Summer’s over, y’all! In Houston, that means you can actually leave your air-conditioned living room and step out into the sun for some good old-fashioned fall fun. We’re talking movies under the stars, al fresco festivals slinging everything from unlimited tacos to gumbo and shrimp, and the return of highly anticipated events like Oktoberfest, RenFest, and Southern Smoke. If only there was an easy way to track all the fun. Oh wait, there is: our fall calendar, curated and ready for all your fall needs.
Get a #BroadwayBod
September 10, September 24, October 8, October 22
Market Square Park
This is a free Body by Broadway exercise class in partnership with Theatre Under the Stars and DEFINE body + mind, where you can squat, plank and show off your perfect pitch along to Broadway tunes. The hour-long sweat session begins at 6:30pm.
Cost: Free
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Cost: Free to join
Drink up at Karbachtoberfest 2019
September 19-22, 26-29, October 3-6
Lazybrook/Timbergrove
Karbachtoberfest is going down at Karbach Brewery for three weekends, starting on September 19th. Every Thursday-Sunday, the brewery will hoststein hoisting competitions, oompah bands, wiener dog races, German brews, and more.
Cost: Free to attend
Win Blanket Bingo
September 19, October 17
Market Square Park
Blanket Bingo invites you to yell “BINGO” way too excitedly in front of a bunch of strangers. Bring a blanket or lawn chair (or show up early to snag one of the tables) and prepare yourself to WIN. The fun runs from 6 to 9pm with Bingo starting at 7pm.
Cost: $10 admission includes one bingo packet (approx 9 games); additional games and daubers can be purchased for $1 each
Watch Mean Girls from a float
September 26
Galleria
Hotel Derek’s Float & Flick movie series is closing out the season with one last splash, playing Mean Girls poolside. The floating starts at 7:30pm, and the flicks begin when the sun goes down.
Cost: $25 includes the price of admission, complimentary gourmet popcorn, one complimentary Revolve Kitchen + Bar signature drink, complimentary self-parking and access to SPLASH
Eat gumbo and shrimp by the beach
September 27-28
Saengerfest Park, Galveston
The Galveston Island Shrimp Festival returns in all its seafood-fueled glory, kicking things off with a VIP Sponsor Party and shrimp dinner in Saengerfest Park on Friday from 7:30 to 10pm. Saturday’s Gumbo Stroll and Strand Merchant Walk-About runs from noon to 4pm, with a pre-stroll fun run and post-stroll awards ceremony.
Cost: VIP Party tickets are $50 and include a Texas-sized shrimp dinner and open bar; Gumbo Stroll tickets are $12 in advance ($17 day of), and Shrimp & Beer dinner combos can be purchased for $20
Watch live hawks and raptors take flight
September 28
Discovery Green
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is heading to Discovery Green for its “Take Me Outdoors Houston” event, where you’ll find family-friendly nature activities, plus two birds of prey demos from master falconer John Karger, from 10am to 3pm.
Cost: Free
Attend a bottomless brunch extravaganza
September 28
Silver Street Studios
The Morning After, a Houston Press Brunch event, returns, bringing with it bottomless brunch bites from over 25 local eateries. The boozy and brunchy extravaganza goes down at Silver Street Studios from 11:30am to 2:30pm, with this year’s lineup of vendors including BCK, Duck Donuts, Peli Peli, Snooze, and Warehouse 72.
Cost: Tickets are $40 for general admission and $65 for VIP
Break out your Lederhosen and Dirndls
September 28-29
Buffalo Bayou Park
Houston’s coolest Oktoberfest celebration takes place at Buffalo Bayou Park, with views of the city skyline, tons of German bier and local crafts, eats from King’s Biergarten (VIP), all-day live polka music, and epic competitions. Sign up for the Tournament of Champions to compete in the Beer Pong or Flip Cup Tournaments for a chance to win awesome prizes; or try your hand in the open-to-all Olympiad Games, including the Stein Race, Barrel Roll, Stein Hoisting, and Legendary Brat Toss.
