Day Trips & Beyond: October Events Roundup

It’s time for a little daytrippin’ under October skies.

The primeval tupelo-cypress swamps of the Lance Rosier Unit are easily accessed by old logging roads. Hiking trails throughout the Big Thicket National Preserve cross nine ecosystems from grassland meadows to lowland sloughs. (Photo by Gerald E. McLeod)

Tree time. The southeast corner of Texas illustrates the old saying that you can’t see the forest for the trees. Driving around the area between Beaumont and Livingston, it’s hard to believe that less than 100 years ago this entire region was almost entirely clear-cut by unregulated lumber harvesting and oil extraction. The trees you see lining the highways and backroads of Hardin, Jefferson, Liberty, Jasper, and Polk counties are second- and third-generation growth. Very little of the 3.5 million acres of the original Big Thicket remains.

President Gerald Ford signed the Big Thicket National Preserve into being 50 years ago on Oct. 11, 1974 along with the Big Cypress National Preserve in Florida. They were the first two national preserves. There are now 21 areas set aside for natural significance.

It had been a nearly 50-year struggle for local conservationists to raise the alarm that one of the most biodiverse areas in North America was disappearing. The creation of the first national preserve was accomplished by a series of compromises involving a dozen state and national politicians. Finally what was agreed upon was “a string of pearls,” nine land units and six water units covering what now includes 113,114 acres and 300 miles of river and bayous.

Longleaf pines get their name from their long needles and were once the dominant pine tree in Southeast Texas. A strong and dense wood, the longleaf pines were pretty much wiped out by the 1940s to be replaced by the faster-growing and softer loblolly and yellow pine. (Photo by Gerald E. McLeod)

Even with the small percentage of the original forest preserved, the diversity in the preserve is amazing. Inside the BTNP are four kinds of carnivorous plants, hundreds of species of birds, mammals, and reptiles, and more than 1,600 species of plants. The land varies from upland grasslands to lowland swamps. In between are stands of towering loblolly and longleaf pines with only a few decades of girth.

You don’t so much as hike the 40 miles of trails in the BTNP as you stroll to appreciate the sights and sounds of the forest. The Turkey Creek Unit north of the park headquarters outside of Kountze is one of the most diverse units and includes the Pitcher Plant Trail and the Kirby Nature Trail. The old logging roads and trails in the Lance Rosier Unit, the largest unit at over 25,000 acres, go through some of the most dense and wildest lands along Little Pine Island Bayou. The tiny Loblolly Unit outside of Batson protects some of the last old-growth forest in the preserve. Only dispersed primitive camping is allowed in the preserve. Bicycles and horses are allowed only on the Big Sandy Trail.

The staff at BTNP will be showing off the advancements made at the preserve and opening a new hiking trail at the 50th Anniversary Celebration on Oct. 12. There will be speakers, demonstrations, and booths around the Visitor Center off U.S. Highway 69/287 eight miles north of Kountze. Cultural demonstrations by the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe and the Atakapa-Ishak Tribe will take place throughout the day and a free lunch will be provided by the Big Thicket Association.
Oct. 12, 50th Anniversary Celebration, Big Thicket National Preserve, Kountze, www.nps.gov/bith

"San Antonio | The Saga" celebrates the evolution of San Antonio and Texas with a video painting on one of the city’s most historic structures with a 10th anniversary party and a new contract for another decade. (Photo by Gerald E. McLeod)

History in lights. Texas’ best light show turns a decade old this year and they’re throwing a birthday party on Saturday, Oct. 12. The Saga debuted on June 13, 2014, on the Main Plaza in downtown San Antonio. Created by French artist Xavier de Richemont, the light show summarizing the history of San Antonio, Texas, and the U.S. in vivid colors is projected onto the stone façade of https://sfcathedral.org/San Fernando Cathedral, the oldest continuously operating cathedral in the U.S.

The anniversary celebration runs from 6 to 10pm with an evening market, food trucks, and live music. The artist Xavier de Richemont, who has added new art to the light show, will make remarks before the 9pm showing. As always, all of the events are free and open to the public.

