Fall in Palestine

Home > Things to Do > Festivals, Parades & Special Events > Fall in Palestine

Crisp morning air and the subtle transition from green to yellow, orange, and red announce autumn’s arrival in East Texas. While there are many ways you can enjoy the season in Texas’ gorgeous Piney Woods region, Palestine is the perfect place to appreciate fall’s beauty. Beyond exploring Davey Dogwood Park or fishing at a nearby lake, you can take on one of Texas’ most unique long-distance bike rides, experience one-of-a-kind festivals, and more. Plan your perfect fall getaway by checking out these amazing autumn adventures in Palestine.

12 Must-Do Fall Activities In Palestine, TX

Experience the 12 Must-Do Fall Activities in Palestine, TX! Explore Dogwood Park’s vibrant foliage on leisurely strolls or hop aboard the enchanting Fall Harvest Lunch Train. These memorable moments await you and your loved ones.

Fall Foliage

Fall foliage typically peaks during the week of Thanksgiving. For the latest updates, call us at 800-659-3484. Keep in mind that our color display is entirely determined by Mother Nature.

Don't forget to check out the Fall Foliage Driving Route!

Live Show at the Texas Theatre

October 11- 13 & 18 - 20, 2024
Prepare for an uproarious evening at the theater with ‘The 39 Steps’! This delightful twist on Alfred Hitchcock’s 1935 film takes the original story and cranks up the humor. Picture slapstick antics, quirky characters, and a rollercoaster of laughs that’ll leave you in stitches. Whether you’re a fan of the classic movie or just love a good comedy, this show promises an unforgettable experience. (purchase tickets and find more information).

Locked in Fear Haunted House

October 11 - 12, 18 - 19, & 25 - 26, 2024
For those who are not afraid of a little fright, find your way to a very scary adventure thrill. Haunted houses are frightening, but you haven’t seen anything yet until you experience the darkness and the spirits that dwell in this old, Texas Jailhouse! Enter at your own risk! Get lost in this historic three-story, 11,000-square-foot haunted jail. Make your way through a labyrinth of cells, isolation tanks, and dark halls where dread and terror await. Can you escape being Locked In Fear?

Book tickets now HERE.
$15.00 admission per person
704 Avenue A

Phone Number: 903.480.1212

Saturdays On Main

Saturdays on Main in downtown Palestine is a family friendly event held on the first Saturday of each month. Explore new businesses,

enjoy the model train display, shop at the Farmers Market, and experience the ArtWalk. Don’t miss the live music, theater, and historic architecture. It’s a vibrant celebration of all things local.

ParaPalooza 2024

ParaPalooza 2024 will be held the historic Texas Jail House in

Palestine, Texas on September 7th from 11AM - 7PM. Enthusiasts of the paranormal, history, and mystery gather for a

day filled with intrigue. Explore vendor stalls, listen to captivating speakers,

participate in guided paranormal investigations, and connect with fellow

enthusiasts. Mark your calendars for this unforgettable experience!

Hello Fall Market

The Hello Fall Market is an indoor event bringing the best in fall

decor, apparel, crafts, home-goods, and more! Enjoy a vendor market experience in the air conditioning! Doors open at 10:00 AM on Saturday, September 14th. Free entry to the public. Come shop with us!

For more info, click here.

Hot Pepper Festival

October 26, 2024

The Hot Pepper Festival, also known as the "Hottest Little Festival in Texas", has something for everyone throughout the streets of Historic Downtown Palestine!

Food
Arts & Crafts
Live Music ALL DAY LONG

Great Harvest Farm- Fall Festival & Pumpkin Patch

October 4-6, 11-13, 18-20, 25-27 and November 1-3, 2024
Come visit our pumpkin patch, try your hand at pumpkin painting, play in our corn pit, jump on a hayride, or enjoy our campfires. Trunk or Treat will be Thursday, October 31st at 7pm.
Fri & Sat 10am-7pm, Sun 12pm-7pm
20071 N Hwy 19, Montalba TX, 75853
(903) 316-9448

Railroad Heritage Center

Monday- Saturday
A 13' x 17' scale train display and exhibit that illustrate the many facets of railroading. See if you can locate all 21 Fall trees that are turning with the season. Open Monday- Saturday from 9:30AM- 4:30PM

Market by the Creek

October 26, 2024
We will have vendors with vintage items, furniture, quilts, artisan and handmade crafts, food trucks, and entertainment. Tents, chairs, and tables welcome. 10AM-6PM | 305 E Crawford | 903.724.1220

All Aboard!

The Texas State Railroad is a historic 25-mile heritage railroad between Palestine and Rusk. Diesel locomotives take passengers on a memorable roundtrip adventure through the Piney Woods Route. Step aboard, breathe deep, and let time stand still as you journey back to a simpler era where history unfolds along the rails.

Upcoming events:
September 13th:
Piney Woods Evening Dinner Train

September 27th:
Wine in the Pines

October 19th & 26th:
Fall Harvest Lunch Train

Other Available Train Excursions:
Piney Woods Express Diesel
Polar Express

Visit Texas State Railroad to see their full calendar.

Rush Herrington Memorial Rodeo

Saddle up for the Rush Herrington Memorial Rodeo! On October 25th and 26th, the Anderson County Youth Livestock Pavilion will be the epicenter of rodeo action. Get ready for heart-pounding bull riding, lightning-fast barrel racing, and jaw-dropping roping events. And that’s not all! Live music by the talented Kenny McCann on Friday night and Steve Murray on Saturday.

Join us as we honor the legacy of Rush Herrington, a founding member of the Anderson County Youth Livestock Association. Whether you’re a seasoned cowboy or simply love the thrill of the arena, this rodeo is for you!

Soap Box Derby

Unleashing Thrills and Creativity!

Join us for the inaugural Soap Box Derby, hosted by Team LEAD and Dogwood Youth Sports. 🏎️

The excitement begins on Sunday, October 20th, as our talented young racers showcase their custom-made soapbox cars. Mark your calendars for the adrenaline-packed championship at the Hot Pepper Festival on October 26th.

Let’s celebrate community spirit and cheer on our racers!