Texas during the fall season is full of incredible things to do, including attending harvest and pumpkin festivals. Watch parades, enjoy live music, and embrace the autumn weather at these awesome fall festivals in the Lone Star State.
Chappell Hill Scarecrow Festival, Chappell Hill
The Chappell Hill Scarecrow Festival in Chappell Hill has been occurring for almost 40 years. It features over 250 different vendors, along with live music and family-friendly fun. Children will love the kid’s corner at the festival, which has a petting zoo, face painting and pony rides. However, the Scarecrow Festival wouldn’t be complete without some unique scarecrows.
Dates: October 14th – 15th, 2023
Official Website
Autumn at the Arboretum, Dallas
For those in the Dallas area, Autumn at the Arboretum is a great way to embrace the autumn season in Texas. Don’t miss out on the spectacular sight that is Pumpkin Village, which has over 90,000 pumpkins and gourds that are surrounded by thousands of fall blossoms like chrysanthemums and fire brush. Purchase a pumpkin from the pumpkin patch or get lost in the Haybale Maze. This festival takes place throughout the fall months, and various events occur on both the weekend and during weekdays. Take a selfie with Charlie Brown and Peppermint Patty, then be sure to admire the variety of colors in the 66-acre garden with over 150,00 fall flowers.
Dates: September 16th – November 5th, 2023
Official Website
Festival of Pumpkins, Paris
The Festival of Pumpkins in Paris has grown into a popular event for this northeast Texas town. Enter in the costume contest or the pumpkin decorating contest to win cash prizes. Or browse the numerous unique vendors. From kid activities like pony rides and even a bungee jump, the Festival of Pumpkins is truly a family-friendly affair. Enjoy live music and your favorite fair food at this Paris fall celebration.
Dates: October 22, 2022
Floydada Punkin' Days, Floydada
Floydada, Texas, is known as “Pumpkin Capital, USA.” Nearly 1,800 acres of farmland in Floydada is dedicated to growing pumpkins. So when it’s time to harvest the pumpkins in the fall, Floydada celebrates with a pumpkin festival. Punkin’ Days is truly a weekend full of fun. Enjoy craft booths, food vendors and live music. There’s even pumpkin carving, pumpkin decorations, pumpkin pie relays and pumpkin bowling. With so many activities occurring during Punkin’ Days, there is sure to be something to please everyone at this fall festival.
Dates: Second Saturday in October
Cuero Turkeyfest, Cuero
The town of Cuero celebrates its rich agricultural heritage through an annual fall festival called Turkeyfest. Cuero is proudly referred to as the “Turkey Capital of the World.” This three-day festival draws thousands to the small town of Cuero. Enjoy live music, a parade, a barbecue cook-off, a 5K run and a carnival. Grab your favorite dance partner and hit the street, as Turkeyfest is also known for street dances where hundreds boogie to top Texas artists. Now, don’t forget to munch on a turkey leg and watch the Turkeyfest Parade or sign up for the Turkey Egg Hunt.
Dates: October 12th – 15th 2023
Official Website
Mesquite Pumpkinfest, Mesquite
Old Town Mesquite Pumpkinfest is a free fall festival in the town of Mesquite. The one-day event has been occurring annually for more than 15 years. There is fun for all to have here. Enjoy live music performances, carnival games, bounce houses and even a haunted house. Dress up in your favorite costume for the costume contest or decorate a pumpkin for the pumpkin contest. Pumpkinfest is the spot to celebrate Halloween and the fall season in Mesquite, Texas.
Dates: October 21, 2023
Official Website
