The Small-Town Harvest Festival In Texas That Belongs On Your Autumn Bucket List

Fall festivals aren't just for October. Once the pumpkins and corn mazes go away, there's still plenty of fun to be had...especially if you attend the Pecan Harvest Festival in Richmond, Texas. This annual event is a blast for all ages, featuring a classic car show, live entertainment, food trucks, an outdoor market, and more - all in honor of the humble pecan.

I hope you don't have plans for November 18, 2023 - and even if you do, you should probably cancel them to make room for the Pecan Harvest Festival in Richmond, Texas.

Although Richmond is part of the bustling Houston–The Woodlands–Sugar Land metropolitan area, the town itself only has a population of around 12,000, and it definitely feels more like a small town than a big city. That close-knit, community-centric vibe is especially apparent every November when the festival takes place.

This free event is open to all ages and celebrates the rich history of the pecan crop in Fort Bend County.

Visitors gather in Richmond's beautiful downtown district to enjoy a myriad of activities - many of which are salutes to the humble pecan.

Of course, there is a pecan bake-off contest in which participants compete to see who can bake the most delicious pecan-themed dessert.

Locally grown pecans will also be judged at the festival, and visitors can watch demonstrations of pecan equipment and attend brief educational sessions.

The classic car show is always a huge hit.

You never know what makes or models you'll see on display!

You can also peruse an outdoor marketplace filled with vendors selling all sorts of locally-made products (including, of course, pecans).

Don't forget to stock up on fresh produce at the farmers' market, either.

Chances are you'll get hungry while you're here, so it's a good thing there are so many food trucks to choose from.

No matter what you're craving, you can probably find it. There is also a beer and wine garden for the grown-ups (and a kids zone for the little ones).

All-day live entertainment rounds out the festivities, making for a fun-filled day you'll want to experience year after year.

Visit the Pecan Harvest Festival website or the Pecan Harvest Festival Facebook page for more information about this year's festival. You'll definitely need some comfortable walking shoes, so if you don't already have some, I recommend checking out the options on REI.

Have you ever attended this fun festival? If so, we'd love to hear all about your experience! Check out our previous article for a nearby hike to an abandoned cemetery dating to the 1850s. It's a big hit among history buffs!