October is the month to dive into your fall festivities, and what better way to do it than with pumpkin patches, outdoor mazes, and a few new fall-themed experiences? From a celebration of gobblers to a puppy-palooza to all things pumpkin, give your family a taste of the quintessential Hill Country autumn. These eight events capture an array of experiences, with some evoking the familiarity of childhood and others offering something completely new. So find your favorite (or favorites) and get out there! Whatever your fall-season wishes are, these festivals have something for everyone.
Driftwood Fall Festival
driftwoodfallfestival.com
Deep in the Hill Country, Driftwood welcomes in autumn with pumpkin patches, hay mazes, petting zoos, artisan markets, and live music. This three-week extravaganza runs from October 7th through November 1st and offers fun for kids, couples, and fall lovers. With special events scattered throughout, there’s sure to be something fun when you visit!
Cuero Turkeyfest
turkeyfest.org
The 54th annual Cuero Turkeyfest is jam-packed with fun for the whole family. From October 9th to 11th, enjoy a mixture of live entertainment, the Turkeyfest parade, and the can’t-miss Great Gobbler Gallop. Don't miss seeing Ruby Begonia, the fastest turkey in the South, race for first place!
Texas Pumpkin Fest
texaspumpkinfest.com
Texas Pumpkin Fest is the Austin area’s largest pumpkin festival, held every weekend in Leander from October 10th through November 1st. Pumpkin patches, magic shows, and pumpkin pie eating contests are just a few of the attractions you can expect to find.
Barktoberfest
hcaltx.org/barktoberfest
This pet-friendly fest in Boerne on October 17th puts all things canine front and center. From Doggy Dash Races to food vendors, Barktoberfest has something for the family and our furry friends. Plus, every dollar raised goes back to providing wellness services for pets in the Hill Country.
Knights of Columbus—Bestfest
visitfredericksburgtx.com
While Fredericksburg is known for Oktoberfest, Bestfest is another great festival on October 17th. Featuring craft beer, music, dancing, raffles, and children’s activities, this one-day event, put on by the local Knights of Columbus, is perfect for fall and anyone who wants to celebrate German food, culture, and fun.
Quiet Valley Homecoming
kerrvillefolkfestival.org/homecoming
For a change of pace, the Kerrville Folk Festival presents Quiet Valley Homecoming, an event that lets you reconnect with nature and your community. From October 23rd to 25th, enjoy a relaxed fall camping experience with additional surprises. Your troop’s $35 pass is good for the whole weekend.
Llano River Pumpkin Float
llanochamber.org
On October 25th, grab the kids and their carved pumpkins, and head over to Badu Park in Llano to watch them get sent down the river! This free event is an experience your whole family will love. Businesses, non-profits, and individuals will also be handing out candy. Check it out!
Wurstfest
wurstfest.com
Perhaps one of the most well-known fall festivals in the Hill Country, Wurstfest kicks off in November with lots of German culture and Texas-sized fun. This festival has everything from food to music to carnival rides. Join in the fun starting November 6th through 15th.