HARVESTS, HAYRIDES, HOEDOWNS & HOLIDAY TRADITIONS
STORY & PHOTOS PROVIDED BY LUKE ADAMS TOURISM & EVENT COORDINATOR, WAXAHACHIE CVB
There is something special about fall in
Ellis County. As the Texas heat begins
to soften and golden sunsets linger a
little longer, communities come together
to celebrate the season with classic cars,
country music, local makers, family
traditions, and plenty of reasons to pause
and give thanks.
From hayrides and hoedowns to harvest-inspired festivals and the first twinkle of Christmas lights, fall is an invitation to get outside, gather with family and friends, and make memories close to home.
C10’S IN THE PARK
On September 19th, classic truck enthusiasts will
gather at Getzendaner Park for the 11th Annual C10s
in the Park. Known as “C10ville U.S.A.,” the event
welcomes more than 1,000 classic GM trucks to
Waxahachie and has grown into one of the premier
gatherings of its kind in the country. Admission is
free. Enjoy food vendors, a live DJ, and an impressive
display of vintage trucks from across the region and
beyond. The fun begins the evening before with the
Cruise-In on September 18th from 6-10 p.m. On
September 19th, the celebration continues downtown
with the beloved Party on the Square from 5:30-10
p.m. Eighty-five hand-selected trucks will line the
historic courthouse square, alongside live music
featuring Texas Country legend Lee Roy Parnell,
creating a lively, family-friendly atmosphere that
makes Waxahachie so memorable.
STAMPEDE OF SPEED
From October 9-18th, the Texas Motorplex in Ennis
will once again roar to life for Stampede of Speed,
known as “The Fastest Ten Days in Texas.” The
celebration combines NHRA championship drag
racing, live music, fan experiences, and family-
friendly entertainment. The festivities begin October
9th with a high-noon cattle drive through Downtown
Waxahachie, setting the stage for a distinctly Texas
celebration. From October 9-11th, the Stars of Texas
Music Festival brings country music fans together
for performances by Aaron Watson, Brad Paisley,
and Travis Tritt. Add lantern releases, drag racing,
and bull riding, and you get a Texas-sized weekend
of entertainment. The excitement continues with
the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series October 12-13th,
followed by the JEGS All-Stars and NHRA Texas
Fall Nationals October 14-18th. On October 15th,
Fan Fest at Railyard Park offers live music, free driver autographs, and an energetic festival atmosphere.
SCARBOROUGH’S HOLLOW
For those looking for a little fall magic, Scarborough’s Hollow returns
September 26th-November 1st with an expanded experience designed
for guests of all ages. The immersive fall attraction invites families to
wander through an enchanting village filled with live entertainment,
roaming characters, artisan makers, seasonal food and drinks, and
interactive experiences. With fantasy, adventure, and plenty of
opportunities to explore, it offers another way to embrace the changing
season and create new family traditions.
GO TEXAN COUNTRY FESTIVAL
On October 24th, Downtown Waxahachie transforms into a
showcase of Texas culture during the Crossroads of Texas GO
TEXAN Country Festival. From 9 a.m.-7 p.m., the historic
courthouse square will be filled with hundreds of artists,
makers, and vendors offering products made in Texas by
Texans. Multiple stages will feature live music, while food,
shopping, and entertainment invite visitors to slow down and
enjoy the authentic character of the “Crossroads of Texas.”
Free and open to the public, the festival has become one of
the region’s signature fall traditions — a celebration of the
creativity, craftsmanship, and independent spirit that make
Texas communities special.
LOOKING AHEAD TO THE HOLIDAYS
The season continues with some of Waxahachie’s most beloved
holiday traditions. On December 1st, the Christmas Parade
& Community Tree Lighting brings families downtown for
an evening of festive activities beginning at 6 p.m., followed
by the lighted parade at 6:30 p.m. and the community tree
lighting on the lawn of the historic Ellis County Courthouse.
Then, Bethlehem Revisited invites visitors to step back in
time and walk the streets of ancient Bethlehem. This free,
family-friendly living nativity features costumed characters,
merchants, craftsmen, animals, Herod’s Court, and the nightly
arrival of the three kings. The experience runs Friday through
Sunday, December 4-6th and December 11-13th, from 6-9 p.m.
From the rumble of classic trucks to the roar of dragsters, from
country music and local makers to glowing Christmas lights,
fall in Ellis County is about more than a change in the calendar.
It is a season for gathering, celebrating, giving thanks, and
savoring the moments that become family traditions. So grab
a sweater, round up the family, and head out to make a few
memories. The sunsets are waiting — and the holidays are just
around the corner.
For a complete list of upcoming events,
shopping, dining, and lodging information, visit
VISITWAXAHACHIE.COM
