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. If you are looking for things to do in Brenham and Washington County this fall, here is your list!
Mark your calendar and reserve your rooms for these 15 fabulous fall happenings around Brenham in 2025:
1 . Airing of the Quilts in Chappell Hill
September 12 Chappell Hill transforms into a colorful outdoor gallery of vintage, historic, and barn quilts. Enjoy this beloved tradition along with small-town charm. Free admission.
2 . Washington County Fair
September 11-19 It’s time for the Oldest County Fair in Texas! Enjoy the kick-off parade, rodeos, contests, live music, carnival, crafts, food, livestock, commercial exhibits, demonstrations, and more bxc. This week-long event is a family favorite durning the days and evenings, then
3 . Fall Wedding Show at The Barnhill Center
October 3 Whether you’re newly engaged, in the middle of planning, or just looking for wedding inspiration, this event is the perfect place to connect with talented local wedding professionals all in one place. Enjoy giveaways, door prizes, samples, wedding inspiration, and local vendors.
FREE admission | Open to the public | at The Barnhill Center in Downtown Brenham.
4. An Evening with Edgar Allan Poe Live Performance
October 3 The shadows stir once more as the unrivaled master of the macabre, Edgar Allan Poe, returns for an unforgettable evening of mystery, suspense, and dramatic storytelling. Acclaimed historical interpreter Campbell Harmon brings Edgar Allan Poe vividly to life, blending the celebrated author’s fascinating biography with dramatic reenactments of his most enduring works. Tickets required. Hosted by the Brenham Heritage Museum.
5. Pirate Fest at Home Sweet Farm Biergarten
Oct 3 Grab your best mates–it’s time for Pirate Fest at HSF Biergarten in Downtown Brenham! The festivities will be noon til Midnight with a Pirate Market, a treasure Scavenger Hunt, two amazing bands, food vendors, a fire dancer performance and more!
6. Scarecrow Music Festival in Chappell Hill
OCT 10-11 Visit one of the most charming communities in Texas for the Scarecrow Music Festival. This festival in Chappell Hill is getting a reboot this year, and in addition to the shopping vendors you love, there will now be a two-day live music lineup you don’t want to miss, including Roger Creager and Bri Bagwell. There will be FREE access to the vendor areas on Main Street and in the Wine Garden. Tickets are required for access to the main stage and VIP room. 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.
7. Antique Shows
OCT 17- NOV 1 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. 23 – Nov. 1. 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.
8. Texas Arts & Music Festival
OCT 16-18 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 16-18, and includes live music, live mural installation, a juried art show, an art village, pop-up galleries, and much more. Music headliners for Saturday night include The Guzzlers and Henry Invisible. For more info, check out our post here.
9. Out of Pocket Theatre – Almost, Maine by John Cariani
OCT 22-25 Welcome to Almost, Maine, a place that’s so far north, it’s almost not in the United States. It’s almost in Canada. And it’s not quite a town, because its residents never got around to getting organized. So it almost doesn’t exist. One cold, clear, winter night, as the northern lights hover in the star-filled sky above, the residents of Almost, Maine, find themselves falling in and out of love in unexpected and hilarious ways. Knees are bruised. Hearts are broken. But the bruises heal, and the hearts mend – almost – in this delightful midwinter night’s dream. Ticketed event at Bobbie M. Dietrich Memorial Amphitheatre, Hohlt Park, Brenham, Texas.
10. Wine & Wander in Burton
OCT 30 Stroll through participating businesses while shopping, enjoying signature drinks, and savor Burton after hours. Start at the Texas Cotton Gin Museum and get an event map. The theme this time is GREASE so grab your 1950s attire and have fun! Hosted by Destination Burton.
11. Trick-Or-Treat Events
OCT 31 Join us for spooktacular free family-friendly events in Historic Downtown Brenham, Saturday, Oct. 31, 2:00-5:00; in Burton, TBA; in Chappell Hill, TBA. 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!
12. Fall Festival of Roses at Antique Rose Emporium
NOV 6 – 8 The experts at Antique Rose Emporium host 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.
13. Christmas Magic at Hermann Furniture & The Giddings Stone Mansion
NOV 6-8 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. Entry is free. The festivities this year will include a luncheon at the Giddings Stone Mansion on Saturday, November 7, from 11:30 – 12:30. Tickets are required for the luncheon and sell out quickly, so call early for a reservation: 979-836-7237.
14. Ladies Night Out in Downtown Brenham
NOV 12 Enjoy extended hours for shopping, sipping and prizes in Downtown Brenham!
15. Gamblers, Horse Racers & Sports of All Classes: Horse Racing in Washington
NOV 14 Join Barrington Living History Farm for an exciting 19th century horse racing exhibition! This year’s event will feature 5 races on the track at 10:30am, 11:30am, 1:00pm, 2:00pm, and 3:00pm. You’ll enjoy the atmosphere of race day, with period games like faro, refreshments, stick horse races for kids, and wagon rides by Iron Horse Guest Ranch.
*BONUS* Weekly Fall Happenings
WEEKLY EVENTS Some of our favorite fall happenings are so good, we have to share them every week! Antique carousel rides ($1 each); free entry to the Brenham Fire Museum (Fridays, 11:00-3:00 & Saturdays, 11:00-2:00); and the live demonstrations every weekend at Barrington Living History Farm, which is located within Washington-on-the-Brazos historical site; Chappell Hill Farmer’s Market every Saturday in downtown Chappell Hill.
In addition to these fall happenings around Brenham, we have many daily events that include visiting Blue Bell Creamery, 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!