The Main Plaza Conservancy, who maintains the historic cultural park, announced recently that the 10-year lease that was set to expire has been renewed for another decade. The 24-minute shows happens year round, rain or shine, from Tuesday to Sunday at 9pm and 9:30pm.
Oct. 12, Saga 10 Anniversary Celebration, 115 N. Main St., 21/225-9800, San Antonio, www.mainplaza.org/event/saga-10th-anniversary-celebration

Three additional American Viticultural Areas (AVAs) are expected to be approved soon in Texas. AVAs are qualified based on their soil, climate, topographic, and other features that affect the attributes of grapes. (Photo by Gerald E. McLeod)

What’s in a name? As of Sept. 5, there were 274 American Viticultural Areas (AVAs) in the U.S. California had the most AVAs with 153. France, which is smaller than Texas, has 11 AVAs. Texas had eight wine regions at the time, with three additional AVAs in the works.

The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) is the governmental office in the Department of the Treasury that decides who gets the designation. AVAs are qualified based on their soil, climate, topographic, and other features that affect the attributes of grapes. Being a part of an AVA is mainly a marketing tool, but it can give consumers an idea of a vineyard or winery’s underlying quality and characteristics.

Three additional AVAs in Texas are expected to be approved. The Llano Uplift AVA covers 1.3 million acres spanning Blanco, Burnet, Gillespie, Llano, Mason, McCulloch, and San Saba counties. In the northwest corner of the Llano Uplift, the Hickory Sands District reaches into Mason, McCulloch, Llano, and San Saba counties. Its elevation and soil composition of decomposed granite and sandstone make it unique in Texas wine regions. And lastly, the Dell Valley or Hidden Waters AVA is in the Chihuahuan Desert in Hudspeth County east of El Paso.

Texas AVA fun fact: Even though 85% of Texas wine grapes are produced in the Texas High Plains AVA that spans some 8 million acres, the Texas Hill Country AVA at 9 million acres (nearly twice the size of New Jersey) is considered the third-largest AVA in the U.S.
Oct. 6, Kickoff of Texas Wine Month, Marble Falls, texaswinegrowers.com

Travel Notes:

Only used for five years between 1848 and 1866, Fort Martin Scott was among the first U.S. Army posts on the western frontier of Texas. Of the seven buildings at the site, the only original is the post brig that survived by being used as a residence. The Texas Historical Commission has agreed to take over management of the site from the city of Fredericksburg. (Photo by Gerald E. McLeod)

Fort transfer. On the eastern edge of Fredericksburg off U.S. Highway 290, the few structures of a frontier fort have a nearly forgotten story to tell. From 1848 until it was abandoned in 1866, soldiers at Fort Martin Scott tried to keep the Indigenous people and settlers separated. The city purchased the property in 1959 after all but one building had been removed. Since the 1980s, the city and civic organizations have worked to preserve, restore, and rebuild the historic site. This summer the fort became the 39th state historic site. Visitors can walk the mile-long loop trail to see the guard house, officers’ quarters, and barracks on their own or meet with docents at the site Thursdays through Sunday. The grounds will be open for free to the public through Oct. 31.

ACL on view. Best known for his nearly half-century association with Austin City Limits, Scott Newton has witnessed some of the legends of outlaw country, Tejano, Americana, blues rock, and Texas punk music as the house photographer for Austin City Limits. A new exhibition called “Scott Newton: Beyond Limits” at The Wittliff Collection on the Texas State University campus in San Marcos celebrates the extraordinary career of the legendary Austin photographer. Some of the state’s most towering figures, from Ann Richards and Jerry Jeff Walker to Willie Nelson, have been the subjects of his art. This major photography exhibition, curated in collaboration with Austin City Limits/KLRU and Modern Rocks Gallery, and in celebration of ACL’s 50th anniversary, features more than 100 incredible images in large-scale print and digital formats, as well as historic artifacts. The show runs through the summer of 2025.

