to do in brenham Archives - Visit Brenham Texas

15 Fall Happenings Around Brenham

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

Scenes from the Chappell Hill Scarecrow Festival in Washington County, Texas. The collage shows visitors shopping at downtown storefronts decorated with fall and Halloween displays, strolling along vendor-lined streets under Texas flags, and enjoying the festival atmosphere with food booths, crafts, and family-friendly activities. — 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

Scenes from La Bahia Antique Show near Burton, Texas. On the left, vendors set up booths under large white tents shaded by oak trees, displaying antiques and vintage goods. On the right, a white barn serves as part of the show venue, with shoppers browsing outside under the afternoon sunlight. — 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.

8. Texas Arts & Music Festival

Scenes from the Texas Arts & Music Festival in downtown Brenham, Texas. The collage shows artists painting a large mural on a building wall, festival-goers exploring vendor booths and food stands on downtown streets, and a live band performing on an outdoor stage at night in front of a mural backdrop. — Texas Arts & Music Festival, Downtown Brenham

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

Families and children in costumes line up outside shops in downtown Brenham, Texas, during a trick-or-treat event. The storefronts are decorated for fall, and people carry candy bags while enjoying the festive atmosphere. — 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

Scenes from the Antique Rose Emporium’s Fall Festival of Roses in Independence, Texas. The collage shows visitors walking through blooming gardens, an audience attending an indoor gardening seminar, and rows of rose plants on display in the outdoor nursery surrounded by landscaped grounds. — Antique Rose Emporium, Independence

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

Holiday scenes in Washington County, Texas. On the left, a shop owner stands behind a festive Christmas display filled with holiday décor, table settings, and greenery. On the right, a historic two-story mansion is decorated for Christmas with red bows, garlands, and wreaths along the balconies and columns. — 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.

BONUS Weekly Fall Happenings

Children ride brightly painted wooden horses on the antique carousel at Fireman’s Park in Brenham, Texas, while parents stand nearby. The indoor carousel is decorated with string lights and a red canopy overhead. — Antique Carousel, Brenham

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!

Spring Happenings Around Brenham

Spring in Washington County is a magical time! It’s not too hot, not too cold, and the colorful show that the Texas wildflowers faithfully display each year is worthy of the hype. But bluebonnets aren’t all that’s happening around Brenham in the spring! Here are NINE annual events in Washington County that you can use to plan your next visit-plus a few of the most popular things you can do every week in the spring. Make it a long weekend and enjoy all the live music, dining and shopping that the area has to offer.

Texas Independence Day Celebration

Celebrate 190 years of Texas Independence at the place Where Texas Became Texas! The Texas Independence Day celebration at Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historical Site on February 28, will be better than ever, following the massive renovation and expansion. Start with the opening ceremony and parade at 10:30am, followed by great performances at the Amphitheater and Barrington Living History Farm throughout the day.

ANTIQUE ROSE EMPORIUM SPRING CELEBRATION WEEKEND

The Antique Rose Emporium is a must-visit year-round, but spring is something truly special! The Spring Celebration Weekend from March 20-22, 2026, includes an artisan market, food trucks, gardening workshops, and more blooming roses than you can imagine.

Wine & Wander

Slip into your favorite white linen (or any all-white attire) for an evening of wine, wandering, and warm small-town charm in historic Burton on March 20, 2026.

Beginning at 6pm, stroll through participating businesses while enjoying signature drinks, curated stops, and New Orleans–inspired festivities woven throughout the evening. This laid-back yet lively event invites locals and visitors alike to slow down, sip, and savor Burton after hours during the antique shows.

TEXAS RANGER DAY

The 15th annual Texas Ranger Day at the historic Burton Railroad Depot is a fun-filled event for the whole family. On Saturday, March 21, from 12 to 4pm, enjoy Old West Ranger demonstrations, blacksmithing, chuckwagon cooking, kids’ activities, depot and cotton gin tours, and live music!

TEXAS HISTORIC HOMES TOURS IN INDEPENDENCE

Step back in time with a tour of the Texas Historic Homes in Independence. Adjacent to Old Baylor Park, these historic homes and schoolhouses offer a glimpse into Texas pioneer life—perfect for history lovers! Artisans will be demonstrating early Texas crafts and music, and docents will be in period dress. Tours will be available on Saturdays, March 21 and March 28.

Antique Festivals

The Round Top Antique shows are just down the road, and some are even in Washington County! The La Bahia Antique Show is March 20-28. Burton is also home to Antiques at The Pavilions, March 16-25.

TEXAS BLUEBONNET FESTIVAL IN CHAPPELL HILL

The Chappell Hill Historical Society will once again be hosting the Official State of Texas Bluebonnet Festival, April 11-12, 2026, in downtown historic Chappell Hill, Texas. The Festival boasts more than 250 juried exhibitors (home décor, gardening, artists, craftsmen, jewelry, clothing, etc.), delicious food, live entertainment and music, and tours of the historic community.

BURTON COTTON GIN FESTIVAL

Head to Burton Saturday, April 18, home of the oldest operating cotton gin in the United States, and celebrate the 37th Annual Burton Cotton Gin Festival! This is a FREE, family-friendly event featuring a day full of fun and history. The day begins with a parade through Burton, and continues at the grounds of the Texas Cotton Gin Museum with gin tours, live music, demonstrations, a tractor pull competition, and even a pie-eating contest. Shop and eat in the Arts & Crafts Vendor Area & Food Court.

