We love staying around Houston in October, and here are 10 reasons why!
- Arts and Crafts at Kemah’s Boo on the Boardwalk
- Buy Paintings and Sculpture at the Bayou City Art Festival
- Costume Party at Scream on the Green
- Look Spooky at Houston Zoo’s Zoo Boo
- Food Trip at Discovery Green’s Southern Smoke Festival
- Appreciate the Nigerian Culture at the Nigeria Cultural Parade and Festival
- Experience Original Greek Fest at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral
- Throwback to WWII at Ellington Field’s Wings Over Houston
- Take a Ghost Tour with Houston Ghost Tour
- Pumpkin-picking at Dewberry Farm Fall Festival
If my friends would ask me to go on a trip with them, I would always say “all months of the year—except October”! Even if you give me free miles, I won’t grab it since I can’t afford to miss out on the exciting festivities in Houston every autumn!
If you’re not living here in Houston, October’s the best time of the year in this city. With great outdoor activities and much cooler weather, everyone’s out and about celebrating the Fall!
So pack your bags and join me as I walk you through the things that you can do in Houston this October.
1. Arts and Crafts at Kemah’s Boo on the Boardwalk
Media credit: @theboardwalkkw
Website: https://www.kemahboardwalk.com/boo-on-the-boardwalk
Address: 215 Kipp Ave, Kemah, TX 77565
Contact Details: +1 281-535-8100
Operating Hours: Monday – Thursday: 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM; Friday, Sunday: 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM; Saturday: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
For those of you who want to maximize all weekends of October, you can participate and be artsy at Kemah’s Boo on the Boardwalk, an annual October event in Houston.
You can take your kids for a little haunted house tour during their Freaky Friday events. Kemah’s Boo on the Boardwalk also has some movie screenings such as The Nightmare Before Christmas and Hotel Transylvania: Transformania.
Meanwhile, you and your kids can enjoy an afternoon filled with arts and crafts. Here, you can learn how to create your spooky crafts, perfect for Halloween.
During the last weekend of October, your kids can enjoy some trick or treat, allowing them to express themselves through their creative costumes.
| Pro tip: To maximize your participation in Kemah’s Boo on the Boardwalk, consider joining their Spook-tacular Style event, a weekly kids’ Halloween costume contest. Of course, no one’s stopping you from wearing a costume too–just make sure its family-friendly! |
2. Buy Paintings and Sculpture at the Bayou City Art Festival
Website: http://www.bayoucityartfestival.com/
Address: 7026 Old Katy Rd Suite 281, Houston, TX 77024
Contact Details: +1 713-521-0133
Operating Hours: Monday: 12:00 AM – 6:00 AM; Saturday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM; Sunday: 12:00 PM – 6:00 AM, 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM
If you want a lively art festival wherein you can share insights and interests with your fellow art enthusiasts then you’ll love the Bayou City Art Festival every October.
Here, you can be amazed at the creativity and passion of over 300 artists, showcasing 19 different categories invited worldwide.
This is also your chance to meet with exhibiting artists and learn first-hand about the stories behind each artwork. Even better, you can purchase the artwork directly from them, showing your support.
Just like any other festival, Bayou City Art Festival also has food establishments wherein you can take some rest and recharge in between your art shopping,
You’ll also love the inviting vibe as the place is filled with music and entertainment.
| Pro tip: Consider getting a VIP pass at the Bayou City Art Festival if you want complimentary beer and wine during your art tour. This also entitles you to a shuttle or parking service and access to the relaxation lounge. |
3. Costume Party at Scream on the Green
Media credit: @columbusciviccenter
Website: http://www.bayoucityartfestival.com/
Address: 7026 Old Katy Rd Suite 281, Houston, TX 77024
Contact Details: +1 713-521-0133
Operating Hours: Monday: 12:00 AM – 6:00 AM; Saturday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM; Sunday: 12:00 PM – 6:00 AM, 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM
For those of you who want to join a costume party that has a category for both adults and kids, then you’ll surely enjoy Scream on the Green held every October at Discovery Green.
