood’s horticulture team, blending live succulents with the colors and textures of fall. Ten sessions are scheduled over two days, making this a particularly good choice for adults, friends, mothers and daughters, or anyone looking for a hands-on fall activity rather than another festival. 

Location: Brookwood Gift & Garden Center & Café
Address: 1502 FM 1489, Brookshire, TX 77423
Dates: October 9–10, 2026
Hours: Multiple workshop sessions; select a session when registering
Cost: $45 per participant
Best For: Adults, teens and older children who enjoy crafts and gardening
Phone: 281-375-2149
Highlights: Succulent pumpkins • Hands-on workshop • Fall centerpiece • Horticulture instruction • Take-home creation 

Fall Festivals & Family Events in Richmond, Rosenberg & Sugar Land

Fort Bend County Fair & Rodeo

A Fort Bend County tradition since 1933, the Fort Bend County Fair & Rodeo brings together the classic ingredients of a Texas fall: carnival rides, livestock, rodeo competition, live entertainment, fair food, shopping and activities for children. The 2026 festivities begin with BBQ Weekend before the main fair opens September 24, followed by more than a week of attractions and competitions. The PRCA Rodeo closes out the celebration October 1–4 with professional cowboys and cowgirls competing in events including bull riding, barrel racing and bronc riding.

Location: Fort Bend County Fairgrounds
Address: 4310 Highway 36 South, Rosenberg, TX 77471
Dates: BBQ Weekend September 18–19; Fair & Rodeo September 24–October 4, 2026
Hours: Vary by date and activity
Cost: Varies by date; carnival rides and some attractions are additional
Best For: All ages
Phone: 281-342-6171
Highlights: Carnival • PRCA Rodeo • Livestock • Live entertainment • Fair food • Shopping • Kids’ activities • Agriculture exhibits
Good to Know: The fair offers a Sensory Calm Down Corral for guests who may need a quieter break from the crowds, lights and sounds.

George Ranch Frontier Days

Texas history comes alive during Frontier Days at The George Ranch in Richmond. This annual fall festival goes well beyond a traditional museum visit with cattle-working demonstrations, historic home tours, battle reenactments, games, vendors, food trucks, music, entertainment and hands-on activities. Costumed interpreters and reenactors help families experience different periods of Texas history while exploring the historic ranch. For children who enjoy cowboys, cattle and history, this is one of Fort Bend County’s most distinctive fall events.

Location: The George Ranch
Address: 10215 FM 762 Road, Richmond, TX 77469
Date: November 14, 2026
Hours: Event hours not announced
Cost: 2026 tickets not yet announced
Best For: Families and school-age children; history and Texas enthusiasts
Phone: 281-343-0218
Highlights: Cattle demonstrations • Battle reenactments • Historic homes • Games • Vendors • Food trucks • Live music • Hands-on history
Good to Know: Frontier Days is largely an outdoor experience, so comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended.

Sugar Land Fall Fest

Sugar Land kicks off the season with a free community celebration at Sugar Land Town Square. Fall Fest combines hayrides, face painting, live music and autumn-themed photo opportunities with an artisan market and food vendors. Its central location and relatively short five-hour schedule make it an easy option for families that want seasonal activities without committing an entire day to a farm or large amusement attraction. The event is presented by the City of Sugar Land Parks & Recreation Department.

Location: Sugar Land Town Square
Address: 2711 Plaza Drive, Sugar Land, TX 77479
Date: September 19, 2026
Hours: 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
Cost: Free admission; food and purchases additional
Best For: All ages and families with children
Phone: 281-275-2825
Highlights: Hayrides • Face painting • Live music • Fall photo areas • Artisan market • Food • Family activities
Good to Know: Free garage parking is available around Sugar Land Town Square, while some street parking is metered.

Holy Cross Episcopal Church Pumpkin Patch

Holy Cross Episcopal Church brings a traditional pumpkin-patch experience to Sugar Land with a weekend designed around families, children and fall fun. The church’s 18th annual Pumpkin Patch features Texas-grown pumpkins, hayrides, pumpkin decorating, face painting, a bounce house, family photo opportunities, live entertainment and food. Admission is free, making this one of the more budget-friendly fall outings in Fort Bend County, although pumpkins, food and some activities may require an additional purchase.

