Fall might seem like a world away, but it’s just about here. To get you psyched for the best season of the year, here are the best things to do this fall in Houston: from fall festivals and pumpkin picking, to Halloween events, scary movies, and more!
Much like our summer list, we’ve curated a list of the best fall activities Houston has to offer. And yes, we’ve included a list of where to find the best pumpkin spice lattes in Houston, as well as more unique ways to enjoy the season.
Alas, here’s our ultimate fall bucket list in Houston!
1. Go Pumpkin Picking in Houston
What’s more emblematic of fall than the pumpkin? Whether gathering pumpkins for pie, house decor, or Jack O’ Lanterns, the pumpkin is the embodiment of autumn – the latter is literally the face of the season. In and around Houston you can find a number of local farms, shops, and more that will lead you to your perfect pumpkins.
2-4. Revel in Houston Fall Festivals
Pumpkin patches, pumpkin houses, apple blasters, and hay rides – find it all at these Houston fall festivals. Kicking off mid September, in and around Houston you can find numerous autumn extravaganzas that the whole family can enjoy!
- Pumpkin Festival Houston returns to Discovery Green this fall! Following its smashing debut this past year, the festival will once again transform the downtown park into an autumn wonderland with pumpkins, pumpkin houses, a giant bouncing pumpkin, and much more!
- Self-proclaimed as the No. 1 pumpkin patch in Houston, Dewberry Farms has brought back its fall festival where visitors can enjoy over 40 rides, fabulous fall foods, and more nostalgic autumn fun!
5. Watch Scary Movies
Fall is season of (welcome) scaries. While you might be inclined to binge-watch all the horror your heart can handle from the comfort of your couch, you’re better off in the safety of crowds when the movie monsters pop out of the screen. If seeking the nostalgia of Halloween classics, be sure to stay updated with the Rooftop Cinema Club fall program, which is sure to screen the likes of Halloween, Harry Potter, and, per tradition, multiple screenings of Hocus Pocus.
6-8. Celebrate Spooky Season in Houston
October marks the season for indulging in spooky movie marathons, cranking up your cherished niche gothic music playlist, embracing the eerie atmosphere, and indulging in an abundance of Halloween treats. To fully immerse yourself in the Halloween spirit within the city, explore our list of the best Halloween events in Houston this year.
- 10 of the most terrific haunted houses in Houston
- 10 haunted places in Texas
9. Witness Fall Foliage
The colors of autumn aren’t limited to northern states. While in Houston you might be able to come across small splashes of fall foliage here and there, the state of Texas is home to blazen autumn colors during peak season. If you consider yourself a true fall lover, you won’t mind going on a vibrant road trip to these blazen and beautiful destinations to witness fall foliage in Texas come late October.
10. Delight in All Things Pumpkin
Do you like pumpkin in your coffee? Pumpkin in your cake? Pumpkin in your do-nuts? Say “yes” to pumpkin-flavored treats at these coffee shops, bakeries, and local establishments that are making the best fall sweets, treats, and best pumpkin spice lattes in Houston!
11. Celebrate Oktoberfest
Face-sized beers, giant pretzels, polka, and more: strap on your leiderhousen and clog your way over to these awesome Oktoberfest celebrations in Houston!
12. Celebrate Dia de los Muertos at the City’s Spectacular Parade
On Saturday, November 1st, the city will have the opportunity to participate in the marvelous Dia de los Muertos parade and festival in Houston, starting at 4 pm in Downtown, Houston. The parade, with all its splendid pageantry, will also feature a Day of the Dead Pub Crawl and all-day celebration at El Big Bad.
13. Cozy Up in Houston Haunts
On the off chance that we actually do experience some crisp fall weather, it’ll be the perfect excuse to warm up in the coziest bars in Houston.
14. Go on a Stunning Fall Hike
Get out and about while you can, Houston. Following the most brutal summer in the history of Houston, it’ll do you well to enjoy sub-90-degree temperatures and explore the absolute best hiking in the Houston area.
15. See what’s going on at Discovery Green
The beloved park in Downtown, Houston has released its fall program for the 2025 season. Kicking off in early September, Discovery Green is slated to host new art installations, Scream on the Green, Dia de los Muertos celebrations, and more!
16. Get Medieval at the Largest Renaissance Festival in the Country
The 50th edition of the Texas Renaissance Festival, which reigns supreme as the largest renaissance festival in the United States, will make its comeback to Texas on October 11th, promising a realm of entertainment suitable for the entire family.