There are lots of prizes for both kids and adults so expect that there are several participants every year!
You’ll love the vibe here at Scream on the Green too. Your kids will indeed scream—out of joy, not out of fear. The place is also lively with good music, so it’s more festive than spooky.
Of course, the event won’t be complete without some trick or treat, so make sure you provide a big pumpkin basket for your little ones. No entrance fees are needed to join the event–so it’s definitely a treat for everyone!
| Pro tip: Scream on the Green event is only held for three hours so don’t be late to maximize all the activities. Moreover, if you wish to participate in the costume contest, make sure to be there an hour earlier to settle in. |
4. Look Spooky at Houston Zoo’s Zoo Boo
Media credit: @houstonzoo
Website: https://www.houstonzoo.org/events/zoo-boo-2024/
Address: 6200 Hermann Park Dr, Houston, TX 77030
Contact Details: +1 713-533-6500
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 AM
Another October event in Houston that screams ‘fall’ all over is Zoo Boo at Houston Zoo.
Time to change your profile photos as you can also take snapshots with the carved pumpkin patches at Houston Zoo’s Zoo Boo. And since it’s Halloween time, you can also see their animal-themed peek-a-boo pumpkins.
One pumpkin isn’t enough, so it’s great that they’re also showcasing a Pumpkin Tree, allowing us to see where all these adorable orange fruits came from.
Your children will surely enjoy entering the Pumpkin Lantern Tunnel prepared at the lion and tiger exhibits. Moreover, there’s also a “ghost town” that you can visit right beside the giraffe barn.
| Pro tip: For a more interactive visit to Houston Zoo’s Zoo Boo, consider visiting during the night to see glowing pumpkin displays near the Flamingo Terrace area. Meanwhile, you can also spot some talking pumpkins as your arrive. |
5. Food Trip at Discovery Green’s Southern Smoke Festival
Media credit: @discoverygreen
Website: https://www.discoverygreen.com/event/southern-smoke/
Address: 1500 McKinney St, Houston, TX 77010
Contact Details: +1 713-400-7336
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday: 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Southern Smoke Festival offers Houstonians a gastronomical treat featuring almost 60 best chefs and culinary personalities for all weekends of October.
What’s great about Souther Smoke Festival is that they’re bringing your culinary faves around the city of Houston–from Discovery Green to Hermann Park and Post Oak areas.
Here, you can taste the favorite Texas-sized BBQs from the biggest gastronomical celebrities such as Gren Gatlin and Evelyn Garcia.
You can also enjoy a great selection of beer, wine, and spirits.
| Pro tip: Because sharing is caring, consider purchasing an add-on industry ticket during your gastronomical tour at the Southern Smoke Festival. This will allow F&B workers to experience and enjoy the festival too. |
6. Appreciate the Nigerian Culture at the Nigeria Cultural Parade and Festival
Media credit: @nigeriaculturalparade
Website: https://nigeriaculturalparade.com/
If you want to appreciate other cultural festivals then don’t miss out on Nigeria Cultural Parade and Festival in Downtown Houston. Here, you’ll be educated on the West African culture, showcasing the diversity of African cultures.
You’ll also see Nigeria’s different take on masquerades filled with colorful robes and masks, showcasing their tradition and beliefs.
Aside from getting to know Nigerian culture, you’ll also get to taste their famous Jollof rice and peppered suya, which will be flowing during the event.
| Pro tip: Since the parade begins and ends near the Toyota Center at Clay Street, make sure to avoid that street and those nearby to prevent being stuck in traffic. Consider parking a few blocks away and just walk your way to the parade grounds. |
7. Experience Original Greek Fest at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral
Media credit: @theolympiandancers
Website: http://www.agoc.org/
Address: 3511 Yoakum Blvd, Houston, TX 77006
Contact Details: +1 713-526-5377
If you want to be transported to Greece without the need to book that plane ticket, then attend the Original Greek Fest at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Houston. This event has been one of the respected events for Greek immigrants in Houston.