Location: Holy Cross Episcopal Church
Address: 5653 W. Riverpark Drive, Sugar Land, TX 77479
Dates: October 17–18, 2026
Hours: Saturday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.; Sunday, noon–4 p.m.
Cost: Free admission; pumpkins, food and some activities additional
Best For: Families with toddlers through elementary-age children; all ages welcome
Phone: 281-633-2000
Highlights: Pumpkin patch • Hayrides • Pumpkin decorating • Bounce house • Face painting • Family photos • Live entertainment • Food

First Colony Bible Chapel Fall Festival

First Colony Bible Chapel hosts a free community Fall Festival with an emphasis on wholesome family fun. Children can enjoy games, bounce houses, face painting and decorated trunks while families gather for food and fellowship. The church specifically asks participants to keep costumes family-friendly and avoid scary costumes, making this an especially good option for families looking for a church-centered alternative to more Halloween-focused events.

Location: First Colony Bible Chapel
Address: 3610 Austin Parkway, Sugar Land, TX 77479
Date: October 24, 2026
Hours: 4–7 p.m.
Cost: Free
Best For: Families and children
Phone: 281-980-7070
Highlights: Games • Bounce houses • Face painting • Decorated trunks • Food • Family-friendly costumes • Church fellowship

George Ranch Little Wrangler’s Trick or Treat

The George Ranch offers younger children a history-filled alternative to a typical neighborhood trick-or-treat outing. Little Wrangler’s Trick or Treat combines seasonal fun with the ranch’s historic setting, giving families an opportunity to explore the property while children participate in special activities and collect treats. Because this event is specifically geared toward younger guests, it can be a good choice for parents looking for a daytime, family-oriented activity before evening festivities begin.

Location: The George Ranch
Address: 10215 FM 762 Road, Richmond, TX 77469
Date: October 31, 2026
Hours: Not announced
Cost: Not announced
Best For: Younger children and families
Phone: 281-343-0218
Highlights: Children’s activities • Treats • Historic ranch setting • Family fall fun
Good to Know: Additional 2026 event details have not yet been announced.

Fall Festivals & Family Events in West Houston

St. Jerome Catholic Community Fall Festival

St. Jerome Catholic Community celebrates a major milestone in 2026 with its 61st annual Fall Festival. This long-running West Houston tradition brings parish families and the surrounding community together for a full day of food, games, rides, live entertainment and family activities. With more than six decades of history behind it, St. Jerome’s festival offers the feel of an old-fashioned neighborhood church carnival and is one of the longest-running fall festivals included in our guide. 

Location: St Jerome Catholic Church
Address: 8825 Kempwood Drive, Houston, TX 77080
Date: September 27, 2026
Hours: Not announced
Cost: Not announced
Best For: All ages and families
Phone: 713-468-9555
Highlights: Games • Rides • Live entertainment • Food • Family activities • 61st annual celebration 

St. Maximilian Kolbe Annual Fall Festival

St Maximilian Kolbe Catholic Church hosts an all-day parish Fall Festival in northwest Houston with activities stretching from morning into the evening. The 2026 celebration includes numerous game and activity booths, including a ball toss, spin art, photo booth, rope-ladder challenge, toddler soft-play area and other attractions. The festival also features a raffle and an online silent auction, giving adults plenty to explore while children enjoy the games and activities. 

Location: St. Maximilian Kolbe Catholic Community
Address: 10135 West Road, Houston, TX 77064
Date: October 3, 2026
Hours: 10 a.m.–8 p.m.
Cost: Not announced
Best For: All ages, including families with younger children
Phone: 281-955-7324
Highlights: Games • Toddler play area • Spin art • Photo booth • Raffle • Silent auction • Food • Family activities 

Bayou City Art Festival at Memorial Park

One of Houston’s premier fall arts events returns to Memorial Park for three days in October. The Bayou City Art Festival transforms the park into a massive outdoor gallery featuring hundreds of juried artists working across 19 artistic disciplines. Beyond browsing and purchasing original artwork, visitors can enjoy live entertainment, food and interactive activities, including hands-on creative experiences for children. More than 20,000 people typically attend, making this one of the largest fall events in the West Houston area. 

