The fall season's cooler temperatures and changing landscape colors set the stage for a fantastic time to visit the Texas Hill Country.

Fredericksburg's fall festivals are a major reason to visit during the autumn months. Every weekend features something new and fun, so you can't go wrong!

Whether it is Oktoberfest, Texas Mesquite Arts Festival, Knights of Columbus BestFest or the Fredericksburg Food and Wine Fest - there is plenty of food, drink, music and fun for the whole family.

In addition to impressive fall festivals, Fredericksburg also offers a range of activities from shopping to spending time in the great outdoors to enjoying Texas wines and more. Find more events and experiences to make your perfect fall trip.

shop the latest fall fashions

Main Street is the center of the action in Fredericksburg, where you can find more than 150 shops, boutiques and art galleries - all locally owned. Stroll the street and explore the shops to find treasures for every style.

For a one-of-a-kind shopping experience, stop by Fredericksburg Trade Days where over 350 vendors in seven barns showcase antiques, collectibles, tools, crafts, décor, ranch furniture, candles, clothing, jewelry, and more.

explore the great outdoors

Hiking, biking, birding or just a casual stroll are all possibilities in Fredericksburg during the fall. The area's outdoor trails and parks are filled with unique wildlife, scenic vistas and space to roam. You will need a reservation for Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, the area's most popular outdoor attraction.

Area farms and orchards will also offer pumpkin picking and buying opportunities during the fall. Select orchards have pick-your-own pumpkin patches, and others have a variety of already picked pumpkins and specialty gourds. Here's where you can pick out the perfect pumpkin. 

For something out of the ordinary, try the 28th Lone Star Gourd Festival where gourds of all sizes are transformed into works of art by local artisans. At Wildseed Farms' annual Fall Festival you'll find pumpkin-painting, family fun and lots of fall photo ops!

Wildseed Farms will also host a free Monarch Celebration on Oct. 14 with tagging demonstrations and butterfly releases!

Stargazers and visitors alike can look to the skies on Saturday, Oct. 14 for an annular solar eclipse. In the Hill Country, the eclipse will begin around 10:20 a.m. and continue until about 1:30 p.m. For a safe and enjoyable viewing experience, remember to protect your eyes with safe solar viewing glasses, available in limited supply at the Visitor Information Center.

Try Texas Wine

October is Texas Wine Month and the area's more than 60 vineyards and tasting rooms will offer some of their newest vintages. Spend the day on a winery patio enjoying the autumn breeze and the changing colors of trees and vines in the surrounding hills.

Texas Hill Country Wineries will again offer their Texas Wine Month Passport, which provides an extensive sampling of the area's vinos. 

step back in time

Explore history and heritage at the Pioneer Museum's First Saturday Living History Days from September through December. Living history interpreters interact with visitors at the museum grounds and at the nearby historic jail. A day pass includes admission to the Pioneer Museum, Vereins Kirche Museum and the Historic Gillespie County Jail.

Plan your trip now

See what #fallinfbgtx is all about