Friday, August 21, 2015

Houston Fall Festivities Guide 2015

Fall into the FestivitiesSeptember

Sept. 19
Montgomery Wine and Music Fest
Attendees sample wine from 16 Texas wineries and a craft beer wall, and they can also order by the glass or bottle. The festival features a children’s area and continuous live music. 10 a.m.-9 p.m. $5 (children’s area), $25 (wine tasting package purchased online), $30 (at gate). $5 (fee for alcohol), $1 (single tickets).
14420 Liberty St., Montgomery. 936-597-5004. www.experiencemontgomery.com

October

Fall into the Festivities
Oct. 01-04
The Original Greek Festival
This festival highlights Greek culture through traditional food, crafts, art and gifts. Each night features traditional Greek dancing reflecting the customs and culture of the country. Cathedral tours are also offered throughout the festival. 5-10 p.m. (Oct. 1), 11 a.m.-3 p.m., 5 p.m.-10 p.m. (Oct. 2), 11 a.m.-10 p.m. (Oct. 3), noon-6 p.m. (Oct. 4). $5 (admission at the gate), free admission (Oct. 2 11 a.m.-3 p.m. and every day for children 12 and under), $22 (pre-sale ticket includes one-day admission and a dinner plate).
Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral3511 Yoakum Blvd., Houston. 713-526-5377. www.greekfestival.org
Oct. 03
Farm Fun and Corn Maze
P-6 Farms hosts activities on weekends through Thanksgiving. Visitors enjoy a maze, water cannon, cow train and jumping pillow. Concessions include roasted sweet corn, barbecue sandwiches and drinks. Times vary. $10.50 (ages 4 and up). $8.50 (grandparents), free (children 3 and younger).
P-6 Farms, 9963 Pooles Road, Montgomery. 936-597-6052. www.p-6farms.com
Fall into the Festivities
Oct. 03
Flying Saucer BeerFeast
Sugar Land’s Flying Saucer hosts its fourth annual event, featuring more than 50 breweries and 80 craft beers. Restaurants have food available for attendees. Ticket purchase includes admission to the event, a tasting card that includes 12 beer samples and a tasting glass. Additional tasting cards will be available for purchase. 2-6:30 p.m. $35-65. 
Flying Saucer, 15929 City Walk, Sugar Land. 281-242-7468. www.beerknurd.com
Oct. 08-11
Festa Italiana
Festivalgoers celebrate Italian culture through traditional food, music and art. The event also features a car show, grape stomp and pasta-eating contest highlighting Italian customs.  5-10 p.m. (Oct.8), 11 a.m.-10 p.m. (Oct. 9, 10), 11 a.m.-6 p.m. (Oct. 11). $8 (general admission), free admission (children 12 and under).
University of St. Thomas, 3800 Montrose Blvd., Houston. 713-524-4222. www.houstonitalianfestival.com
Fall into the Festivities
Oct. 09-11
Conroe Cajun Catfish Festival
The 26th annual event spans a three-day weekend in downtown Conroe. Food vendors offer traditional Cajun options and festival favorites, and live entertainment is featured on three different stages. Throughout the weekend there is a car show, catfish pageant, kid zone and other family-friendly attractions. 6 p.m.-midnight (Friday), 11 a.m.-midnight. (Saturday),
noon-6 p.m. (Sunday). $10 (Friday and Sunday,) $15 (Saturday).
Downtown Conroe, 101 S. Main Street, Conroe. www.conroecajuncatfishfestival.com
Oct. 10
Oak Ridge North Fall Festival
The second annual festival features vendors, games and prizes, music, face painting and a pumpkin patch. The event also includes several food and drink vendors, including Kona Ice. 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Marilyn Edgar Park, 2653 Hillside Drive Oak Ridge North. 832-381-3215. www.oakridgenorth.com
Fall into the Festivities
Oct. 10-29
Texas Renaissance Festival
Hundreds of thousands of people visit the Texas Renaissance Festival each year. For eight weekends in October and November festival attendees dress up and explore the Renaissance-themed park. Each weekend features food and drink vendors, live entertainment and more than 400 shops. Shuttles are available for guests staying at Executive Inn and Suites and Magnolia Inn and Suites. 9 a.m.-8 p.m. $26 (regular adult), $14 (regular child).
21778 Farm to Market Road 1774, Todd Mission. 281-356-2178. www.texrenfest.com
Fall into the Festivities    
Oct. 17
Texian Heritage Festival
Attendees experience Texas culture while learning about the state’s extensive history. Activities include tug-o-war and roping lessons for kids while adults can attend cannon school, all in period attire. Entertainment includes music provided by the LJC Band and Chikawa Dancers. Proceeds benefit a local charity in Montgomery County. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. $5 (13 and over), free (12 and under).
Fernland Historical Park, 780 Clepper, Montgomery. www.texianheritage.org
Oct. 17
Fall Craft Show
The Ladies Involved Giving His Touch ministry presents its 13th annual event. More than 50 vendors offer fall-themed crafts and gifts, and proceeds go to various outreaches such as Christmas baskets, sponsoring children for summer camps and the State and National Women’s Auxiliary projects. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Timber Lakes Baptist Church, 1540 Sawdust Road, The Woodlands. 281-363-9358. www.tlbctx.org
Oct. 17
Pumpkin Fest Faith United Methodist Church
Faith United Methodist Church hosts its annual event, featuring pumpkins available for purchase and food and craft booths. The festival also includes music, games and prizes for kids. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. Faith United Methodist Church,
2403 Rayford Road, Spring. 281-367-7776. www.faithumcspring.org
Oct. 17
Taste of the Village
Indian Springs Village Association and Indian Springs Shopping Center host the 11th annual event, which includes food samples, face painting and balloon animals. Guests can also enjoy live music and entertainment throughout the day. Noon-3 p.m. Free.
Indian Springs Village Center, at the intersection of Kuykendahl Road and Woodlands Parkway, The Woodlands. www.indianspringsvillage.com 
Oct. 17-18
Petfest
Old Town Spring hosts its annual pet-friendly, family-friendly Petfest. The event includes a parade, weiner dog race, “wannabe” weiner dog race, costume contest and a dog show. Veterinarians are available to answer questions. Pets are asked to come leashed and pet enrollment in events is $5.  10 a.m.-5 p.m. (Oct. 17); noon-5 p.m. (Oct. 18). Free.
Preservation Park, 130 Spring School Road, Spring. 281-353-9310. www.oldtownspring.com
Oct. 24
Fall Market and Fair
The annual market and fair features craft and vendor booths, a silent auction, bake sale, and barbecue lunch. A children’s area is also open, including activities such as a petting zoo, bounce houses and a carnival with games and prizes. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Free.
Christ Church United Methodist, 6363 Research Forest Drive, The Woodlands. 963-273-2030. www.cc-um.org
Oct. 25
Trick or Treat Trail
The Woodlands Convention and Visitors Bureau hosts its annual Trick or Treat Trail. The Halloween event features trick or treating, vendor booths, a costume contest, games and activities for kids. 3-6 p.m. Free.
Town Green Park along The Woodlands Waterway, 2099 Lake Robbins Drive, The Woodlands. 281-210-3478. www.thewoodlandscvb.com

