best fall food festivals

11 fantastic fall food festivals for September and beyond

This month kicks off a fall full of festivals, competitions, and showdowns that show off Houston's food scene. Whether it's a milestone celebration or a fundraiser for one of the city's many nonprofit organizations, these events are an opportunity to experience the creativity of Bayou City chefs and bartenders.

40th Anniversary Menu at Chez Nous
Through September 30
All month long the charming French restaurant in Humble will celebrate its 40th anniversary with a special five-course prix fixe menu from chef Stacy Simonson. Priced at $125 per person, it includes caviar with buttermilk-chive waffle; seared diver scallops; Texas quail stuffed with Berkshire pork; bacon-wrapped beef tenderloin with foie gras-mushroom ravioli; and chocolate cherry souffle. Reservations are available via OpenTable or calling 281-446-6717.

Bourbon Master Classes at Bayou & Bottle
Beginning September 7
Marking Bourbon Heritage Month, these weekly sessions are hosted by Bottle & Bayou's general manager Bardia Ketabi, who brings in a series of brand ambassadors to help guests learn more about the art of bourbon making. Intimate and exclusive, each two-hour class features a welcome cocktail, four tastings, and light bites. Each week spotlights a different maker or style. Tickets start at $50. Reservations are required and can be made online.

Bourbon and Cocktail Masterclass at Julep
September 7
Julep owner and superstar bartender Alba Huerta hosts a masterclass and hands-on cocktail creation from 4-6 pm in honor of the bar's month-long Bourbon Fest. Participants will taste five spirits, create five cocktails, and nosh on bar bites. The truly adventurous can take part in the grand finale: a cocktail competition. Tickets are $100 and are available online.

Central Market 30th Anniversary Celebration: A Taste of Houston
Wednesday, September 11
The European-style market grocery store marks its third decade with a come-and-go event featuring dishes that showcase Houston’s flavorful food scene. Expect chef’s tables from Erik Cruz of Artisans, David Cordua of The Lymbar, Omar Pereney from Love Croissants, and others, along with live music, and an array of other delicacies. There will also be wine pairings and Saint Arnold's beer samples. The cost is $85 per person. Reservations can be made online. 6:30-8:30 pm.

Iron Bartender Competition
Thursday, September 12
This annual bash benefits The Periwinkle Foundation, which develops and provides programs for children, young adults, and families who are challenged by cancer and other life-threatening illnesses. Earlier this summer, bartenders from restaurants and bars across Houston created original Periwinkle cocktails, showcasing their mixology skills. A panel of judges selected five finalists to compete for the 2024 Iron Bartender title. This year's competition will be held downtown at Lyric Market.

Contestants are Drew Jerdan from Bad News Bar, Humberto Garay of Cuchara, Lynzie Holland from Johnny’s Gold Brick, April Biagas from Refuge, and TJ Leibowitz from Winnie’s. Guests can sample their cocktails and vote for the People's Choice Award, and the judges will announce this year's winner. Individual tickets are $200 and can be purchased online.

Taste America
Thursday, September 12
The James Beard Foundation and the Houston First Corporation host this evening at the Four Seasons Hotel Houston that blends culinary innovation and cutting-edge immersive art. Participating chefs include James Beard Award finalist Emmanuel Chavez of Tatemó, Beard Award semifinalist Ope Amosu of ChòpnBlọk, Beard Award Winner Hugo Ortega of Xochi, Beard Award winner Benchawan Jabthong Painter of Street to Kitchen, Erin Smith of Feges BBQ, Sherman Yeung of Money Cat, and many more, serving a variety of dishes. Premier tickets are $250 and come with a gift bag access to a sneak peek of Meow Wolf Houston, before the new location opens to the public. General admission tickets are $175 and come with a swag bag from Meow Wolf and the evening's participants.

3rd Annual Rock & Roll Picnic
Sunday, September 15
I’ll Have What She’s Having, which funds preventative medical and mental healthcare services for people in Houston’s restaurant and bar community, hosts this afternoon of food and drinks at the Last Concert Amphitheater from 1-6 pm. Participating chefs and bartenders include Beatriz Martines from Xalisko, Nick Wong from Agnes & Sherman, Josh Deleon of Underground Creamery, Dominick Lee of Augustine’s, Liz Becerra from Anvil, Natrese Rudison of Toasted Coconut, Jennifer Pilling from Rosewater, Olivia Vargas of Lei Low, and many more. There's also live music, a silent auction, and prizes. Tickets start at $45, and VIP packages are also available.

Come to the Table Benefit for The Beacon
Thursday, September 19
Houston chefs like Manabu “Hori” Horiuchi of Kata Robata and Katami; Ryan Lachaine of Riel; Hugo and Ruben Ortega of Backstreet Cafe, Caracol, Hugo's, URBE and Xochi; Lucas McKinney of Josephine’s; and many others come together for a multi-course dinner. The event raises awareness of and funds for the nonprofit, which serves men and women who are experiencing homelessness, and takes place in The Beacon's dining room. A pre-event reception will be held at Christ Church Cathedral. Individual tickets are $500. The reception begins at 5:30 pm and dinner is at 7 pm.