Curtain call. After 16 years of producing plays at various venues in the Round Rock area, Penfold Theatre Company has found a new permanent home at Rock Creek Plaza in Round Rock. A $326,330 arts grant from the city’s hotel occupancy tax funds will cover the rent for the next 18 months for the 6,400-square-foot venue. Opening Penfold’s 2024-2025 season and the company’s new permanent home is I’m Proud of You, which runs Oct. 2-26. Based on Tim Madigan’s bestselling memoir by the same title, the play explores the transformative bond between Texas journalist Madigan and the late children’s television show host Fred Rogers.

Not only do the Eakers make great barbecue, but now they’ll teach home chefs the tricks of the trade with classes starting next month. (Photo by Gerald E. McLeod)

Serious about smoke. If you’re serious about your backyard smoked meats, you might consider taking barbecue classes from Lance and Boo Eaker, purveyors at the top-notch Fredericksburg smokehouse Eaker Barbecue. On Nov. 10 they’ll be teaching all aspects of cooking a brisket. The topic on Jan. 12 will be the finer points of smoking pork. On Jan. 26, Boo will focus on the art of making Korean kimchi. The number of participants in the four-hour classes is limited and filling up quickly.

Holy smokes. After receiving a $500,000 incentives package from the city, the acclaimed Hays County Bar-B-Q is setting up shop in Kyle. A regular on Texas Monthly’s Top 50 BBQ Joints since 2013, the 17-year-old restaurant closed after the building on the I-35 frontage road in San Marcos was sold. There is no word on when exactly the new restaurant will open at 505 Old Highway 81, but the owners, Michael and Asenette Hernandez, will include indoor seating and an awesome outdoor area. Look for a grand opening sometime next summer.

Marcus Baskerville was a homebrewer who went on to start Weathered Souls Brewery in San Antonio. The brewery and restaurant closed last month. (Photo by Gerald E. McLeod)

Last call. San Antonio’s Weathered Souls Brewery announced last month that it was closing at the end of September. It’s a shame. Not only did they offer a decent selection of beers, but the kitchen made some good tacos. Marcus Baskerville, brewmaster and co-founder of the James Beard-nominated brewery, was seeking investors after co-founder Mike Holt sought to divest from the company. The co-owners gave “financial pressures” as the reason for the company’s demise. Baskerville, a really nice all-around guy, was the instigator behind the idea for “Black Is Beautiful,” an open-source beer recipe. During the pandemic in 2020, more than 1,140 breweries in 50 states and 21 countries participated in the collaboration and brewed their version of the beer with a portion of the proceeds going to fight for racial justice. Other regional craft breweries that have recently closed include Kinematic Brewing, Second Pitch Beer, Boerne Brewery, and Rough Diamond Brewery.

More than 100 artists were involved in creating the newest Meow Wolf colony in Houston. Fun for all ages, the surreal art project stretches the imagination in an immersive journey of sights and sounds.

Psychedelic fun. Nobody does immersive art quite like the Santa Fe-based entertainment company Meow Wolf. On Oct. 31 the newest outpost of the quirky indoor theme park opens in Houston. Each of the five imagination-bending locations has its own theme, and Houston’s Radio Tave follows the storyline of a community radio station that spans dimensions, blurring the lines between reality and blacklight illuminated fantasy. Tickets for Radio Tave are available for timed entry slots. Meow Wolf started in Santa Fe with the House of Eternal Return in 2016. Omega Mart opened in Las Vegas in 2021. Denver’s Convergence Station joined the list in 2021, followed by Dallas-Fort Worth’s The Real Unreal in 2023. A sixth location is coming to Los Angeles in 2026.

Other October Events

BIG BEND

John Prine Night
It’s just for fun and to celebrate the life, music, and spirit of the great troubadour. Bring a guitar and join in or just sit back in the desert air and enjoy the music and get some grub from Marathon’s most famous grocery store.
Oct. 12, Marathon, frenchcogrocer.com

Flying Island Festival
It’s a weekend filled with music, food, and art bringing together a diverse lineup of performers and artists in the remote West Texas town. Tickets range from $50 to $185 and the stages are scattered at venues around town.
Oct. 24-27, Marfa, www.flyingislandmarfa.com

Horsehead Crossing Celebration
The crossing on the Pecos River was once the most important spot between San Antonio and El Paso. The annual gathering offers insight into its historic significance along with exhibitors and reenactors.
Oct. 25-26, Girvin, www.pecoscountyhistoricalcommission.org/horsehead-crossing-celebration

