Northeast Texas’s Best Fall Festivals in 2022
Festivals can be a fun way to bring you and your family closer together. There’s nothing like a good laugh to create unforgettable memories. Kicking off the fall with a splash of festivity might be just what you need to cure your end of summer blues.
There are a handful of diverse festivals to choose from. Whatever suits your taste, we’ve got you covered!
NORTHEAST TEXAS
Hopkins County Stew– The annual Hopkins County Stew festival brings together over 175 cooks to Buford Park in Sulphur Springs, to see who can cook up the best pot of Hopkins County stew. The cooks are up at 3 am starting their pots so you can enjoy some stew when they open for serving at 10 am. This is one of the best priced food festivals in the State of Texas, $7 gets you a bowl and an unlimited amount of stew. Eat until you can’t eat any more or until the stew pots run dry. Check out The Oak Bed and Breakfast or the Oaklea Mansion for accommodations. October 22, Buford Park, Sulphur Springs TX, 10:30 a.m.- ? Tickets: https://www.hopkinschamber.org/hopkins-county-stew-contest/
Hopkins County Fall Festival: In the mood for classic carnival rides and food so shamefully good it has its own craving? If so, you might want to add Hopkins County Fall Festival to your calendar.There will be a parade, rides, arts and crafts, food vendors, and more. 1200 Houston Street, in Sulphur Springs, Texas October 15 through October 22, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Learn more: https://www.sulphurspringstx.org/visitors/hopkins_county_fall_festival2.php
Oak Tree Festival: If you’re interested in something that appeals to you and your kids, you might want to check out the Oak Tree Festival. There will be something fun for everyone including bounce houses, pet costume contest, car show, facepainting and more. Lone Oak downtown, Texas, on October 29, 2-10 p.m. Read more: https://www.facebook.com/oaktreefestival/
Delta County Cotton Harvest Festival: If you’re into live music, antique cars, and contributing to new local businesses, then the Delta County Cotton Harvest Festival is for you. There will be a tractor pull for your kids and live music sung by Kameron Marlowe. Downtown Cooper, Texas, on the weekend of October 8 from 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Tickets: https://deltacountycottonharvest.com/
Main Street Uncorked– East Texas wineries showcase the best, plus vendors and live music. Main Street, Sulphur Springs, Texas, October 8, 1 p.m.- 7 p.m. Tickets: https://www.facebook.com/mainstreetuncorked/
Longview Wine Festival: Want even more wine? Then the Longview Wine Festival is a great way to start. There will be live music, arts and crafts, food vendors, and last but not least, wine. The Longview Wine Festival supports East Texas Alzheimer’s Alliance. The funds collected at this event will be invested right back into the community. Longview Arboretum and Nature Center, October 15, 12-6 p.m. More information: https://etxalz.org/longview-wine-festival/.
Terror Trails– For those who love spooks and frights and bumps in the night, the Terror Trails is open this year! Every Friday and Saturday night in October and Halloween night. Opening night is September 30, trails open from sunset until midnight. Admission: $10.00 Adults – $8.00 under 13. September 30- October 30, 1085 Co Rd 1960, Yantis, TX 75497. Tickets: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057607354956
VR Screamfest– Sulphur Springs business VR social arcade has a week of spooky funtivities planned. Starting October 24-28 they will host screenings of scary movies. Join on October 29 for a “screamwalk” in scary costumes to the Sulphur Springs downtown square. October 24-29, VR Social at 107 Spring Street in Sulphur Springs. Learn more: https://www.facebook.com/VRSocialTX/
Vintage Market Days of East Texas– The Vintage Market is coming to Northeast Texas with lots of trinkets and handmade designs. There’s a treasure for everyone. Pickers Pavillion in Lindale, Texas, November 11-13, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. More: https://vintagemarketdays.com/market/east-texas/index.php