8th Annual Houston BBQ Throwdown
Sunday, September 22
The Houston Barbecue Festival brings 14 of the city's best barbecue restaurants to the Saint Arnold beer hall for this competition to create the he next great dish that represents Houston-style 'cue. Participants include defending People's Choice champ Bar-A-BBQ and the Judge's Choice defender Brett's BBQ Shop, along with Daddy Duncan's BBQ, Fire Craft BBQ, Harlem Road Texas BBQ, Heffernan BBQ, J-Bar-M Barbecue, La Cruda Brand BBQ, Reveille BBQ, Rosemeyer Bar-B-Q, Tejas Chocolate + BBQ, and The Pit Room. Guests get unlimited samples and beer. Tickets are available online and prices start at $60; $100 buys VIP access to the private Saint Arnold Investor’s Pub for viewing of the judge’s panel. The party runs from 1-4 pm.

Chefs for Farmers
Saturday, September 28 and Sunday, September 29
Taking place in Autry Park along Allen Parkway from 1-5 pm, this weekend features curated, locally sourced dishes that showcase ingredients from family farms across Texas. Attendees will also find immersive experiences, live entertainment, wines from top vineyards, craft cocktails, line dancing lessons, shopping, and other fun.

The event benefits expanding community garden programming at Urban Harvest and Houston Foods Bank. Participating chefs include Quy Hoang, Robin Wong and Arash Kharat of Blood Bros BBQ, Luis Robledo of Mayahuel, Christine Ha of The Blind Goat, Yotam Dolev of Hamsa and Okto, Drake Leonards from Eunice, Marcos Juarez of Hidden Omakase, and many more. The full lineup, schedule, and tickets is available online. Early bird pricing for tickets is $125 for general admission and $175 for VIP access.

Southern Smoke Foundation Festival
October 5
Benefitting the Southern Smoke Foundation, which raises funds for hospitality workers experiencing hardship, this epic foodie festival brings top chefs from around the country to Discovery Green for an afternoon of food and celebration. This year's lineup includes for than 70 culinary superstars including James Beard Award-winning chef and culinary star Christina Tosi of Milk Bar; Jeff Chanchaleune, from Ma Der Lao Kitchen in Oklahoma City; Isabel Coss of Lutece in Washington, DC; Sam Fore from Tuk Tuk Sri Lankan Bites in Lexington, Ky; Renee Erickson of Seattle's The Walrus and the Carpenter; Tim Flores and Genie Kwon of Kasama in Chicago; Aaron Franklin from Austin's Franklin Barbecue; Caroline Schiff of Monday Diner in New York; and a host of Houston familiar faces like Ope Amosu of ChòpnBlọk, Bun B from Trill Burgers; Evelyn Garcia and Henry Lu of Jūn; Martin Stayer of Nobie’s; and many, many more.

Guests can sample bites, beers and wine, get cookbooks signed, and enjoy a full evening of music and entertainment. VIP tickets offer entry an hour earlier than the general public and access to a private lounge. General admission is $225. The event runs from 3-8pm, with the first hour reserved for VIPs.

A chef cuts brisket at the 2023 Southern Smoke Foundation Festival.

Photo by Daniel Ortiz

The Southern Smoke Foundation Festival brings more than 70 chefs from around the country to Houston.

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Catch a Match

These Houston restaurants and bars are showing World Cup 2026 matches

Photo by Kirsten Gilliam

The San Leon restaurant Pier 6 has built a 3,000-square-foot outdoor space to watch the game, complete with ping pong tables and turf.

Scoring tickets to a World Cup match at NRG Stadium isn't in the cards for most Houstonians. Fortunately, plenty of local restaurants and bars are getting in on the action with watch parties, themed cocktails, food specials, and even a few over-the-top viewing experiences. From a French bistro inside a luxury hotel to a waterfront setup complete with turf and lawn games, these spots are ready to help fans catch every goal. Here's where to watch the FIFA World Cup.

a’Bouzy
The Upper Kirby French bistro is hosting watch parties for select matches paired with spirit sponsors. June 11 is Mexico versus South Africa with Alma de Jaguar Tequila, June 19 is USA versus Australia with Wild Turkey, Netherlands versus Sweden is June 20 with Ketel One, and June 26 is Norway versus France with Miraval Rosé.

Agnes and Sherman
The Asian American-inspired diner will celebrate the World Cup with a drag brunch on Saturday, June 13 featuring performances by Queen Persephone, Kitty Kontour, and Teresa Larue, along with music by DJ Chopped Liver. Proceeds from the $10 tickets will benefit The Mahogany Project, a Houston-based organization dedicated to creating safe social spaces for transgender and non-binary individuals.

In addition, the restaurant will host daily watch parties from June 17-25 with a special menu and drinks inspired by the countries playing in the tournament.

