State Park Events
All Treats. No Tricks.
As the heat of summer gives way to autumnal chills and pumpkin spice everything, find time to enjoy what Mother Nature and the Texas outdoors have in store. Click here for up-to-date info and more events.
FREDERICKSBURG
Oktoberfisch
Join TPWD aquatic education staff and regional fly casting and fly tying instructors, professional guides and outfitters for a weekend event celebrating the sport of fly fishing. Included is a Saturday evening social event where you can make new friends and win premium prizes. Learn new techniques and new places to fish at Oktoberfisch 2021. For more information or to register, visit fredericksburgflyfishers.org.
Buffalo Bayou
Paddle Through Houston
Join in Texas’ largest canoe and kayak race, the Buffalo Bayou Partnership Regatta. Participants ages 12 and up can take part in this 15-mile race along the scenic Buffalo Bayou. Whether you’re entering competitively or paddling for fun, you’ll be a part of this longstanding tradition in support of Houston’s historic waterway. To register, visit buffalobayou.org.
Chandler Wahrmund
Fanthorp Inn
Memento Mori
Explore the unique and peculiar ways Victorian families mourned the loss of their loved ones. Due to the macabre nature of the subject matter, program may not be suitable for children under 10.
Courtesy Texas Sandfest
Port Aransas
Michaelangelo Meets the Beach
Just because it’s October doesn’t mean you shouldn’t hit the beach. Visit Port Aransas for Texas Sandfest, the largest native-sand sculpture competition in the United States, held annually each October. Talented amateurs and master sculptors from around the globe spend three days creating breathtaking temporary works of art out of literal tons of sand, right on the beach. For more information and for tickets, visit texassandfest.org
No Sleep Media
Hill Country state natural area
Cactus Rose Trail Race
Attention whiners and wimps: This event is not for you. The Hill Country State Natural Area is notorious for rocks and sotol and challenging beauty, and the Cactus Rose Trail Race has been designed to test runners over rugged technical terrain. The race features a main 25-mile loop with a shortcut for a 5-mile loop, and runners can compete in 5-mile, 25-mile, 50-mile, 100-mile or 150-mile races, a 4x25-mile relay or a 25-mile ruck race.
As cross-country endurance races go, it’s gorgeous. Just don’t watch the sunrise or sunset too long, or you’ll end up face-first in a cactus.
Visit tejastrails.com/cactus for more information or to register.
TPWD
Lake Tawakoni
Boo in the Park
Bring the family to Lake Tawakoni State Park and decorate your campsite with your favorite scary decorations to receive your second night of camping free during your stay. Enjoy the other decorated campsites and join park staff for a pumpkin carving contest with awards to the favorites. At 7 p.m. in the amphitheater, the park will show a video featuring pictures of its famous 2007 spider mega-web and host a spooky story reading. Come join in the fun! $5 per car beginning at 5 p.m.
Chase Fountain | TPWD
TEXAS FRESHWATER FISHERIES CENTER
Halloween at the Hatchery
Grab your costumes and trick-or-treat bags. The Halloween at the Hatchery event in Athens returns for an evening of family-friendly fun. $1 per person admission (cash only, please) benefits local charities and grants access to local businesses handing out candy and treats.
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