Check out these 2024 fall festivals, events around Corpus Christi area

Pumpkin spice drinks are popping up and Halloween decorations are starting to show up at retail stores, which could only mean one thing — autumn is finally coming.

Check out these fall festivals and events taking place in Corpus Christi and the Coastal Bend from September to November, and be sure to visit them with your family, friends or by yourself.

Want to add your event? Send the information to john.oliva@caller.com.

Starting in September

RJA Walking Ghost Tours of Corpus Christi

What: Experience the paranormal on this historical ghost tour with a two-hour walking tour through downtown Corpus Christi. Learn about different types of hauntings and manifestations, visit haunted locations, and hear the history and folklore attached to each site. Tours do not go inside buildings.

When: 8 p.m. daily, reservation required

Where: Tours start at the corner of Hughes and Mesquite streets

Cost: $29.99 adults, $24.99 children (3 to 11 years old); discount for first responders/military with valid ID

Contact: https://www.rjaghosttours.com/corpus-christi-ghost-tour

Friday the 13th Lot Party at Wild Wolf Halloween Store

What: Corpus Christi’s only year-round Halloween store will hold a lot party with tattoos, horror vendors and more.

When: 4 to 9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 13

Where: Wild Wolf Halloween Store at 5417 S. Staples St.

Cost: Free with items available to purchase

Contact: facebook.com/Wildwolfhalloween

KEDT Kids Festival

What: Join this free family event with interactive activities by local organizations and special guests Nature Cat and Daniel Tiger.

When: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14

Where: KEDT at 3205 S. Staples St.

Cost: Free

Contact: facebook.com/yourkedt

St. Thomas Czechfest 5K/10K Run

What: The annual 5K/10K race at Water’s Edge Park is hosted by VFit Productions. It will be timed and have age group awards.

When: 7:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 14

Where: Water’s Edge Park at 402 S. Shoreline Blvd.

Cost: 5K is a $25 fee and 10K is a $35 fee

Contact: v-f-productions.raceentry.com/st-thomas-czechfest-5k10k-run/race-information

Rockport’s 36th annual HummerBird Celebration

What: The 36th annual HummerBird Celebration coincides with the fall migration of the ruby-throated hummingbird through the area and is held at various locations around Rockport-Fulton. A variety of activities are offered throughout the weekend, including speaker programs, shopping, birding trips, hummer home bus tours and more.

When: Sept. 19 through 22; check schedule online for full list of events

Where: Various locations in Rockport-Fulton

Cost: Varies by event

Contact: rockporthummingbird.com

'The Rocky Horror Show' at Aurora Arts Theatre

What: Join Aurora Arts Theatre for its annual production of Richard O’Brien’s "The Rocky Horror Show." The musical satire pays tribute to the era of B-movie horrors and science fiction. A flat tire in a storm strands the innocent and newly engaged Brad and Janet. They seek shelter in an eerie mansion of a transvestite scientist by the name of Dr. Frank-n-Furter. Through elaborate dancing and singing, the doctor reveals his ultimate creation. Recommended for ages 17 and older.

When: 7:30 p.m. Fridays and 7 p.m. Saturdays, Sept. 20 through Nov. 2

Where: Aurora Arts Theatre at 5635 Everhart Road

Cost: $20

Contact: 361-851-9700, auroraartstheatre.com

Third annual Friends of Padre Fall Fiesta

What: Join Friends of Padre to celebrate Padre Island and all the things that make it unique. The fun-filled day will feature music, local vendors, food, drinks and educational activities.

When: Noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21

Where: Briscoe King Pavilion in Padre Balli Park at 15820 Park Road 22

Cost: Free with items available for purchase

Contact: friendsofpadre.com

Rockin’ K Farms

What: Explore the huge corn maze and pick out the perfect pumpkin from the farm's pumpkin patch. Enjoy many attraction, including giant slides, backyard games, farm animals, a cow train, an apple blaster and more. Don't forget your camera, so you can capture all the fall photo-ops around the farm. Hungry? Concessions around the farm serve drinks and delicious foods like burgers, hot dogs, grilled cheese, lemonade, ice-cold water and soda.

When: Weekends Sept. 21 through Nov. 3; 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays

Where: 5385 County Road 52 in Robstown

Cost: Tickets go on sale Monday, Sept. 9

Contact: 361-537-3308, rockinkmaze.com

'Goosebumps The Musical: Phantom of the Auditorium' at Harbor Playhouse

What: The musical is based on book 24 of the "Goosebumps" series by R.L. Stine. Brooke and Zeke have been cast as the leads in the school's new production of an old play about a phantom. Strange things start disrupting rehearsals and they have to wonder, is this someone's idea of a joke? Or is the phantom real?

When: 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2:30 p.m. Sundays; Sept. 27 through Oct. 27

Where: Harbor Playhouse at 1802 N. Chaparral St.

Cost: $11 to $21.50

Contact: harborplayhouse.com

Oktoberfest at Nueces Brewing Co.

What: Break out your lederhosen, start practicing your stein holding and prepare for a day filled with German-inspired foods, music and family fun. The event will include two live polka bands, stein holding, keg toss, best dressed, a massive tent and Oktoberfest Beer along with local vendors on site selling delicious German pastries and baked goods.

When: Noon to 9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28

Where: Nueces Brewing Co. at 401 S. Water St.

Cost: Free admission with items available for purchase

Contact: nuecesbrewing.com

Robstown 39 ^th annual Cottonfest

What: The city of Robstown and Cotton Community Partnership present the annual Cottonfest, featuring live music, food trucks, games and vendor booths.

When: Saturday, Sept. 28; hours to come

Where: Will be announced prior to event

Cost: Free with items available for purchase

Contact: facebook.com/cottoncommunitypartnership

Texas A&M University-Kingsvile's second annual Tamalada Festival

What: Join Texas A&M University-Kingsville for the second annual Tamalada Festival, which is an educational and family-friendly event. The festival brings together presenters from the university and the South Texas community to celebrate and education on the history, contributions and cultural value of tamales, corn and tamaladas.

When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28

Where: Conner Museum Grounds at 905 W. Santa Gertrudis St. in Kingsville

Cost: Free

Contact: calendar.tamuk.edu/event/3rd-annual-tamalada-festival

Starting in October

KadabraCon

What: Attend the annual KadabraCon, an anime, gaming, comic and cosplay convention with celebrity guests, featured cosplayers, featured artists, performances, raves and more.

When: Noon to 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 4; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5; and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 6

Where: Mansion Royal at 8001 S. Padre Island Drive

Cost: $20 Friday or Saturday only; $10 Sunday only; $30 weekend pass; $10 rave; $120 to $500 for VIP tickets

Contact: kadabracon.com

49th annual Rockport-Fulton Seafair

What: The Rockport-Fulton SeaFair is a three-day sea-themed festival featuring live entertainment, art, food and crafts market vendors. A grand parade will take place in the morning Saturday, Oct. 5, and will kick off all the festivities, which includes plenty of gumbo, a carnival, crab races, water activities, a boat and car show, cardboard boat races and more.

When: 5 to 11 p.m. Friday, Oct. 4; 10 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5; and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 6

Where: Festival Grounds at Rockport Harbor at 101 Seabreeze Drive in Rockport

Cost: $10 daily; free for kids 12 and younger; $25 for three-day weekend wristband; $60 to $100 for VIP passes

Contact: rockport-fulton.org/Seafair-Home

Pride Corpus Christi's Pride Parade and Block Party

What: Pride Corpus Christi will hold its annual Pride Parade and Block Party for the Coastal Bend community. Join a day of celebration, love and unity to honor the vibrant LGBTQIA+ community. After the Pride Parade, the Block Party will take place featuring live performances, vendors, food trucks and more.

When: Saturday, Oct. 5; time will be announced prior to the event

Where: Location will be announced prior to the event

Cost: Free

Contact: pridecorpuschristi.com

Sea Turtle Festival

What: Join the Texas Sealife Center for its annual Sea Turtle Festival. Guests will enjoy live music, food trucks, kids’ activities and vendors along with education ambassadors.

When: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5

Where: Briscoe King Pavilion in Padre Balli Park at 15820 Park Road 22

Cost: Free

Contact: texassealifecenter.org/event/sea-turtle-festival-24

St. Thomas 40th annual Czechfest

What: Join St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church for its 40th annual Czechfest. It will feature food, children's games, bingo, an auction, a cake walk, craft booths, a country store, a car show and more.

When: 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 6

Where: 16602 FM 624 in Robstown

Cost: Free with items available for purchase

Contact: v-f-productions.raceentry.com/st-thomas-czechfest-5k10k-run/race-information

'The Addams Family' at Port Aransas Community Theatre

What: Port Aransas Community Theatre presents "The Addams Family," a comical feast that embraces the wackiness in every family while featuring an original story. Wednesday Addams, the ultimate princess of darkness, has grown up and fallen in love with a young man from a respectable family. If that wasn't upsetting enough, Wednesday confides in her father and begs him not to tell her mother. Now, Gomez Addams must do something he's never done before — keep a secret from his beloved wife, Morticia.

