Father of Texas

Saturday, Nov 7, 9 a.m.–5 p.m., San Felipe

Cannon fire, hands-on fun, and cake make a lively combination at San Felipe de Austin State Historic Site’s free Father of Texas celebration honoring Stephen F. Austin. Bring the family for living-history and foodways demonstrations, militia firings, and presentations exploring archeology and the town’s role in the Texas Revolution. Explore the museum gallery, reconstructed log cabins, walking trails, and enjoy a slice of cake while supplies last!

Candy, Critters, and Curious Customs

Cemetery Walking Tour

Oct 31, 10 a.m.–12 p.m.

Discover the lives remembered at Gates Hill Cemetery, established in the mid-1800s as Bonham’s main African American cemetery, on a free walking tour led by Sam Rayburn House State Historic Site and Sam Rayburn Museum staff.

Edwardian Candies

Oct 31, 11 a.m.–12 p.m.

What did a sweet tooth crave on the prairie 120 years ago? Find out at Charles and Mary Ann Goodnight Ranch during a free Halloween program exploring candy’s connection to the ranch, followed by a self-guided tour of the Goodnight Home.

Fanthorp Funerals

Oct 31-Nov 1, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Explore the unique and peculiar ways Victorian families mourned their loved ones at Fanthorp Inn, commemorating the 159th anniversary of Henry and Rachel Fanthorp’s passing. On October 31 only, climb aboard for a stagecoach ride!

Mr. Frank's Creep Show

Oct 31-Nov 1, 2–3 p.m. Some of Texas’ creepiest characters don’t need costumes. Join Texas Master Naturalists at San Felipe de Austin for Mr. Frank’s Creep Show, a guided walk featuring nature’s own “vampires,” “zombie masters,” and other spine-chilling critters.

Shop Annual Ornament Now!

Celebrate Texas with the 2026 Holiday Ornament, honoring Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site and the 190th anniversary of Texas independence. Featuring Independence Hall framed by Texas wildflowers in layered metal with golden accents, this limited-edition keepsake is available only while supplies last.

Other Upcoming Events

• Nov 7: Nature Ramble, Landmark Inn, Castroville
• Nov 7: Mapping the Battlefield, San Jacinto Battleground, La Porte
• Nov 7: Fort Lipantitlán Lecture Series, Presidio La Bahía, Goliad
• Nov 7: Wish You Were Here! Edwardian Postcards from the Texas Panhandle, Goodnight Ranch, Goodnight
• Nov 7: Adult Cooking Class: Shepherd's Pie, Magoffin Home, El Paso
• Nov 7: Laura's 80th Birthday with the First Ladies Man, Bush Family Home, Midland
• Nov 7: Cast Iron Care Program, Levi Jordan Plantation, Brazoria
• Nov 11: 2026 Veterans Day Program, National Museum of the Pacific War, Fredericksburg
• Nov 12: Soap and Bath Salts Making, Eisenhower Birthplace, Denison
• Nov 12: Black El Paso – Past and Present with Dr. Miguel Juárez and Janace Griffin, Magoffin Home, El Paso
• Nov 14: Tidying Up: Fall Chores in the Villa, San Felipe de Austin, San Felipe
• Nov 14: Foraging San Jacinto, San Jacinto Battleground, La Porte
• Nov 14: Rayburn's Cattle and His Brand, Sam Rayburn House, Bonham
• Nov 14: Horse Racing in Washington, Washington-on-the-Brazos, Washington
• Nov 14: Movie Club: Flying Leathernecks (1951), Bush Family Home, Midland
• Nov 14: The Pecan Orchard Story, Varner-Hogg Plantation, West Columbia
• Nov 14: Battle Reenactment: Pacific Valor – Chester Nez, National Museum of the Pacific War, Fredericksburg
• Nov 14: Kids Reading to Dogs, Bush Family Home, Midland
• Nov 14: Evocation Grand Opening, Mission Dolores, San Augustine
• Nov 14: Genealogy Workshop for Beginners, Starr Family Home, Marshall
• Nov 15: Laredito Walking Tour, Casa Navarro, San Antonio
• Nov 15: Frisch Auf! Remembered, Kreische Brewery and Monument Hill, La Grange

Virtual:

• Nov 12: Lawler Family Webinar
• Nov 12: Levi Jordan & Varner-Hogg Plantations Virtual Book Club