Location: Memorial Park
Address: South Picnic Lane, Houston, TX 77007
Dates: October 9–11, 2026
Hours: 10 a.m.–6 p.m. daily
Cost: Adults $18 single-day or $30 weekend pass; children ages 6–12 $5; children 5 and under free
Best For: Families, adults, couples, art lovers and school-age children
Phone: 713-521-0133
Highlights: Hundreds of artists • Original artwork • Children’s creative activities • Live entertainment • Food • Outdoor festival
Good to Know: General parking is available at Delmar Stadium for $12 and includes shuttle service to and from the festival. 

Houston’s First Baptist Church Downtown Fall Festival

Houston’s First Baptist Church hosts a family-friendly Fall Festival at its Downtown Campus on the Friday before the final weekend of October. The evening event gives Houston families a church-centered way to enjoy the season together and is part of Houston’s First’s extensive children’s and family programming. The church has confirmed the date and hours for 2026, while additional details about activities and admission have not yet been announced. 

Location: Houston’s First Baptist Church, Downtown Campus
Date: October 30, 2026
Hours: 6–8:30 p.m.
Cost: Not announced
Best For: Families and children
Phone: 713-681-8000
Highlights: Fall festival • Church-centered family activities • Children’s activities; additional 2026 details not announced 

Houston’s First Fall Family Fun

Houston’s First continues the season into November with Fall Family Fun at its main Loop Campus on the Katy Freeway. The Saturday morning event is part of the church’s children’s ministry calendar and offers another fall outing specifically geared toward families. Because the church has confirmed the event but has not yet released a complete 2026 activity lineup, we recommend checking for updated details closer to the event rather than relying on information from previous years. 

Location: Houston’s First Baptist Church, The Loop Campus
Address: 7401 Katy Freeway, Houston, TX 77024
Date: November 7, 2026
Hours: 9:30–11:30 a.m.
Cost: Not announced
Best For: Families and children
Phone: 713-681-8000
Highlights: Fall family event • Children’s ministry activities; additional 2026 details not announced 

Houston-Area Fall Events Worth the Drive

Houston Pumpkin Festival at Discovery Green

Downtown Houston gets a full fall makeover when the Houston Pumpkin Festival transforms Discovery Green into a sprawling landscape of pumpkins, rides and colorful photo opportunities. Families can explore pumpkin houses and mosaics, ride the carousel, take boats onto Kinder Lake, race down a 30-foot slide and bounce on the giant Jumpkin’ Pumpkin. With the Houston skyline rising behind the displays, this is one of the area’s most visually impressive fall attractions and works equally well for families, couples and groups of friends. 

Location: Discovery Green
Address: 1500 McKinney Street, Houston, TX 77010
Dates: September 19–November 8, 2026
Hours: Monday–Thursday, 3–11 p.m.; Friday–Sunday, 10 a.m.–11 p.m.
Cost: $18 Monday–Thursday; $28 Friday–Sunday; children 3 and under free
Best For: All ages, families, couples and groups
Phone: 832-779-6790
Highlights: Pumpkins • Pumpkin houses • Carousel • Bumper boats • 30-foot slide • Jumpkin’ Pumpkin • Sunflower walk • Photo opportunities
Good to Know: Rides and boats are included with admission, while food is additional. Advance tickets are recommended because walk-up admission can be limited during busy periods. 

Houston Arboretum Bat Fest

Bats take center stage at the Houston Arboretum’s fifth annual Bat Fest, a free family event combining fall fun with hands-on nature education. Children can participate in bat-themed activities and crafts, listen to story time and learn why bats play such an important role in Houston-area ecosystems through pollination and natural pest control. Food trucks will also be on site, making this an easy Saturday outing for families looking for something educational, outdoors and a little different from the traditional pumpkin patch. 

