The Best Fall Events & Activities in Texas Wine Country for 2022
Something about cooler temperatures and changing leaves makes us crave small towns and country air. And there’s plenty of both in the Texas Hill Country.
Whether you’re looking for a fun family event, a festive way to celebrate Halloween or Thanksgiving, or a gourmet meal (with plenty of wine!), you’ll find it in Fredericksburg and the surrounding towns.
Start here to plan your fall escape, and use The Vind app to build the perfect autumn itinerary!
Fredericksburg Trade Days
It would be impossible to list all of the goods you can find across the seven barns at Fredericksburg Trade Days. This monthly event gathers over 350 vendors to sell their wares, like antiques and collectibles, furniture and housewares, clothes and jewelry, and so much more.
November will feature a special bonus weekend on the Friday, Saturday, and Sunday after Thanksgiving, so you’ll have two chances to shop and enjoy the on-site biergarten.
Pro tip: Headed to Fredericksburg? Start with our Weekend Trip itinerary on The Vind app and add a visit to Trade Days!
Fall Art Show
The Fredericksburg Art Guild’s Fall Arts Show runs from September 1st - November 27th, 2022. Hosted at the Fredericksburg Art Guild, you can peruse (and shop!) art in a variety of mediums from talented local artists.
Texas Marigold Festival
Blanco’s Texas Marigold Festival pays tribute to these cheerful fall blooms. From October 22nd - 29th, participate in crafts like dyeing silk with marigolds, shop with local vendors, and take in the displays of luscious golden orange.
On the last day, dress up in your favorite costume and boogie to live music at the Marigold Dance.
Pumpkin Patch & Hayrides
On October 22nd and 29th, stop by Grapetown Vineyard with the family. There will be plenty of wine for the big grapes to enjoy, while the little grapes can get their faces painted and go on a good old-fashioned hayride. Live music keeps it festive, and you can pick up a pumpkin at the pumpkin patch to bring home.
The Science Mill 7th Annual Benefit
Party for a good cause at The Science Mill’s 7th Annual Benefit on October 22nd. Enjoy live music, great food, and local wine while you experience the thrill of this science museum’s hands-on exhibits. All funds support their ongoing mission to excite students about STEM.
Leave the kids at home for this one…but bring them back during The Science Mill’s normal hours of operation.
Jenschke Orchards Corn Maze
For a true fall festival, visit Jenschke Orchard’s Corn Maze in Fredericksburg. Wander through 5 acres of corn stalks on a fine fall day. Let kids burn off steam on the Texas-Size Jumpy Pillow. They’ll love the petting zoo, pony rides, and pumpkin patch. Car naps on the drive home are almost guaranteed.
The Corn Maze is open Friday through Sunday during the fall season.
Fall Getaway Idea: Make planning easy with a Fall Family Getaway itinerary from The Vind, including recommendations for food, lodging, and entertainment.
Haunted Fredericksburg Ghost Walk
Put a little thrill into your Halloween season with a ghost walk through Fredericksburg. Tour guides will share chilling stories while you wander through town, starting at the National Museum of the Pacific War.
Add a tour of the old Gillespie County Jail if you really want to get spooked. Tours are after dark only on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Happy haunting.
Haunted Dungeon Experience
Halloween and wine? Two of our favorite things. The Haunted Dungeon Experience at the 290 Wine Castle combines them on weekends through October 30th. In the castle’s subterranean lair, you’ll taste three wines and a “spiked witch’s brew” each paired with snacks. Adults only!
FlavoryTX Holiday Prelude Event
Start the Christmas season with the Holiday Prelude Event by FlavoryTX on November 15th. This laid-back downtown Fredericksburg event will include passed hors d’oeuvres along with local wine, beer, and spirits in a celebration of Hill Country food culture.