When: 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays and 2:30 p.m. Sundays; Oct. 10 through 27

Where: Port Aransas Community Theatre at 2327 State Highway 361 in Port Aransas

Cost: $22

Contact: portaransascommunitytheatre.com

Corpus Christi VegFest 2024

What: Celebrate healthy living and eating by way of plant-based lifestyles at this food festival that serves as a time to celebrate and promote plant-based foods and environmental sustainability. Don’t miss out on engaging speakers, delicious food and vendors, along with music, book giveaways and free food samples.

When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 12

Where: Heritage Park at 1581 N. Chaparral St.

Cost: Free admission with items available for purchase

Contact: corpuschristivegfest.com

Monster Mash Cupcake Dash

What: The 2024 Monster Mash Cupcake Dash will be a tribute to setting goals and enjoying life’s sweet rewards. This year's annual race will include the rewarding complement of a cupcake at the finish line. Funds raised by the Monster Mash Cupcake Dash will be used to increase access to mental health services by providing counseling to children, adolescents, adults, couples and families who are uninsured. There will be a 2-mile walk, a 5K walk/run and a 10K run. Registration ends Saturday, Sept. 21.

When: 7:45 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 12

Where: Water’s Edge Park at 602 S. Shoreline Blvd.

Cost: $30 registration fee

Contact: fcscb.org/events

St. Patrick School's 62nd annual Halloween Carnival

What: Eat, drink and be batty at the 62nd annual Halloween Carnival with all witches, goblins, wizards and ghosts.

When: 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 18

Where: St. Patrick School at 3340 S. Alameda St.

Cost: Free with tickets available to purchase food, games and rides

Contact: facebook.com/stpatrickschool

63rd annual Texas Jazz Festival

What: The Texas Jazz Festival is the longest, largest, free-running festival in the world. Come out to the free annual event and enjoy some of the best jazz musicians around, delicious food from vendors and pick up some gifts from all the market vendors.

When: Oct. 18-20; schedule coming soon

Where: Heritage Park at 1581 N. Chaparral St.

Cost: Free

Contact: texasjazz-fest.org

The Corpus Creep Show: Memento Vivere

What: Step into the shadows at the Victorian-goth style soirée, featuring gothic post-punk industrial beats by Goths Doing Things, a mesmerizing show by hypnotist Joseph Roberts, a drag performance by local drag king Arson Nick and a bone-chilling performance from horror-synth duo, The Tenants. Themed attire is encouraged. The event is 18 and older only.

When: 7 p.m. to midnight Saturday, Oct. 19

Where: House of Rock at 511 Starr St.

Cost: $20

Contact: facebook.com/chulitabrujita

Hay Maze at South Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center

What: The Hay Maze is a staple attraction for visitors at the South Texas Botanical Gardens. More than 150 hay bales construct the low maze safe for children of all ages.

When: Oct. 19 through Jan. 1

Where: South Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center at 8545 S. Staples St.

Cost: Free with purchase of admission

Contact: stxbot.org

Surftoberfest 2024

What: Come and drink beer, listen to live music and enjoy the culture of Octoberfest and surfing combined at the annual Surftoberfest in downtown Corpus Christi. There will be vendors, competitions, kid activities, German food and more.

When: Noon Saturday, Oct. 19

Where: Water Street Market at 309 N. Water St.

Cost: Free

Contact: facebook.com/surftoberfest

2024 Portland Boo Bash Festival

What: The Portland Boo Bash returns with games and fun for ghouls, ghosts and goblins of all ages. There will be candy galore along its Trick-or-Treat Trail.

When: 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 19

Where: Portland Community Center at 2000 Billy G. Webb Drive in Portland

Cost: Free

Contact: portlandtx.com/508/Boo-Bash

Port Aransas Wooden Boat Festival

What: The annual three-day family-friendly event features handcrafted kayaks, paddleboards, skiffs and sailing boats — as well as historic Farley boats. The Nautical Market features a variety of vendors, including food, arts and crafts and boat kit vendors. Other activities include a wooden boat showcase, speakers, kids’ activities and more.

When: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday, Oct. 25; 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26; and 2 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 27

Where: Roberts Point Park at 301 JC Barr Blvd. in Port Aransas

Cost: Prices will be posted ahead of event

Contact: woodenboatfestival.org

St. Pius X Catholic School 39th annual Halloween Carnival

What: The St. Pius X 39th annual Halloween Carnival will be full of family fun and feature food trucks, games, music and a "spooktacular" silent auction.