BRENHAM MAIFEST

Brenham’s German heritage takes center stage at Maifest on May 8-9. Enjoy a festive weekend featuring a parade, Junior & Senior Coronations, authentic German food, music, drinks, and carnival rides at Fireman’s Park. Festivities begin on Friday, May 8, at 5pm and continue until 11:30pm, then resume on Saturday, May 9, from 10:30am to 11:30pm.

CHAPPELL HILL ART WALK

Stroll through historic Chappell Hill while artists create new masterpieces around favorite locations in this charming Texas town. Enjoy live music, shopping & dining while you stroll. Vote for your favorite art and shop the collections of these talented local artists. Saturday, May 23, 10am – 4pm.

Weekly Happenings

Some of our favorite spring events happen every week!

Antique Carousel Rides – Just $1 per ride at Fireman’s Park.

Brenham Fire Museum – Normally open Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 2pm. For Spring Break Week (March 9-13), it is open daily from 11am to 3pm.

Barrington Living History Farm Live Demos – Every weekend at Washington-on-the-Brazos.

Blue Bell Ice Cream – Enjoy $1 scoops at the Blue Bell Parlor & Country Store!

There’s always something happening in Brenham! Explore daily events, such as live music and theater performances by checking our full calendar of events. Spring is the busiest season around Washington County, so be sure to book lodging early and make the most of your trip.

Looking for fun plans during Spring Break Week? Check back soon for our Guide to Spring Break Week in Brenham.

Where to Watch on Game Day

Where to Watch the Game in Brenham & Washington County

The season is always right to cheer on your favorite team, and Brenham & Washington County have plenty of places that make game day even better. Whether you’re looking for a brewery with a playground for the kids, a patio with a big screen, or a casual spot with great food, here are some of the best local hangouts to catch the action!

30 North Gastropub

From the delicious food to the full bar to the extensive choice of indoor and outdoor seating, 30 North is an easy choice on game day. Enjoy some of the best pizza in town and settle in for cocktails or beer at this Downtown Brenham establishment.

Brazos Valley Brewing Company

people sitting at a bar being served a flight. Brazos Valley Brewery — Brazos Valley Brewery, Brenham

BVB is a family-friendly, small-town brewery and taproom that has screens inside the taproom to watch a big game. There are also indoor games, an outdoor playground, and plenty of room to stretch your legs. You won’t go hungry with their food truck, BVB Eats, and you can often catch live music on the weekends.

Brown Water Cigar Bar

Enjoy a smoky Old Fashioned and your favorite cigar while you watch the game at Brown Water Cigar Bar. This Downtown Brenham venue is a favorite place for the guys to relax.

BT Longhorn Saloon & Steakhouse

Interior of BT Longhorn Steakhouse & Saloon in Downtown Brenham, featuring a classic wooden bar lined with bottles and taps, ornate mirrors, and vintage chandeliers. High-top tables with wooden chairs and red napkins fill the space, while a neon Bud Light Texas sign glows above the bar, adding to the rustic saloon atmosphere. — BT Longhorn Saloon & Steakhouse, Downtown Brenham

The antique bar at BT Longhorn is a piece of history and a favorite place to watch on game day. Sit at the bar or one of the high-tops and check out their delicious menu and full bar.

Burton Short Stop & Icehouse

A true small-town favorite, Burton Short Stop & Icehouse serves up great bites and a friendly environment. It’s a laid-back stop for both locals and visitors looking to catch the game.

Carol’s Ice House

Located in Downtown Chappell Hill, Carol’s Ice House is a laid-back spot perfect for catching the game with friends. With cold drinks, good company, and plenty of TVs, it’s a classic game day destination.

Floyd’s Lounge

It doesn’t get much better than the patio at Floyd’s Lounge. The party lights will be on and the heaters and fire pit are ready for those cooler nights. If it’s a really big game, Floyd’s is great to bring in a big blow-up screen to make viewing easy for bigger crowds.

Grapevine on Main

Many people sitting at tables talking to each other. In the back there is a bar with a server pouring drinks. — Grapevine on Main, Downtown Chappell Hill

Located in Downtown Chappell Hill, Grapevine on Main is a wine bar with a welcoming atmosphere and a great place to gather. Enjoy a glass of wine or a cold beer while watching your favorite team in comfort.

Home Sweet Farm Biergarten

HSF is the perfect place for a favorite wine or your favorite beer on tap. It’s also one of those places that feels like home when you’re cheering on your team with a room full of people who don’t seem like strangers anymore.

Pioneer Smokehouse

The cozy indoor space at Pioneer is just right for a smaller crowd. The patio offers games and room to play if part of the family would rather use some of that energy on playing games instead of watching the game. Don’t miss the hobo nachos to share for the perfect start to your game day meal.

The White Horse Tavern

This welcoming tavern in Burton is a go-to for locals who want to watch sports in a casual atmosphere. Pair your drink with a hearty meal and settle in for the big game.

No matter which team you’re rooting for, game day in Brenham & Washington County comes with good food, great drinks, and even better company. So grab your friends, find your favorite spot, and make your next watch party a local one.