Location: Houston Arboretum & Nature Center
Address: 4501 Woodway Drive, Houston, TX 77024
Date: September 26, 2026
Hours: 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Cost: Free; parking $6.50 per vehicle
Best For: All ages, especially families with elementary-age children
Phone: 713-681-8433
Highlights: Bat activities • Kids’ crafts • Story time • Nature education • Food trucks • Outdoor family fun
Good to Know: No registration is required, and all ages are welcome. 

Houston Arboretum ArBOOretum Fall Family Festival

The Houston Arboretum’s biggest family event of the year mixes fall traditions with nature and wildlife. ArBOOretum features live animal encounters, pumpkin decorating, face painting, train rides, lawn games, a photo booth and Houston’s only Trick-or-Treat Nature Trail. Costumes are encouraged, but the outdoor setting and nature-focused activities give this event plenty to enjoy beyond trick-or-treating. With activities designed for a wide range of ages, it is one of Houston’s larger fall family festivals. 

Location: Houston Arboretum & Nature Center
Address: 4501 Woodway Drive, Houston, TX 77024
Date: October 17, 2026
Hours: 10 a.m.–4 p.m.; last entry at 3 p.m.
Cost: $25 for ages 3 and older through October 16; $30 on event day; children under 3 free; Arboretum members free with registration
Best For: All ages, especially families with young and elementary-age children
Phone: 713-681-8433
Highlights: Pumpkin decorating • Live animals • Train rides • Face painting • Nature trail • Photo booth • Lawn games • Food trucks
Good to Know: Advance registration and a preferred arrival time are required. There is no public parking at the Arboretum during the event; off-site parking and shuttle service will be provided. The festival is held, rain or shine. 

The Original Greek Festival

One of Houston’s longest-running fall traditions celebrates its 60th anniversary in 2026 at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral. The Original Greek Festival fills three days with authentic Greek food and pastries, traditional dancing, live music, a marketplace, children’s activities and tours of the cathedral. Families can experience Greek Orthodox faith and culture while sampling favorites such as souvlaki and baklava. A petting zoo and inflatables add extra appeal for younger children. 

Location: Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral
Address: 3511 Yoakum Blvd., Houston, TX 77006
Dates: October 1–3, 2026
Hours: Thursday, 5–10:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m.–10:30 p.m.
Cost: $10 adults; children 12 and under free; free admission Friday from 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
Best For: All ages, families, couples and food and culture enthusiasts
Phone: 713-526-5377
Highlights: Greek food & pastries • Traditional dancing • Live music • Cathedral tours • Marketplace • Petting zoo • Inflatables • Family activities
Good to Know: Children’s activities, including the petting zoo and inflatables, are scheduled Friday evening and Saturday. Street parking is available in the surrounding area but posted parking restrictions are enforced. 

Faith City Church Family Fall Festival

Faith City Church in Cypress hosts a free Family Fall Festival packed with activities for children. The church’s 2026 event includes games, bounce houses, face painting, cotton candy, plenty of candy, music and a petting zoo, with food trucks available for families who want to grab dinner during the evening. With no admission charge and activities geared heavily toward kids, this is an easy option for families in Cypress, Katy and northwest Houston looking for a church-centered fall celebration. 

Location: Faith City Church
Address: 15010 Mueschke Road, Cypress, TX 77433
Date: October 31, 2026
Hours: 5–8 p.m.
Cost: Free; food truck purchases additional
Best For: Families and children
Phone: 936-293-0261
Highlights: Bounce houses • Petting Zoo • Games • Face painting • Cotton candy • Music • Candy • Food trucks 

Oil Ranch Fall Festival & Pumpkin Patch

For families willing to make the drive to Hockley, Oil Ranch delivers a full day of old-fashioned Texas farm fun. Its 2026 Fall Festival combines a pumpkin patch and seasonal photo opportunities with hayrides, train rides, farm animals, pony rides, a petting zoo, fishing, mini golf, a jumping attraction and other ranch activities. During October, children 12 and younger receive one free pumpkin with admission, making this one of the Houston area’s more substantial farm-style fall destinations. 

