The best festivals and fairs in Texas in November

The second largest state in the US, Texas boasts a wealth of natural assets and cultural attractions. Characterised by a rich diversity of landscapes, ranging from desert to mountains and canyons to coastline, its array of natural beauty provides the perfect backdrop for a wide range of festivals and fairs that take place here throughout the year. We’ve picked out 12 of the best that are coming to Texas this November.

College Station, 4 – 5 November

There can’t be many valleys around the world that can boast their own festival, but Brazos Valley in Texas is among them. Organised by Texas A&M University and the City of College Station, the popular community-wide event is designed to promote and celebrate the international diversity and heritage of the Brazos Valley, through cultural displays, demonstrations, live performances, arts and crafts, storytelling, international cuisine and much more. Open to all-comers, the two-day festival offers an excellent chance to delve under the surface of one of Texas’s most cherished and historically important regions. (Photo: Brazos Valley WordFest)

Harlingen, 19 – 20 November

For filmophiles finding themselves in Texas this November, there’s only one place to be and that’s the CineSol Film Festival. Held over two days in the Rio Grande Valley of South Texas, the festival has been running for over two decades and is now considered the region’s premier event for the independent movie industry. In fact, it has even been recognised by the Texas Commission on the Arts for its role in promoting and celebrating independent film culture. It attracts both established and aspiring filmmakers alike, with many drawn from the local area, and is a great opportunity for movie lovers to learn about filmmaking, as well as picking up some excellent contacts, not to mention enjoying top notch entertainment from all over the world along the way. (Photo: CineSol Film Festival)

George R. Brown Convention Center, Houston, 3- 6 November

If you’re looking for somewhere warm and cosy to hang out in Texas this
November, you’re in luck. The annual International Quilt Festival is in town and once again promises a spectacular display of fabric art exhibits, shopping, and classes, all designed to celebrate the arts of quilting, sewing, embroidery and handiwork. It’s the largest quilt show in the country, and draws people from all over the world. Who knows, you might even pick up a neat bolt of fabric or sewing machine while you’re there. (Photo: International Quilt Festival)

Fort Worth Community Arts Center, 10 – 12 November

QCinema is Fort Worth’s source for the best in LGBT film and entertainment presenting year-round. QCinema’s annual three-day LGBT international film festival, now in its 18th consecutive year, is the longest consecutively running LGBT film organization in North Texas. The festival is chalked full of opportunities for one-on-one interactions with filmmakers including an exclusive filmmaker’s brunch, VIP Lounge and nightly parties. The films are premiers ranging from World Premiers to North Texas Premiers from around the globe. (Photo: QCinema LGBT Film Festival )

El Paso Convention Center, 4 – 6 November

There’s no such thing as over indulgence when it comes to Christmas time, but if there’s any risk of you succumbing to feelings of guilt, this popular fair in the city of El Paso – held in November to kick off the holiday season – is the perfect antidote. Combining all of the fun and festivities of an authentic Christmas Fair with a strong commitment to charity giving, the El Paso Christmas Fair features a myriad of special events, exciting auctions, photographs with Santa and an all-embracing atmosphere of wonder and delight – all designed to raise money for the Junior League of El Paso, an organisation that promotes female voluntarism and the overall development of women’s potential. (Photo: Junior League of El Paso Christmas Fair)

Venues across Austin, 5 – 6 November

Many words have been written about the iconic southern state of Texas and anyone interested in immersing themselves in the region’s rich literary heritage – not to mention discovering new and upcoming authors – will love the Texas Book Festival. Designed to celebrate literacy, ideas, and imagination, the two-day, free-to-enter festival in downtown Austin has grown from a relatively small affair into one of America’s premier annual literary events, featuring more than 275 authors of the year’s best books and drawing more than 40,000 book lovers of all ages. Central to the programme are literary readings and panels and book signings, while there are also cooking demonstrations, live music, local food trucks, children’s activities, and much more. (Photo: Daemmrich Photography)

Fair Market, Austin, 26 – 27 November

With the proliferation of mass-produced goods on the market, there is a resurgent movement of consumers looking to buy items that are truly unique. The Renegade Craft Fair is the world’s largest independent craft fair and is coming to Austin this November. Renegade holds fairs across the world, from London to Seattle, and each one features interesting produce and products made by local artisans. For those not content with the hundreds of stalls, there will also be interactive features, beverages as well as live music. (Photo: Renegade Craft Fair)

Venues across Houston, 25 – 27 November

While the film industry is often accused of slipping into self-indulgence and self-congratulation, the Reel Recovery Film Festival demonstrates that it also has a benevolent heart when it wants to show it. Taking place across Houston in November, the three-day festival – which is also held in several other US cities at various dates throughout the year – shines a light specifically on filmmakers who create movies about addiction, alcoholism, behavioural disorders, treatment and recovery. The result is an eclectic mix of feature films, shorts and documentaries, all dealing with subjects that still remain taboo and would benefit from being discussed with greater honesty and attention. (Photo: Reel Recovery Film Festival)

Groves Chamber of Commerce and Tourist Center, 3 – 6 November

The pecan nut is a regional delicacy in this part of the US and something that people in South-West Texas are especially proud of, given its wide popularity. Throughout October and November, the city of Groves will be holding its 47th Pecan Festival, acting as both a celebration of the town and the famous nut. There will be traditional fair attractions such as local delicacies, drinks and rides, as well as fun activities including the Tour de Groves bike ride, the lighting of the Groves Christmas Tree and a lighted Christmas Tree Parade. (Photo: Groves Pecan Festival)

New Market Village, 8 October – 27 November

Renaissance Fairs are an American tradition that began in the 1950s and continue to attract large crowds across the country today. This year, Plantersville will once again hold the Texas Renaissance Fair throughout October and November. As is customary, the fair will feature jousting matches, theatre restaurants and period music but will also come to life at night with specially themed after dark entertainment. Some nights this will be adult-specific entertainment, like the Rocky Horror Picture Show, but there will also be bars, hookah lounges and dancing. (Photo: Texas Renaissance Festival)

Cotton Bowl Speedway, Paige, 22 October

Lantern festivals are a Chinese tradition which sees paper lanterns released into the sky to symbolise the letting go of regrets, past lives, or as a way to wish for future fortune. This November, the Lantern Fest will come to Dallas. In previous years, the festival has attracted thousands of revellers, who have been treated to a variety of entertainment including music, s’mores and dancing. Then, once darkness sweeps across the sky, participants let their lanterns – provided by the festival – float gently into the sky. (Photo: The Lantern Fest)

New Braunfels, 4 – 13 November

There may be over 5,000 miles and a vast ocean between them, but close your eyes at the New Braunfels Wurstfest in Texas and you could very well be in Germany. Celebrating the best wursts the state has to offer, the event is held in the city of New Braunfels due to its history of welcoming German immigrants. As well as top quality sausages prepared by regional and national chefs, the 10-day festival also features a host of other authentic German attractions including folkloric musical performances, beer stein holding competitions and polka dancing. (Photo: New Braunfels Wurstfest)

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