Cost: Das ticket options include $25 general admission tickets ($30 at the door) and $100 VIP entry ($125 at the door)
Watch a horror-comedy classic under the stars
October 2
Market Square Park
Get your movie fix in the open-air, where you’ll find 2004 rom-zom-com Shaun of the Dead on the big screen starting around 7:30pm. Blankets and lawn chairs are welcome, and food and drink are available for purchase at Niko Niko’s in the park.
Cost: Free
Wine, dine, and help fight cancer
October 3
Bayou Place
The American Cancer Society presents its annual Houston Corks and Forks event, a one-of-a-kind culinary experience featuring an epic competition among some of Houston's top chefs. Ticket holders can raise money and be treated to food tastings and fine wine pairings as the chefs show-off their culinary skills, plus live music, some pretty excellent live and silent auctions, and more. It all goes down at The Ballroom at Bayou Place from 7:30 to 10:30pm.
Cost: Tickets start at $150
Go Greek for the Original Greek Festival
October 3-6
Montrose
Gyros, souvlaki, and baklava will all be up for grabs at the 53rd annual Original Greek Festival, which takes place at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral on Yoakum. Besides the traditional Greek eats, you can also expect authentic music and dance, a market, Greek wines, and plenty of good times.
Cost: Stay tuned for ticketing information and hours
Double down on King’s Oktoberfest
October 4-6, October 18-20
Pearland & Shady Acres
Father-son duo Hans and Philipp Sitter are lacing up their lederhosen for King’s Oktoberfest, kicking off at King’s Biergarten (Pearland), and followed by the festivities at King’s BierHaus (Shady Acres). Both celebrations will feature a massive three-day extravaganza, complete with German food and drink (think German biers, wursts and 8-hour roasted turkey legs), plus live music and special events including a Bavarian Strongman Competition, arm wrestling, beer pong competition, and adult carnival games.
Cost: General admission tickets are $12 for single day pass, $20 for a weekend pass, and $30 for the extreme “Oktoberfester” double weekend pass
Stargaze in Discovery Green
October 5, November 2
Downtown
Also at Discovery Green, you can head over to the park’s Lindsey Waterside Landing to stargaze with the Houston Astronomical Society, who will have telescopes setup from 7 to 9pm.
Cost: Free
Rewrite the Game of Thrones ending at RenFest
October 5-December 1
Todd Mission
The largest Renaissance Festival in the nation is back for nine straight weekends, running Saturdays, Sundays and Thanksgiving Friday. This year’s Texas RenaFest will host themed weekends including Oktoberfest (11/5), Pirate Adventure (10/19), and Barbarian Invasion (11/16), among others. No matter the theme, every weekend rocks live music and shows, shoppes and costumes, mead and ale, after dark parties, and feasts fit for a king.
Cost: Daily passes are $32 for adults and $17 for kids 5-12, with camping and weekend packages available
Load up on real deal Korean food in Discovery Green
October 5
Downtown
The 2019 Korean Festival Houston celebrates 11 years of cultural heritage, rocking a tasting zone and folk village food and craft vendors, and performances from traditional music and dance to taekwondo. The fun runs from 10am to 10pm at Discovery Green.
Cost: Free to attend, with food tickets available at the KASH Kiosk
Celebrate smoke, booze, & charity at Southern Smoke
October 6
Montrose
Local celeb and chef Chris Shepherd’s annual Southern Smoke fundraising event is one of the year’s most anticipated festivals, donating more than $1.3 million to date -- both directly to people in need, and to organizations that represent the needs of people in the culinary industry.
