Best 10 fall festivals and fairs in Houston in 2024
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Illustration: Brendan Lynch/Axios
Houston may skip the dramatic fall foliage and crisp cool weather, but the city's festival scene brings all the autumn energy you'll need — no chilly breeze required.
Here's a list of some of the best activities and festivals to plan out your fall.
Zoo Boo
What: Costumes are encouraged at this monthlong event that sees the Houston Zoo decked out with pumpkins in the Pumpkin Lantern Tunnel and a Scary-Go-Round.
When: Daily from Sept. 27-Oct. 31. 9am-5pm. On Fridays and daily from Oct. 23-30 there will also be Zoo Boo After Hours, featuring themed lights and photo opportunities, until 9:30pm.
P-6 Farms' Fall Festival
What: Navigate through a corn maze, pick your own pumpkins and flowers, have a fall photo shoot and enjoy other kid-friendly activities.
When: Sept. 28-Nov. 3
Where: P-6 Farms in Montgomery
Greek Festival
What: Enjoy authentic Greek food, wine and beer at the 58th annual festival. Plus, tour the Orthodox cathedral and shop Greek art.
When: Oct. 3-5
Where: Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral
Texas Renaissance Festival
What: Step back in time at the nation's largest Renaissance festival, where acrobats, fire shows and old-timey garb bring the past alive — and this year, it's bigger than ever for the festival's 50th anniversary.
When: Weekends from Oct. 12-Dec. 1
Where: Todd Mission, an hour northwest of Houston
Katy Rice Festival
What: The annual rice harvest festivities include live music, a carnival, food trucks and a beer garden.
When: Oct. 12-13
Where: Katy's historic town square
ArBOOretum
What: Activities include a trick-or-treat nature trail and pumpkin decorating.
When: Oct. 19, 10am-4pm
Where: Houston Arboretum & Nature Center
Pumpkin Patch Fall Festival
What: There will be tens of thousands of pounds of pumpkins for sale, festival games, fall-themed food and a market.
When: Oct. 19-20, 11am-4pm
Where: Nature Discovery Center in Bellaire
Galveston's Island Oktoberfest
What: Enjoy German live entertainment, bratwurst and, of course, beer. German costumes are encouraged.
When: Oct. 25-26
Where: Two blocks from 23rd to 25th streets
Día de los Muertos parade
What: Honor those who have passed at the fourth annual Día de los Muertos festival and parade. Enjoy live music, arts and crafts and concessions.
When: Nov. 2. The festival is from 2pm-10pm, and the parade starts at 7pm.
Where: Sam Houston Park downtown
Diwali Mela
What: Celebrate the Indian festival of lights by enjoying a concert with classical dances, a bazaar, mehndi tattoos, a rikshaws parade and fireworks.
When: Oct. 19, 5-10pm
Where: Levy Park