From food festivals to ranch weekends, the Gulf Coast Capital hosts various fun fall events to make the most of the region’s second summer.
In Corpus Christi, Texas, the fall months mean sunny days and perfect weather. While summer sets on the rest of the nation, this southern coastal town welcomes one of its best seasons, allowing visitors and locals to experience a sunny second summer. Beyond the idyllic beach weather, fall in Corpus Christi is full of exciting events for all kinds of travelers, from music lovers to foodies.
Read on to learn about the beach town’s can’t-miss autumn events.
Corpus Christi 7-Day Film Fest (CC7D)
Tasked with creating a film in just seven days, participants of the Corpus Christi 7-Day Film Fest have an opportunity to test their creative skills and celebrate fellow filmmakers. For the grand finale, the public is invited to watch the premier of all qualifying CC7D films, back to back, at Alamo Drafthouse Corpus Christi.
When: September 1, 2024
Conquer the Coast
Texas cyclers flock to the Gulf Coast Capital for the annual Conquer the Coast Century Ride race. Participants of all skill levels can choose to ride a 66-, 21- or 10-mile course through the scenic routes of Corpus Christi. Celebrating its 22nd year in 2024, the event has earned a reputation of being one of the most unique rides in the Lone Star State, attracting more and more cyclers every year.
When: September 21, 2024
Celebration of Flight
As the “Birdiest City in America,” it only makes sense that Corpus Christi hosts an event celebrating the spectacle of hawk migration. With the largest and most diverse visible migration in the country, Corpus Christi HawkWatch invites the community to witness the phenomenon at Hazel Bazemore County Park. Along with volunteers to help visitors identify the birds, Celebration of Flight features vendors, bird-themed merchandise, food trucks, and free activities in the park.
When: September 27-29, 2024
MusicWalk
Join the community for a huge street fest with music from all genres on every block in Downtown Corpus Christi. This event highlights the city’s dedication to growing as a cultural hub for music enthusiasts, and you'll find the downtown area booming with vendors, food trucks, tons of live music and the community enjoying themselves as they dance the night away.
When: October 4, 2024
Pride Fest
The Gulf Coast Capital’s Pride parade marches right along the water on the Corpus Christi Bayfront and ends with a giant, fun-filled block party. Featuring lively music, rainbow-adorned vehicles and outfits, beads, boas and more, this lively event celebrates the LGBTQ+ community with a day of marching, dancing, and pure fun.
When: October 5, 2024
Texas Jazz Fest
Held at Heritage Park, the Texas Jazz Festival is the largest and longest free-running festival in the world. Open to all ages and free to the public, this iconic South Texas event is celebrating its 63rd anniversary in 2024. Visitors can expect great food, market vendors and, of course, incredible jazz performances across three stages all weekend long.
When: October 18-20, 2024
Surftoberfest
We all know the classic German Oktoberfest, but Corpus Christi takes a coastal spin on the celebration in the heart of downtown at Water Street Market, a local favorite. With activities like the Homebrew Competition and a Beer Stein Holding Contest alongside German fare and live music, Surftoberfest invites visitors to celebrate coastal style.
When: October 19, 2024
Sharkathon
Drawing awareness to the declining shark population, Sharkathon is a non-profit organization that hosts an annual catch-and-release tournament to help change the practices of anglers who target sharks and other species. Each fall, hundreds of anglers head to Padre Island hoping to catch the biggest shark they can (before releasing it) to win the roughly $80,000 prize pool. Anyone can pay to participate in Sharkathon, and the tournament offers several divisions, including one for kids, and ends with an awards ceremony to celebrate the winner of each category.
When: October 25-27, 2024
Dia de los Muertos
Traditionally celebrated on November 1st and 2nd, Dia de los Muertos (AKA “Day of the Dead”) is a culturally rich Mexican holiday that honors deceased ancestors. Recognized as one of the nation’s top Dia de los Muertos celebrations, Corpus Chrsti’s local street festival brings live music, food from local vendors, art and culture to downtown. Festival-goers can expect to see streets filled with colorful ofrendas, sugar skulls, traditional costumes, dancing, and more.
When: October 26, 2024
Greek Festival
This annual event brings Greek culture to the Gulf Coast Capital. Hosted at the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, the Greek Festival celebrates with live music, Greek dancing, church tours, and of course, mouth-watering Greek food. Visitors can indulge in gyros and spanakopita or various kinds of Greek beers and baklava before hitting the dance floor.
When: November 1-3, 2024
Ranch Hand Weekend
Enjoy some classic Lone Star fun during Ranch Hand Weekend, a dynamic event featuring a delicious hearty breakfast, tree lighting, live country music, shopping and more. This event is held on King Ranch, the world’s largest long-running cattle ranch in the backyard of Corpus Christi where you’ll find real cowboys hard at work, and honors the city of Kingsville’s rich cultural heritage as one of the mainstays of the Texas ranching industry.
When: November 22-23, 2024
Festival of India
What started as a community health fair many years ago has now turned into a larger celebration of Indian traditions, culture and dance at the Sri Venkateswara Temple. Featuring group prayer, cultural music and dance, Indian food, henna tattoos, Indian jewelry, and clothing vendors, Corpus Christi’s Festival of India invites guests to experience Indian culture in fun and authentic ways.
When: December 7-8, 2024
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