Now back for its 5th run, this year’s lineup of chefs is one for the books, with stars like Aaron Franklin of Franklin Barbecue, Ashley Christensen of Raleigh’s AC Restaurants, Chris Cosentino of Houston’s new Rosalie Italian Soul, Erin Smith and Patrick Feges of Feges BBQ, James Beard Award winner Hugo Ortega of Hugo’s and Xochi (and more) fame, Nancy’s Hustle’s Jason Vaughn, Jonny Rhodes of Indigo, Trong Nguyen of Crawfish and Noodles, and more. The day runs from 4 to 8pm (3pm for VIP) in the area around Blacksmith, The Hay Merchant, and Georgia James.
Cost: Tickets are $200 for general admission and $350 for VIP
Light up the night for Ghandi
October 6
Miller Outdoor Theatre
Celebrate the 150th birthday of Gandhi with a peaceful evening, beginning with a 5K Walk at 6pm and followed by a candle lighting ceremony, where all present have the opportunity to light a candle and pledge for peace.
Cost: Free
Get an inside look the next hottest food trends
October 7
Washington Corridor
The Epicurean Project is like a culinary think tank, bringing together local chefs and tastemakers to find out what’s hot in the Houston food world. Benefiting Recipe For Success, the evening features 25+ chefs, 70+ vendors, a special focus Texas, Asian Pacific, and South American food, and a tasty culinary competition. It all goes down at The Revaire from 6:30 to 9:30pm.
Cost: Register online pricing to be announced)
Mangia tutto at the Houston Italian Festival
October 10-13
Montrose
Grape stomps, film screenings, classic cars, pasta eating contests, wine and craft beer tastings, Italian bingo, and a whole lotta meatballs will all be on display at the Houston Italian Festival, held on the grounds of the University of St. Thomas over four days. Hours are Thursday 5-10pm; Friday and Saturday 11am-10pm; and Sunday 11am-6pm.
Cost: Admission is $8 for adults (free all day Thursday and on Friday before 4pm) and free for children 12 and under; get discounted tickets, reservations for festival activities, and food packages via Eventbrite
Leave the loop for the Conroe Catfish Festival
October 11-13
Conroe
Cajun eats and a stellar concert are on the docket for the 30th annual Conroe Cajun Catfish Festival, which benefits the non-profit work of Friends of Conroe, Inc. The family-friendly event will also feature craft booths and exhibits, kids rides, a mural, petting zoo, and pony rides
Cost: Tickets are $12 for general admission ($15 day of) and $20 for a 3-day weekend pass
Pretend you own a Lamborghini
October 13
CityCentre
The Lamborghini Festival celebrates all things Lamborghini, featuring over 100 Lambos on display along with Lamborghini legends like Valentino Balboni. It all goes down from 3 to 7pm.
Cost: Free for spectators
Spend a Day of the Dead-themed night at Market Square
October 12
Downtown
This fun, neighborhood block party pays homage to Hispanic heritage through a traditional Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). Head to Market Square Park beginning at 6pm and you’ll find dope art installations, community activities, live Tejano music, and specials at area bars and restaurants.
Shop for all the art at the Bayou City Art Festival
October 12-13
Downtown
The two-day Bayou City Arts Festival will highlight 300 artists from around the country, alongside music, food trucks, beverages, entertainment, a Children’s Creative Zone, and more. Now in its 48th year, the festival has raised over 3.6 million dollars in support local nonprofit organizations. The event will take place in Downtown Houston surrounding City Hall, Hermann Square, Houston Public Library, Sam Houston Park, and adjacent streets from 10am to 6pm.
Cost: General admission is $15 per adult at the gate ($12 in advance) and $5 per child age 6-12, with family and two-day passes available
Eat unlimited tacos under the city skyline
October 19
Buffalo Bayou Park
Taco fanatics cannot miss the Houston Press’ annual Tacolandia event, which features 3 hours of unlimited taco samples from 30+ vendors at The Water Works in Buffalo Bayou Park (4-7pm).
Smash tacos from local hotspots including Chilosos, Blanco Tacos + Tequila, La Calle, Lupe Tortilla, La Fisheria, and more.
