Houston isn’t always the first city that comes to mind when you think of autumn getaways—but it should be. With pleasant weather, a thriving festival scene, and unique cultural offerings, fall in Houston offers something for everyone. Whether you’re after family-friendly pumpkin patches, craft beer festivals, or outdoor adventures, Houston has it all.
And getting there is easy. United Airlines offers 3-5 daily nonstop flights (depending on the day) from Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport (ICT) to Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), making it a quick and convenient trip. You can leave Wichita in the morning and be exploring Houston by lunchtime—no layovers required.
Why Visit Houston in the Fall?
Milder Weather: Cooler temps make outdoor events more comfortable than the sweltering summer months.
- September: High ~88°F / Low ~70°F
- October: High ~81°F / Low ~61°F
- November: High ~72°F / Low ~52°F
What to Pack
- Light layers for warm afternoons and cool evenings
- Comfortable walking shoes for festivals and parks
- Light jacket or sweater for nighttime events
Fall Festival Season – Book Festival Tickets Early
Houston’s festival season runs September through November and is packed with cultural, music, and food festivals. Parks, trails, and waterways become prime spots for exploring. Restaurants and coffee shops roll out autumn-inspired menus you won’t want to miss. Oktoberfest Houston offers a festive atmosphere filled with German beer, bratwurst, and live polka music. Click on these links to learn more:
Oktoberfest
Art lovers flock to the Bayou City Art Festival, one of the top outdoor art festivals in the U.S., featuring hundreds of artists, live performances, and delicious food. The festival is Oct. 10-12, 2025. For those looking for something a bit more immersive, the nearby Texas Renaissance Festival in Todd Mission offers a journey back to the 16th century with themed weekends, costumed performers, artisan markets, and thrilling jousting tournaments that captivate attendees of all ages. The festival will run on weekends beginning Oct. 11 through Nov. 30 and Thanksgiving Friday.
No fall in Houston is complete without a visit to one of the many pumpkin patches and family-friendly farms in and around the city. Blessington Farms offers a charming pumpkin patch, hayrides, and a petting zoo, making it perfect for families with young children. Old MacDonald’s Farm delights visitors with a corn maze, pony rides, and barnyard animals set in a classic country environment. Dewberry Farm is famous for its giant slides, train rides, and picture-perfect fall photo opportunities. For the best pumpkin selection, it’s wise to visit these farms early in the season.
Houston’s outdoor spaces shin beautifully during the cooler fall months, inviting visitors to explore nature and enjoy recreational activities. Buffalo Bayou Park boasts scenic walking and biking trails with stunning skyline views, as well as kayak rentals for water enthusiasts. Hermann Park offers lush gardens, pedal boats, and wide open green spaces ideal for picnics and leisurely afternoons. The Houston Arboretum & Nature Center provides peaceful nature walks, excellent bird-watching opportunities, and guided tours that highlight the region’s flora and fauna.
Japanese Garden, Hermann Park
When it comes to seasonal food and drink, Houston’s culinary scene embraces autumn flavors well beyond the usual pumpkin spice. Local chefs highlight seasonal produce like squash, mushrooms, and root vegetables in their fall-themed menus. Craft breweries such as Saint Arnold Brewing Company and 8th Wonder Brewery release special seasonal brews that capture the essence of fall. Meanwhile, popular coffee shops like Boomtown Coffee and Catalina Coffee roll out unique fall drinks and pastries that keep locals and visitors cozy.
For those interested in day trips perfect for the fall season, several nearby destinations offer a change of scenery and new adventures. Galveston, just over an hour away, invites visitors to stroll along beaches, admire historic architecture, and savor fresh seafood. The Round Top Antiques Fair draws vintage lovers and collectors looking for unique treasures. Brazos Bend State Park offers trails, wildlife spotting, and picnic areas framed by beautiful fall foliage, making it a serene escape from the city. For the adventurous and daring type, visit Go Ape Zipline & Adventure Park in Brazos River Park, where you’ll zip on 45-foot-high tree-to-tree crossings.
As Halloween approaches, round up your boo crew, show off your costumes, and prepare for a night of creepy cocktails, chills, and unforgettable bar-hopping fun! The Official Halloween Pub Crawl is a two-day event, Oct. 31 – Nov. 1. Houston Ghost Tours lead visitors on spooky walks through the city’s oldest districts, sharing eerie stories and haunted history. Some of Houston’s Halloween attractions include:
- Chilling Candlelight Concerts
- Binge watch horror movies
- Scream your Head Off at Texas’s Largest Horror Amusement Park
- Haunted houses
- Boo on the Boardwalk
- Texas Renaissance Festival
- The Outbreak: A Zombie Apocalypse Dining Experience
- Dine at the Texas Chainsaw Massacre House
- Phobia Haunted House
- Houston Cream Fest
For more ideas, see Halloween Events – Houston.
Regardless of the time of year, you must visit the Space Center Houston, a premier science and space exploration learning center. See over 400 space artifacts, spacesuit collection and other exhibits, and so much more It will be an experience you won’t forget.
Space Center Houston
Conclusion
Whether you’re sipping seasonal beer at Oktoberfest, exploring art at the Bayou City Art Festival, testing your nerves at a Halloween haunted house, or learning about , Houston offers the perfect mix of autumn charm and big-city energy. So pack your bags, book your nonstop flight on United, and get ready to discover why Houston in the fall is an experience you’ll want to repeat year after year.