The ‘Ber months are finally here, a.k.a. the best time of the year. It’s officially spooky season, pumpkin spice is back, and even though Houston is still rocking those 80°F temperatures, fall spirit is definitely in the air.
Yes, I know. It doesn’t feel like autumn yet, it’s hot, humid, and there are barely any leaves falling. But Houston, as diverse and creative as it is, knows how to make fall fun. Whether you’re planning to hit a pumpkin patch, sip on something warm in Montrose, or get scared at a haunted house, there’s plenty to do.
So, grab your iced pumpkin latte (we’re in Texas, after all), here’s your ultimate guide to fall events, cozy activities, and a bucket list that’ll make you forget the heat.
Events and Activities in H-Town:
Pumpkin Patches & Corn Mazes
Take those fall photos and find the perfect pumpkin at Dewberry Farms (Brookshire) or Blessington Farms (Simonton, TX). Expect hayrides, farm animals, and a lot of fun.
Discovery Green Fall Series (Downtown Houston)
From outdoor movie nights to live concerts and yoga under the skyline, Discovery Green’s free events bring fall to life downtown.
Texans Games (NRG Stadium)
Even if you’re not a football fan, catching a Texans game is a classic Houston fall activity. Stadium snacks and energy. It’s just unmatched.
Haunted Houses
Ready for chills? Phobia Haunted House (Katy), 13th Floor Haunted House (Farm to Market) and Houston Scream Fest (South Houston) are some of the houses that bring all the screams.
Dia de los Muertos Parade
One of Houston’s most colorful and meaningful fall events, the Día de los Muertos Parade celebrates life, remembrance, and culture. The annual parade takes over Downtown Houston with dazzling floats, traditional Mexican dance, live music, and hundreds of participants in calavera face paint and vibrant costumes. It’s a beautiful reminder of the city’s multicultural spirit and a can’t-miss photo moment.
Seasonal Coffee & Desserts
Montrose, Midtown, and the Heights are buzzing with cozy spots serving pumpkin spice, cinnamon lattes, and caramel apple pastries. Personal recommendations: Agora, Boomtown Coffee, or Empire Cafe.
Fall Farmers Markets
Stroll through the Urban Harvest Farmers Market (Eastside St.) or Heights Mercantile Market for fresh produce, pastries, and handmade crafts.
Here are my personal recommendations for a perfect Autumn Bucket List:
After a long week of classes or work, there’s nothing better than curling up with a blanket, snacks, and your favorite fall lineup.
Movies to Watch:
You can’t go wrong with classics that define the season:
- Hocus Pocus (1993) – Salem witches, perfect humor, and Halloween nostalgia.
- Beetlejuice (1988) – Tim Burton’s weird and wonderful world never disappoints.
- Coraline (2009) – Stop-motion magic with a spooky twist.
- The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993) – Is it Halloween or Christmas? Who cares, it’s perfect.
- Practical Magic (1998) – Witches, sisterhood, and late-’90s charm.
- Ghostbusters (1984) – For a lighter, funny take on the supernatural.
TV Shows to Binge:
- Wednesday – Tim Burton strikes again with gothic charm and dark humor.
- Gilmore Girls – Cozy New England vibes. Honestly, watching this any season but fall should be a crime.
- Stranger Things – Fall + spooky + 80s nostalgia = perfection.
- Over the Garden Wall – Short, animated, and the essence of fall.
- Twin Peaks – Mysterious, surreal, and perfect for foggy fall nights.
Albums / Music to Listen To:
Set the tone with these timeless fall sounds:
- 1989 (Taylor’s Version) – Bright, bold, and nostalgic.
- Lana Del Rey – Her dreamy, melancholic sound is fall perfection.
- Rubber Soul – The Beatles’ most autumn-like record.
- Harvest – Neil Young’s folk masterpiece for rainy days.
- Rumours – Fleetwood Mac’s harmonies make every drive feel cinematic.
- Folklore – Taylor Swift’s storytelling at its coziest.
- Simon & Garfunkel: Bridge Over Troubled Water – Gentle, timeless, and reflective. Perfect for rainy autumnal days.
So now you know, get ready to enjoy fall at its best here in Houston. Whether you’re heading to one of Discovery Green’s fall programs or celebrating culture and color at the Día de los Muertos Parade, you’re guaranteed to have a good time.
And don’t forget your pumpkin spice! (Yes, even you, Performatives, take a break and give in to the season. You’ll thank me later.)
At the end of the day, fall in Houston is all about community, creativity, and connection, so go out, explore, and experience it the Houston way: through art, food, music, and people.
