A very colorful scene unfolds the first weekend in May with Maifest, a celebration highlighting Brenham’s German heritage. Brenham Maifest includes a parade and Junior & Senior Coronations and features authentic German food, music and drink, and carnival rides at historic Fireman’s Park. This year's festivities are May 7-9, 2026.
Maifest is the oldest festival in Texas. Except for several years during World Wars I and II, this event has been held annually since 1881.
Thursday, May 7, 2026
5:00pm Carnival Opens
Friday, May 8, 2026
5:00pm Festival Opens │ Carnival Opens
7:00pm - 10:00pm Music by The Czechaholics
7:00pm Senior Coronation
10:00pm - 11:30pm Music by The Brown Sugar Band
12:00am Festival Closes
Saturday, May 9, 2026
10:30am Parade through Downtown Brenham
11:00am Festival Opens │ Carnival Opens
11:00am - 2:00pm Music by Das Ist Lustig
2:00pm Bierverkostung - Beer Tasting
2:00pm - 5:00pm Music by Alli & The Polka Dots
3:00pm Cornhole Tournament
5:00pm - 8:00pm Music by Isaak Klaus and The Lederhosen Junkies
6:30pm Junior Coronation
9:00pm - 12:00am Music by 90 Proof
12:00am Festival Closes
Look for displays of coronation attire at Downtown Brenham businesses in the weeks leading up to Maifest!
The days are getting shorter and the promise of lower temperatures means that it’s time for fall! The Fall happenings in Brenham and around Washington County make it a favorite time of year to visit.
Mark your calendar and reserve your rooms for these TEN fabulous fall happenings around Brenham in 2025!
Oct 4 It’s time for Pirate Fest at HSF Biergarten in Downtown Brenham. Pirate Fest 2025 is Saturday, October 4th, Noon til Midnight! They will have a Pirate Market, a treasure Scavenger Hunt, two amazing bands, food vendors, a fire dancer performance and more!
2 . Scarecrow Festival in Chappell Hill
Scarecrow Festival, Downtown Chappell Hill
OCT 10-12 Visit one of the most charming communities in Texas for the Scarecrow Festival. The festival boasts more than 250 exhibitors (home décor, gardening, artists, craftsmen, jewelry, clothing, etc.), delicious country-style food, live music, and tours of the National Register Chappell Hill community. A special Children’s Activity Corner provides pony rides, a petting zoo, face painting, barrel train, and more.
3. Antique Shows
La Bahia, Burton
OCT 4-18 Round Top is just down the road, and there are several fabulous fall antique shows and year-round venues in Washington County. La Bahia Antique Show (Oct. 10-18) between Burton and Round Top is celebrating over 30 years of incredible treasures. Antiques at the Pavilions will offer a variety of dealers at the pavilions of the Texas Cotton Gin Museum, Oct. 11-19. Look for all the antique dealers in Burton, as well as the world renowned Leftovers Antiques, open year-round between Brenham and Burton on HWY 290 W.
4. Wine & Wander in Burton
OCT 17 Come shop with some great dealers and vendors, enjoy heavy appetizers, and sip local wines from Busted Oak Cellars. The theme this year is all about Dolly Parton, including a Dolly Parton cover band, so sport your favorite Dolly-inspired attire and join the fun. Stops on the trail include Burton Short StopIcehouse, Bluebonnet Leather Shop, Junk in Yer Trunk, and more!
OCT 17-19 The Texas Arts & Music Festival is the source of Downtown Brenham’s beautiful murals! This free, family-friendly event takes place in Downtown Brenham October 17-19, and includes live music, live mural installation, an art village, pop-up galleries, and much more. Music headliner for Saturday night will be The Shiny Ribs. For more info, check out our post here.
6. Trick-Or-Treat Events
Downtown Brenham
OCT 25 Join us for spooktacular free family-friendly events in Historic Downtown Brenham, Saturday, Oct. 25, 2:00-5:00; in Burton, Saturday, Oct. 25, 5:30-7:30; in Chappell Hill, Sunday, Oct. 26, 1:00-3:00. Grab the kids and costumes and head to Washington County for Trick-or-Treating in your favorite communities. There will be plenty of family fun to sink your fangs into!
7. Fall Festival of Roses at Antique Rose Emporium
Antique Rose Emporium, Independence
OCT 31 – NOV 2 The experts at Antique Rose Emporiumhost the Fall Festival of Roses during the first weekend of November. Explore the inspiring display gardens and attend seminars to grow your gardening knowledge. In addition to the seminars and endless fall garden inspiration, enjoy food trucks and shopping in the heart of Independence, Texas.
8. Christmas Magic at Hermann Furniture & The Giddings Stone Mansion
Christmas Magic, Brenham
NOV 7-9 The oldest furniture store in Texas will be decked wall to wall with all the seasonal decor. There will be door prizes, pop-up shops, wine and hors d’oeuvres. Designers will be on hand to help with floral or any interior decor needs. The festivities this year will include a luncheon at the Giddings Stone Mansion on Saturday, November 8, from 11:30 – 12:30. Tickets are $35 per person, and reservations are required. Tickets sell quickly, so call early for a reservation: 979-836-7237.
Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site, Washington
NOV 8 The Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site has undergone a $51 million renovation over the last two years. When re-opened on November 8, 2025, visitors will experience state-of-the-art exhibits at the Star of the Republic Museum and enhanced historical storytelling in the Visitor’s Center to introduce real people that lived and led the Republic of Texas. The Washington Townsite Experience will allow visitors to walk the streets of Washington, experiencing reproductions of pivotal landmarks in Texas history.
In addition to these fall happenings around Brenham, we have many daily events that include live music, theatre, and retail specials. See our full calendar of events here. Fall is prime time to visit the area, so make reservations with your favorite lodging partner soon!
