Last Updated: September 24, 2026.
October is one of my favorite months to get out around Rockwall County. The temperatures finally begin to cooperate, pumpkin patches open, outdoor concerts fill the calendar and suddenly there are more things happening than weekends to fit them into.
This year’s list mixes some familiar fall traditions with live music, theatre, art, Halloween fun and a couple of ideas for making your own October memories at home. Whether you’re planning something with the kids, meeting friends or simply looking for an excuse to get out of the house, here are 13 things to do around Rockwall County this October.
Explore the Pumpkin Patch at Blase Family Farm
Embrace the fall spirit by visiting the charming Pumpkin Patch at Blase Family Farm. Enjoy hayrides, a petting zoo, a hay maze, and indulge in homemade treats like popsicles and fudge. Don’t forget to pick out the perfect pumpkin and capture memorable photos amid the festive decor.
Dates: September 19–November 1
Hours:
- Monday – Friday: 9 AM – 6 PM
- Saturday: 10 AM – 6 PM
- Sunday: 12 PM – 6 PM
Admission: Reservations are required. $12 per person; children age 1 and younger are free. Admission includes the petting zoo, hayride, hay maze and Spookley trail. Pumpkins are also part of the experience.
Parking: Free
Location: 1232 E. Fork Drive, Rockwall, TX 75087
Website: BlaseFamilyFarm.com
San Jacinto Plaza Music Series
Enjoy free live music in the heart of Downtown Rockwall during the San Jacinto Plaza Music Series. Relax at café-style tables or bring your own chair while listening to local and regional musicians. Make a night of it with dinner or drinks nearby at Zanata, Casa Mama, or Bin 303.
Dates: October 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, 23 and 30
Time: 7 PM – 9:30 PM
Admission: Free
Location: San Jacinto Plaza, 101-115 S. San Jacinto St., Rockwall, TX 75087
2026 Lineup: Colin Boyd Trio, Ryan Berg, David Tribble Trio, Chris Colston, Scott Sean White, Ralyn Gayle, Water Sign and Cody Cresswell. Visit Rockwall.com for the current music schedule.
Rockwall Community Playhouse Youth Performances
Rockwall Community Playhouse’s fall youth workshops take the stage in early October with two productions performed by local students. Younger performers will bring a nursery-rhyme courtroom comedy to life in Itsy Bitsy: Trial of an Eight-Legged Washout, while middle-school actors take on the mystery-comedy No Body to Murder.
Itsy Bitsy: Trial of an Eight-Legged Washout
Performed by students in grades 1–4, this playful courtroom comedy puts Itsy Bitsy Spider on trial after Dish and Spoon mysteriously disappear.
Performances: October 2 at 7:30 PM and October 3 at 2 PM
No Body to Murder
Students in grades 5–8 perform this comedic murder mystery set at a Nova Scotia inn, where a storm, an escaped convict and a suspicious death leave nearly everyone looking guilty.
Performances: October 3 at 7:30 PM and October 4 at 2 PM
Location: Rockwall Community Playhouse, 609 E. Rusk St., Rockwall, TX 75087
Tickets: Purchase at RockwallCommunityPlayhouse.org
National Night Out in Heath
Spend an evening with the Heath Department of Public Safety during National Night Out, a community event designed to bring residents and first responders together. Families can meet Heath DPS officers and firefighters while enjoying a complimentary dinner, snow cones, music, inflatables and other activities for the kids.
It’s an easygoing opportunity to get to know the people who serve the community while enjoying a free evening out with the family.
Date: October 6, 2026
Time: 6 PM – 8 PM
Admission: Free
Location: Heath DPS Fire Bay, Heath, Texas
Activities: Complimentary dinner, snow cones, music, inflatables and opportunities to meet Heath DPS officers and firefighters.
More Information: Visit the City of Heath website for event details.
Website: HeathTX.com
Royse City Main Street Pumpkin Patch
Make a fall stop in Downtown Royse City at the annual Main Street Pumpkin Patch. The season kicks off with pumpkin delivery on October 8 at Old Jail Park, and volunteers keep the patch open throughout October for families looking for pumpkins and a festive fall photo opportunity.
