9 September Food Festivals In Texas You Shouldn’t Miss
September in Texas transforms into a true foodie paradise, as communities across the Lone Star State embrace cooler weather with festivals that celebrate flavor, tradition, and community spirit.
From the smoky aroma of world-class barbecue pits to the vibrant spices of international cuisines, these events highlight the rich diversity that makes Texas dining legendary.
Locals and visitors alike flock to small towns and bustling cities to sample everything from classic comfort foods to innovative dishes crafted by rising chefs. With music, culture, and plenty of Southern hospitality, these nine September food festivals are a delicious way to explore Texas.
1. State Fair of Texas — A Fried Food Paradise
My first Big Tex experience left me speechless with a fried cookie dough ball in one hand and a turkey leg in the other! The iconic State Fair of Texas transforms Dallas’s Fair Park into a culinary playground where calories don’t count.
The famous Big Tex Choice Awards showcase mind-boggling creations like fried butter and deep-fried lattes. You haven’t lived until you’ve tried these outrageous concoctions while the 55-foot cowboy statue watches over you.
Beyond the food, enjoy livestock shows, auto exhibitions, and live music. Pro tip: Wear stretchy pants and arrive hungry – you’ll thank me later!
2. Texas Eats Food Festival — San Antonio’s Indoor Feast
Last year I escaped the brutal Texas heat at this glorious indoor food haven! The Texas Eats Food Festival at Boeing Center brings together San Antonio’s culinary masterminds under one blissfully air-conditioned roof.
Celebrated local chefs showcase signature dishes while live music creates the perfect backdrop for stuffing your face with Tex-Mex innovations and southern comfort classics. The complimentary parking feels like a miracle in this city.
What makes this festival special? The chance to meet the faces behind your favorite restaurants while sampling bite-sized portions of their most popular menu items – all without sweating through your favorite festival outfit!
3. Hill Country Food & Wine Festival — Lakeside Flavors
Picture this: I’m sipping a Hill Country rosé while overlooking sparkling Lake LBJ, plate piled high with locally-sourced delights. The Texas Hill Country Food & Wine Festival in Kingsland creates magic every September!
Local chefs partner with nearby farms to create dishes that truly capture the essence of central Texas. From peach-infused barbecue to lavender honey desserts, every bite tells the story of this beautiful region.
The best part? All proceeds benefit Kingsland’s community park, so your indulgence supports local green spaces. Between bites, chat with winemakers about their craft – they love sharing their passion!
4. Fort Worth EATZ — Cowtown’s Culinary Showcase
Y’all won’t believe the flavor explosion I experienced at Fort Worth EATZ last year! Trinity Park transforms into a food lover’s dream where traditional Texas fare meets global inspiration.
Food trucks and restaurant vendors line the paths with everything from slow-smoked brisket to Korean-Tex-Mex fusion tacos. The all-day format (11am-7pm) means you can pace yourself through multiple meals – breakfast tacos to evening barbecue!
Kids love the interactive cooking demonstrations where they can get hands-on with food science. Bring a blanket for picnicking between food adventures and don’t miss the local craft beverage pairings that complement each dish perfectly.
5. Chefs For Farmers — Farm-to-Table Celebration
Standing in a sunlit field watching a chef prepare a dish using ingredients harvested just feet away changed my perspective forever. Chefs For Farmers isn’t just a festival – it’s a movement celebrating the connection between what we eat and who grows it.
Top Texas chefs create masterpieces alongside the very farmers who supplied their ingredients. The four-day format allows for intimate dinners, educational workshops, and grand tasting events.
My favorite memory? Watching a farmer’s face light up as guests raved about dishes featuring his heirloom tomatoes. This festival reminds us that great food starts with great relationships between chefs, farmers, and eaters!
6. Passport Germany at Central Market — European Flavors in Houston
Who knew I’d find authentic Black Forest cake in Houston that transported me straight to Bavaria? Central Market’s Passport Germany transforms grocery shopping into a cultural journey through Deutschland’s culinary landscape.
Cooking demonstrations teach proper pretzel-making techniques while sampling stations offer everything from spätzle to schnitzel. The beer and wine tastings pair perfectly with imported cheeses and house-made sausages.
Unlike one-day festivals, this month-long celebration gives you plenty of time to explore. The take-home recipes mean you can recreate your favorite German dishes long after September ends – though my attempts never quite match Central Market’s perfection!
7. GrapeFest — Wine Lover’s Paradise in Grapevine
The irony of a town called Grapevine hosting Texas’s largest wine festival wasn’t lost on me as I swirled my glass of award-winning Tempranillo! GrapeFest transforms historic downtown into a celebration of viticulture that would make Bacchus proud.
The People’s Choice Wine Tasting Classic lets you sample from over 100 Texas wines while food trucks serve perfect pairings. Don’t miss the grape stomping competition – I still laugh remembering my purple-stained feet!
Live music creates a festive atmosphere as you wander between tasting pavilions. The festival also showcases international wines from Texas’s sister wine regions in Italy, making it educational and delicious simultaneously!
8. Katy Pickle Festival — Briny Brilliance
“You’ve got yourself in a real pickle now!” joked my friend as I attempted to balance pickle-flavored ice cream, fried pickles, and pickle lemonade at last year’s gloriously quirky Katy Pickle Festival.
This celebration of all things brined and tangy attracts pickle enthusiasts from across Texas. Vendors compete for the most creative pickle-inspired treats – pickle cotton candy anyone? The pickle eating contest isn’t for the faint of heart!
Beyond pickles, the Texas Food Fest section offers savory relief with traditional Texan fare. Kids love the pickle-themed games and activities, making this a surprisingly family-friendly event. Come for the novelty, stay for the surprisingly delicious flavor combinations!
9. Canstruction — Edible Artistry for a Cause
My jaw dropped seeing a 10-foot taco made entirely from canned goods at San Antonio’s North Star Mall! Canstruction brilliantly merges food, art, and charity into one unforgettable experience.
Engineering and architecture firms compete to build massive sculptures using only canned foods. The resulting masterpieces – from Texas longhorns to the Alamo – showcase incredible creativity while highlighting food insecurity awareness.
After the exhibition, all cans are donated to the San Antonio Food Bank, providing thousands of meals to those in need. While not a traditional food festival, the spectacular food-themed sculptures and charitable impact make this a must-visit September event that feeds both your Instagram and your soul!