Location: Oil Ranch
Address: 23501 Macedonia Road, Hockley, TX 77447
Dates: October 2–November 21, 2026
Hours: Fridays, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.; Saturdays, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; Sundays in October, noon–5 p.m.
Cost: 2026 fall admission not yet announced
Best For: Families with toddlers through elementary-age children; all ages welcome
Phone: 281-859-1616
Highlights: Pumpkin patch • Hayrides • Train rides • Pony rides • Petting zoo • Farm animals • Fishing • Mini golf • Fall photo opportunities
Good to Know: Children 12 and younger receive one free pumpkin with admission during October. Oil Ranch is advertising a fall ticket sale beginning September 14, so we are not using its currently posted spring/summer prices as 2026 fall admission prices. 

Texas Renaissance Festival

For families ready to turn a fall outing into a full-day adventure, the Texas Renaissance Festival in Todd Mission is in a category of its own. The enormous 16th-century-style village comes alive with costumed performers, jousting, live shows, artisans, shops, food, games and themed weekends ranging from Oktoberfest and Pirate Adventure to Highland Fling and Celtic Christmas. The 2026 season runs for eight consecutive weekends, plus Thanksgiving Friday, giving families plenty of opportunities to make the trip. 

Location: Texas Renaissance Festival
Address: 21778 FM 1774, Todd Mission, TX 77363
Dates: Weekends, October 10–November 29, 2026, plus Friday, November 27
Hours: 9 a.m.–8 p.m.; gates close for entry at 7 p.m.
Cost: Date-specific pricing varies by weekend and advance purchase; children 4 and under are free every day, and children ages 5–12 are free on Sundays
Best For: Families, school-age children, teens and adults
Phone: 281-356-2178
Highlights: Jousting • Live entertainment • Costumed performers • Artisan shops • Themed weekends • Games • Festival food • Fireworks
Good to Know: This is a 55-acre outdoor festival with plenty of walking. Outside food and drinks generally are not permitted, although food for infants and toddlers and certain allergy-related foods are allowed. One unopened bottle of water per guest is permitted. 

Houston Zoo Spookie Fudge Stripes Safari

Houston Zoo adds a playful fall twist to a day of animal adventures with the Spookie Fudge Stripes Safari, running throughout September and October. Families follow clues around the Zoo, scan QR codes and answer questions while searching for stripes in a seasonal scavenger hunt presented by Keebler. The experience is included with regular Zoo admission, so there is no separate event ticket required. It’s an easy way to add a little fall fun to one of Houston’s most popular family attractions. 

Location: Houston Zoo
Address: 6200 Hermann Park Drive, Houston, TX 77030
Dates: September 1–October 31, 2026
Hours: Zoo hours are generally 9 a.m.–5 p.m.; last entry at 4 p.m.
Cost: Included with regular Zoo admission or membership; general admission prices vary by visit date
Best For: All ages, especially families with elementary-age children
Phone: 713-533-6500
Highlights: Fall scavenger hunt • Animals • Interactive clues • QR-code activities • Family-friendly exploration
Good to Know: Non-member guests should reserve timed admission online in advance. 

México en el Corazón at Discovery Green

More than 70 performers bring the color, music and traditions of Mexico to downtown Houston for México en el Corazón. This free cultural celebration showcases traditional Mexican dance, ballet folklórico, regional costumes and Indigenous traditions in an energetic evening performance. A special Flea by Night runs alongside the event with Latin food and local vendors. It’s a particularly strong fall outing for families interested in music, dance and Houston’s rich Mexican and Latino culture. 

Location: Discovery Green
Address: 1500 McKinney Street, Houston, TX 77010
Date: September 26, 2026
Hours: 7–10 p.m.; accompanying Flea by Night runs 6–10 p.m.
Cost: Free
Best For: All ages, families and anyone interested in Mexican culture, music and dance
Phone: 713-400-7336
Highlights: 70+ performers • Ballet folklórico • Traditional Mexican dance • Regional costumes • Indigenous traditions • Latin food • Local vendors 

St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church Fall Festival

St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church celebrates its 64th annual Fall Festival with a full day of faith, fellowship and family entertainment. The long-running parish tradition features live music and entertainment, food, games, bingo, a raffle and a dedicated children’s area. With a parish community of more than 4,000, this is one of the larger church festivals in the Houston area and offers families another late-season opportunity to enjoy fall festivities before the holiday season begins. 