Here, you can see their rich traditions blend with some festive vibe.
When it comes to food, you’ll love the freshly grilled Souvlaki, or their sausage on a stick. You can also get to taste their version of baked macaroni called Pastitsio.
You can also try their Greek wines to complete the celebration.
For those of you who love dancing, make your Greek Festival complete by performing their traditional dance too!
Meanwhile, you and your friends can also learn more about their Byzantine-style Cathedral. Here, you can avail of their guided tour to get an insight into the symbolism of the church and its significance to the community.
| Pro tip: If you wish to buy unique gold jewelry or costume jewelry, you can head over to the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral’s gift shop. You can also purchase some imported Greek foods to commemorate your first Greek Festival! |
8. Throwback to WWII at Ellington Field’s Wings Over Houston
Media credit: @wingsoverhoustonairshow
Website: https://wingsoverhouston.com/
If you’re curious about what happened during World War II then the Wings Over Houston event every October would be an interesting fest for you!
During this event, you’ll witness an exciting airshow that showcases modern aviation. You can also see static displays of both modern and historic war-time aircraft.
This is also your chance to take a look at what’s inside a big cargo transport. You can also see various types of helicopters.
Moreover, training aircraft are on display, allowing you to examine what’s inside them.
On the other hand, you can head to the Warbird Ramp if you wish to see more aircraft used during World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. If you’re lucky, you can even sit in the pilot’s seat!
Aside from the airshow and other aircraft-related activities and tours, you can also support local businesses as almost 50 vendors will grace this fest.
| Pro tip: While the adults are the target market for this event, your kids will still enjoy their time at Wings Over Houston’s carnival corner. Here, they can participate in face-painting activities, and even enjoy their time at the inflatable slides. |
9. Take a Ghost Tour with Houston Ghost Tour
Media credit: @houstonghosttour
Website: https://www.houstonghosttour.com/
Address: 8375, 311 Main St suite d, Spring, TX 77373
Contact Details: +1 281-770-1324
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
October equates to Halloween, and Halloween won’t be complete without all things spooky! So a ghost tour is a must for Houstonians, indeed.
Luckily, Houston Ghost Tour has been providing haunting tours all over Houston such as the Old Town Spring Ghost tour, featuring the most haunted Old West Town in the United States.
Furthermore, you can choose to walk inside a haunted park and learn about the ghosts that keep on haunting the Houston Zoo during a walking historical ghost tour.
You can also avail of Houston Ghost Tour’s tarot reading, where you can hear specific readings that match your goals.
| Pro tip: Consider booking a ghost tour for a smaller group for a more immersive experience. In doing so, you’ll get more time to ask questions, and really listen to the spooky stories well. |
10. Pumpkin-picking at Dewberry Farm Fall Festival
Media credit: @dewberryfarmtexas
Website: https://dewberryfarm.com/
Address: 7705 FM 362, Brookshire, TX 7742
Contact Details: +1 281-934-3276
Operating Hours: Saturday – Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
If you want to catch one of the best-rated pumpkin patches around Houston then you should visit the Dewberry Farm Fall Festival. This festival allows the whole family to be surrounded by pumpkins, so it’s a great autumn getaway for you!
Pumpkin picking is one of the sought-after activities during the Dewberry Farm Fall Festival. Even better, you and your kids can also experience painting pumpkins.
For the adventurous ones, you can try and make your way out of the 8-acre Peanuts-themed corn maze.
Meanwhile, make sure to document this day and visit their life-sized Pumpkin House.
It’s also a great day to allow your children to meet barn animals, letting them experience how to feed and care for them.
| Pro tip: If you wish to let your kids experience their spooky event, consider staying until late night to participate in their BOOriffic nights. |