GULF COAST

“Haha Real” by Rachel Rossin
Experience a site-specific media and sound installation by artist Rachel Rossin in the Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern. Characters and symbols appear on LED hologram screens, while kinetic features and lighting augment the architecture of the underground space and play upon the water’s reflective surface. Tours are held on the hour Wednesday through Sunday.
Oct. 2-Nov. 10, Houston, buffalobayou.org

Sandcastle Days
This year’s family-friendly event is free at Clayton’s Beach Bar with live music, art booths, food vendors, and exciting new evening events.
Oct. 3-6, South Padre Island, www.sandcastledays.com

Island Science Day
It’s a day of family fun and boat rides to learn more about the institute’s research and science projects. Make your reservations early.
Oct. 12, Port Aransas, www.portaransas.org/blog/stories/post/island-science-day

Haunted History
Are you ready for some skin-crawling fun in Texas’ most haunted city? The local historical society offers walking tours, boat tours, and cemetery tours of the spookiest places around town.
Oct. 17-31, Galveston, www.galvestonhistory.org/events/haunted-history

Texas Jazz Festival
This is the longest running, largest free jazz festival in the world. Free to all ages, there will be three stages of live music, incredible food, and market vendors in at Heritage Park.
Oct. 18-20, Corpus Christi, www.texasjazz-fest.org

Wooden Boat Festival
There is something especially charming about the beautiful handcrafted watercraft on display at Roberts Point Park.
Oct. 25-27, Port Aransas, www.woodenboatfestival.org

Dia de los Muertos
The streets of downtown fill up with the age-old tradition of remembering and honoring deceased loved ones through music, dance, ofrendas, art, and food from 3pm to midnight.
Oct. 26, Corpus Christi, www.diadelosmuertoscc.com

ELISSA’s 147th Birthday Party
Come aboard the floating museum for complimentary craft beer courtesy of Saint Arnold Brewing Company, food, birthday cake, and music. The 1877 tall ship is one of only three ships of her kind in the world to still actively sail.
Oct. 26, Galveston, www.galvestonhistory.org

HILL COUNTRY

Stevie Ray Vaughan at 70
The Wittliff Collections celebrates what would have been the 70th birthday of Texas blues guitar icon Stevie Ray Vaughan with a new photo exhibit, a film screening, conversation, and birthday cake. The program begins with opening remarks from Tracy Anne Hart and Kirby F. Warnock followed by a screening of “Brothers in Blues.”
Oct.3, San Marcos, www.thewittliffcollections.txst.edu

Ladies State Chili Championship of Texas
In addition to showing off their talents with chili, the ladies will be showing their skill with beans, margaritas, barbecue chicken, pork ribs, and steak.
Oct. 4-5, Blanco, www.ladiesstatechili.org

Austin City Limits Music Festival
More than 140 acts and thousands of tourists descend on the capital city’s Zilker Park.
Oct. 4-13, Austin, www.aclfestival.com

Boerne Book Festival
Join the Texas literary fun with booksignings and panel discussions.
Oct. 5, Boerne, www.boernebookfest.com

Sacred Springs Powwow
Experience performances by over 100 dancers, traditional drums and singers, Indian Market with native & Indigenous arts and craft booths, and authentic Native foods.
Oct. 5-6, San Marcos, www.sspowwow.com

Uhland Fall Festival
Formerly the Dripping Springs Pumpkin Festival, this family-friendly weekend event has something for everybody. There are games and activities for the kids, an artisan market, food trucks, and 30 musical acts.
Oct. 5- 27, Uhland, uhlandfallfest.com

Texas Wine Growers Tasting Event
Start off Texas wine month with tastings from a dozen top wineries and the launch of the Llano Uplift as a new AVA.
Oct. 6, Marble Falls, www.texaswinegrowers.com

Gruene Music & Wine Festival
Music, food, and wine come together at the oldest dance hall in Texas.
Oct. 10-13, Gruene, gruenemusicandwinefest.org