Location: Saint Frances Cabrini Catholic Church
Address: 10727 Hartsook Street, Houston, TX 77034
Date: November 8, 2026
Hours: Not announced
Cost: Not announced
Best For: All ages and families
Phone: 713-946-5768
Highlights: Live music & entertainment • Food • Games • Bingo • Raffle • Kids’ area • 64th annual celebration
Good to Know: The church has confirmed the event and activities for 2026, but specific festival hours and admission information have not yet been announced. 

MFAH Fall Festival: Harvest | Cosecha

The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston celebrates fall with Harvest | Cosecha, a free family festival combining art, music, culture and the outdoors. The 2026 event celebrates the 40th anniversary of the Cullen Sculpture Garden and features large-scale works by Houston Latino artists, live music and dance, hands-on art activities, Lotería featuring works from the museum and short films from the Houston Latino Film Festival. Festival admission and general museum admission are free for the day.

Location: The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
Address: 1001 Bissonnet Street, Houston, TX 77005
Date: November 8, 2026
Hours: 1–5 p.m.; festival entrance opens at 12:30 p.m.
Cost: Free; special exhibitions are available at a discounted $10 admission
Best For: All ages, families, art lovers and families interested in Latino culture
Phone: 713-639-7300
Highlights: Live music • Dance performances • Art-making • Lotería • Latino art • Houston Latino Film Festival shorts • Cullen Sculpture Garden • Free museum admission
Good to Know: Advance free tickets are encouraged, although complimentary tickets will also be available at festival entrances and museum admission desks on the day of the event.

Armand Bayou Nature Center Annual Fall Festival

Families can step away from the city and into one of the Houston area’s largest urban wilderness preserves for Armand Bayou Nature Center’s annual Fall Festival. The two-day celebration combines old-fashioned fall fun with the center’s nature and history setting, including children’s games and crafts, wagon rides, live music and dancers, woodworking, blacksmithing, candle making, rope making, a pie-eating contest, food and handmade goods. It’s an especially good choice for families who enjoy outdoor activities and hands-on experiences.

Location: Armand Bayou Nature Center
Address: 8500 Bay Area Blvd., Pasadena, TX 77507
Dates: November 7–8, 2026
Hours: 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Cost: Members: $12 adults, $7 children ages 4–12 and seniors 60+; Non-members: $14 adults, $10 children ages 4–12 and seniors 60+
Best For: All ages, especially families and children who enjoy nature and hands-on activities
Phone: 281-474-2551
Highlights: Wagon rides • Children’s games & crafts • Live music • Blacksmithing • Candle making • Woodworking • Pie-eating contest • Food • Handmade goods
Good to Know: The Nature Center has more than five miles of walking trails, so comfortable shoes are a good idea if you plan to explore beyond the festival activities.

How to Choose the Best Fall Event for Your Family

With more than 35 fall festivals, pumpkin patches and family events across Katy, Fulshear, Richmond, Sugar Land and the Houston area, the best choice really depends on what kind of fall day your family has in mind.

For the classic pumpkin patch and farm experience, Dewberry Farm and Blessington Farms are two of the strongest choices, with pumpkins, outdoor attractions, photo opportunities and activities that can easily fill several hours.

Families looking for a big community festival close to home should consider the Katy Rice Harvest Festival, which combines carnival rides, live music, more than 100 vendors, food and children’s activities in Historic Downtown Katy.

If you’re trying to keep the family budget under control, look for the free church and community festivals throughout this guide. Several offer children’s activities and entertainment without an admission charge.

For younger children, pumpkin patches, church festivals and smaller community events may be easier than an enormous all-day festival. Older children and teenagers may enjoy the bigger attractions, rides, corn mazes, rodeos and the Texas Renaissance Festival.

Whatever you choose, check dates and hours before heading out. Fall weather, ticket availability and event schedules can change, especially later in the season.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fall Festivals & Pumpkin Patches Near Katy and Houston

What are the best pumpkin patches near Katy, Texas?

