Source: Rod Schmidt and Grave Digger catching big air during a Monster Jam event at Rose Garden arena in Portland. (Chris Ryan/Corbis via Getty Images) / Getty
Fall break in Houston means (ever so slightly) cooler weather, festival season and plenty of reasons to get out of the house without leaving the city. From food truck fairs and pumpkin patches to live concerts and craft beer fests, there’s something for everyone this season.
About: “Monster Jam is back – are you ready?! Experience entertainment like never before and become a fan for life. Watch as the world’s most popular trucks hit the air, pulling off must-see stunts. Grab your tickets now and get ready to jam!”
Houston Pumpkin Festival
Day(s): Daily
Time: 3PM to 10PM Monday to Thursday, 10AM to 10PM Friday to Sunday
Place: Discovery Green
Price: $18 Monday to Thursday, $26 Friday to Sunday, Children 3 and under free
About: “We are bringing the farmland to downtown Houston at Discovery Green. Come join us for a fun family outing with activities, games, photo ops, and so much more!”
Coastal Cowboys Exhibit
Day(s): Tuesday to Thursday
Time: 10AM to 4PM
Place: The Heritage Society at Sam Houston Park (1100 Bagby St, Houston)
Price: $5
About: “The Heritage Society is proud to present Coastal Cowboys, a traveling exhibition from The Bryan Museum in Galveston, Texas. It unveils the overlooked saga of Texas’s Gulf Coast cowboys and their horses in both the pre, and post-Civil War eras. This groundbreaking show sheds light on a network of Texas coastal ranches that flourished long before Texas found its place on the map, revealing how these cowboys forged a distinct way of life amid sand, salt, and sea. This exhibit is co-curated by Jim Hodges who is a well-known cowboy, Vietnam combat vet, author/historian, and museum collections producer. Cattle ranching has been the backbone of Texas’s economy since the early 18th century.”
About: “The Port of Galveston will celebrate its 200th birthday with a free Party on the Pier presented by Royal Caribbean. Come to Pier 21 the evening of October 17 for a spectacular drone and fireworks show, live music, food and beverage vendors and family fun!”
About: “Artist Boat and Moody Gardens are celebrating the ribbon cutting of the new Gulf in Depth exhibit, on October 16, featuring a series of 3 hands-on stations created by Artist Boat to shed light on the depths of the Gulf and the restoration of mesophotic and deep benthic coral communities that live there. The exhibit was designed in collaboration with restoration experts at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation, Moody Gardens Aquarium Pyramid conservation staff, interpretive program experts at Artist Boat, MuseWorks Exhibits, and Taylor Studios. This FREE event includes a ribbon cutting of the new exhibit stations, educational booths with giveaways, meet and greet with restoration divers, an interactive livestream connection with an expedition currently at sea, a Q&A session with experts, and more.”
Happy Hour Fridays at the MFAH
Day(s): Friday
Time: 5PM to 8PM
Place: Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
Price: General admission
About: “Happy Hour happens on Fridays! Meet your friends at the MFAH for the best night of the week. Explore the campus, visit the galleries, and get a drink at the bar (payment by credit card only). Happy Hour takes place in the Arrival Hall on the lower level of the Kinder Building and museum admission is required. The Museum is open until 9 p.m. on Friday. Cafe Leonelli is open with $5 Happy Hour specials until 8 p.m.”
UV Lights Paint Experience
Day(s): Friday to Saturday
Time: 8PM to 10PM
Place: Studio 786 (7636 Harwin Dr. Suite 308, Houston, TX 77036)
Price: $45
About: “Glow Paint Party – Houston’s #1 UV Experience! Step into the dark and light up the night! Join us at Studio 786 HTX for a one-of-a-kind UV Glow Paint Party. Paint in the Dark with neon UV paints, R&B Tings, BYOB welcome – bring your energy + drinks. Perfect for date night, friends, birthdays & groups. Tickets are LIMITED – grab yours now. Don’t just watch the glow – BE the glow. Grab your crew, wear your white/neon, and let’s make memories that shine.”
Day(s): Friday
Time: 8PM
Place: 713 Music Hall
Price: Tickets currently start at $98.50
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Urban Harvest Farmers Market
Day(s): Saturday
Time: 8AM to 12PM
Place: St. John’s School (2752 Buffalo Speedway, Houston)
Price: Free
About: “Shop farm fresh produce, meats, and more from farmers and ranchers within 180 miles of Houston. Truly local and truly fresh! Every Saturday, rain or shine. Please no pets.”
Energy Day Festival
Day(s): Saturday
Time: 11AM to 3PM
Place: Sam Houston Park
Price: Free
About: “Could it only take one day to spark a lifetime of curiosity? Energy Day Festival proves it can! On Saturday, October 18, 2025, thousands of students, families, and educators will gather at Sam Houston Park for Texas’s largest K–12 STEM event. From coding and robotics to renewable energy and science experiments, Energy Day is packed with opportunities for students to envision themselves as tomorrow’s innovators. This year, Energy Day will provide 50+ interactive activities, hands-on demonstrations, and has cumulatively given $180,000 in student awards through the Energy Day Academic Program (EDAP). It’s more than a festival — it’s a movement shaping our future innovators. We’re proud to partner with the American Petroleum Institute, Coterra Energy, TC Energy, Chevron, Caterpillar, the University of Houston, H-E-B, Energy Transfer, Quanta, Ovintiv, and CenterPoint Energy — who make this inspiring day possible. Be part of the journey. Mark your calendar and join us in celebrating the power of STEM!”