Pumpkin Delivery: October 8, 2026 at 4 PM
Hours: Monday–Saturday, 11 AM–7 PM; Sunday, 12:30 PM–5 PM
Location: Old Jail Park, 305 E. Main Street, Royse City, TX 75189
More Information: Visit the Royse City Main Street website for current Pumpkin Patch details.
Harmony at The Harbor
Thursday nights at The Harbor get a fall soundtrack with Harmony at The Harbor, Rockwall’s October outdoor concert series overlooking Lake Ray Hubbard. Grab dinner nearby, find a spot around the amphitheater and enjoy four evenings of tribute music and a season-ending performance by the Rockwall Philharmonic.
Dates & Lineup:
October 8 — The King Lives, Elvis Tribute Band
October 15 — Buffett Beach Band, Jimmy Buffett Tribute
October 22 — Def Leggend, Def Leppard Tribute
October 29 — Rockwall Philharmonic Orchestra
Time: 7 PM–9 PM
Location: The Harbor, 2059 Summer Lee Drive, Rockwall, TX 75032
Weather Note: The City makes weather-related decisions by 6 PM on concert nights and posts updates through Rockwall Parks.
Rubber Duck Regatta & Jeep Festival
One of Rockwall’s most recognizable fall traditions returns to The Harbor with the Rubber Duck Regatta & Jeep Festival. Spend the day exploring the KidZone, vendor market, food trucks, live entertainment and Jeep activities before hundreds of numbered rubber ducks race through the fountains at 4 PM.
There is a fun change for 2026: Duck Race entries are free. Participants can claim one free entry per cell phone number online, with opportunities to earn additional entries during the festival. The first three ducks across the finish line win family adventure prize packages.
Date: October 10, 2026
Festival: 11 AM–4:30 PM
Duck Race: 4 PM
Admission: Free
Location: The Harbor, 2059 Summer Lee Drive, Rockwall, TX 75032
Duck Race Entry: Free while entries are available.
Spend an October Evening at Rosini Vineyards
Rosini Vineyards has several reasons to make the drive out this October, from weekend live music to a hands-on floral workshop and a Halloween celebration. Make a reservation, order a glass of wine and choose the evening that sounds most like you.
Fall Live Music
Friday Nights — 6 PM–8:30 PM:
October 2 — Brett Morrison
October 9 — Gray Laster
October 16 — Chip Davis
October 23 — Kevin Barlett
October 30 — Sandy Bates
Saturday Nights — 5 PM–7:30 PM:
October 3 — Glenn Parker
October 10 — Steve Selinsky
October 17 — Roger Escobedo
October 24 — Jada & Dale
October 31 — Trevon Stewart
Pressed Floral Wine Glass Workshop — October 22
Add a little creativity to your wine night with Rosini Vineyards’ Pressed Floral Wine Glass Workshop. Guests will create their own decorative wine glass using an assortment of dried and pressed flowers, with guidance from How Great Thou Art of Greenville throughout the process.
All supplies are provided, making this a fun option for a girls’ night, date night or anyone who enjoys trying something creative.
Time: 6 PM–8 PM
Tickets: Visit Rosini Vineyards’ event page for ticket information.
Halloween Party — October 30
Close out October with costumes, wine and live music at Rosini Vineyards’ annual Halloween Party. Guests are invited to dress up for the costume contest, play games for prizes and try Halloween-inspired food specials while Sandy Bates performs live.
Time: 6 PM–9 PM
Featuring: Costume contest, games and prizes, Halloween food specials and live music by Sandy Bates.
Location: 411 State Highway 205, Rockwall, TX 75032
Tip: Rosini recommends making a reservation ahead of time.
Website: RosiniVineyards.com
Rockwall Art League 26th Annual Juried Fine Art Show & Sale
Spend a weekend surrounded by original art at the Rockwall Art League’s 26th Annual Juried Fine Art Show & Sale. The three-day exhibition brings together artists from across a five-state region, with work represented in categories including oil, watercolor, acrylic, mixed media, mosaic, drawing, photography and sculpture.
