Jump to: Family-Friendly Fall Festivals | Hill Country Fairs | Cultural SA Autumn Events
As autumn brings cooler breezes and golden afternoon light to South Texas, the Alamo City comes alive with crisp air, seasonal flavors, and outdoor celebrations. From sprawling pumpkin patches on local farms to heritage festivals deep in the Texas Hill Country, the region offers endless opportunities to celebrate the season.
Whether you are looking to navigate a massive corn maze with the kids, sample harvest-inspired treats, or soak in regional art and live music, autumn in South Texas delivers unforgettable family traditions. Here is your complete preview of the top fall festivals in San Antonio and the surrounding region for 2026.
Editor’s Note: We work hard to provide you with accurate, updated information. However, all details are subject to change. Please verify information before heading out.
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Also check out these articles – Best Pumpkin Patches in San Antonio, Best Family Attractions in San Antonio, October Events for Kids in San Antonio, and October Events for Adults in San Antonio.
Family-Friendly Fall Festivals in San Antonio
Fall CountryFest at Devine Acres Farm
Image Credit: devineacresfarm.com
Devine Acres Farm transforms its sprawling acreage into an interactive autumn playground packed with over 50 farm-themed attractions. Families can enjoy hilarious goat races, pumpkin picking, hayrides, live acoustic music, and colorful flower fields perfect for seasonal photo opportunities.
Insider Tip: Plan to catch the 12:00 PM or 3:00 PM goat races early in your visit, then stop by the snack bar for fresh apple cider donuts.
When: Weekends September 26 – November 1, 2026; Saturdays 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM, Sundays 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Plus Columbus Day 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM)
Where: 944 FM 2200 W, Devine, TX 78016
How Much: Fall Admission: Kick Off Sale $15.95 | Full Price Gate ($15.95 + $1.38 fee); Free for ages 2 and under
BOOtanica at San Antonio Botanical Garden
BOOtanica blends seasonal autumn beauty with family-friendly trick-or-treating throughout the lush botanical grounds. Kids can wear costumes while walking nature trails, participating in hands-on environmental crafts, and visiting educational activity stations.
Insider Tip: Bring your own trick-or-treat bucket for the trail and purchase tickets in advance online to skip morning entry queues.
When: Saturday, October 17, 2026; 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Where: 555 Funston Pl, San Antonio, TX 78209
How Much: Included with general admission ($18–$22 for adults, $13–$15 for youth); Free for Garden members
San Antonio River Authority – Fall Fest at Helton Nature Park
Held along the scenic San Antonio River at Helton Nature Park, this annual autumn celebration highlights natural river beauty with outdoor games, environmental education activities, food trucks, and live music along the water.
Insider Tip: Bring lawn chairs or blankets to secure a comfortable spot near the main stage early in the afternoon.
When: Saturday, October 17, 2026; 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Where: 15662 FM 775, Floresville, TX 78114
How Much: Free admission
Zoo Boo! Presented by PNC at San Antonio Zoo
Image Credit: sazoo.org
San Antonio Zoo hosts a seasonal autumn celebration where visitors can enjoy trick-or-treat stations, festive pumpkin displays, animal encounters, and special Halloween-themed entertainment throughout the zoo grounds.
Insider Tip: Evening hours offer cooler temperatures and shorter lines at popular animal exhibits and trick-or-treat booths.
When: Select dates September 19 – November 1, 2026
Where: 3903 N St Mary’s St, San Antonio, TX 78212
How Much: Included with standard zoo admission (Starts at $24.00)
Fall Festivals San Antonio Preview – Hill Country Fairs & Fall Fun Near San Antonio
South Texas Maize at Graff 7A Ranch
Image Credit: @graff7aranch IG Page
Located just west of San Antonio in Hondo, the South Texas Maize at Graff 7A Ranch is a premier regional fall destination featuring an 8-acre corn maze, slide mountain, hayrides, ziplines, and a massive 3-acre pumpkin patch.
Insider Tip: Bring a non-perishable food item for their annual seasonal food drive to receive $1 off single admission.
When: September 19 – November 21, 2026; Fridays 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM (Oct/Nov), Saturdays 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM, Sundays 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Where: 911 US Highway 90 E, Hondo, TX 78861
How Much: $21 + tax/per person; Free for children ages 2 and under
Fredericksburg Oktoberfest
Celebrate German heritage in the heart of the Hill Country with authentic Bavarian music, bratwurst, arts and crafts vendors, children’s activities, and a massive selection of Oktoberfest beers.
Insider Tip: Park at the Gillespie County Fairgrounds and ride the shuttle bus directly to Marktplatz to avoid downtown traffic.
