November’s Top 10 Texas Festivals

By: Mauri Elbel
November, 2022

November brings a bounty of festivals celebrating everything from sausage and wine to holidays and hot rods. Here’s our pick of this month’s top 10 Texas festivals brimming with fun for the whole family.

During the 10-day festival, you’ll find a variety of entertainment, food and fun on the Wurstfest Grounds in Landa Park. Contributed by Wurstfest

New Braunfels

Nov. 4-13: Sprechen sie fun? Head to Wurstfest for the annual “10-day Salute to Sausage” where you can fill up on all of the German food, beer, music and dancing you can handle. The festive celebration brings the finest in Alpine and Bavarian style entertainment to the Wurstfest Grounds in Landa Park –– and dirndls, lederhosen and silly hats are encouraged. Feast on sausage on a stick, wurst-n-taschen (grilled bratwurst and sauerkraut in a pita), kartoffelpuffers (potato pancakes) and more while enjoying more than 40 national and international music acts on five stages and thrilling the kids with carnival rides and games. Tickets are $18 online, $20 at the gate and free for children 12 and under. Admission is free Monday through Thursday and Sunday, November 13, after 3 p.m. More at wurstfest.com.

Alex Meixner Band is one of the most popular performers each year at Wurstfest. Contributed by Wurstfest

RELATED: Wurstfest: New Braunfels’ Epic Bavarian Bash is Back

Austin 

Nov. 5-6: The largest gathering of Celts in Central Texas returns this November for the 27th annual Celtic Festival at Pioneer Farms in North Austin from noon to 7 p.m. on Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday. Internationally acclaimed as one of the few remaining festivals that celebrates the authentic music honed by the Celtic people, expect a weekend full of Celtic music, dance, workshops, storytelling and more. Find out more and purchase daily tickets ($25 for adults, $12 for kids and free for 5 and under) online at https://www.austincelticfestival.com/

The Austin Celtic Festival offers the highest quality regional and international Celtic artists with an extraordinary lineup of talent. Contributed by Austin Celt Festival

Nov. 5-6: The 27th annual Texas Book Festival, which has evolved into one of the premier literary events in the country, takes place in and around the State Capitol in downtown Austin from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. The Texas Book Festival is free and open to the public and features nearly 300 authors of the year’s best books across all ages and genres. Join fellow bookworms for readings, panel discussions, signings, cooking demonstrations, live music, local food, young adult authors, children’s activities and fun literary-related happenings. More at https://www.texasbookfestival.org/

Round Rock

Nov. 5-6: The Paleontological Society of Austin’s 30th annual Fossil Fest invites attendees to discover the prehistoric wonders in your own backyard this November. Bring the whole family to Fossil Fest to meet scientists, dig for fossils, check out specimens from around the world, and participate in family-friendly workshops. Located at Old Settler’s Heritage Association next to the Dell Diamond, the fest takes place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days and admission is $3 for adults, $2 for children (6-12) and free for children under 6. More at https://austinpaleo.org/fest.html

Rockport

Nov. 10-13: Since 2007, The Rockport Film Festival has brought the best of independent cinema to the Texas Coast while giving back, with 100 percent of proceeds funding the humanitarian efforts and scholarships of the Rotary Club of Rockport and the cultural programming of the Rockport Center for the Arts. The festival kicks off on Thursday, November 10, evening with a red carpet party followed by more than 40 films over four days. Single film block tickets are $10 each. More at www.rockportfilmfestival.org

RELATED: Texas Beach Guide

Bastrop

Nov. 11-12: Make a beeline to the Bastrop Area Cruisers’ 16th Annual “Heroes & Hotrods” Veterans Weekend Car Show to see classic street rods and flashy muscle cars, a Veterans march and tribute ceremony, awards, live entertainment, kids’ activities and more. The cruise-in starts at 4 p.m. Friday, the car show takes place from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday with the Veterans March and Tribute taking place from 10:30 a.m. to noon. More at www.bastropareacruisers.com.