Oktoberfest at the POST
Day(s): Saturday
Time: 4PM to 10PM
Place: POST Houston
Price: Free
About: “Head to the Post’s rooftop for its first Oktoberfest! Enjoy local beers, additional beer vendors, and seasonal bites against the backdrop of the Houston skyline. Experience the festive vibes and rock on with the live entertainment. This event is 21+ only. “
The Wailers Natural Mystic 30th Anniversary Tour
Day(s): Saturday
Time: 7PM
Place: Bad Astronaut Brewery (1518 Fulton ST, Houston, TX 77009)
Price: $29.50 to $40
About: “The Wailers are a rare breed of musicians who have earned their place in the annals of music history. Their culture-defining music, embodying the spirit of the 70s reggae movement, has left an indelible mark on the industry. Experience the magic of their timeless classics and incredible cuts from Bob Marley’s vast repertoire in a truly unforgettable set. Under the guidance of Aston Barrett Jr, son of the legendary “Familyman”, The Wailers continue to preserve the legacy of their iconic sound. Doors open at 7 PM and the show starts at 8 PM. Get your tickets now for advanced ticket pricing!”
Walking Tour of Houston: History, Architecture, Street Art
Date: Saturday to Sunday
Time: 10AM to 12PM
Place: 910 Prairie St, Ste 100, Houston, TX 77002
Price: Free
About: “Support St. Jude’s mission to end childhood cancer!”Houston’s own walking tour! Join us on a two-hour walking tour where we’ll explore iconic landmarks, stunning street art, and fascinating stories from the city’s past. Wander through the Historic District and hear fascinating stories of early Texas. Tour the masterpieces of Art Deco architecture and modern-day street art around downtown. Whether you’re a visitor or a lifelong Houstonian, we’re sure you’ll discover something amazing on this tour!Tip-based, pay what you wish. Advanced registration is required. Visit our website to sign up for a tour for free!”
Buffalo Bayou Mural Festival
Day(s): Saturday to Sunday
Time: 11AM
Place: 2600 Commerce St., Houston, TX 77003
Price: Free
About: “Experience Houston’s 2nd Ward like never before at this one-of-a-kind street art festival. Over 50 local and international artists will transform Segundo Barrio with massive, colorful murals that bring the neighborhood to life. Browse unique finds at the vendor market, admire custom rides at the lowrider car show, and move to the beats of 10 DJs spinning all weekend long. On the festival’s final day, don’t miss the action-packed lucha libre wrestling show that’s always a crowd favorite. Just minutes from Downtown, the historic 2nd Ward is known for its culture, community, and creativity—making it the perfect backdrop for a weekend of art, music, and Houston pride.”
Evenings in The Promenade at The San Luis Resort
Day(s): Friday to Saturday
Time: 4PM to 7PM
Place: The San Luis Resort (5222 Sewall Blvd, Galveston)
About: “Sip, savor, and soak in the perfect blend of seaside serenity and elegant evenings with live music, seasonal cocktails, and delectable appetizers in The Promenade at The San Luis Resort.”
Wings Over Houston Airshow
Day(s): Friday to Sunday
Time: 10AM to 5PM
Place: Ellington Airport
Price: $50
About: “Returning for its 41st year, the CAF Wings Over Houston Airshow will include hours of aerial performance, displays of vintage aviation, interactive areas for children and adults, and opportunities for guests to give back to the community. Headlined by the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, the event is dedicated to showcasing vintage World War II aircraft, including the only two airworthy B-29 Super Fortress bombers in the world, along with the thrills of modern aviation. For ticket options, as well as additional information on display aircraft, event attractions, travel accommodations, sponsorship, or volunteer opportunities, visit www.wingsoverhouston.com.”
The Moonwalkers: A Journey with Tom Hanks Lands at Space Center Houston
Day(s): Daily
Time: During Space Center Houston hours
Place: Space Center Houston
Price: General Admission
About: Legendary actor Tom Hanks narrates The Moonwalkers, a new perspective on humankind’s relationship with the moon.
Terror Isle Haunted House
Day(s): Friday to Sunday
Time: 7PM to 10PM
Place: 518 6th St N, Texas City, TX 77590
Price: 27+
About: “This October, discover why Terror Isle is ranked among the top haunted houses near Houston. Enter The Abyss, escape the Pirate King’s curse, and see if you can survive the island’s nightmare! We have a haunt ticket, ultimate experience ticket (2 escape rooms, haunt, and Tarot Reading), and Horror Games Ticket (Extreme Scavenger Hunt). Tickets can be found at terrorisle.com.”
About: “Step into the shadows at the Ghost Coast Festival, where Galveston’s haunted history comes to life. Held at the historic League Kempner Mansion, this family-friendly fright fest features a spirited vendor market, chilling panels and speakers, paranormal investigations, eerie ghost tours, psychic readings, kids’ activities, live entertainment, and other surprises lurking around every corner.”
