Stories of heritage, hometown charm, and the festivals that define Texas’ small communities.
These small-town festivals have charm and unique characteristics that celebrate the traditions, history, and hometown spirit behind Texas’ most beloved small‑town events. They differ from larger events in Texas due to their high level of community involvement and unmatched personal touch. Local traditions are very important to the community, as shown by their annual festivals. Most festivals are long-running, and visitors return each year to celebrate.
Top 10 Small Town Festivals in Texas to Visit
Take a journey through Texas towns that shine with heritage and flavor with these can’t‑miss annual celebrations.
The first few festivals on the list are coming up in October of this year, then on to holiday events in 2026, ending in a few for next spring.
activities at these festivals
1. The Texas Marigold Festival
The beauty and warm colors of the marigolds are what attract visitors and locals year after year. The Texas Marigold Festival, plus vendors, is October 31 – November 2, 2026, and will be held on the lawn of the historic Old Blanco County Courthouse.
I just happened upon these marigold fields at the Arnosky Family Farm last year (October) when I was there researching the best of Blanco for my debut book. There were rows and rows of them. FYI – no picking your own marigolds here, but loads and loads of them are already picked for you, plus other flowers.
So, before or after the festival, be sure to visit the farm. And, if you want to return in the summer, Hill Country Lavender Farm hosts its lavender festival right across the road from the marigold fields.
If you’re looking for notable restaurants in town, Blanco has several worth mentioning here:
- Old 300 BBQ – best dessert in town
- Redbud Cafe – the cafe serves beer and great American food, then turns into a music venue at night.
2. Fredericksburg Food & Wine Fest
The Fredericksburg Food & Wine Fest is a vibrant celebration where Texas wines, outstanding chefs, and true Hill Country hospitality come together for an unforgettable weekend. Set in the charm of historic downtown Fredericksburg, on October 22-25, 2026, it will capture the essence of Texas wines and the beautiful surroundings.
Visitors come for the Texas wine and leave with a bag full of shopping items because there’s a lot of both in Fredericksburg.
3. Come and Take It Celebration
Gonzales, TX, is one of the oldest settlements in Texas. The town hosts its annual Come and Take It Celebration on the first weekend in October. If you’re into reenactments, like a lot of visitors who come from afar to see it, you’ll be in for a treat. Every year, volunteers dress up in costumes to get the crowd cheering! It’s fun for the whole family. I hear there are no real guns there – certainly not loaded ones.
There are quite a few places to stay in Gonzales, but why not go all out and stay in a Bed and Breakfast and enjoy a homemade breakfast each morning you are there? That’s my favorite thing about staying in a BnB. May I suggest the one I stayed at? Look up Belle Oaks Inn. It is a gorgeous place and a very comfortable stay right in the heart of downtown.
4. Texas Rice Festival
The long-running festival runs September 30-October 3, 2026, in Winnie, TX, with an earlier BBQ Cook-off on September 25-26. It’s a large community event held at Winnie-Stowell Park celebrating the region’s rice harvest and agricultural roots. Winnie is near Beaumont, TX.
5. Gruene Music & Wine Festival
Do you love New Braunfels? How about visiting both during the Gruene Music & Wine Festival this October? The 40th festival is expected to draw a large crowd from October 8 to 11, 2026. Four fun days put on by Gruene Hall.
6. Texas Renaissance Festival
Seven weekends in October and November, the Texas Renaissance Festival, the largest festival of its kind, takes place in the small town of Magnolia, TX, near Houston.
7. Salado Christmas Stroll
Another long-running annual festival in Texas that you don’t want to miss happens the first 2 weeks in December. If you’re near the DFW area, Waco, or Austin, a trip to Salado to see the holiday lights would be a wonderful short getaway. Expect a lighted parade, horse-drawn carriage rides, live music, late-night shopping, an outdoor live nativity scene, and extra Christmas markets at Barrow Brewing Co.
8. Johnson City Lights Spectacular
Johnson City is widely known for its town of twinkling lights during the holidays. The festivities start the Friday after Thanksgiving. With over 2 million Christmas lights sprawled out all over town, including the courthouse, you’ll want to make sure you’re there when it gets dark.
They are calling it “The Twinkliest Town in Texas.” I think that’s a cute name! Check it out here – Lights Spectacular.
Johnson City has quite a few homes for rent on VRBO that are within walking distance of Main Street. But you’ll want to book soon, because they fill up closer to Thanksgiving.
9. Poteet Strawberry Festival
The 3-day Poteet Strawberry Festival in Poteet, Texas, in the spring, stands as one of the state’s longest‑running and most beloved annual celebrations. Maybe it’s because George Strait is from there, and people go in hopes they will spot the country singer! Also, who doesn’t love fresh strawberries?
Next year (2027) will be their 80th festival. Follow Poteet Strawberry Festival for updates on the date.
10. Pineywoods Wine Fest
There are two. One in May and the other in October. And you’re just in time for the wine fest in October. It takes place on October 16-17, 2026. Small-town Lindale is the host and promises a great, family-friendly time. There are also many vendors to shop with.
More Small Town Festivals in Texas
Other small-town festivals that I know nothing about, but have come up in my search, include the Texas Banana Pudding Festival in Slaton on September 5, 2026, the Bertram Oatmeal Festival on September 26, 2026, and the Hogeye Festival in Elgin on October 22, 2026. Well, I did know about the latter one, as I wrote something about it in my book, Small Town Texas.
No matter where you find yourself going this year or next, consider small-town festivals in Texas for local heritage, food, and culture.
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