Two days of carnival rides, live country music, and a parade a week early bring one of Texas’s largest small-town festivals back to Katy’s newly redesigned Town Square.
Historic Town Square, Katy, TX — October 10-11, 2026
Katy knows how to throw a party, and this year’s Rice Harvest Festival is shaping up to be one of the biggest yet. The two-day celebration takes over the newly redesigned Historic Town Square in front of Katy City Hall, located at 904 Avenue C, bringing carnival rides, live music, and a genuine slice of small-town Texas spirit back to downtown.
Festival hours run Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. This year’s headliners bring some serious country music star power: Lonestar takes the stage Saturday, while Neal McCoy, known for hits like “Wink,” “No Doubt About It,” and “The Shake,” closes things out Sunday evening. McCoy has earned multiple ACM awards over his career and built a national reputation for both his high-energy performances and his commitment to supporting local communities.
The festival itself is organized by the City of Katy Parks and Recreation Department in partnership with the Rotary Club of Katy, and 100% of net proceeds go straight back into the Katy community through scholarships, nonprofit support, and charitable grants.
Beyond the music, there’s plenty to keep families busy all weekend. More than 150 vendor booths line the square, selling handmade crafts, unique goods, and plenty of festival food. The AgVenture Area gives kids a hands-on look at Katy’s rice farming roots, complete with a large petting zoo, pony rides, and interactive exhibits tied to the city’s agricultural history. An expanded carnival keeps the rides going all weekend, and a dedicated sports zone rounds out the family-friendly programming.
Don’t Miss the Parade
One week before the main festival, on Saturday, October 3, at 9 a.m., the Katy Rice Harvest Festival Parade rolls through Historic Downtown Katy. It’s free, family-friendly, and features colorful floats, school cheer squads, local businesses, and community organizations, all celebrating Katy’s agricultural heritage and small-town character. The parade has become its own beloved tradition, building excitement for the main event the following weekend, so it’s worth lining the streets early for a good viewing spot.
Getting There
Parking around Historic Town Square is limited, so organizers strongly encourage visitors to use the free shuttle service running continuously from the Merrell Center, located at 6301 S Stadium Lane, throughout the festival on both days until 30 minutes after closing.
Kicking Off the Season
Festival season officially got underway earlier this month with Boots & Brews, held Saturday, September 12, from 7 to 10 p.m. at Historic Town Square, featuring headliners Hayden Baker and Holly Tucker as the festival’s official kickoff event.
Whether you’re coming for Lonestar and Neal McCoy, the carnival rides, or just an afternoon of shopping and food with the family, the Katy Rice Harvest Festival remains one of the largest and most anticipated community festivals in Texas, drawing thousands of visitors from across Greater Houston and beyond every October.
For tickets and the full schedule, visit katyriceharvestfestival.com.
