Bryan–College Station Events: Oct 20–26
Plan the perfect week in Bryan–College Station with handpicked concerts, festivals, family activities, and seasonal favorites. From Downtown Bryan’s songwriter festival and Halloweentown to Cavalry Court’s live music and a race that finishes inside Kyle Field, here are the best things to do Oct 20–26.
Open Mic Night @ The Palace Theater
Wed, Oct 22 • 7:00–10:00 PM
Show off your talent or cheer on local performers at this free, weekly open mic in Historic Downtown Bryan. Expect a supportive crowd, a full stage setup, and a casual, family-friendly vibe right on Main Street.
Arrive early if you want a prime seat near the stage—and performers can usually sign up on site. It’s a great midweek way to discover new voices and enjoy downtown energy.
Piano Night @ The Owl (Jukebox Piano Show)
Wed, Oct 22 • 7:00–10:00 PM
Cozy up with request-driven piano sing-alongs at The Owl on Main Street. The laid-back pub setting, classic tunes, and a friendly crowd make this a downtown staple.
Bring your song requests—this one’s made for audience participation. Grab a bite and a drink, and make it a relaxed Wednesday night in Bryan.
Payton Howie @ The Palace Theater
Thu, Oct 23 • 7:00 PM (doors) – late
Nashville-recording Texas trailblazer Payton Howie brings high-octane country to the Palace’s open-air stage. Expect powerhouse vocals, radio-ready originals, and a fun crowd under the lights downtown.
Tickets are affordably priced, and there’s food + a full bar on site—so you can make a whole night of it without leaving the venue.
Ben Morris @ Cavalry Court (Canteen Bar & Grill)
Thu, Oct 23 • 7:30–10:30 PM
Settle into Cavalry Court’s retro-cool courtyard for an evening of modern country-rock. Ben Morris blends heartfelt writing with upbeat anthems made for a Texas night.
Hotel guests and locals alike gather for lawn seating, craft cocktails, and an easygoing show you can enjoy under the string lights.
Trunk or Tree-t @ Wolf Pen Creek
Fri, Oct 24 • 5:30–8:30 PM
Celebrate Halloween and Texas Arbor Day together at this free, family-friendly festival featuring trick-or-treat booths, games, kids’ activities, and free trees to take home.
Food vendors will be on site; free parking is available at Post Oak Mall. Note: no pets, alcohol, or glass allowed. A perfect kickoff to the spooky weekend.
Bryan TX Songwriter Festival (Downtown Bryan)
Fri–Sat, Oct 24–25 • Various times
Experience an entire weekend spotlighting songwriters from Texas and beyond with intimate sets, a main outdoor stage, and special headliners across Downtown Bryan. Saturday’s main stage is free and all-ages—bring a lawn chair and settle in.
Expect top-tier storytelling, dancing in the streets, and plenty of downtown restaurants and bars within steps of the stages. Check the official schedule for set times and featured artists.
James Cook @ Cavalry Court (Canteen Bar & Grill)
Fri, Oct 24 • 7:30–10:30 PM
Americana-soul artist James Cook rolls into College Station with a distinctive blend of folk-rock, gospel, country, and Southern blues—perfect for an open-air night at Canteen Bar & Grill.
Grab a patio table, order cocktails and shareables, and catch a full set in one of BCS’s most relaxed live-music courtyards.
The Farmers’ Market in Brazos County (Midtown Park)
Sat, Oct 25 • 8:00 AM–12:00 PM
Stock up on fresh produce, pasture-raised meats, local honey, baked goods, and artisan finds at the weekly market—now hosted at Travis Bryan Midtown Park.
Arrive early for the best selection and easy parking. The market runs rain or shine and is pet-friendly (leashes required).
The Gardens Fall Festival @ Texas A&M
Sat, Oct 25 • 9:00–11:30 AM
Welcome autumn at The Gardens with hands-on crafts, educational activity stations, seasonal treats, and a dedicated sensory-friendly/quiet zone. This community event is free and open to all ages.
Free parking is available in designated Texas A&M lots. Expect photo ops among the fall plantings and plenty of kid-friendly learning.
The Rocky Horror Show @ The Theatre Company (TTC)
Thu–Sun, Oct 23–26 • Evenings (select) • Sat/Sun additional showtimes
Time-warp back to this cult-classic stage production—complete with audience participation moments, outrageous costumes, and high-energy musical numbers. TTC’s beloved annual run sells fast.
Make a night of it with pre-show dinner nearby, and check TTC’s calendar for the full list of performances and any late-night shows.
Brazos Valley All-Star Band @ Cavalry Court
Sat, Oct 25 • 7:30–10:30 PM
Local all-stars join forces for a feel-good night of Texas tunes at Canteen Bar & Grill. Expect a lively crowd, lawn seating, and easy parking at Century Square.
This is a great “bring the crew” pick—casual, outdoors, and free to attend.
BCS Oktoberfest Half Marathon & 10K (Finish inside Kyle Field)
Sun, Oct 26 • 7:00 AM start
Lace up for a fast, mostly flat course through College Station that culminates with an unforgettable finish inside Kyle Field. Post-race festivities feature Oktoberfest-style food and up to six local craft beers for finishers.
Packet pickup is Saturday only; there is no race-day pickup. Both distances award finisher medals and premium shirts—check the race site for course maps and parking details.
Halloweentown in Historic Downtown Bryan
Sun, Oct 26 • 3:00–6:00 PM
Downtown transforms into a family-friendly Halloween block party with trick-or-treat booths, photo stations, a kids’ dance floor, and a costume contest with multiple age categories.
This free event is easy to access with street parking outside the closure and paid parking available at Roy Kelly Garage. Costumes encouraged for all ages!