Fall Fun

Make a fall weekend of it at League City’s Village Fair & Music Festival

Mark your calendars now for League City's biggest fall tradition.

Photo courtesy of League City

League City’s biggest fall tradition is back for its 70th year. The Village Fair & Music Festival returns to The Ballpark at League City the first weekend of October with two days of live music, carnival rides, local shopping, fair food, and family activities.

The longtime community tradition brings together live music, carnival rides, local shopping, fair food, family activities, and plenty of reasons to grab your lawn chair and make a weekend of it. Even better: Tickets are just $15 for a full slate of fall fun.

The festival gets underway Friday, October 2, from 5-10 pm, and continues Saturday, October 3, from 10 am-10 pm.

Catch two nights of live music
Music fans will find a lineup that spans country, rock, party tunes, and local talent.

Friday night features DJ Dash Gordon; Scotty Alexander; and New Orleans-based party band Bag of Donuts, known for bringing high-energy, sing-along fun to every show.

Saturday keeps the music going with performances by School of Rock, Rock N Classic, Folk Association, A-Sure Thing, and Big Jordan. Houston-based Stevie Nicks tribute band Night Bird will bring the music of Fleetwood Mac to the stage before country music star Easton Corbin closes out the festival as Saturday night’s headliner.

Bring the whole family
Beyond the music, the Village Fair is packed with activities to keep all ages entertained.

Browse a market featuring local vendors, enjoy classic fair food and seasonal beverages, and take a spin on traditional carnival rides. During the day, visitors can play a round of mini golf, then return after dark for a glow-in-the-dark version of the course.

The Kids Zone brings even more fun with bounce houses and a petting zoo, while Singo Bingo and foam parties add to the weekend’s playful atmosphere.

League City Festival Courtesy of League City

Turn it into a League City getaway
The Village Fair & Music Festival is an easy excuse to spend a fall day — or a full weekend — in League City. Come for the music and festival fun, then explore local restaurants, waterfront dining, and the nearby Clear Lake area.

Mark your calendar, book a room, and don’t forget your BYOLC: bring your own lawn chair. Get event details and plan your fall escape to League City now.

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Smoke on the Thames

2 Michelin-starred Texas barbecue joints fire up monthlong London pop-up

InterStellar and La Barbecue at The Ned London

The Ned London/thened.com

Even in Austin's home scene, these restaurants are considered the cream of the crop. Abroad, this is an extra special treat.

Two of Texas' best barbecue joints are are firing up their smokers in London. Austin-based InterStellar and La Barbecue are in residence for one month a London hotel called The Ned.

Service started on September 4, and guests have until October 4 to see what great barbecue tastes like on the other side of the pond.

Each restaurant sent its best representative: John Bates of InterStellar BBQ and Ali Clem of La Barbecue, the two pitmasters who led them to barbecue's first Michelin stars. Both are somewhat traditional with a few signature twists, making them a good match beyond their similar levels of prestige.

Proteins on the menu include pork ribs, pulled lamb shoulder, chopped cheese sausage, and InterStellar's famous peach tea pork belly burnt ends. Brisket will be available as an add-on. The team is also cooking up sides and pairing the bites with cocktails made for the occasion by Jack Daniels.

The exclusive sharing tray is available for $75 per person, with a minimum of two people per reservation ($150). A 14.5 percent service gratuity is also being added.

Many barbecue fans understand that a smoker plays a huge part in the final product, and being away from home could dramatically change the cooking process. An Instagram post explains (and seems to lightly promote) that the pitmasters are using Ironbrand smokers, which are custom-made in the United Kingdom.

The residency is happening at Electric Bar & Diner, The Ned's all-day American diner. The 248-room hotel is located in Poultry, on the north side of the River Thames near St. Paul's Cathedral. It is also very near to the Bank Station, a connecting station for four rail routes, making it easy to get to from many parts of London.

Booking is already going fast, so guests who want to snag a space should commit soon.

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