Thanksgiving Ball with Dale Watson
Looking to get out and about on Thanksgiving Eve? Head to the tiny town of Luckenbach (population: 13) to celebrate at the Thanksgiving Ball with Dale Watson. Held at the famous Luckenbach Dance Hall on November 23rd, this party will be an ode to country music and the little slice of heaven that is Luckenbach.
Fredericksburg Christmas Nights of Lights
Starting on November 22nd, get into the holiday spirit in downtown Fredericksburg with the Christmas Nights of Lights. This nightly display includes a 10-minute audio presentation sharing the story of the town, followed by the illumination of the Marketplatz with festive lights. Runs every night through January 6th!
Buffalo Gap Wine & Food Summit
Treat yourself to an indulgent weekend well spent at the Buffalo Gap Wine & Food Summit in Stonewall on October 14th, 15th, and 16th. Start with a four-course dinner on Friday, enjoy wine tastings and lunch from Perini Ranch Steakhouse on Saturday, and wrap up with a nourishing brunch on Sunday.
Altstadt Oktoberfest
Strap on your lederhosen and head to Oktoberfest at Alstadt Brewing in Fredericksburg. On October 15th and 16th, you can participate in the traditional stein hoist, enjoy seasonal beers and German food, and polka to your heart’s content. Prost!
Fall Feast Vintner’s Dinner
Serious oenophiles: clear your calendars on October 29th for Pedernales Cellars’ Fall Feast Vintner’s Dinner. Four courses of Hill Country fare will be accompanied by some of Pedernales’ finest wines, most of which are not available for purchase. One highlight will be their 2017 GMS Mélange, which has won scads of awards.
Fredericksburg Food & Wine Fest
Taste wines from some of the best local vintners—and say hello to The Vind team— at the Fredericksburg Food & Wine Fest on October 22nd. A food court will offer plenty to eat while you sip, accompanied by live music.
Stop by The Vind tent to say hello and enter our giveaway for a chance to win the Perfect Texas Wine Country Getaway! The winner will get two nights at the Stonewall Motor Lodge, tastings at local wineries, and some Hill Country swag.
Additional festival events include a Friday night Celebration of Texas Food & Wine at Becker Vineyards, and a Saturday Patron Brunch on the Marketplatz.
The Real Ale Ride
Beer and bikes go together like peas and carrots. On October 29th, enjoy both at annual The Real Ale Ride. Cycle through scenic Blanco, TX for up to 70 miles (shorter rides are also available). Finish up back at Real Ale Brewing for an ice cold beer, hearty grub from local food trucks, and live music.
Red, White & Bourbon
The intersection of bourbon enthusiasts and World War II buffs is at Garrison Brothers Distillery on November 12th. Their Red, White, & Bourbon event will feature WWII vehicles and mobile exhibits from the National Museum of the Pacific War in Fredericksburg. Seal your own bottle of bourbon by dipping it in festive red, white, and blue wax.
63rd Historic Home Tour and Holiday Market
Gillespie County Historical Society and the Pioneer Museum are back with the Historic Home Tour & Holiday Market! This year self-tour fabulous historic homes decked for the holidays, pre-order a delicious boxed lunch from Sage Restaurant, and shop 21 boutique vendors at the holiday market. Tickets can be purchased in person the day of or in advance here.
Diamond Vineyards Vineyard Hike
Gather at Diamond Vineyards in your outdoorsy best for a gentle Vineyard Hike to the top of the vineyard. Take in open views of the surrounding countryside for 50 miles—while sipping bellinis and snacking on local treats. This event occurs twice each month, but it’s best in the fall!
Want more wine? Check out the Winery Trip itinerary on The Vind for more wineries and entertainment options during your visit.
Planning your fall trip to the Texas Hill Country is easy with The Vind. Choose one of our pre-made itineraries made by local experts and travel bloggers for wine lovers, girls trips, families, and more.
Or use the Create a Trip feature to get personalized recommendations for lodging, shopping, dining, and entertainment. Add the fall events of your choice to create the perfect autumn escape.