The 2026 show moves to The Center at Rockwall City Place and opens Friday evening with a ribbon cutting, artist reception and award announcements. Visitors can return throughout the weekend to browse the exhibit, meet artists and vote for the People’s Choice Award. Up to $6,600 in prize money will be awarded.
Dates: October 16–18, 2026
Friday: 5:30 PM–8 PM
Saturday: 10 AM–7 PM
Sunday: 12 PM–4 PM
Location: The Center at Rockwall City Place, 108 E. Washington St., Rockwall, TX 75087
Highlights: Artist reception, juried awards, original artwork for sale and multiple special awards.
Aspasians Fall Marketplace
Shop local while supporting Rockwall County students at the Aspasians Fall Marketplace, a community tradition dating back to 1972. The outdoor marketplace brings together local and regional vendors offering boutique clothing, jewelry, home décor, artisan goods, specialty foods, gifts and seasonal finds.
There is an even better reason to shop. Proceeds from the Marketplace help fund college scholarships for graduating Rockwall County seniors.
Date: October 24, 2026
Time: 8:30 AM–3:30 PM
Admission: Free and open to the public
Good to Know: The Marketplace is held rain or shine.
Location: Wilkerson-Sanders Memorial Stadium, 1215 TL Townsend Dr., Rockwall, TX 75087
Website: Aspasians.com
Scare on the Square
Costumes are encouraged for an afternoon of Halloween fun during Scare on the Square in Downtown Rockwall. Families can trick-or-treat at Boo Booths, tackle the hay maze, enjoy bounce houses and participate in other Halloween activities around downtown.
The City is also planning a pumpkin decorating contest, with pet parade registration expected to open ahead of the event.
Date: October 24, 2026
Time: 2 PM–5 PM
Location: Downtown Rockwall
Admission: Free
Activities: Trick-or-treating, Boo Booths, bounce houses, hay maze, pumpkin decorating and more.
Website: Rockwall.com
Host a Neighborhood Chili Cook-Off
Cooler evenings are a good excuse to gather the neighbors, pull out the slow cookers and make dinner competitive. Keep it simple: ask each household to bring a pot of chili, set out toppings, hand everyone a ballot and award bragging rights for favorites like Best Overall, Spiciest Chili and Most Creative Recipe.
For a hearty, crowd-friendly option, try a Cowboy Chili made with ground beef, beans, tomatoes, peppers and plenty of smoky spices.
Easy Cowboy Chili
Ingredients
– 2 pounds ground beef
– 1 large onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 jalapeño, minced
– 2 tablespoons chili powder
– 2 teaspoons ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 can diced tomatoes, 28 ounces
– 1 can tomato sauce, 15 ounces
– 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 cup beef broth
– Salt and black pepper to taste
Directions: Brown the beef with the onion, garlic, bell pepper and jalapeño. Drain excess grease, then stir in the seasonings. Add tomatoes, tomato sauce, beans and beef broth. Simmer uncovered for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thick and hearty.
Make Something Beautiful for the Table
October is a good time to slow down and make something by hand—especially something you can actually use or display during the season ahead. Think handwritten recipe cards, painted serving boards, embroidered napkins, small clay salt bowls, fabric bread bags, or custom table linens.
These kinds of projects make everyday meals and gatherings feel more personal without being overly fussy. They can also become thoughtful hostess gifts, holiday keepsakes or pieces you bring back to the table year after year.
Make It Your Own: Choose colors, fabrics or patterns that work with your home rather than limiting the project to traditional fall orange and brown. Deep olive, burgundy, warm gold, cream and natural linen tones can carry beautifully from October through Thanksgiving.
What’s on your October calendar? If you make it to one of these events—or end up hosting that chili cook-off—come back and tell me how it went. And if there’s a Rockwall County event or fall tradition I missed, send it my way. I’m always looking for something worth adding to the calendar.
