By the time this guide is posted, gas may cost $10 a gallon, but fear not: We’ve got you covered with October events near Houston that are worth a few gallons.
Most of these events are free or have nominal fees, and all of them are easy drives that provide a change of scenery and solid low-cost entertainment. Make it a day trip or spend the night (or a whole weekend)—it’s entirely up to you and your budget.
So whether you’re a die-hard Ren Fest attendee (Rennies, to the uninitiated) or you like the idea of a glass of wine that comes with a hilltop view, you’ll find something in the list below to whet your October appetite.
Texas Renaissance Festival
Where is it? 21778 Farm to Market 1774, Todd Mission
How far from Houston? About 55 miles
When is it? Oct. 10 through Nov. 29, plus the Friday after Thanksgiving
How much is it? Ticket prices range from $17 to $26 depending on the day, and two-day weekend passes range from $37 to $86.
Why would I go? The bigger question is, Wherefore should I not?
Over 500,000 visitors a year can’t be wrong, so prithee join them at the 2026 Texas Renaissance Festival, the largest such festival in the nation.
Grab a map at the entrance—you’ll need it as you wander the enormous grounds and visit over 400 shops and 21 stages where costumed performers will engage you in all things medieval. You can come as you are, but it’s even more fun to dress the part and trade trinkets with other festivalgoers.
Themed weekends make this festival an ever-evolving opportunity to break out a new costume. The festival opens with Oktoberfest, then leads into 1001 Dreams, where fairies, elves, and mythical creatures come out to play. Then there’s Pirate Adventure where you can challenge your fellow swashbucklers in a fish & chips eating contest, followed by Shadows Beckon just in time for Halloween (This one’s for you, my fellow ghouls, ghosts, and Transylvanians).
Visit the TRF website for more information about themed weekends and to purchase tickets.
Texas Jazz Festival
Where is it? Heritage Park, Corpus Christi
How far from Houston? About 200 miles, all highway
When is it? Oct. 16 – 18
How much is it? Free to all ages
Why would I go? Did you notice it’s free?
Billing itself as the longest continuously running free jazz festival in the world, the Texas Jazz Festival brings musicians from all over the nation to perform live before a very appreciative audience.
It’s hard to resist tapping your toes as guitarists riff, drummers pick up the beat, and the horn section lets a rip. So stand up and dance along, then replenish your energy with some Tex-Mex and good ol’ retail therapy. Local vendors will be selling their wares, and as a reminder: Christmas is right around the corner.
Texas Arts and Music Festival
Where is it? Downtown Brenham
How far from Houston? About 74 miles
When is it? Oct. 16 – 18
How much is it? Free, with voluntary donations
Why would I go? It’s a great way to support your local artists
Sing along with The Last Bandoleros, the San Antonio rockers headlining the 2026 Texas Arts and Music Festival, and be sure to get there early on the 17th to boogie to Houston’s own The Guzzlers.
This festival features a variety of music from bands across Texas, alongside a juried art show that’s on display through the end of the month. It’s a chance to admire the art of Texas creatives, including the impressive murals that bring Brenham buildings to life.
Be sure to pop into some shops over the weekend—Brenham is known for its design and antique stores. The event might be free, but the purchases? Well, that’s another story.
Día de los Muertos Festival
Where is it? Downtown Corpus Christi, use 623 N. Chaparral St. to navigate
How far from Houston? Plan on about a 3.5-hour drive
When is it? Sat. Oct. 24 from 1 p.m. until midnight
How much is it? Free, but you can purchase VIP tickets if you’re feeling special
Why would I go? This festival has actually won awards, and everyone loves a winner
Lauded as one of the most authentic Day of the Dead festivals in the nation, Corpus Christi’s Día de los Muertos Festival is a full day of fun across 10 downtown blocks.
What makes this one special is that it is a true remembrance honored and celebrated through art of just about every kind. The Community Ofrenda Display is a great example of this—everyone from students and teachers to neighbors and professional artists contributes to this display, and it is something to see.
Of course, you can count on folkloric dance, mariachi bands, art vendors, and food that all embrace the cultural significance of this holiday. See for yourself why this festival has won multiple awards.
Texas Wine Month
Where is it? The entire area surrounding Texas Hill Country, but see my recs for narrowing it down.
How far from Houston? About 200 miles to Burnet
When is it? The entire month of October
How much is it? Cost varies by tasting, and let’s face it, you won’t care after a few glasses
Why would I go? It’s the best excuse you’ll ever have to try every Texas wine
Texas wine recognition is growing by the barrel, and if you’d like to see what all the hoopla is about, take advantage of Texas Wine Month in October. My favorite place to partake is Highland Lakes, which bonus, is also much closer to Houston than Fredericksburg, where most people will land.
Don’t miss Torr Na Lochs Vineyard (my personal fave) and Perissos Vineyard & Winery, both in Burnet, and Flat Creek Estate in Marble Falls. And consider purchasing the Texas Wine Month Passport for $85. It gets you a complimentary tasting at all 45 participating wineries during October.
One more thing: Some wineries require a reservation and others strongly recommend it, so start making phone calls now.
Mystical Parade of Boo
Where is it? Downtown Galveston (see note below)
How far from Houston? Around 50 miles
When is it? Oct. 24, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
How much is it? Free
Why would I go? It’s Halloween meets Mardi Gras, and you should be here for it.
Who wouldn’t be enticed to check out the Mystical Parade of Boo, if for no other reason than the name alone? What makes it mystical? And how does boo parade?
Perhaps this event’s tagline will give you a better idea of what to expect: Let the ghoul times roll! Since Galveston is also known as the place to celebrate Mardi Gras, expect to cheer on krewe floats decked in green, purple, and gold rolling right down the streets alongside vampires, witches, ghosts, and various creatures of the night.
You might think this is just one giant drink fest, and it can be if you choose to make it one, but this is a family affair appropriate for the kiddos and grandma. Bring the whole gang to watch the parade and capture epic pics, or register in advance to participate in the march.
According to the website, “The 2026 parade begins on Market Street at 28th Street and travels east to 20th Street before turning toward The Strand. The route makes one loop through downtown and ends at Strand and 25th Street.”
Sure, you can hit one of the awesome pumpkin patches near Houston, but these activities allow you to expand your horizons a bit and enjoy the fall fun all the way through Halloween.
This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.
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