These Texas Winter Food Festivals That Turn Cold Weather Into A Feast
When winter arrives in Texas, the Lone Star State doesn’t hibernate—it celebrates with some of the most mouthwatering food festivals in the country.
From sizzling chili competitions to sausage celebrations that’ll make your taste buds dance, these cold-weather gatherings prove that Texans know how to turn frosty temperatures into unforgettable flavor experiences.
Whether you’re craving spicy, savory, or downright spectacular eats, these festivals offer the perfect excuse to bundle up and feast your way through the season.
1. Wurstfest
Welcome to ten days of sausage-fueled madness in the heart of Texas Hill Country!
Wurstfest transforms New Braunfels into a German wonderland every November, serving up more than 120,000 pounds of sausage to hungry festival-goers.
The aroma of grilled bratwurst, knockwurst, and other savory links fills the crisp winter air, making it impossible to resist.
Live polka music keeps your feet tapping while you sample authentic German drink and drink.
The festival features traditional folk dancing, oompah bands, and plenty of gemütlichkeit—that’s German for good cheer!
Kids love the carnival rides while adults appreciate the craft vendors selling handmade goods. Don’t miss the sauerkraut-eating contest if you’re feeling adventurous!
Location: 120 Landa St, New Braunfels, TX 78130
2. Hops n’ Hot Sauce Festival
Fire meets foam in this spectacular celebration of two things that make life worth living: craft drink and scorching hot sauce!
Humble Civic Center hosts this tongue-tingling event where brave souls sample hundreds of hot sauce varieties ranging from mild to “why did I do this?”
Each fiery creation pairs with carefully selected craft brews that either cool the burn or amplify the adventure.
Local sauce makers showcase their creativity with flavors you never imagined possible.
The competition categories include everything from traditional pepper sauces to wild experimental concoctions that push flavor boundaries.
Live bands provide entertainment while you recover between tastings. Pro tip: keep milk nearby and pace yourself—your taste buds will thank you tomorrow!
Location: Humble Civic Center, 8233 Will Clayton Pkwy, Humble, TX 77338
3. Texana Chili Spill & Go-Texan Cook-Off
Small-town Texas charm meets serious chili competition at this beloved Edna tradition!
Brackenridge Park transforms into chili central where local cooks and traveling competitors alike bring their A-game.
The Go-Texan Cook-Off portion celebrates authentic Lone Star State cooking traditions passed down through generations.
What started as a friendly neighborhood gathering has grown into a respected regional competition that draws participants from surrounding counties.
The park setting provides plenty of space for families to spread out, play, and enjoy the festivities.
Beyond chili, you’ll find homemade pies, cornbread competitions, and other comfort foods that warm you from the inside out.
The community atmosphere makes everyone feel like family, whether you’re competing or just there to eat!
Location: Brackenridge Park & Campground, 891 Brackenridge Pkwy, Edna, TX 77957
4. Spamarama (Austin)
Only in Austin could canned meat become the star of one of the city’s quirkiest culinary celebrations!
Spamarama embraces the beloved (and sometimes mocked) canned pork product with unabashed enthusiasm and creative cooking competitions.
Contestants transform humble SPAM into surprisingly sophisticated dishes that’ll change your mind about this pantry staple.
Categories include SPAM sculpture, cooking contests, and the famous SPAM-eating competition for the truly dedicated.
Live music keeps the weird Austin vibe alive while you sample inventive creations.
The festival raises money for local charities, so your attendance supports good causes while having ridiculous fun.
Costumes encouraged—the more outrageous, the better!
This celebration proves Texans don’t take themselves too seriously when it comes to food.
Location: Emo’s Austin, 2015 E Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78741
5. Greek Food Festival of Dallas
Transport yourself to the Mediterranean without leaving Dallas at this authentic celebration of Hellenic cuisine and culture!
Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church opens its doors each winter, filling the air with aromas of roasting lamb, fresh spanakopita, and honey-drenched baklava.
