Fall into Fun in San Marcos

When the air gets a little cooler and the light starts to change, that means it’s Fall in Central Texas! While we’re sad that the First United Church in San Marcos isn’t doing their big annual pumpkin patch this year, there are some other socially distanced fall activities around San Marcos for those who want to get out of the house. Just remember that mask!

Music at Cheatham Street Warehouse: Every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday Night

Built in 1910 as a grocery warehouse, Cheatham Street is better known as the venue that launched the careers of such Texas troubadours as Stevie Ray Vaughan and George Strait. Now re-opened with limited capacity, the honky tonk could really use your support as they host great live music every weekend. Upcoming shows include:

October 23 Matt Castillo

October 24 Jon Wolfe

November 7 Hill Country Revival

Braune Farms Pumpkin Patch: October 17-18, October 21, October 24-25, October 28

Put on your favorite sweater and corduroy pants—wait, never mind, we’re still in Texas. Dress for the weather, and be sure to wear close-toed shoes. After all, you’ll be walking the rows of this real family-run farm in Geronimo to choose your prize pumpkin. Due to COVID-19, there won’t be hayrides or activities this year, but the farm still has fall backgrounds available for taking photos.

Farmer Fred’s Harvest Fall Contests: October 19

Are you handy with a pumpkin-carving knife? Do you own a cornucopia of decorative gourds? It’s time to dust off your decorating skills for Farmer Fred’s Door Decorating Contest. Submit a picture of your fall-themed door by Monday, October 19 to enter. Winners will be decided by voting on the SMTX Community Service Facebook page.

Farmer Fred’s Harvest Trail Walk: October 28-31

Farmer Fred’s Harvest Fall Carnival is traditionally held the Friday before Halloween, and we’re going to miss it this year. Planners are trying to keep the fall tradition alive by hosting a Trail Walk in City Park. You’re encouraged to wear a costume (with a mask!) and stay socially distanced as you stroll through the spooky scenery. Submit a picture, and you could win a fall-themed goodie bag.

Bobcat Football: Saturday, October 31

It wouldn’t be fall without football, and here in San Marcos, we’re lucky enough to have our very own college team. Texas State is selling socially distanced tickets to games this fall, so get yours and head to Bobcat Stadium! If you prefer to watch from home, grab a custom pizza, house-made strawberry goat cheese salad or spinach artichoke dip from local pizzeria Pie Society to make the game even better.

Wimberly Market Days: Saturday, November 7

Market Days has been an institution in Wimberley since 1964, when local vendors set up for business on the tailgates of their trucks. Now held at Lions Field, Market Days are held the first Saturday of every month from March through December. With nearly 500 booths and vendors from all over Texas, the market promises “you’ll find everything you can’t live without,” including BBQ plates and sandwiches, breakfast tacos, hot dogs and lots of sweet treats. Admission is free; parking is $5.

ThunderCloud Subs Virtual Turkey Trot: Thursday, November 26

This year marks the 30th anniversary of this annual event, and the organizers weren’t going to let a pandemic stand in the way of their run (and all the good fundraising it does to end homelessness). For 2020, they’ve transitioned the traditional Turkey Trot into an at home experience—you can run (or walk) on the road, on the trail, on the treadmill or on the track. You get to run your own race, at your own pace, and time it yourself. Yes, you still get the t-shirt—and the joy of knowing you helped Caritas of Austin.