Dolmades + Dance: The Original Greek Festival
Oct 6–9

Houston is home to one of the largest Greek Orthodox communities in the United States, and they know how to host one heck of a party—opa! Enjoy live Greek music at adult and children’s dance programs, sip on Greek wines, and savor traditional fare like souvlaki, dolmades and baklava at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral.
From $5; greekfestival.org

Plenty of Artmosphere: Bayou City Art Festival
Oct 8–9

This biannual gathering, one of the largest of its kind in the U.S., is celebrating 45 years of showcasing great art from across the state and the nation. Benefiting Houston non-profit Art Colony Association, this downtown jubilee features 305 artists—don’t miss Dania Olivares from McAllen, who will be showcasing her mixed-media works.
$17; artcolony-association.org

Lords a-Leaping, Ladies Dancing: Texas Renaissance Festival
Oct 8–Nov 27

Each year, the country’s largest Ren-fest transports more than 500,000 visitors to 16th-century England—or Poland, or Mexico, depending on which part of the 55-acre fairgrounds you visit. See demonstrations from blacksmiths and glassblowers, purchase wares from swordsmiths and seamstresses, gobble up a few of the 80,000-plus turkey legs consumed annually, and—most important—come dressed to impress.
From $25; texrenfest.com

Taking It to the Street: East End Street Festival
Oct 15

The historic East End neighborhood has been a cultural hub for over a century. Spend the day exploring the blocked-off streets around the Navigation Boulevard Esplanade while enjoying plenty of good food, live music and local art.
$15; eastendstreetfest.com

Blanket Statement: International Quilt Festival
Nov 3–6

This isn’t your grandmother’s quilt festival. One of the largest craft expos in the world takes over the George R. Brown Convention Center with classes, demonstrations, displays and (ahem) sew much more. Bring along your own creations for a chance to be included in next year’s fest.
From $12; quilts.com