Katy knows how to throw a party. For 44 years, the Rice Harvest Festival has transformed downtown into the heart of community celebration, and this year promises to be the biggest yet. Mark October 11-12 on your calendar – this is the weekend Katy reminds everyone why small-town Texas festivals matter.
The newly redesigned Historic Town Square becomes festival central, right in front of Katy City Hall at 901 Avenue C. Free shuttles from Merrell Center make getting there easy, and once you arrive, two days of music, food, rides, and pure Texas fun await.
Sawyer Brown Brings Country Music Powerhouse Energy
Saturday night’s headliner brings serious star power. Sawyer Brown won “Star Search” in 1984 and launched a career that produced 18 studio albums and more than 50 chart hits. Their No. 1 singles “Step That Step,” “Some Girls Do,” and “Thank God for You” became country music staples that fans still sing along to decades later.
The main stage hosts live music both days, giving you plenty of opportunities to dance, sing, or just soak up the atmosphere. Saturday runs 10 AM to 10 PM, keeping the party going well into the evening. Sunday offers a more relaxed 12 PM to 6 PM schedule perfect for families.
Sunday’s lineup showcases an all-female artist celebration with headliner Kylie Frey, joined by Bri Bagwell and Holly Tucker. Saturday also features Brazos County Line and Coleton Black rounding out the entertainment lineup.
New This Year: AgVenture Area and Sports Zone
Katy earned its nickname as the “Rice Capital of the World” through decades of agricultural innovation. The new AgVenture Area celebrates that heritage with interactive exhibits, a large petting zoo, and pony rides. Kids learn about rice farming history while adults appreciate the legacy that built this community.
Sports fans get their own dedicated zone where college and professional football games play throughout the weekend. Watch your favorite teams while enjoying festival food and drinks – because nothing says Texas like combining football with community festivals.
Carnival Returns With Rides for All Ages
The carnival returns this year, bringing rides and games that work for everyone from toddlers to thrill-seekers. Carnival unlimited passes cost $30 for single-day access or $50 for the full weekend. Important: Carnival passes are sold separately from festival admission and do not include entry to the festival grounds.
Beyond the carnival, multiple kid zones and a dedicated toddler area ensure younger festival-goers stay entertained whether they prefer rides, games, or interactive activities.
Over 100 Vendors and Food Trucks
Local artisans, crafters, and vendors fill 100+ booths with unique finds you won’t see at big-box stores. From handmade jewelry to home décor, these vendors represent the creativity and entrepreneurship that makes Katy special.
Food trucks serve everything your appetite demands. The beer garden provides adult beverages for those who want to relax with a cold drink while live music plays. Festival admission includes access to all vendor areas, live music, and exhibits – only carnival rides require separate tickets.
Your Money Supports Community Programs
Every dollar of net proceeds returns to the Katy community through the Rotary Club of Katy partnership. Scholarships help local students pursue education. Grants support nonprofit organizations tackling community challenges. Charities receive funding that enables their essential work.
This festival doesn’t just entertain – it invests in Katy’s future. When you buy tickets, food, or vendor goods, you’re supporting programs that make your community stronger.
Don’t Miss the Parade
October 4 at 9 AM – one week before the festival – the annual Katy Rice Harvest Festival Parade rolls through Historic Downtown. Colorful floats, local organizations, school cheer squads, and community groups celebrate Katy’s agricultural heritage and small-town spirit.
The parade kicks off festival season and builds excitement for the main event the following weekend. Line the streets early for the best viewing spots, and bring the family for this free community tradition.
Getting There Made Easy
Historic Town Square sits at 901 Avenue C in downtown Katy. Limited downtown parking means most visitors should use the free shuttle service from Merrell Center (6301 S Stadium Lane). Shuttles run continuously Saturday and Sunday until 30 minutes after the festival closes.
Rideshare services also serve the festival, with special discounts available through festival partners. Three entry gates surround the festival grounds, so you can enter from multiple directions. Pick up a festival map at any gate to navigate the vendor areas, stages, food courts, and activity zones.
