The imminent arrival of fall\u2019s first \u201ccold front\u201d (let\u2019s be honest \u2014 we\u2019ll take what we can get) signals the start of Houston\u2019s fall festival season. Every weekend is loaded with opportunities to be outdoors, and that includes any number of food-related happenings. <\/p>\n
With that in mind, we\u2019ve rounded up nine of the fall\u2019s highest profile events. From staples that will draw thousands of food lovers to an intriguing newcomer that looks very promising, this list has something for every taste and every price point. <\/p>\n
Iron Bartender Photo courtesy of Southern Smoke Foundation<\/p>\n Tickets start at $75 for the tasting or $350 for a seated dinner with cocktail pairings by the finalists. <\/p>\n Chefs for Farmers Ros\u00e9 Ranch \u2013 A garden-inspired space with curated pours and photo ops from sponsors. Tickets for either Saturday or Sunday are priced at $145 for general admission and $195 for VIP. Attend both days for $249 or $349. Search Instagram for various influencers with discount codes.<\/p>\n Southern Smoke Festival Attendees get access to bites and drinks from the participants, along with live entertainment, cookbook signings and more. VIP tickets are sold out, but a limited number of general admission tickets remain for $225. <\/p>\n James Beard Taste America Tickets are priced at $175 for general admission and $225 for premier access that includes entering one hour earlier. Proceeds from the event benefit the foundation\u2019s mission to champion a more sustainable, equitable, and thriving future for independent restaurants and the broader food system. <\/p>\n Taste of Atlas Rare Steak Festival Delicious Alchemy: 20th Anniversary Banquet<\/strong>
<\/strong><\/a>Thursday, September 25
This annual bash benefits The Periwinkle Foundation, which develops and provides programs for children, young adults, and families who are challenged by cancer and other life-threatening illnesses. After an initial round of judging, these are the finalists who will compete for the coveted title: Victor Navarro (Anvil), Stephanie Di Muria (Botanica), Drew Jerdan (Bad News Bar), Leonel Galvan (Cuchara). Christian Guadiana (Johnny\u2019s Gold Brick), and Marc Estil (Reserve 101).<\/p>\n
<\/strong><\/a>Saturday, September 27, and Sunday, September 28
Named for the way it connects Houston chefs with Texas farms, this two-day event returns to Autry Park this weekend. Approximately 60 chefs \u2014 split between Saturday and Sunday \u2014 will serve bites. In additions, attendees can look forward to experiences such as:<\/p>\n
Tailgate Experience \u2013 Beer pairings, lawn games, and football on the big screen, including the Texans vs. Titans game.
Texas Love \u2013 A celebration of barbecue traditions and regional flavors.
Artisan Alley \u2013 A market of local vendors. <\/p>\n
<\/strong><\/a>Saturday, October 4
Benefitting the Southern Smoke Foundation, which offers mental health services and emergency financial assistance to hospitality workers, the epic food festival returns to Discovery Green with a roster of more than 85 chefs and beverage professionals from across the country. As always, star pitmaster Aaron Franklin headlines the group, which also includes Paul Carmichael (Kabawa, New York), Wylie Dufresne (Stretch Pizza, New York), Tavel Bristol-Joseph (Canje, Austin), Ana Castro (Acamaya, New Orleans), Ashley Christensen (Poole\u2019s Diner, Raleigh), Cassidee Dabney (The Barn at Blackberry Farm), (Billy Durney, Hometown BBQ, Brooklyn), and many others.<\/p>\n
<\/strong><\/a>Wednesday, October 8
A group of 12 Houston chefs \u2014 many who are James Beard Award finalists or semifinalists \u2014 are teaming up for this event at the Post Oak Hotel. Led by Ope Amosu (Ch\u00f2pnBl\u1ecdk), a current member of the James Beard Foundation\u2019s TasteTwenty class for chefs who have shown talent and leadership, the group also includes Emmanuel Chavez (Tatem\u00f3), Suu Khin (Burmalicious), and Top Chef winner Tristen Epps (Buboy). See the full menu here<\/a>.<\/p>\n
<\/strong><\/a>Wednesday, October 8
Baltimore-based hospitality group Atlas Restaurants will bring together all three of Houston concepts for one special evening. Held at Azumi, the company\u2019s Japanese restaurant in River Oaks District, attendees will have the opportunity to sample bites and drinks from Azumi, Loch Bar, and Marmo, along with a tuna cutting and live entertainment. Head to Loch Bar after for 50-percent off drinks for wristband wearers. Tickets are priced at $120 per person.<\/p>\n
<\/strong><\/a>Thursday, October 23
As many as 30 Houston-area restaurants will serve bites featuring steak at this festival at the Post Houston. Tickets \u2014 priced at $145 for general admission, $200 for early entry, and $307 for VIP \u2014 include unlimited samples from the participating restaurants alongside cocktails and other sips from the event\u2019s sponsors. A final list of participates will be announced soon.<\/p>\n
<\/a>Monday, November 3
Recipe for Success will celebrate 20 years of teaching children about the importance of eating their vegetables with an epic meal that features 10 Houston chefs, including Ryan Pera (Colitvare), Lucas McKinney (Josephine\u2019s), Dominick Lee (Augustine\u2019s), along with retired chefs Claire Smith (Shade, Alice Blue) and Greg Martin (Bistro Menil). The event takes place in the gathering barn at Recipe for Success\u2019 urban farm in South Houston. Tickets start at $2,500 per person with tables for four priced at $12,000. <\/p>\n