Best 10 fall festivals and fairs in Houston in 2024

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

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