When: 5:30 to 10 p.m. Friday, Oct. 25

Where: St. Pius X Catholic Church at 5620 Gollihar Road

Cost: Free with items available for purchase

Contact: facebook.com/SPXHalloweenCarnival

Saints Cyril & Methodius Catholic School Halloween Carnival

What: The annual carnival will feature live music, food, family-friendly games and rides, inflatables, bingo, a silent auction and more. The event is the biggest fundraiser for the school to help raise money.

When: 3 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26

Where: Saints Cyril & Methodius Catholic School at 5002 Kostoryz Road

Cost: Free with items available for purchase

Contact: facebook.com/sscmcschoolcc

17th annual Día de los Muertos Street Festival

What: Mark your calendars as the annual Día de los Muertos street festival in downtown Corpus Christi returns. The festival will feature live music and dance, both traditional and contemporary; a made-by-hand arts and crafts expo; kids’ activities; fine art exhibitions and demonstrations; community altar displays; and more.

When: 3 p.m. to midnight Saturday, Oct. 26

Where: Downtown Corpus Christi at Starr, Mesquite, Peoples, Chaparral and Taylor streets

Cost: Free with items available for purchase

Contact: diadelosmuertoscc.com

Starting in November

61st annual Greek Food Festival

What: Join St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church for its 61st annual Greek Food Festival. Enjoy all your favorite Greek dinners, pastries, beer and wine while listening to live music.

When: Nov. 1 through 3; hours coming soon

Where: St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church at 502 S. Chaparral St.

Cost: Food available for purchase

Contact: facebook.com/greekfestivalcc

Pawfest 2024

What: The Gulf Coast Humane Society will host its annual Pawfest. This year, the festival will take place in November so attendees and pups can enjoy cooler weather. There will be nearly 50 vendors for pets and people, the Team Zoom stunt dog show, live music, a kids play zone, food trucks and more. Be sure to bring your leashed dog to enjoy the 3-acre dog park.

When: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 9

Where: Gulf Coast Humane Society Dog Park at 3118 Cabaniss Parkway

Cost: Free with items available for purchase

Contact: gchscc.org/events/pawfest

39th annual Jewish Food Festival

What: Bring the family to the annual two-day event featuring food, music, family-friendly entertainment, vintage shop, silent auction and a raffle. Enjoy the best of the Jewish food like brisket with kugel, cabbage rolls, split pea soup, matzah ball soup, corned beef sandwiches, sour pickles and challah, along with traditional Jewish pastries like strudel and rugelach.

When: 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 9, and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 10

Where: Congregation Beth Israel at 4402 Saratoga Blvd.

Cost: Free with food and items available for purchase

Contact: facebook.com/JewishFoodFestival

23rd annual El Veterano Conjunto Festival

What: This yearly family-friendly event honors not only veterans’ service to our country but also shines a spotlight on the future of the conjunto Tejano genre with scholarships for young musicians. Five-time Tejano Music Hall of Famer Linda Escobar presents this annual event to honor not only veterans but also the memory of her late father, Eligio Escobar. Performers include Lazaro Perez, Los D Boyz, Texas Sweethearts, Mando y La Venganza, David Flores y Los Tremendos Alacranes, Santiago Garza y La Naturaleza, Conjunto Cats and Javier Solis y Los Unikoz.

When: Noon to 9 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 10

Where: Whiskey Rio Nightclub at 5700 S. Staples St.

Cost: $15 admission

Contact: lindaescobar@live.com

Annual Ranch Hand Breakfast at King Ranch

What: Come enjoy an authentic, hearty cowboy breakfast cooked and served outdoors on the historic King Ranch. Local volunteers will be serving up heaping plates of eggs, refried beans, biscuits and gravy, sausage, tortillas, coffee and orange juice. Team roping, historical exhibits and old-time cow camp cooking demonstrations will be part of the morning’s activities, along with cowboy poetry, storytelling and musical entertainment.

When: 7 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 23

Where: King Ranch at State Highway 141 in Kingsville

Cost: $10 per person, free for kids age 3 and under

Contact: ranchhandweekend.com

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John Oliva covers entertainment and community news in South Texas. Contact him at john.oliva@caller.com or Twitter @johnpoliva .

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This article originally appeared on Corpus Christi Caller Times: Check out these 2024 fall festivals, events around Corpus Christi area