The Walkway of Lights, celebrating its 32nd year, and the family favorite Winter Ice Skating Rink will be open to the public from Nov. 18 through Dec. 31st. Contributed by Visit Marble Falls

Marble Falls

Nov. 18-Dec. 31: The 32nd annual Walkway of Lights, hosted by the Marble Falls Chamber of Commerce, is one of the biggest holiday events in the Highland Lakes each year. Open nightly from 6 to 10 p.m., the Walkway of Lights displays 2 million lights in Lakeside Park and more than 350 lighted sculptures. Experience the lights reflecting off Lake Marble Falls for 44 nights this holiday season –– it’s free to the public and funded entirely by donations. Bring the whole family out for this festive tradition and don’t miss the chance to whirl around the Winter Ice Skating Rink. Find out about special nights and Santa’s schedule throughout November and December at https://visitmarblefalls.org/event/walkway2022.  

Enjoy pours from Texas wineries and beyond in addition to food trucks, craft beer, live music and local vendors and artists. Contributed by Visit Corpus Christi

Corpus Christi 

Nov. 19: The Corpus Christi Wine Festival bursts with Texas wines, goat yoga, a beer garden, local artists, scrumptious eats, live music and more, providing the perfect excuse for a fall getaway to the Texas Coast. The 5th annual festival unfolds in Heritage Park and features music by Stoney LaRue, Triston Marez and Mobley. General admission is $25 and includes access to festival grounds for concerts, shopping, food trucks, grape stomping and art demos. More at https://corpuschristiwinefestival.com

Spend the day on the Hill Country Mile shopping, dining and visiting Santa. Contributed by Dickens on Main

Boerne

Nov. 25-26: Dickens on Main transforms Boerne’s historic Hill Country Mile into a vintage holiday wonderland complete with four villages, holiday lights, snow along Main Street and an entertainment lineup sure to get the whole family into the spirit of the season. Taking place over Thanksgiving weekend, the festival features two fantastic nights of free holiday fun including ice carving battles, street entertainers and vendors, Dickens characters, children’s activities and crafts, visits with Santa, holiday photo ops, live performances, food merchants, roving musicians and carolers, holiday shopping and more. More at https://www.adickenscelebration.com/dickens-on-main

Johnson City is known as the Twinkliest Town in Texas. Contributed

Johnson City 

Nov. 25-26: The opening weekend of the 33rd season of Lights Spectacular kicks off the holiday happenings for “The Twinkliest Town in Texas.” This free holiday lights display, taking place Nov. 25 through Jan. 8 from dusk to midnight, features over 2 million Christmas lights in a display so significant that NASA has reported seeing it from space. Opening weekend events include the lighting of the Blanco Courthouse, a fireworks display, a street dance on the courthouse square, a food court provided by local nonprofits, wine and beer at Rudolph’s Cantina, ornament sales, kids activities, an expansive holiday market, Lighted Hooves and Wheels Parade, tractor-pulled hayrides, Santa and Mrs. Claus and more. More at https://www.lightsspectacular.com/.

Follow Austin Travels


Austin Travels is a women-owned, Austin-based travel magazine committed to highlighting destinations in Texas and beyond through the lenses of diverse and talented writers.