Ticket Information
Festival Admission:
- Saturday Adult (10 AM-10 PM): $10
- Sunday Adult (12 PM-6 PM): $10
- Children 12 and under: FREE both days
Carnival Unlimited Passes:
- Saturday only: $30 (unlimited rides, festival admission sold separately)
- Sunday only: $30 (unlimited rides, festival admission sold separately)
- Full weekend: $50 (unlimited rides both days)
Important Ticket Notes:
- Tickets are required for entry onto the festival grounds
- Tickets can be purchased at the gate (cash preferred), but skip the line with pre-purchased tickets
- Carnival tickets are sold separately and are NOT included with festival admission
- Children under 12 receive free festival entry, but carnival rides require tickets for all riders
Purchase tickets in advance at katyriceharvestfestival.com or buy at the gate. Online ticket sales available through the festival website’s ticketing portal.
What Makes This Festival Special
Nearly 45 years ago, Katy started celebrating its rice farming heritage with a community festival. That tradition continues today, even as Katy grows into a thriving suburban community. The festival connects past and present, honoring the agricultural roots that built this town while celebrating the diverse, dynamic community Katy has become.
Oil and gas, railroads (MKT), and rice farming shaped Katy’s history. Resilient people who worked these industries created the community spirit that defines Katy today. The Rice Harvest Festival keeps that spirit alive through celebration, connection, and giving back.
Pro Tips for Festival Success
Arrive early Saturday for the best vendor selection and shorter lines. Bring cash for faster transactions, though many vendors accept cards. Comfortable shoes matter – you’ll walk miles exploring vendor booths, food trucks, and activity areas.
Check the weather forecast and dress accordingly. October in Katy usually brings pleasant temperatures, but Texas weather surprises, so layers help. Sunscreen and hats protect during daytime hours.
Strollers navigate the festival easily, though crowds get thick during peak hours. The toddler zone provides dedicated space for young children to play safely away from carnival rides and main stage crowds.
First Aid and Emergency Services
First aid stations operate throughout the festival. Festival staff in identifiable shirts can direct you to medical assistance or help with lost children. For emergencies, always dial 911.
Lost and found operates on-site. If your child becomes separated from your group, immediately contact any festival staff member who will notify emergency management personnel.
Why You Should Go
This festival represents everything good about Texas communities. Local businesses showcase their products. Musicians share their talent. Volunteers give their time. Families create memories. And all proceeds support programs that strengthen Katy for everyone.
You’ll taste great food, hear excellent music, shop unique vendors, watch your kids laugh on carnival rides, and connect with neighbors you might not otherwise meet. That’s the magic of community festivals – they bring people together in ways that daily life rarely allows.
Katy’s agricultural heritage built the foundation for today’s thriving community. The Rice Harvest Festival honors that heritage while celebrating the present and investing in the future. Whether you’ve lived in Katy for generations or moved here last month, this festival welcomes you to experience what makes this community special.
October 11-12 at Historic Downtown Katy. Two days of music, food, rides, vendors, and pure Texas community celebration. See you there.
Festival Details
Dates: October 11-12, 2025
Hours:
- Saturday: 10 AM – 10 PM
- Sunday: 12 PM – 6 PM
Location: Historic Town Square, 901 Avenue C, Katy, TX 77493
Parking: Free shuttles from Merrell Center (6301 S Stadium Lane)
Parade: October 4, 2025, 9 AM
Phone: 281-391-4800
Email: [email protected]
Website: katyriceharvestfestival.com
Tickets: Purchase online at katyriceharvestfestival.com or at the gate (cash preferred)
Beneficiary: Rotary Club of Katy (100% of net proceeds support community programs)
Entertainment Lineup:
- Saturday Headliner: Sawyer Brown
- Sunday Headliner: Kylie Frey
- Saturday Artists: Brazos County Line, Coleton Black
- Sunday Artists: Bri Bagwell, Holly Tucker
Pro Tip: Pre-purchase your tickets online to skip the gate lines, especially if you’re arriving during peak hours Saturday morning or afternoon. If you’re planning to do the carnival rides, buy the full weekend pass for $50 – it’s the best value if you’re attending both days. And don’t forget: carnival passes are separate from festival admission, so budget for both if you want the complete experience. Most importantly, arrive early on Saturday to explore all 100+ vendor booths before crowds get thick. The unique handmade items go fast!