EDOM Arts Festival: If you’ve been meaning to branch out or express your artistic side then the EDOM Arts Festival might be right up your alley. There will be worthwhile crafts and activities for all diverse tastes. Edom area Chamber of Commerce, 8301 FM27 Edom, Texas, October 8-9, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. More info: https://visitedom.com/edom-art-fest-blank/edom-art-festival-2/
East Texas Fiber Festival: If you love to knit, crochet, weave or sew, then the East Texas Fiber Festival is for you! Craft vendors, demonstrations and mini-classes. November 18-19, 800 Flea Market Road, Canton TX, 75103. More info: https://easttexasfiberfestival.weebly.com/
Halloween on the Square- The spookiest month of the year is finally making its way. Halloween on the square is an enjoyable and safe way for your kids to celebrate without worry. Downtown square of Leonard, Texas, on October 31, 2022, from 5-7 p.m. More info: https://leonardchamber.com/event/halloween-on-the-square-2022/
Winnsboro Art and Wine Festival: Assuming parents are exhausted and need an evening out every so often, the Winnsboro Art and Wine Festival has got you covered. Artists from all over come to showcase their work along with Texas wineries that come to exhibit their award-winning wines to sample and buy. There will also be food vendors to appease your cravings throughout the day. 200 Market St, Winnsboro, Texas, on November 11-12, from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. More info: https://winnsborocenterforthearts.com/art-wine-festival/
Rowdy Creek Ranch Dinner and Concert Benefit: Maybe the Second Annual Dinner and Concert Benefit will be your style. After buying your ticket, you will be provided dinner, drinks, The Rok Dox band, raffles and more.This occasion benefits Love Them More Ministries. ¨We provide duffle bags and the first night essentials for children in thirty counties all over East Texas that are removed from their homes and placed in foster care due to neglect and abuse,¨ says the Eventbrite website about Love Them More Ministries. Rowdy Creek Ranch in Gilmer, Texas, on November 11, from 6-10 p.m. Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2nd-annual-dinner-and-concert-benefit-tickets-407116675937?aff=erelexpmlt
Titus County Halloween in the Park: Trunk or treating is a safer alternative to collecting candy for Halloween. Children can walk car to car in their costumes to play games, win prizes, and grab some sweet treats. 114 N. Jefferson Ave., Mt. Pleasant, Texas, on October 29. Read more: https://mpcity.net/events/halloween-in-the-park-drive-thru
Monster Mile 5k Glow Run/ Walk: For those who want to get outside and enjoy the fall weather, you might take interest in the 5k Glow Run/ Walk and Monster Mile. The 5k is for ages 11-100 and costs fifteen dollars for entry, but includes a t-shirt. The Monster Mile is for kids eleven and under. Entry is free, but shirts are fifteen dollars. This run will take place at 210 E. Hiram St., Atlanta, Texas, on October 22, from 6-8 p.m. Register: https://runsignup.com/Race/TX/Atlanta/5KGLOWRunMonsterMile
Special Needs Fall Fest -Every person is important, and the Special Needs Fall Fest makes note of that. Allevents.in says ¨2022 Free Fall program for the special needs community of the Texarkana area.¨ 415 S. Robinson Rd., Texarkana, Texas, on October 19. Register: https://allevents.in/texarkana/texarkana-special-needs-fall-fest/200023296852941
Fall Market of Texarkana– Shop local vendors while your kids make fun crafts at the Fall Market of Texarkana. This fall festivity will be located at The Silvermoon on Broad in Texarkana, Texas. It will be from 3-7 p.m. on October 9, 2022. Read more: https://allevents.in/texarkana/fall-market-by-healthcare-express/200023296855151
ALL TEXAS
State Fair of Texas: The State Fair of Texas is an almost month-long extravaganza of food, animals, rides and so much more. All fair goers can experience the best fried foods in Texas at this event and explore new, amazing food combinations that will leave no one hungry. Don’t forget about the Red River Shootout between The University of Texas and Oklahoma University, on October 8th, at Cotton Bowl Stadium. There is so much to do and see at the State Fair that you will want to plan for more than one day. For bed and breakfast lodging check out The Gaston. September 30 – October 23, Fair Park, Dallas. Tickets: https://bigtex.com/buy-tickets-new/