Subscribe

The perfect long weekend in Sugar Land, Texas

The perfect long weekend in Sugar Land, Texas

Corpus Christi: Savor the Flavors of the Gulf Coast Capital

Corpus Christi: Savor the Flavors of the Gulf Coast Capital

September Festivals: Find fun in these 10 Texas Towns this Month

September Festivals: Find fun in these 10 Texas Towns this Month

Texas’ Top 10 Sizzling Festivals in August

Texas’ Top 10 Sizzling Festivals in August

Hang your Hat in Hunt, Texas

Hang your Hat in Hunt, Texas

Corpus Christi: 7 Family-Friendly Summertime Musts in the Gulf Coast Capital

Corpus Christi: 7 Family-Friendly Summertime Musts in the Gulf Coast Capital

July Festivals: 10 Towns worth a trip this month

July Festivals: 10 Towns worth a trip this month

Slowing down to soak in the beauty of Big Bend

Slowing down to soak in the beauty of Big Bend

Ready to get away? 5 day trip ideas perfect for a summer jaunt

Ready to get away? 5 day trip ideas perfect for a summer jaunt

Reminiscing in Aggieland

Reminiscing in Aggieland

7 Spots to Splash Near Austin

7 Spots to Splash Near Austin

June Festivals: 10 Texas Towns Worth a Trip

June Festivals: 10 Texas Towns Worth a Trip

Heading to Dallas? Four fun finds for summer

Heading to Dallas? Four fun finds for summer

Daytripping and sipping in Shiner, Texas

Daytripping and sipping in Shiner, Texas

Camping on Crutches

Camping on Crutches

Heading to Bayou City? 10 fun, uniquely Houston things to do

Heading to Bayou City? 10 fun, uniquely Houston things to do

May Festivals: 10 Texas Towns worth a trip this month

May Festivals: 10 Texas Towns worth a trip this month

6 Hill Country Gems Perfect for a Spring Day Trip

6 Hill Country Gems Perfect for a Spring Day Trip

April festivals celebrate berries, birds, blooms

April festivals celebrate berries, birds, blooms

Bluebonnets are back! 10 Spots to See Texas Wildflowers this Spring

Bluebonnets are back! 10 Spots to See Texas Wildflowers this Spring

Top 10 Texas Festivals in March

Top 10 Texas Festivals in March

Discover more than ancient tracks at Dinosaur Valley State Park

Discover more than ancient tracks at Dinosaur Valley State Park

When it comes to Austin-area staycations, love in the air

When it comes to Austin-area staycations, love in the air

February Festivals: Top 10 Texas celebrations to check out this month

February Festivals: Top 10 Texas celebrations to check out this month

Best bet for birding? Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park

Best bet for birding? Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park

The Driskill: A Staycation Steeped in History

The Driskill: A Staycation Steeped in History

A Texas-sized cruise aboard the Allure of the Seas

A Texas-sized cruise aboard the Allure of the Seas

January Festivals: Top 10 Texas events this month

January Festivals: Top 10 Texas events this month

Experience holiday magic in these 15 Texas Towns

Experience holiday magic in these 15 Texas Towns

November’s Top 10 Texas Festivals

November’s Top 10 Texas Festivals

A Dozen Central Texas Pumpkin Patches Near Austin

A Dozen Central Texas Pumpkin Patches Near Austin

October Festivals: 10 Texas Celebrations to check out this month

October Festivals: 10 Texas Celebrations to check out this month

Fishing, kayaking and beachcombing on Matagorda Bay

Fishing, kayaking and beachcombing on Matagorda Bay

Gone glamping: Get away, comfortably, this fall near Austin

Gone glamping: Get away, comfortably, this fall near Austin

September Festivals: Celebrate in these 10 Texas Towns this Month

September Festivals: Celebrate in these 10 Texas Towns this Month

Relax and unwind in Round Top, Texas

Relax and unwind in Round Top, Texas

Cozy up around a firepit at a Valencia hotel this fall

Cozy up around a firepit at a Valencia hotel this fall

August Festivals: 10 Texas towns to visit this month

August Festivals: 10 Texas towns to visit this month

Seeking out adventure and finding respite at Horseshoe Bay Resort

Seeking out adventure and finding respite at Horseshoe Bay Resort

Family friendly fun in San Antonio (even if your kids bail on you)

Family friendly fun in San Antonio (even if your kids bail on you)