When: October 2 – October 4, 2026; Friday 6:00 PM – Midnight, Saturday 10:00 AM – Midnight, Sunday 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Where: 100 W Main St, Fredericksburg, TX 78624
How Much: Adults, $15 / Ages 7-12, $1 / Under 6, free
Gruene Music & Wine Festival
Held in historic Gruene, this multi-day festival features Texas wine tastings, craft beers, live acoustic performances from renowned regional artists, and artisan market stalls.
Insider Tip: Purchase wine tasting tickets early online, as popular tasting sessions frequently sell out ahead of event weekend.
When: October 8 – October 11, 2026; Times vary by event schedule
Where: 1601 Hunter Rd, New Braunfels, TX 78130
How Much: Ticket prices vary by event ($20.00 – $100.00+)
Fall Festivals San Antonio Preview – Cultural & Seasonal SA Autumn Events
Muertos Fest at Hemisfair
Image Credit: Día de los Muertos at Hemisfair FB Page
San Antonio’s largest Day of the Dead event features vibrant altar exhibitions, live music stages, a ceremonial procession, art markets, and traditional Mexican cuisine in historic Hemisfair Park.
Insider Tip: Take public transit or rideshare services to downtown Hemisfair, as surrounding parking garages reach capacity quickly.
When: October 23 – October 25, 2026
Where: 434 S Alamo St, San Antonio, TX 78205
How Much: Free admission
Luminaria Contemporary Arts Festival
Luminaria illuminates San Antonio’s arts district with nighttime light projections, modern art installations, live performances, and digital media art displays from local and international artists.
Insider Tip: Arrive right at dusk to watch art installations illuminate across the district in sequence.
When: November 14, 2026; 6:00 PM – Midnight
Where: 600 Hemisfair Plaza Way, San Antonio, TX 78205
How Much: Free admission
Wurstfest New Braunfels
Located along the Comal River in nearby New Braunfels, Wurstfest is a legendary 10-day salute to sausage, Bavarian culture, alpine music, carnival rides, and Texas fun.
Insider Tip: Visit on opening night or weekday evenings for lower ticket prices and shorter lines at food halls.
When: November 6 – November 15, 2026; Weekdays open at 5:00 PM, Weekends open at 11:00 AM
Where: 120 Landa Park Dr, New Braunfels, TX 78130
How Much: $15.00 – $25.00 online (Free admission during select hours/days)
Helotes Cornyval & Harvest Jubilee
A beloved local tradition just northwest of San Antonio featuring carnival rides, festival foods, corn-eating contests, arts and crafts vendors, and live country music.
Insider Tip: Purchase unlimited ride wristbands online prior to opening day to save on carnival ticket packages.
When: October 15 – October 18, 2026; Hours vary daily
Where: 12210 Leslie Rd, Helotes, TX 78023
How Much: $20.00 General Admission; Free for children 12 and under
Know Before You Go: Local Context & Festival Tips
While many of these fall festivals are located within San Antonio’s inner loop and cultural centers like Hemisfair or the San Antonio Botanical Garden, many premier autumn destinations are spread across the Greater Metroplex and Hill Country corridor. Venues in surrounding suburbs like New Braunfels, Helotes, Devine, and Hondo are easily accessible via I-35, Highway 90, or I-10, typically taking 20 to 45 minutes by car. Be sure to check weather conditions, pack sunscreen, and verify ticket requirements before heading out.
Common Questions about Fall Festivals in San Antonio
What are the best fall festivals near San Antonio for families?
Top family-friendly events include Fall CountryFest at Devine Acres Farm, South Texas Maize in Hondo, and BOOtanica at the San Antonio Botanical Garden. Each offers kid-specific activities like pumpkin patches, corn mazes, trick-or-treating, and farm animals.
Are there free fall festivals in San Antonio?
Yes! Major free autumn events in San Antonio include Muertos Fest at Hemisfair, Luminaria Contemporary Arts Festival, and the San Antonio River Authority Fall Fest.
When do fall festivals usually start near San Antonio?
Fall festivals in South Texas generally begin in mid-to-late September as temperatures cool down and run through mid-November, culminating with events like Wurstfest and Luminaria.
Looking for more? See the upcoming Weekend Events in San Antonio.
- Fall Festivals San Antonio Preview 2026: Best Autumn Events - September 10, 2026
- Things To Do This Weekend in San Antonio – September 11 – September 13, 2026 - September 7, 2026
- San Antonio Highlights: September 7 to September 10 – Food, Music, Arts & More - September 6, 2026
