Houston’s Top 9 festivals and destinations this fall

The days are getting shorter, which means that fall is right around the corner. Autumn is a great time to be in the Lone Star State for its tolerable temperatures and variety of events, festivals, and general good times. While there is a lot to do in Houston, why not venture outside the city to see what great experiences await? From festivals and breweries to performances and markets, these 9 activities will keep you entertained in and outside the city this autumn.

Each year, more than 500,000 guests venture to the nation’s largest and most acclaimed Renaissance Festival. Located at the New Market Village just 50 miles outside of Houston, guests are entertained by an assortment of performers including musicians, magicians, acrobats, jugglers, and dancers. The recreated 16th century English township is home to more than 200 daily performances on over 20 stages and has more than 400 shopping features. It’s safe to say you’ll find yourself heading out to New Market Village more than once this autumn.

Where: Sept 30-Nov 26 at 21778 Farm to Market 1774

If you think you’ve seen it all, then head to Houston for a twisted Halloween celebration at the Something Wicked Halloween music festival. You read that right; spend 2 days dancing on the dark side as music’s most sinister DJs and musicians stir up devilish good times for the undead. This is one monster bash that you won’t want to miss.

Where: Oct 28-29 at Sam Houston Race Park

Head to Texas’ Oldest Craft Brewery to try their seasonal autumn beers, grab a bite to eat, and meet the team that’s been crafting some of the best beer in Texas since 1994. Open Monday through Friday, the Brewery and Beer Hall serves up the latest batches of fresh brews in a modern, open tasting area. Don’t forget to make time for a public tour of the brewery that runs Monday through Friday at 1pm and 3pm. If you’re lucky enough to celebrate an autumn birthday, the brewery will gift you with a celebratory Happy Birthday pint glass.

Where:  2000 Lyons Ave.

How often do you get professional entertainment for free? Miller Outdoor Theatre is a unique venue offering classical music, jazz, ethnic music and dance, ballet, Shakespeare, musical theatre, classic films, and much more for absolutely no charge. Located on 7.5 acres of land in Hermann Park, this theater can house more than 1,700 seated guests and 4,500 lawn patrons. This family-friendly venue provides everything you need for the perfect night out so pack up a picnic and get some fresh air.

Where: 6000 Hermann Park Dr.

Home of the Houston Texans and the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, NRG Stadium is Houston’s top trade show, convention, sports, and entertainment complex. The stadium boasts a variety of events all year long, but head to the stadium this autumn for an unforgettable performance by Tony Robbins and Kevin O’Leary, and the 37th Annual Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market. Don’t forget to check the NRG Stadium website for a full list of events.

Where: One NRG Park

Are you noticing a trend yet? Houstonians love their entertainment, and the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion is just one more place to catch an array of performing arts. This fall you can expect to catch a variety of concerts including the Goo Goo Dolls, Eric Church, Zac Brown, Matchbox 20 & Counting Crows, and more. With a new performance taking place every couple days, be sure to check the events calendar for a full autumn line-up.

Where: 2005 Lake Robbins Dr.

Another performing arts center, the Smart Financial Centre at Sugar Land is located 22 miles from downtown Houston and is ranked #1 in “Houston’s Hottest Music Venues in 2017.” See an array of live performances from today’s hottest music artists and musical classics including ZZ Top, Bryan Adams, Luis Fonsi, KISS, Rick Springfield, and more. The fun never stops inside this 200,000-square-foot venue. Stop by the Smart Financial Centre website to see which concerts you’ll attend this fall.

Where: 18111 Lexington Blvd

Whether you live in Houston or surrounding areas, chances are there’s a music venue attracting today’s most successful artists within a short driving distance. White Oak Music Hall (WOMH) is no different, located only 2 miles from downtown Houston. The venue hosts more than 500 live music events per year ranging from rock and country to hip-hop and R&B. Concerts take place every couple of days, so check with the events calendar on the website to book your next concert.

Where: 2915 N Main St.

Don’t be thrown by the words “Bier Garten” because this bar is serving up more than just beer on their 94 taps. Located in a perfect part of Houston where there’s still a shortage of great bars, Heights Bier Garten offers 60 craft beers, 30 draft wines, and 4 ciders. Pair your favorite beverage with some classic Texas food, and you’ve got yourself a family-friendly bar and restaurant showing off a different side of Texas.

Where: 1433 N Shepherd Dr.

The festivals and events are plentiful, and the beverages are flowing in Houston this fall. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly outing, catching up with your old musical faves, or discovering new breweries and restaurants, use this list to assure you hit the hottest spots in and outside of Houston over the next several months.