Welcome Home Festival
Four days of music in the hills at the Quiet Valley Ranch calls all Kerrverts to gather around the campfires for song or two.
Oct. 10-13, Kerrville, www.kerrvillefolkfestival.org

Market on the Square
If you’re headed out to the Hill Country, stop by the historic courthouse square a block off the highway for a little shopping, a bite to eat, and to catch some tunes.
Oct. 12, 26, Johnson City, johnsoncitymarket.com

Monarch Fest
See what San Marcos is doing as a city to help pollinators and learn how you can get involved and make a difference. The day includes a pollinator plant sale, games, and photo ops.
Oct. 12, San Marcos, sanmarcostx.gov

Dripping Springs Songwriters Festival
For the love of the song, more than 35 songwriters will gather to swap stories and tunes in a free music festival at venues around town.
Oct. 18-20, Dripping Springs, destination dripping springs.com

Texas Marigold Festival
Celebrate all things marigold from learning to make ristra from the flowers to touring a field of marigolds. There’ll be music in the park and a market around the old courthouse.
Oct. 19-27, Blanco, www.texasmarigoldfestival.com

Fredericksburg Food & Wine Festival
Savor the diverse flavors of the Hill Country, from street tacos and smash burgers crafted on cast iron skillets to elevated barbecue, handmade pasta, gelato, and much more. Your badge grants access to over 20 culinary delights plus demonstrations and guest speakers from area wineries and brewers.
Oct. 25-26, Fredericksburg, www.fbgfoodandwine.com

Llano River Pumpkin Float
If you love your carved jack-o-lantern set it free in the river at Badu Park.
Oct. 26, Llano, www.llanochamber.org

Texas Clay Festival
Potters and clay artists from around the state and beyond gather to show their works at one of the largest such festivals in the state.
Oct. 26-27, Gruene, www.texasclayfestival.com

PANHANDLE

Fort Concho Night Tours
Get a rare and spooky tour of the old fort after dark with period-dressed staff telling real stories about the former occupants.
Oct. 11-12, San Angelo, fortconcho.com

Hub City Renaissance Faire
Hear ye all ladies and gentlemen get to the faire to see theatrical performances, hear music, and enjoy activities for all ages.
Oct. 19, Lubbock, lhuca.org

PINEY WOODS

Cajun Catfish Festival
Enjoy the music, browse the rows of vendors, and sample a variety of Cajun-style foods.
Oct. 11-13, Conroe, www.friendsofconroe.com

Texas Bigfoot Conference
Hosted by the Texas Bigfoot Research Center, this year’s conference features noted Bigfoot authority Dr. Jeff Meldrum.
Oct. 19, Jefferson, www.facebook.com/TexasBigfootConference

Hot Pepper Festival
See if you can take the heat while enjoying the music, games, and assorted vendors. Don’t worry there’s a beer garden to put out the fire.
Oct. 26, Palestine, www.visitpalestine.com/events/2024/hot-pepper-festival

PRAIRIES AND LAKES

State Fair of Texas
Big Tex, fair food, and the midway await.
Oct. 1-20, Dallas, www.bigtex.com

Turkeyfest
Every year the Great Gobbler Gallop between the hometown favorite Ruby Begonia and challenger Paycheck from Worthington, MN, is the highlight of the weekend that also features music, vendors, and lots of barbecue.
Oct. 11-13, Cuero, www.turkeyfest.org

LCRA Parks’ Tricks, Treats, and Trails
Get an early start on Halloween with a family-friendly celebration at McKinney Roughs Nature Park for all ages with games, hayrides, food vendors, ziplining, and more. Tickets range from $10 to $20.
Oct. 12, Bastrop, www.eventcreate.com/e/trickstreatstrails24

Texas Renaissance Festival
The largest renaissance festival in the country celebrates its 50th anniversary in an old English village full of surprises and fun on weekends.
Oct. 12-Dec. 1, Todd Mission, www.texrenfest.com

Scarecrow Festival
It’s a huge festival honoring the lowly scarecrow with lots of vendors and food, plus music and historic tours.
Oct. 12-13, Chappell Hill, chappellhillhistoricalsociety.com