Texas Renaissance Festival: The Texas Ren fest is a long-standing Texas tradition that is open every weekend starting on October 8th for food, entertainment, and so much more. Step back in time to experience the Middle Ages with Knights, Kings, Queens and jesters. Explore the fair grounds and eat the food of the realm, while you take in a show or just watch the people. The Texas Ren fest is bound to have something for the whole family to enjoy. Come as you are or dress in a period costume or fit the weekend theme. Look for accommodations at a local campground or Log Cabin B n B, Hodge Podge Lodge, or Maple Creek bed and breakfast. October 8 – November 27 (weekends only) 21778 FM 1774, Todd Mission, TX 77363
Screams– Screams is a great time to explore the ultimate Halloween experience. If you like to live on the wild side and don’t mind having the life scared out of you, this is the place to do it. Food and drinks are available for when you are not exploring the haunted houses or watching a show. For your bed and breakfast stay, check out English Merchants Inn, Chaska House bed and breakfast, or Winding Ridge bed and breakfast. September 30 – October 29 (weekends and nights only) 2511 FM 66, Waxahachie, TX 75167. Tickets: https://screamspark.com/
Autumn at the Dallas Arboretum: Autumn at the Arboretum is a beautiful sight to experience. The Arboretum transforms into a fall paradise with pumpkin and gourd displays all based around this year’s theme “A Fall Fairy Tale.” Bring the whole family to experience this transformation and explore some popular fairy tales as they come alive with fall colors. September 17–October 31, 8525 Garland Road, Dallas, Texas 75218
Floydada Punkin’ Days: Come experience the Pumpkin Capital of Texas in style at their annual Punkin’ Days festival. Held the second weekend of October there is fun for the whole family. With pie eating contests, costume contests and so much more. Don’t forget about the pumpkins. Be sure to check out Hotel Matador, Slanton Harvey House, or the Woodrow House for local accommodation for the festival. October 8-9, 105 5th S Street Floydada, TX
Cuero Turkeyfest- The Cuero Turkeyfest will be celebrating its fiftieth anniversary this year, and it’s bound to be a big one. The weekend will be full of family fun activities, turkey races, concerts and food contests. Join in this celebration of America’s Thanksgiving Dinner bird. For your bed and breakfast accommodations check out Broadway House Bed and Breakfast. October 7 – 9, Cuero Municipal Park, Cuero, TX
Chappell Hill Scarecrow Festival– Never underestimate the importance of a scarecrow to keep your crops safe. Chappell Hill has never taken them for granted and has even gone so far as to celebrate the Scarecrow with it’s own festival. With food, exhibits, vendors and entertainment you can be sure that the whole family will enjoy this event. Local accommodations can be found at Ant Street Inn, Main Street House, and Ross Carroll Bennett House bed and breakfast. October 8 -9, 5070 Main St, Chappell Hill, TX 77426
Día de los Muertos– The day of the Dead is celebrated every year in San Antonio, Texas and has been touted at one of the best festivals by National Geographic. This historical celebration of remembrance can experienced by everyone. The Dia de los Muertos is filled with artisans, experiences and of course food and music. Choose to stay at one of these local bed and breakfast locations; Arbor House, one of three Nobel Inns locations, or the Brackenridge House bed and breakfast. October 29-30, 630 Nueva St., San Antonio, TX 78205
Red Stegall Cowboy Gathering: The Red Stegall Cowboy Gathering actually starts in Jacksboro, TX with a wagon train that leaves out a week before the festival in Fort Worth. It arrives at the Stockyards and that’s when the local fun begins. Show off your cowboy skills, or just enjoy watching those who have done it before. There is fun for everyone in this classic Texas event. Check out the Rosen House Inn or The Virginia May for your overnight accommodations. October 28-30, Fort Worth Stockyards, Ft. Worth, TX
No matter what you´re interested in, there’s a celebration for everyone. Fall is the best season to celebrate surrounded by family and friends, so don’t miss out on the fun!
By Mattison Holland and Allison Libby-Thesing. Taylor Nye contributed to this report