Cost: Tickets start at $25 for general admission (early bird) and $65 for VIP (early bird)
Kick back at a giant street party in the East End
October 19
East End
Head to Houston’s birthplace for the annual East Street Fest, which brings live bands, DJs, artisans, street performers and good eats together for a giant block party on Navigation Boulevard. Celebrating the neighborhood’s rich heritage (it hosts two of the Houston's oldest Hispanic neighborhoods, Magnolia Park and Second Ward), the family-friendly event runs from 2 to 9:30pm, with this year’s headliners featuring two Grammy Award-winners: Grupo Fantasma and Joel Guzman and Sara Fox of Los Aztex.
Cost: Free to attend, with food and drink available for purchase
Launch Lanterns at the Water Lantern Festival
October 19
Northeast Houston
Head to the Magnolia Garden Park to make a wish as you set your lantern off to light up the water alongside hundreds of others. Gates open at 4pm, with food trucks, music, and a peaceful evening awaiting.
Cost: Tickets are $30 to $40
Spend Halloween with the Houston Zombie Walk
October 19
Heights
The Houston Zombie Walk’s 9th annual Houston Halloween Festival is its biggest fundraiser of the year, raising money for the Too Ghoul For School Education fund. This year, it features Mexicana and The Monster Squad, food trucks, beer tents, a HZW special FX blood splatter zone, kids zone and costume contest, photo ops and vendors, and Pup Squad Animal Rescue, all from 5 to 10pm on 19th Street in the Houston Heights.
Cost: The festival is open to the public with a $10 donation to enter (children under 11 are free with an adult)
Watch a fan-favorite kid's movie on the Green
October 19
Downtown
Head to Discovery Green for a screening of How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World beginning at 7:30pm. Bring blankets and chairs to view from the hill; food and bevys are available for purchase from The Lake House, but picnics are also welcome.
Cost: Free
Watch a magical film under the stars
October 25
Downtown
Head to Discovery Green for a screening of The House with a Clock in Its Walls beginning at 7:30pm. Bring blankets and chairs to view from the hill; food and bevys are available for purchase from The Lake House, but picnics are also welcome.
Cost: Free
Peruse local art at Discovery Green
October 25-26
Downtown
Discovery Greens Art Festival will bring the works of 70+ artists to the heart of Downtown for two days this October. Hit the park from 10am to 5pm to shop and admire.
Cost: Free
Feast on beers in the Plaza
October 26
Sugar Land
Now in its 8th year, The Flying Saucer BeerFeast is once again bringing the good stuff to Sugar Land Town Square Plaza from 2:30 to 6pm. The outdoor beer-sampling event shows off the beer emporium’s prowess through a cherry-picked selection of over 100 craft beers from around the globe, plus food vendors and live music to boot.
Cost: Tickets start at $M35 for early bird pricing ($60 VIP, limited)
Cozy up for a retro horror flick on the hill
October 31
Museum District
Bring a blanket and settle in for zombie thriller Night of the Living Dead at Miller Outdoor Theatre. The show goes on rain or shine at 7:30pm.
Cost: Free, with open seating on the hill and no tickets required for covered seating
Celebrate Dia de los Muertos in Downtown
November 1
Discovery Green
The park will host a free Dia de los Muertos festival, honoring the Mexican holiday and remembering those who have departed. Highlights include a large calavera by local graffiti artist Gonzo247 and friends, plus art activities, on stage performances, and an altar created by muralist Angel Quesada. Bonus points if you grab bites and drinks at the nearby Xochi, as well.
Cost: Free
Feast with the Beasts at the Houston Zoo
November 1
Museum District
The Houston Zoo’s 14th annual food, beer, and wine celebration opens up the park for guests from 7 to 11pm, featuring a growing list of Houston’s hottest restaurants and live music from Houston’s own The Suffers. Fluff Bake Bar, Grazia Italian Kitchen, KUU Restaurant, Pondicheri, and Saint Arnold are just a few of the vendors in the lineup.