Bastrop State Park: A backyard gem, then and now

Bastrop State Park: A backyard gem, then and now

Eight beginner-friendly places to paddle in Central Texas

Eight beginner-friendly places to paddle in Central Texas

July Festivals: 10 Towns to Visit this Month

July Festivals: 10 Towns to Visit this Month

Nine Nearby, Natural Spots to Keep Cool this Summer

Nine Nearby, Natural Spots to Keep Cool this Summer

June festivals: 10 Texas Towns Worth a Trip

June festivals: 10 Texas Towns Worth a Trip

Hiking, horses and history at Hill Country State Natural Area

Hiking, horses and history at Hill Country State Natural Area

Explore the great outdoors in little Castell, Texas

Explore the great outdoors in little Castell, Texas

Camping out at Enchanted Rock

Camping out at Enchanted Rock

Walk in the footsteps of Judge Roy Bean in little Langtry, Texas

Walk in the footsteps of Judge Roy Bean in little Langtry, Texas

Getting back to nature at the Roy E. Larsen Sandyland Sanctuary

Getting back to nature at the Roy E. Larsen Sandyland Sanctuary

Heading to Brenham? You’re in for a treat

Heading to Brenham? You’re in for a treat

5 hotel pools ideal for beating Austin’s summer heat

5 hotel pools ideal for beating Austin’s summer heat

Thirteen things to love about Lubbock

Thirteen things to love about Lubbock

May Festivals: 10 Texas towns worth a trip this month

May Festivals: 10 Texas towns worth a trip this month

Glamping out at Onera Fredericksburg

Glamping out at Onera Fredericksburg

Six places to park your campervan in Texas this Spring

Six places to park your campervan in Texas this Spring

5 fun family-friendly experiences on the Texas Coast

5 fun family-friendly experiences on the Texas Coast

April Festivals: Celebrate blooms, berries and birds at these top 10 Texas events

April Festivals: Celebrate blooms, berries and birds at these top 10 Texas events