Chapman & Kirby
For a fully immersive watching experience, stop by Chapman & Kirby, located just one block from the official FIFA Fan Festival. From June 11 through July 19, fans can enjoy live music, DJs, inflatables, foosball, local vendors, and licensed soccer merchandise for purchase. Food offerings run the gamut — from a breakfast station by Slowpokes for morning matches to vendors like True Dog Houston. Chapman & Kirby will be open daily from 8 am until midnight or later, depending on the match.

Chardon
The Thompson Hotel bistro will broadcast every World Cup match during regular hours on TVs placed specially for the event. Patrons can sip themed cocktails inspired by the five teams playing in Houston, including drinks such as the Black Forest Smash for Germany and the Blue Island Breeze for Curaçao. When France takes the pitch on June 16 and June 26, the French eatery leans into its roots with Les Bleus watch parties featuring a crepe station, half-price rosé, imported beers, and more.

FIFA Fan Festival
Held in EaDo between Polk St. and Walker St., this free event will run all 34 days that World Cup matches are being played. Almost 20 local vendors will have food for purchase. It will also feature performances by local musicians and displays from Space Center Houston, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, and others.

J-Bar-M Barbecue
The Michelin-recommended barbecue joint offers seating for more than 700 guests, including a covered patio anchored by a 179-inch LED screen. Fans can pair the action with $5 margaritas, $16 mimosa buckets, and pop-ups from vendors such as Art Anonymous Clothing, which can customize jerseys brought in by diners.

Katy Beer Garden
Not only is the massive indoor-outdoor bar at The Dryer mixed-use development opening early to show all of the matches, but it is also giving away three pairs of tickets to both the match taking place on June 29 and on July 4. With 85-inch TVs, 100 taps of beer and wine, and more than 1,400 spirits, the bar truly has something for everyone.

Kirby Ice House
All four locations of the massive patio bar will be showing all of the World Cup matches. Houstonians know Kirby Ice House for its massive patios, huge selections of beer, wine, and cocktails, and bites from a rotating selection of food trucks.

Kirkwood
Mac Haik's new restaurant is extending happy hour during matches, offering the discounted menu from 1-6 pm in the bar and lounge. Happy hour specials include $6 draft beers and chateaubriand sliders ($12) made with a center-cut prime McLaren Farms tenderloin.

Hotel ZaZa Memorial City
It’s a poolside viewing experience at Hotel ZaZa Memorial City’s Après Sport from June 11 through July 18. Non-hotel guests are invited to catch a game from 6-9 pm on match days for music, the matches on TVs, and bottle service available in private cabanas.

Jethro’s Cocktail Lounge
Catch a match at at this Midtown bar, where TVs and a projector will screen select games with full sound. The festivities include DJs and game-day deals like $14 specialty cocktails and $20 beer and seltzer buckets.

Liberty Kitchen & Oysterette
It's an all-day happy hour at the bar throughout the tournament. Visit all three locations — River Oaks, Rice Village, and Memorial — for discounted bites like truffle fries and chicken caprese sliders.

Pier 6 Seafood & Oyster House
For a truly special experience, Pier 6 in San Leon has built a 3,000-square-foot open-air watch party zone. Even non-soccer fans will be entertained with 16 TVs, artificial turf, lounge seating, lawn games, and ping pong tables. The June 12 kickoff party will include door prizes, giveaways, and street tacos by guest chef Trinidad "Machete" Gonzalez.

The Phoenix on Westheimer
The Montrose sports bar has long been one of Houston's favorite places to watch soccer matches. It will show every match and offer food and drink specials tied to each day's countries. With more than 15 HD TVs, fans will be able to watch every minute of the action. International visitors take note — menus are available in Spanish, German, French, and Portuguese.

The Ranch presents Pitch Live
Created by Houston hospitality veterans Army Sadeghi (Clarkwood, Melrose, etc.) and Ben Berg (B&B Butchers, Prime 131, etc.) in partnership with Houston soccer legend Brian Ching, this 35,000-square-foot pop-up venue will occupy the former Warehouse Live space in EaDo. In addition to screening all the matches, it will offer food, drinks, and live entertainment, including a performance by superstar DJ Diplo on Thursday, July 11.

Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux
The sports bar is hosting a watch party at each of its two locations. Patrons can enjoy themed activations and giveaways, such as rally towels and commemorative cups. The Spring location’s watch party in partnership with Anheuser-Busch is Friday, June 12 at 9 pm, while the Cypress outpost’s watch party is Friday, June 19, from 2-4 pm in partnership with Casamigos.

Winnie’s
The New Orleans-inspired sandwich shop and bar will be showing all matches throughout the tournament. Its location next to the Ensemble/HCC METRORail stop makes it an easy place to pregame before taking the train to matches at "Houston Stadium."

Photo by Kirsten Gilliam

The San Leon restaurant Pier 6 has built a 3,000-square-foot outdoor space to watch the game, complete with ping pong tables and turf.

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