Top Autumn Fall Festivals in Texas

State Fair of Texas, Dallas, TX

The annual State Fair of Texas has celebrated all things Texan over well over 100 years. The fair runs for 24 consecutive days, making it the longest-running fair in the United States. Live entertainment, incredible food, and family fun are all hallmarks of this wonderful festival.

Plano Balloon Festival, Plano, TX

Take in the cool weather and brilliant Texas blue skies at the Plano Balloon Festival, held annually in Plano. Watch amazing balloons fly across the sky, live music, a fireworks show, unbelievably delicious food, and more. The three-day festival usually starts on a Friday.

Fantastic Fest, Austin, TX

Fantastic Fest in Austin is one of the most popular and well-respected film festivals in the world. Catch flicks from up-and-coming directors as well as industry favorites before anyone else. The eight-day festival has feature films, short films, and everything in between.

Jazz’s Alive, San Antonio, TX

The Jazz’s Alive music festival in San Antonio attracts many of the most talented regional, national, and local musicians. In addition to the smooth tunes, visitors can enjoy festival food and local craft vendors. The festival is free to attend, but make sure to check out their VIP packages for an even better experience.

Addison Oktoberfest, Addison, TX

While several Oktoberfest celebrations exist in Texas, Addison’s is undoubtedly one of the best. The Addison Conference Center is transformed into an authentic Munich beer hall for the occasion, and is considered “one of the most authentic Oktoberfest celebrations in the United States.” Over 70,000 people attend each year for the German food, live music, dancing, entertainment, and beer.

Grapefest, Grapevine, TX

Experience four days of wine, music, food, and fun at Grapevine’s celebrated Grapefest! Grapefest is currently the largest wine festival in the Southwest United States, and celebrates “the best of Texas wines—as well as wines from Finger Lakes region of New York and Niagara-on the-Lake region of Canada.” Events include The People’s Choice Wine Tasting Classic, Grapefest Golf Classic, and a GrapeStomp.

Aubrey Peanut Festival, Aubrey, TX

The Aubrey Peanut festival celebrates the harvest of the traditional local cash crop, peanuts! While peanuts no longer play quite the same role in Aubrey life, that doesn’t mean the celebration has to end. Events include a parade, a peanut butter sandwich eating contest, peanut spitting contest, and more. 

Cuero Turkeyfest, Cuero, TX

The Cuero Turkeyfest is “an annual small town celebration of area agricultural history.” Events include a carnival, BBQ cook-off, arts and crafts, live music, the Cuero Wellness Center's Turkey Trot 5K, a turkey egg hunt, children's tractor pull, and much more. Check out the website for a full listing of events. 

Key Insights at a Glance

• State Fair of Texas in Dallas is the longest-running fair in the United States, featuring live entertainment, incredible food, and family fun.
• Plano Balloon Festival in Plano offers amazing hot air balloon displays, live music, fireworks, and delicious food over a three-day period.
• Fantastic Fest in Austin showcases upcoming and established filmmakers with feature films, short films, and more over eight days.
• Jazz’s Alive in San Antonio features talented musicians, festival food, and craft vendors, with VIP packages available for an enhanced experience.
• Addison Oktoberfest in Addison is one of the most authentic Oktoberfest celebrations in the US, with German food, music, dancing, and beer.
• Grapefest in Grapevine is the largest wine festival in the Southwest, celebrating Texas wines as well as wines from other regions.
• Aubrey Peanut Festival in Aubrey celebrates the local cash crop of peanuts with events like a parade, peanut butter sandwich eating contest, and more.
• Cuero Turkeyfest in Cuero is a small town celebration of agricultural history, featuring a carnival, BBQ cook-off, live music, and more.