Marburger Farm Antique Show
More than 300 vendors gather to offer merchandise from around the world.
Oct. 15-19, Round Top, roundtop-marburger.com

Texas Arts & Music Festival
Downtown Brenham comes alive with the sound of music, artists displaying their wares, and the sweet smell of food vendors, plus the unveiling of two new murals.
Oct. 18-20, Brenham, www.texasartsandmusicfestival.com

Ladonia Fossil Park Fossil Day
The riverbed is known for giving up all kinds of fossils and the Dallas Paleontological Society will be on hand to help identify your finds.
Oct. 19, Ladonia, cocladonia.org

Hogeye Festival Weekend
The annual festival takes over downtown streets for a celebration of Elgin sausage with cow patty bingo, art shows, music, food, and an evening street dance.
Oct. 24-26, Elgin, www.elgintxchamber.com/hogeye-festival

SOUTH TEXAS

Peanut Festival
The small town honors the local agricultural product with a carnival and live entertainment.
Oct. 8-12, Floresville, www.floresvillepeanutfestival.org

San Antonio The Saga 10th Anniversary Celebration
The light show summarizing the history of San Antonio, Texas, and the U.S. in vivid colors is projected onto the stone façade of San Fernando Cathedral as it celebrates its anniversary with a pop-up market, live music, and food trucks. Free showings at 9pm and 9:30pm.
Oct. 12, San Antonio, www.mainplaza.org/event/saga-10th-anniversary-celebration

Burger Showdown 5.0
Ten chefs will showcase their best burgers at Alamo Beer Company. But how can you try more than one?
Oct. 18, San Antonio, www.theflavorsoftexas.com/burgershowdown

San Antonio Beer Festival
The city that gave us Pearl and Lone Star beers now brings more than 100 premium and craft brewers to town to showcase their best brews.
Oct. 19, San Antonio, www.sanantoniobeerfestival.com

Fest of Tails: Kite and Dog Fair
This is a day trip the pooch will enjoy. A doggie costume parade, vendors, kite flying, and food vendors serving two-legged and four-legged customers in McAllister Park.
Oct. 19, San Antonio, saparks.org/event/fot2024

Luminaria Contemporary Arts Festival
Artists will exhibit and perform in a free outdoor setting at St. Paul’s Square from 6pm to midnight showcasing artistic expressions including visual arts, live music, dance, large art installations, theatre, poetry, and performance art.
Oct. 19, San Antonio, luminariasa.org

Day of the Dead Festival
Elaborately decorated lighted floats in the evening river parade on Friday kicks off the festival celebrating life and loved ones. Then the party moves to the historic La Villita.
Oct. 25-28, San Antonio, www.thesanantonioriverwalk.com

Texas Butterfly Festival
Situated right on the Rio Grande, the National Butterfly Center hosts a diverse population of butterflies and birds, and the people who appreciate them.
Oct. 26-29, Mission, www.texasbutterflyfestival.com

Dobie Dichos
Gather around the campfire with a bowl of chili and celebrate the life and writings of J. Frank Dobie at this unique literary event.
Nov. 1, Oakville, www.dobiedichos.com

OUT OF STATE

Gordon Parks Celebration
Born on the prairies of southeastern Kansas, Gordon Parks was a multi-talent photographer for Life magazine, film director of Shaft and Leadbelly, and the author of The Learning Tree among other books. Join the staff of the Gordon Parks Museum and Fort Scott Community College in remembering Parks’ incredible body of work and life.
Oct. 3-5, Fort Scott, Kan., www.gordonparkscenter.org

Albuquerque International Balloon Festival
The one festival in the country that everyone aspires to attending at least once in their lifetime and it doesn’t disappoint.
Oct. 5-13, Albuquerque, N.M., balloon fiesta.com

Santa Fe International Film Festival
With a special emphasis on independent and Native American films, this is one of the most entertaining and creative film festivals on the circuit. The programming often includes many surprises and there is no telling who will show up.
Oct. 16-20, Santa Fe, N.M., santafe.film

Gerald McLeod has been traveling around Texas and beyond for his "Day Trips" column for more than 25 years. Keep up to date with his journeys on his archive page and follow him on Facebook.