There are a number of ways to enjoy fall in Tomball and Magnolia, whether it’s visiting a family festival, going for a treat, or getting outside to enjoy the weather. Information for each event is accurate at press time and is subject to change. This list is not exhaustive.
Oct. 1-Nov. 19: Check out the scarecrows
(suitable for children)
Oil Ranch will host its Scarecrow Festival and Pumpkin Patch, featuring 56 acres of pumpkins and 85 life-sized scarecrows. Children 12 and under will receive a free pumpkin with ticket purchase and each ticket purchase includes access to Oil Ranch activities such as pony rides and miniature golf. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Sat.), noon to 5 p.m. (Sun.). $22.95 (ages 3 and up). 23501 Macedonia Road, Hockley. 281-859-1616. www.oilranch.com
October 1: Stroll through the Renaissance
(free entry, suitable for children, food and drink sales)
This year’s Stroll Thru The Renaissance will feature two costume contests for children and adults, and someone chosen by the citizens of Magnolia will be knighted by the party king. There will be appearances by other Texas Renaissance Festival guests to preview the annual festival, as well as craft and food vendors. 3-7 pm Free (parking and entrance). FM 1488 to FM 1774, Magnolia. 281-356-2266. www.cityofmagnolia.com
From October 8 to 30: Enjoy the walks
(suitable for children, sale of food and drink)
Every weekend in October, Weinberg’s Rosehill Farms will have rides, face hole cutouts for photo opportunities and a pumpkin patch. Pumpkins will be for sale at an additional cost. Weather permitting, produce, jams and jellies and honey will be available for purchase. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Sat.), noon to 5 p.m. (Sun.). $3 (ages 4 and up), free (ages 3 and up), $6 (adults). 17207 FM 2920, Tomball. 713-562-6426. www.facebook.com/weinbergsrosehillfarm
Oct. 8-Nov. 27: Visit Ren Fest
(suitable for children, sale of food and drink)
The Texas Renaissance Festival returns for its 48th season with themed weekends of entertainers, more than 400 shops and theatrical performances. 9am to 4pm Ticket prices start at $18; children 5 and under enter free; children 12 and under get in free on Sundays. 21778 FM 1774, Todd Mission. 800-458-3435. www.texrenfest.com
October 15: Attend an Oktoberfest celebration
(free entry, suitable for children, food and drink sales)
Dine on pretzels and sausages and try your hand at raising mugs at Paradigm Brewing Co.’s Oktoberfest event. There will also be live music by The Homebrewed Brass Ensemble, face painting and dancing. Food vendors and retailers will also be participating. 2-6 pm Free (entrance). 2130 S. Persimmon Lane, Tomball. 346-336-6585. www.facebook.com/paradigmbrew
October 22: Take part in a fun run
(suitable for children, sale of food and drink)
Both children and adults can participate in the Mosaics of Mercy Fun Run and Festival. The 1-mile children’s race is open to ages 1-13, while a 5K race is open to ages 12 and up. Speakers will follow. There will also be food trucks, vendors, a bounce house, face painting and music. Pre-race registration is required and prices increase after October 1st. 8:30am-1pm $15-$20 (1 mile), $40-$50 (5K). 11512 FM 1488, Magnolia. www.runsignup.com/race/tx/magnolia/mosaicsofmercyfamily5K
October 22: Enjoy a free fall festival
(free entry, suitable for children, food and drink sales)
At the Way Family Dojo, attendees will be able to give a gift, browse vendors, play games and win prizes. There will also be music, martial arts classes and goody bags for the first 100 kids. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free. 32818 Tamina Road, Magnolia. 346-345-7100. www.thewayfamilydojo.com
October 22: Attend an autumn market
(free entry, suitable for children, food and drink sales)
At the Wildwood Methodist Church Artisan Market, there will be food and retail vendors, a pumpkin patch, costume contests and games. From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free. 8911 FM 1488, Magnolia. 832-934-0100. www.wildwood-umc.org
October 22: Listen to Bluegrass music
(free entry, suitable for children, food and drink sales)
At the Tomball Bluegrass and Fall Festival, attendees can hear live music, play carnival games and enjoy a pumpkin patch and other fall activities. The event will feature food and craft vendors and there will be a children’s area. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Free. 201 S. Elm St., Tomball. 281-290-1035. www.tomballtx.gov
October 29: Attend a car show
(free entry, suitable for children, food and drink sales)
Living Stones Church will host a fall festival and car show, featuring food and drinks, a bounce house, games, a costume contest, pumpkin painting, a silent auction, a bake sale and door prizes . Guests can also enjoy a trunk or treat. 10am-2pm Free (admission), $30 (car show admission). 26605 Peden Road, Magnolia. 832-521-3444. www.livingstones-church.com
October 29: ax throwing test
(free entry, suitable for children, food and drink sales)
At the Magnolia First Baptist Church Fall Festival, the community is invited to enjoy activities such as ax throwing, a children’s play area, bounce houses, food and live music. Noon-3pm Free. 18525 FM 1488, Magnolia. 281-356-8543. www.m1bc.org
October 30: Explore a Halloween market
(free entry, suitable for children, food and drink sales)
Dozens of vendors will be at Paradigm Brewing Co. for a Halloween market with face painting, balloons and music. Dressing up is encouraged and children will be allowed to trick or treat. 11:00-16:00 Free. 2130 S. Persimmon Lane, Tomball. www.facebook.com/paradigmbrew
November 11-12: Attend a cookout
(free entry, suitable for children, food and drink sales)
This year’s Cooking 4 Courage event will be held over two days at Unity Park. There will be a cookout for both adults and children, along with a cornhole tournament and live and silent auctions. There will also be food and craft vendors, as well as a ceremony and speaker to honor Veterans Day. 17:00 (November 11), 9:00-18:00 (November 12). Free (admission), $25 (kids kitchen), $250 (adult kitchen). 19450 Unity Park Drive, Magnolia. www.tufffoundation.or