Two of the best pumpkin patch experiences near Katy are Dewberry Farm in Brookshire and Blessington Farms in Simonton. Both combine pumpkins with enough attractions to turn a quick pumpkin-shopping trip into a half-day or full-day family outing. Dewberry Farm offers its large fall festival, corn maze, rides, farm animals and numerous seasonal attractions, while Blessington Farms combines its pumpkin patch with more than 20 farm activities. Families looking for something smaller and closer to central Katy should also check the church and community pumpkin patches listed in this guide.

What are the best fall festivals in Katy, Texas?

The Katy Rice Harvest Festival remains one of the area’s signature fall traditions, taking over Historic Downtown Katy with live entertainment, carnival attractions, food, vendors and activities for children. Families should also watch for Katy’s numerous church fall festivals, including events at St. Bartholomew the Apostle Catholic Church, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, St. Peter’s United Methodist Church, Trinity Baptist Church and First Baptist Katy. Together, these events give Katy families fall activities stretching from September well into November.

Are there free fall festivals near Katy and West Houston?

Yes. Several events in this guide offer free admission, making it possible to enjoy a family fall outing without buying tickets for everyone in the family. Free events include Sugar Land Fall Fest, Trinity Baptist Church Fall Festival, Faith City Church Family Fall Festival and several community celebrations. Some free-admission festivals charge separately for food, rides, pumpkins, games or other activities, so families may still want to bring a little money.

Photo by Steven Aguilar on Unsplash

Where can families find pumpkin patches near Fulshear and Richmond?

Families in Fulshear, Richmond and western Fort Bend County have several options within an easy drive. Blessington Farms in the Simonton area is particularly convenient for families west of Katy and Fulshear, while Dewberry Farm in Brookshire is another major destination. Families willing to drive farther into Houston can also find seasonal pumpkin displays and fall activities at churches, museums, nature centers and other attractions included throughout this guide.

What are the best fall events for young children?

For toddlers and elementary-age children, smaller pumpkin patches, church festivals and farm attractions are often easier to navigate than enormous festivals. Look for events offering hayrides, barrel trains, petting zoos, pumpkin decorating, bounce houses, face painting, children’s games and photo areas. Blessington Farms, Dewberry Farm, Smith Ranch and many of the church festivals in this guide offer activities designed specifically with families and younger children in mind.

Parents of very young children may also want to consider event length, parking and walking distances. A two-hour church festival close to home can sometimes be a much happier family outing than an eight-hour excursion with a tired three-year-old.

What are the best fall events for teenagers and older children?

Older children and teenagers may prefer events with more action and variety. Dewberry Farm, the Fort Bend County Fair & Rodeo and the Texas Renaissance Festival are among the strongest choices for families with older children because they offer enough entertainment to fill a substantial portion of the day. Corn mazes, rides, live entertainment, rodeo events, games and large festival grounds can make these destinations more appealing to teens than a traditional pumpkin patch alone.

What is the best church fall festival near Katy?

There isn’t one answer for every family, but St. Bartholomew the Apostle Catholic Church Fall Festival is one of Katy’s longstanding church fall traditions and offers food, games, vendors, live music and other activities. Katy and West Houston also have several Protestant and Catholic church festivals throughout the season. Church festivals can be particularly appealing to families looking for a community-centered alternative to events built primarily around Halloween.

When does fall festival season begin in the Houston area?

Houston’s fall festival season begins surprisingly early. Some 2026 events start in September, with the calendar becoming especially busy during October and continuing into November. Because Houston temperatures can still feel like summer early in the season, families who prefer cooler weather may want to concentrate on late October and November events. However, waiting until late fall also means fewer remaining weekends to visit popular pumpkin patches and farms.

What should we bring to a Houston area fall festival or pumpkin patch?

Comfortable walking shoes are a must for large farms and festivals. Sunscreen and water are also useful because Houston’s September and October weather can remain warm even when the calendar says fall. For outdoor farm destinations, consider clothes and shoes that can handle dirt, grass and uneven ground.

Families should also check each event’s rules before leaving home. Some attractions have restrictions on outside food and drinks, require advance tickets, operate primarily cashless, or charge separately for parking and certain activities. For popular weekend events, purchasing tickets in advance can save time and reduce the possibility of arriving to find a preferred admission time unavailable.