Cost: Tickets are $119 for general admission ($109 for Zoo members) and $219 for VIP
Conquer The Great Inflatable Race
November 2
Sam Houston Race Park
This fun, bouncy course runs through the park, where you’ll fun run your way through a series of giant inflatable obstacles, then jump around on more bouncy stuff in the Inflatable Village. Start times run from 9am to 11am.
Cost: Register for $75 regular (and look out for sale pricing)
Watch Toy Story at an outdoor theatre
November 2
Museum District
The original Toy Story will be on the big screen at Miller Outdoor Theatre, with the film beginning at 6:30pm, rain or shine.
Cost: Free, with open seating on the hill and no tickets required for covered seating
Watch Reese and Broderick go head to head
November 6
Downtown
Get your movie fix in the open-air at Market Square Park, where you’ll find 1999 indie flick Election on the big screen starting around 7pm. Blankets and lawn chairs are welcome, and food and drink are available for purchase at Niko Niko’s in the park.
Cost: Free
Rock out at a country concert for a cause
November 10
Toyota Center
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductee and multi-GRAMMY Award winner Joe Walsh has put together another banger for VetsAid: the non-profit organization and benefit music festival that raises needed funds to veterans groups across the country. Now in its third year, VetsAid 2019 will feature sets from ZZ Top, Brad Paisley, Sheryl Crow, Jason Isbell & the 400 Unit and Joe Walsh, popping off at 5:30pm.
Cost: Tickets will be available through the Toyota Center Box Office, toyotacenter.com or by calling 1-866-4-HOUTIX and will be priced at $199.50, $149.50, $119.50, $99.50, $79.50, $49.50 and $25.
Get your holiday shopping done early
November 14-17
NRG Park
Houston’s hottest holiday bazaar returns to NRG Park for a massive, four-day shopping extravaganza. The Nutcracker Market is chock full of vendors offering everything from chic home décor and gourmet food products to eclectic accessories and all the toys, so come prepared to spend some dough.
Cost: Discount tickets can be purchased online or at participating stores for $18 (good for one entry); $20 day of
Get a taste of Texas food trucks
November 16
East End
The Taste Of Texas Food Truck Festival is bringing the heat to the historic East End. Head to 4450 Harrisburg from noon to 10pm to experience “H-Town lifestyle” via food trucks, hip hop/pop/country/indie rock performers, and a vendor market.
Cost: Tickets are $10, with free admission before 2pm (must have a free ticket)
Watch live-action Dumbo on the Green
November 23
Downtown
2019’s fantastical remake of Dumbo will screen at Discovery Green beginning at 6:30pm. Bring blankets and chairs to view from the hill; food and bevys are available for purchase from The Lake House, but picnics are also welcome.
Cost: Free
Catch a massive outdoor chalk-art gallery
November 23-24
Downtown
More than 200 artists are once again teaming up to bring color and life to the streets of Downtown for Via Colori 2019, raising funds and awareness for The Center for Hearing and Speech. Head to the streets around Hermann Square at City Hall to see the incredible chalk art murals and enjoy three stages of live music, a family fun zone, and street eats and drinks.
Cost: Tickets are $7 in advance and $10 at the door, with VIP lounge tickets for $40
Earn a guilt-free third helping of stuffing at the Turkey Trot
November 28
Galleria
Work up your Thanksgiving Day appetite by completing the 5K, 10K Turkey Trot, or Kids Run, taking place in three separate races in the Galleria/Uptown area. All ages and experience levels are welcome, and the competitive, timed events are sanctioned by USA Track & Field. Start time is 7:30am for the 10k, 8am for the 5K, and 9am for the Kids Run.
Cost: Register for the 5K and 10K for $30 (untimed) or $35 (timed), and the Kids 1K for $15 (12 and under)
Watch a “bad” Xmas movie in the park
December 4
Downtown
Catch an al fresco screening of 2003 dark comedy Bad Santa beginning at 7pm. Blankets and lawn chairs are welcome, and food and drink are available for purchase at Niko Niko’s in the park.
Cost: Free
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