November

Nov. 20-22
Junior League Holiday Market
Hosted at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel and Convention Center, the annual market features vendors offering a variety of products, including flower arrangements, personalized gifts and holiday ornaments. The Christmas shopping event benefits local charities. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. (Nov. 20-21), 10 a.m.-4 p.m. (Nov. 22). ( $15 (11 and up), $12 (in advance), free ($10 and under). 
1601 Lake Robbins Drive, The Woodlands. 888-746-7455. www.jlthewoodlands.org
Nov. 21-Dec. 20
Home for the Holidays
Old Town Spring hosts its 35th annual Home for the Holidays event. The month-long festivities include live music, Santa Claus beginning Dec. 7, a Nov. 21 Christmas tree lighting and a children’s train. Most shops are closed Monday. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. (Monday-Saturday), noon-6 p.m. (Sunday). Free.
Old Town Spring, 403 Main St., Spring. 281-353-9310. www.oldtownspring.com
Nov. 21-Jan. 18
Donoho’s Winter Wonderland
The attraction offers ice skating, holiday light displays, daily promotions and activities and entertainment for all ages at The Woodlands outdoor ice rink. Open daily. Free.
Northeast corner of Six Pines and Lake Robbins drives. www.thewoodlandscvb.com
Fall into the Festivities
Nov. 21
Lighting of the Doves and iWow
This year marks the ninth annual International Winter on the Waterway and 33rd annual Lighting of the Doves. The event features live music, international food and entertainment, vendor booths, snow play areas, appearances by Santa and a fireworks display, weather permitting. 3-9 p.m. Free.
Town Green Park along The Woodlands Waterway, 2099 Lake Robbins Drive, The Woodlands. www.thewoodlandscvb.com

December

Dec. 11-13
Tomball German Christmas Market
The event brings traditional German food, products and activities to the city of Tomball. Multiple stages present continuous live music and dancing, and there is an open-air market where more than 175 merchants and vendors sell German Christmas items, arts and crafts, food and more. 6-10 p.m. (Dec. 11), 10 a.m.-10 p.m. (Dec. 12), 10 a.m.-6 p.m. (Dec. 13). Free.
Old Town Tomball, 201 S. Elm St., Tomball. 281-379-6844. www.tomballgermanfest.com

Friday, August 14, 2015

Northshore Park next up for ongoing township renovation efforts

Northshore Park will be the focus of renovation efforts by The Woodlands Township over the next year. The park opened in 1985 and hosts several large-scale community events annually.

Plans to renovate 30-year-old Northshore Park, including the possible construction of a permanent boathouse and public-use facility, continue as The Woodlands Township approved an official consultant to oversee the design and construction processes at its June 18 meeting.
Clark Condon Associates will head the project and plans to present a full design of the park in the fall, with construction to begin in summer 2016, according to the township. Changes will improve the usability of the park and upgrade existing amenities with a budget of $1.2 million.
Click HERE to read more