What happens if it rains on the day of a fall festival?

Policies vary considerably. Some festivals continue rain or shine, while others may postpone activities, close temporarily because of lightning or cancel because of severe weather or muddy conditions. Outdoor farms can also modify individual attractions even when the property remains open.

Houston-area weather can change quickly, so families should check the event organizer’s latest information before leaving home, particularly when thunderstorms are in the forecast. This is especially important when driving from Katy or Fort Bend County to an event elsewhere in the Houston area.

How far in advance should families buy tickets?

For large, ticketed attractions such as Dewberry Farm, the Texas Renaissance Festival and other major destination events, buying ahead is a good idea, particularly for Saturdays and popular themed weekends. Smaller church and community festivals often don’t require advance admission at all.

If your family has only one particular Saturday available, reserve early when advance tickets are offered. Families with flexible schedules can sometimes avoid the largest crowds by visiting on Sundays, earlier in the day or during less popular weekends.

Are these fall events only for families with children?

Not at all. Although this guide emphasizes family-friendly activities, many of these events are just as enjoyable for couples, grandparents and groups of friends. Art festivals, cultural celebrations, live music, artisan markets, historical events, food festivals and the Texas Renaissance Festival have plenty to offer adults without children.

That’s one reason fall is such a good time to explore Katy, Fort Bend County and the greater Houston area. From a quiet afternoon picking pumpkins to a packed day of rides, rodeos, art, history, food and live entertainment, there is a fall outing for almost everyone.

Explore More Katy Christian Magazine Family Guides

Katy Christian Magazine publishes a growing collection of local guides designed to help families find churches, schools, ministries, children’s activities and other resources throughout Katy, Fulshear, Richmond and West Houston. Whether you’re new to the area, raising young children, looking for a church home or simply searching for something fun to do as a family, explore these guides next: 

• The Ultimate Guide to Things to Do with Kids in Katy, Fulshear & West Houston (2026)
• 51 Best Kids’ Birthday Party Places in Katy, Fulshear & West Houston (2026): Indoor & Outdoor Party Venues
• The Ultimate Guide to Christian & Catholic Churches in Katy, Texas (2026): Find a Church Home for Your Family
• The Ultimate Guide to Spanish-Speaking Churches in Katy & West Houston (2026)
• The Ultimate Guide to Christian & Catholic Schools in Katy, Texas (2026): Private Schools, Classical Education & More
• The Ultimate Guide to Preschools & Pre-K Programs in Katy, Texas (2026): Christian Schools, Montessori, Daycare, Mother’s Day Out & More
• The Ultimate Guide to Christian Homeschool, Hybrid & University-Model Schools in Katy, Fulshear & West Houston (2026)
• The Ultimate Guide to Children’s Ministries, Kids Church & Sunday School in Katy, Fulshear & West Houston (2026)
• The Ultimate Guide to Christian Youth Ministries in Katy, Fulshear & West Houston (2026)
• The Ultimate Guide to Christian College & Young Adult Ministries in Katy, Fulshear & West Houston (2026)
• Moving to Katy? A Christian Family Guide to Churches, Schools & Community Life

These guides cover everything from finding a church or Christian school to choosing a preschool, Mother’s Day Out program or homeschool option, connecting children and teenagers with Christian ministries, planning a birthday party and discovering family activities throughout the Katy area. 

Bookmark Katy Christian Magazine and check back throughout the year as we continue expanding and updating our family and community guides.

Planning Ahead for the Holidays?

Fall festival season leads directly into one of the busiest and most meaningful family seasons of the year. Katy Christian Magazine will also be covering the best Christmas lights, Christmas festivals, church Christmas celebrations, live Nativity events and family Christmas activities in Katy, Fulshear, Richmond, Sugar Land, West Houston and the greater Houston area for 2026.

From pumpkin patches and fall festivals to Christmas lights and Nativity celebrations, our goal is to make Katy Christian Magazine a year-round resource for families looking for things to do, places to go and ways to connect with their community.

Last Updated: September 2026

Event dates, hours, admission prices and activities can change. Families should confirm the latest information with individual event organizers before attending.