Generations-old family recipes come to life in the church kitchen, prepared by grandmothers who’ve perfected their techniques over decades.
Traditional Greek dancing performances showcase colorful costumes and infectious music that’ll have you joining the circle.
The marketplace sells imported olive oil, spices, and handcrafted items directly from Greece.
Kids enjoy Greek school performances while adults appreciate the extensive drink selection.
Every plate served supports the church community, making your meal meaningful beyond just satisfying hunger!
Location: 13555 Hillcrest Rd, Dallas, TX 75240
6. International Food Fest – Dallas
Passport not required for this incredible journey around the world’s kitchens!
Lofty Spaces hosts this multicultural feast where Dallas’s diverse communities share their culinary heritage with enthusiastic eaters.
From Vietnamese pho to Ethiopian injera, Mexican mole to Indian curry, the flavor spectrum spans continents.
Each booth represents authentic family recipes brought to Texas by immigrants who’ve enriched the local food scene.
Cultural performances between meals educate attendees about traditions behind the dishes.
The intimate venue creates a warm, welcoming atmosphere perfect for winter gathering.
Meeting the cooks behind each booth adds personal connections to your culinary exploration.
This festival celebrates Dallas’s beautiful diversity while proving that food truly is a universal language everyone speaks deliciously!
Location: Lofty Spaces, 816 Montgomery St, Dallas, TX 75215
7. Jo’s Annual Chili Cook-Off
South Congress Avenue’s beloved coffee shop transforms its patio into a chili battleground every winter!
Jo’s Coffee has become an Austin institution, and their annual chili cook-off perfectly captures the neighborhood’s eclectic spirit.
Amateur cooks and seasoned competitors alike bring their best recipes, hoping to impress judges and claim bragging rights.
The relaxed atmosphere encourages mingling between tastings while live local musicians provide the soundtrack.
Proceeds benefit Austin-area charities, giving back to the community that’s made Jo’s a landmark.
Don’t forget to snap a photo at the famous “I Love You So Much” mural while you’re there!
The South Congress location means plenty of vintage shops and quirky boutiques nearby for post-chili browsing.
Location: Jo’s Coffee, 1300 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704
8. Texas Winter Food & Drink Events – The Pearl Market (San Antonio)
San Antonio’s trendiest neighborhood serves up sophisticated winter food experiences in a beautifully renovated brewery complex!
The Pearl District hosts rotating weekend markets throughout winter, featuring local farmers, artisan producers, and specialty food vendors.
This isn’t your average farmers market—expect gourmet cheeses, small-batch coffee roasters, craft cocktail demonstrations, and innovative food trucks.
The stunning architecture of the restored Pearl Brewery provides Instagram-worthy backdrops for your culinary adventures.
Riverside location means scenic walks between tastings along the San Antonio River.
Chef demonstrations and cooking classes happen regularly, taught by culinary talent from Pearl’s acclaimed restaurants.
The upscale yet accessible vibe makes this perfect for date nights or family outings alike!
Location: Pearl District, 303 Pearl Pkwy, San Antonio, TX 78215
9. Holiday Market & Food Festival – The Boardwalk Plano
Plano’s premier entertainment destination gets dressed up for the holidays with a spectacular food and shopping extravaganza!
The Boardwalk combines festive holiday shopping with incredible food vendors serving seasonal specialties perfect for cold weather.
Twinkling lights transform the outdoor venue into a winter wonderland where hot chocolate, gourmet s’mores, and warming comfort foods reign supreme.
Local restaurants set up special booths alongside visiting food trucks, creating variety that satisfies every craving.
Live holiday music and entertainment keep spirits bright while you shop for unique gifts.
The family-friendly atmosphere includes activities for kids, making this a perfect weekend destination. Ice skating rink nearby adds extra winter fun to your food festival experience!
Location: 5880 TX-121, Plano, TX 75024