Hold On to Your Hats – The Washington County Fair is Back!
Get ready, y’all! The WashingtonCounty Fair is back this September 11-19, bringing a full week of fun, food, music, and Texas tradition right here in Brenham. As the oldest county fair in Texas, this annual celebration is packed with events and entertainment the whole family will love.
Washington County Fair, Brenham
A Week Full of Fun
The Washington County Fair offers an entire week of exciting things to do in Brenh: a rodeo, carnival, live music & concerts, a variety of livestock shows, arts & crafts, special attractions, contests, commercial exhibits and more.
The festivities kick off on Saturday, September 12, with a trail ride followed by a parade in Downtown Brenham.
Tuesday, September 15, 2026 is the opening evening of the carnival. There are rides for toddlers up to the most adventurous riders.
Washington County Fair, Brenham
Head to the rodeo arena for mutton bustin’, wild steer saddling, bull riding, and other rodeo events throughout the week. The CPRA Rodeo begins at 7:30 pm, Thursday through Saturday. Click here for a complete list of rodeo events.
Washington County Fair, Brenham
Browse the antique tractor exhibit, along with the youth livestock barns to complete the county fair experience! There are also arts & crafts exhibits, as well as a country store to purchase from your favorite exhibitors.
Washington County Fair, Brenham
Live Music Every Night
Nothing says “fair week” like dancing under the Texas stars! Enjoy live performances all week long at the pavilion:
Saturday, September 12 at 8 PM – Black Cat Choir
Wednesday, September 16 at 8 PM –Los Morales & 10 PM Los Palaminos
Thursday, September 17 at 8 PM – Triston Marez & 10 PM Midland
Friday, September 18 at 8:00 PM – Rick Trevino & 10:00 PM Wade Bowen
Saturday, September 19 at 7:45 PM – Jackson Windell & 9:00 PM Bottomland & 10:30 PM – Mark Chestnut
Washington County Fair, Brenham
Tickets & Passes
Get your advanced season passes online or from a Fair Queen Candidate before they sell out! Purchase tickets here.
Don’t Miss It!
From rodeo thrills and carnival rides to live music and local traditions, the Washington County Fair truly has something for everyone. Mark your calendars and make plans to join us in Brenham for a week you won’t forget!
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:
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.
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
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.
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.
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
Scarecrow Festival, Downtown 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
La Bahia, Burton
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.
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.
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
Downtown Brenham
OCT 31 Join us for spooktacular free family-friendly events in Historic Downtown Brenham, Saturday, Oct. 31, 2:00-5:00; in Burton, October 24; in Chappell Hill, TBA. Grab the kids and costumes and head to Washington County for Trick-or-Treating in your favorite communities.
12. Fall Festival of Roses at Antique Rose Emporium
Antique Rose Emporium, Independence
NOV 6 – 8 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.
13. Christmas Magic at Hermann Furniture & The Giddings Stone Mansion
Christmas Magic, Brenham
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.
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!
In recent years, Brenham has become quite the destination for barbecue aficionados and Texas foodies. With TWO local smokehouses listed on Texas Monthly’s Top 50 BBQ Joints, and several more with their own following, Brenham is a must-stop on the quest for the best Texas BBQ. To make it easier for your dining tour, we’ve mapped the Brenham Barbecue Trail.
This is the perfect time to make it a long weekend and taste everything that the Brenham BBQ Trail in Washington County has to offer!
Along with being a local favorite, LJ’s has received many accolades and recognition since opening in 2015. LJ’s was recently tapped again by Texas Monthly for its most recent list of Top 50 BBQ Joints. Pitmasters Matt Lowery and Corey Cook were also featured in 2021 on the Today Show with Jenna Bush Hager & Hoda Kotb. Their perfectly smoked meats speak for themselves but don’t forget the sides! LJ’s famous Mac & Cheese, collard greens, German-style potato salad, and beans all deserve a place on the tray.
Local Tip: Top that famous mac & cheese with the brisket! And be sure to grab a complimentary beer from the cooler, featuring local brewer, Brazos Valley Brewing Co.
1407 W. Main St. Brenham, TX 77833 | 979-421-8292;
After opening his doors in 2015, Pitmaster Leonard Botello IV’s Truth BBQ has become a fixture on Best BBQ lists around the globe for good reason. Recently named again on Texas Monthly‘s list of Top 50 BBQ Joints, this time Truth rises to No. 3 in the ranks of Texas BBQ royalty. Every meat on the menu is a must-try. But don’t stop with the meat–if you can’t save room for dessert, then order the cake to-go, because you don’t want to miss it!
Local Tip: Bring a hat or sunscreen and a friend to visit with while you wait in line.
Long known for their ribs, Nathan’s BBQ has been serving up old-school Texas barbecue for decades. Open daily for lunch and dinner, Nathan’s has an extensive menu of meats, sides, and desserts.
Pioneer Smokehouse & Mercantile is family-friendly and fun year-round in the heart of Downtown Brenham. In addition to delicious BBQ, they have a wide selection of beer, games on the patio, and seating inside & outside.
Pioneer Smokehouse, Downtown Brenham
Local Tip: The Hobo Nachos are a crowd-pleaser!
309 S. Park St., Brenham, TX 77833 | (713) 876-8416 |
Open Thurs: 11am-2pm, 5pm-10pm; Fri: 11am-2pm, 5pm-11pm;
Chappell Hill Bakery, Deli & BBQ is the perfect stop for a weary road tripper. The meats and meal plates are amazing, and the bakery will make your sweet tooth sing. They are famous for their kolaches, and their BBQ & pie have previously received an honorable mention in Texas Monthly’s coveted list. The dining room is big and can accommodate sizable groups.
Local Tip: Stock up at their market with meats and treats for the rest of your trip!
8900 Hwy 290 E, Chappell Hill, TX 77426 | (979) 836-0910 |
Chappell Hill Sausage is sold in grocery stores across the state, and they happen to be based right here in Washington County. The meat market also houses a shop and restaurant, featuring their renowned sausage, barbecue, bacon, and other meats. From a burger to the brisket to the fresh smoked bacon, you can’t go wrong at Chappell Hill Sausage.
Local Tip: Order one of their honey-glazed hams for the holidays!
Start the year in Downtown Brenham at the Uptown Swirl! Bring your friends and stroll through the charming historic downtown district to sample delicious wines at the shops and businesses.
The fun happens on Saturday, January 17, 2026, from 3 to 7 pm in Downtown Brenham.
Check-in to receive your glass and bags begins at 2pm in front of the Washington County Courthouse Gazebo (101 E Alamo Street, Brenham, TX 77833).
Tickets are $35 in participating stores until December 31st. After January 1st, they are $40 in stores and $45 online.
Just sip, stroll, & shop!
* Tickets can be purchased at participating businesses! Participating Merchants:
