Fried, Festive, and Full of History: 8 Annual Texas Fall Festivals We Know You’ll Love
As we look forward to the Texas heat finally taking a breather and imagine the scent of pumpkin spice filling the air, it can only mean one thing: fall festival season is arriving soon! All across the state, historic town squares, frontier outposts, and old German settlements are rolling out the barrels (literally!) for a season of celebration. From cannon blasts in Gonzales to polka in New Braunfels, these festivals aren’t just parties—they’re playful, immersive history lessons dressed in lederhosen and garnished with a chili pepper. Here’s your guide to some of the most beloved, and sometimes surprising, fall heritage festivals in Texas.
McKinney Oktoberfest
September 26-28, 2025
Located in downtown McKinney’s historic square, this German‑inspired celebration goes beyond bratwursts and steins. Did you know it’s held in a spot once home to wagon makers and cotton merchants? Expect yodeling contests and local artists reviving the town’s German roots. For all the vital accordion 4-1-1, visit the Oktoberfest website.
State Fair of Texas (Dallas)
September 26 - October 19, 2025
Beyond that giant Big Tex statue and fried butter (yes, really), this century‑old fair began in 1886 to showcase agriculture, cattle, and state pride. So when you try that new deep‑fried invention, remember: you’re part of a tradition that shaped modern Texas. If you want to learn more, say "howdy" over at https://bigtex.com/.
Come and Take It Celebration (Gonzales)
October 3-5, 2025
This festival recreates the first shot of the Texas Revolution when settlers refused to return a cannon to the Mexican army—shouting “Come and Take It.” Expect reenactments, cannon fire, and a community cook‑off that brings history alive. Pro tip: bring ear protection—or embrace the boom.
Want the full cannon-blasting agenda? Mosey on over to the Come and Take It Celebration's website for all the Texian details.
Fredericksburg Oktoberfest
October 3-5, 2025
Set in the heart of Texas Hill Country, this festival mixes polka with Texas twang. While everyone’s dancing, don’t miss the heritage tours that reveal how German settlers turned this area into a wine and finch‑watching haven—long before the wine boom.
Want to know when the chicken dance goes down? Visit the Oktoberfest official website for all the details.
Texas Rose Festival (Tyler)
October 16-19, 2025
Since 1933, Tyler has crowned Rose Queens, but the festival’s roots go deeper. It began during the Great Depression to celebrate local horticultural success—and to boost morale. Today, parades, queen coronations, and garden tours keep that legacy blooming.
Want the royal rundown? Head to the Tyler Rose Festival's official website for schedules, roses, and possibly tiara envy.
Original Terlingua International Championship Chili Cookoff (Terlingua)
October 29 - November 1, 2025
Chili isn’t just food, it’s identity. This Terlingua legend started in the 1960s when—from a ghost town—cook teams gathered around bonfires to compete. Now, thousands flock to the desert for spicy rivalry, desert sunset vistas, and music. Chill under the stars, chili in hand.
For the inside dish (see what we did there?), visit https://abowlofred.com/.
Wurstfest (New Braunfels)
November 7-16, 2025
What started in 1961 as a one day sausage cook‑off has evolved into a 10‑day toast to German heritage—complete with polka, oompah bands, lederhosen competitions, and even bier barrel rolling. Bonus: the original participants were New Braunfels meat markets showcasing their wursts.
Find out the wurst (and the best!) at Wurstfest's official website.
Heritage Syrup Festival (Henderson)
November 8, 2025
This unique festival honors East Texas's sweet past—where making maple‑style syrup from local sap became a fall tradition. Expect syrup presses, pancake breakfasts, and demonstrations showing how the pioneers turned sap into gold. Plus: maple syrup cocktails. Who knew?
For more information, visit the Heritage Syrup Festival's official website.
What to Do If You Go
- Check each festival’s official website for schedules, admission fees, parking information, and kid‑friendly zones.
- Wear layers: fall in Texas can swing from cool and breezy mornings to sun‑soaked afternoons.
- Combine culture + cuisine: stop into a heritage museum or German bakery while you're in town.
There you have it—fall in Texas is more than pretty leaves and big colors. These festivals are living stories—from revolution cannon fire to syrup‑making traditions. They’re Texas in technicolor, flavor, and spirit.