OCTOBER 2019 89
Kilgore
Oktoberfest
Oct. 5
This family-friendly event is the
authentic German experience
in East Texas with German food,
music, drinks, and children’s
activities. Come dressed for the
occasion in a dirndl or lederho-
sen and enter the Best Dressed
competition. Various locations.
903-988-4117; kilgoremainstreet
.com/oktoberfest-2018
Kilgore
East Texas Oilmen’s Chili Cookoff
Oct. 24
This annual all-you-can-eat chili
throwdown showcases oilfield
service and energy companies
from Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas,
and Oklahoma as they prepare
hundreds of pounds of chili and
compete to claim the title of No. 1
chili in the oilfield. World’s Richest
Acre, 101-199 E. Main St. 903-984-
5571; easttexastreatmentcenter.org/
east-texas-oilmen-s-chili-cook-off
Palestine
Hot Pepper Festival
Oct. 26
Everything is hotter in Texas, and
this festival is no exception. There
is a hot-pepper-eating contest,
live music, interactive activi-
ties, and free admission. Historic
Downtown Palestine, 101 Main St.
903-731-8428; visitpalestine.com
Rusk
Pumpkin Patch Train
Oct. 5, 12, 19, 26
Every Saturday, the pumpkin patch
opens and trains depart to celebrate
the harvest season. A pumpkin
patch is full of interactive games,
prizes, tricks, and treats. Costumes
welcome. Texas State Railroad—
Rusk Depot, 535 Park Road 76. 855-
632-7729; texasstaterailroad.net/
events/pumpkin-patch
Tyler
Texas Rose Festival
Oct. 17-20
Rich in heritage and tradition,
the festival offers enchanting
ceremonial events such as the
Rose Parade and the Queen’s
Tea. All of this happens amid
a backdrop of brilliant roses.
Various locations. 903-592-1661;
visittyler.com/rosefest
PRAIRIES AND LAKES
Arlington
Six Flags Over Texas Fright Fest
Sept. 21-Nov. 3
Thrills by day and fright by night