Go wild: A dozen spots to see Texas bluebonnets and wildflowers

Go wild: A dozen spots to see Texas bluebonnets and wildflowers

A new way to ride: Take an E-bike for a spin

A new way to ride: Take an E-bike for a spin

March Festivals: 10 Texas Celebrations Worth a Trip

March Festivals: 10 Texas Celebrations Worth a Trip

Three Texas sips to warm you up this winter

Three Texas sips to warm you up this winter

February Festivals: Top 10 Texas celebrations to check out this month

February Festivals: Top 10 Texas celebrations to check out this month

January Festivals: Top 10 Texas events this month

January Festivals: Top 10 Texas events this month

Weekend getaway: Carefree in Concan at 7 Bluff Cabins

Weekend getaway: Carefree in Concan at 7 Bluff Cabins

A winter retreat at Hyatt Regency Lost Pines

A winter retreat at Hyatt Regency Lost Pines

10 Magical Holiday Hotels to Check off Your List

10 Magical Holiday Hotels to Check off Your List

Seeking relaxation and uncovering empathy at Miraval Resort

Seeking relaxation and uncovering empathy at Miraval Resort

Texas towns shining bright this holiday season

Texas towns shining bright this holiday season

Soaking in the holidays and Austin’s history at the iconic Driskill Hotel

Soaking in the holidays and Austin’s history at the iconic Driskill Hotel

Martin Dies Jr. State Park is an East Texas treasure

Martin Dies Jr. State Park is an East Texas treasure

Make your way to Matagorda Bay for coast without the crowds

Make your way to Matagorda Bay for coast without the crowds

Fishing up old memories and making new ones at Inks Lake State Park

Fishing up old memories and making new ones at Inks Lake State Park

FIRST LOOK: Inside Chef Tim Love’s new Fort Worth shipping container hotel

FIRST LOOK: Inside Chef Tim Love’s new Fort Worth shipping container hotel

Go to Garner this fall for the Frio, foliage and family fun

Go to Garner this fall for the Frio, foliage and family fun

Wurstfest: New Braunfels’ epic Bavarian bash is back

Wurstfest: New Braunfels’ epic Bavarian bash is back

Discover the diversity of LBJ National Grasslands

Discover the diversity of LBJ National Grasslands

November Festivals: Top 10 Texas events to check out

November Festivals: Top 10 Texas events to check out

20 Texas pumpkin patches ripe with fall fun

20 Texas pumpkin patches ripe with fall fun

October festivals: 10 top Texas celebrations to check out

October festivals: 10 top Texas celebrations to check out

Falling for Fredericksburg: Sample all this Hill Country haven has to offer

Falling for Fredericksburg: Sample all this Hill Country haven has to offer

Central Texas Camping Guide

Central Texas Camping Guide

A fall paddle down the Devils

A fall paddle down the Devils

5 nearby parks perfect for an RVshare road trip

5 nearby parks perfect for an RVshare road trip

September festivals: 10 top Texas events

September festivals: 10 top Texas events

Texas Glamping Guide

Texas Glamping Guide

Women, wind and waves: Surfing for adventure

Women, wind and waves: Surfing for adventure

Dive in: 7 swimming holes and natural spots to splash into near Austin

Dive in: 7 swimming holes and natural spots to splash into near Austin

Girls getaway: 24 hours in San Antonio’s Historic Pearl District

Girls getaway: 24 hours in San Antonio’s Historic Pearl District

A downtown Houston hotel reimagined –– plus 5 things to do nearby

A downtown Houston hotel reimagined –– plus 5 things to do nearby

Texas 2021 Beach Guide

Texas 2021 Beach Guide

A true escape: Domovina Ranch in Smithville

A true escape: Domovina Ranch in Smithville

Royal treatment: 24 hours of spa bliss at one of Houston’s poshest hotels

Royal treatment: 24 hours of spa bliss at one of Houston’s poshest hotels

7 magical things to do with kids in Big Bend and West Texas

7 magical things to do with kids in Big Bend and West Texas

Photo Essay: The missions of San Antonio

Photo Essay: The missions of San Antonio

Becoming a birder at Galveston’s FeatherFest

Becoming a birder at Galveston’s FeatherFest

Seminole Canyon’s world-class rock art is a lens to history

Seminole Canyon’s world-class rock art is a lens to history

Need a break? An Archer Hotel Austin staycation, plus Domain shopping guide

Need a break? An Archer Hotel Austin staycation, plus Domain shopping guide

Discovering Surfside Beach, a Texas Gulf Coast treasure

Discovering Surfside Beach, a Texas Gulf Coast treasure

Nature and nurture: Hill Country wellness retreat offers a salve for the soul

Nature and nurture: Hill Country wellness retreat offers a salve for the soul

Gruene Hall: Daytrip to this timeless Texas treasure

Gruene Hall: Daytrip to this timeless Texas treasure

Everyone’s an artist at Amarillo’s Cadillac Ranch

Everyone’s an artist at Amarillo’s Cadillac Ranch

Get away while giving back to foster children at stunning Hill Country glamping spot

Get away while giving back to foster children at stunning Hill Country glamping spot

Plan Your Outdoorsy Adventure

Plan Your Outdoorsy Adventure

Discover history and simple pleasures in Baffin Bay

Discover history and simple pleasures in Baffin Bay

Texas bluebonnets are back! 10 wildflower hotspots

Texas bluebonnets are back! 10 wildflower hotspots

8 Great State Parks for Camping with Kids

8 Great State Parks for Camping with Kids

Fishing and Sea Turtles and Birding, Oh My: A weekend at South Padre Island

Fishing and Sea Turtles and Birding, Oh My: A weekend at South Padre Island

Relax and relish the coastal charms of Rockport

Relax and relish the coastal charms of Rockport

Social distancing in sleepy Sonora: Escape to a luxury ranch resort 3 hours from Austin

Social distancing in sleepy Sonora: Escape to a luxury ranch resort 3 hours from Austin

Lessons in life and death on the beach in Port Aransas

Lessons in life and death on the beach in Port Aransas