5 Must Attend Events in Abilene this Fall
Abilene is the ultimate fall destination with a lineup of events that will make you fall head over heels for the season all over again. From family-friendly festivities to buzzworthy celebrations, there's something for everyone. Here are five must-attend fall events in Abilene.
West Texas Fair & Rodeo
Experience over a century of tradition at the West Texas Fair & Rodeo, hitting the Taylor County Expo Center from September 5th to 14th. This Abilene mainstay is a true celebration of Texan culture, featuring PRCA cowboys and cowgirls wrangling their way to the National Finals Rodeo. But hold your horses, the excitement doesn’t end there! The carnival midway is packed with rides that’ll have you screaming louder than a cowboy at a cattle auction, and the exhibits showcase the finest livestock and local crafts. Plus, you can chow down on some legendary fair food and groove to daily live music performances. It's a week of fun, food, and festivities that you don’t want to miss!
Abilene Beer Summit
Beer enthusiasts, it’s time to mark your calendars for the Abilene Beer Summit, the biggest craft beer bash in the Big Country! On September 21st, head over to this beer lover's paradise where 30 breweries will be showcasing 100 craft beers just waiting for you to sample. But hold on to your pint glasses – this event is more than just a tasting; it’s a full-blown festival complete with live music and local vendors. Soak up the vibrant atmosphere, discover new brews, and maybe even find your next favorite beer.
Boo at the Zoo
Get ready to have a ghoulishly good time at the Abilene Zoo’s Boo at the Zoo! This immersive fall festival runs from October 12th to 27th, offering endless fun for kids and adults. Imagine this: live shows, a hay-bale maze, Pumpkin Chunkin', and scrumptious fall treats. The Abilene Zoo morphs into a Halloween haven with Vendor Trick-or-Treat stations scattered throughout, letting little ghosts and goblins gather goodies while flaunting their costumes at the lively dance party. Plus, animal encounters add a wild twist to this festive celebration.
West Texas Wine Festival
Wine lovers, get ready to raise your glasses! The West Texas Wine Festival is back for its second year on October 19th at the Frontier Texas Outdoor Parade Grounds. Prepare to sip on exquisite wines from all over Texas while jamming to live music and savoring mouth-watering bites from local food trucks. This event isn't just about indulging your taste buds; it’s also about supporting a great cause, with proceeds benefiting Frontier Texas! It's the perfect pairing of enjoyment and philanthropy.
Oktoberfest
Celebrate Oktoberfest at Grain Theory, Abilene’s premier brewery, where the annual block party transforms downtown Abilene into a hop-filled hangout. Enjoy live music, street food, and of course, an impressive selection of craft beers. This event captures the essence of Oktoberfest with a local twist, bringing the community together for a day of sipping suds and buzz-filled festivities. Whether you’re a craft beer connoisseur or just looking for a good time, Oktoberfest is a can’t-miss event.
Abilene's fall events are filled with excitement, community spirit, and more reasons to celebrate than there are leaves on the trees. Whether you're a native Abilenian or just dropping in, these shindigs are the perfect excuse to experience the best of Abilene (and maybe even buy that pair of cowboy boots you’ve been eyeing). So, circle those dates, rally your crew, and prepare for a fall season that's so fun it’ll leave you grinning like a jack-o'-lantern.
For a full list of events in Abilene, visit www.abilenevisitors.com/events