Katy Rice Harvest Festival Returns Oct. 11-12 with New Look, Expanded Entertainment, and Community Fun
Katy’s most cherished fall tradition is returning with a fresh look and a heart full of community spirit. The 2025 Katy Rice Harvest Festival is just around the corner, and this year’s event promises to be bigger, better, and more inclusive than ever—reimagined to reflect both the city’s historic roots and its ever-growing, family-focused community.
Set for October 11–12 in the newly redesigned Historic Town Square in front of Katy City Hall, the festival will once again benefit the Rotary Club of Katy, with 100% of net proceeds going directly back into the Katy community through scholarships, nonprofit grants, and local charities.
“This year’s festival is about honoring where we’ve come from while celebrating what makes Katy so special today,” shared Kaci Maris, Tourism and Marketing Event Coordinator for the City of Katy. “We’ve worked hard to bring fresh energy to the event—new features, expanded attractions, and more opportunities to make memories as a community.”
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What’s New in 2025?
This year’s reimagined festival brings an exciting blend of new attractions and enhanced favorites:
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Newly upgraded Historic Town Square venue with improved layout, expanded green spaces, and a more walkable setup for families and guests of all ages.
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Over 100 vendor booths, featuring handmade goods, artisan crafts, boutique items, and local businesses.
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Expanded food truck area, offering everything from classic Texas BBQ to fusion flavors and sweet festival treats.
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New Kids’ Zones, including a sensory-friendly play area, toddler zone, and a sports zone for all-ages recreation.
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Agricultural and historical exhibits spotlighting rice farming equipment, local history, and Katy ISD FFA student projects.
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A reimagined beer garden experience and upgraded main stage viewing areas for more space to dance and relax.
And yes—the carnival is back. Guests can enjoy unlimited rides with day or weekend passes, available for pre-purchase online.
Festival Highlights: Music, Parade, and Cooking Contest
The festivities begin early with the annual parade on Saturday, October 4 at 9:00 a.m., where local schools, businesses, and community groups are encouraged to show off their creativity with decorated floats and festive displays. Check out the parade route here. Applications are open now for those interested in participating - sign up here.
That same day, the Rice Cooking Contest returns at the Katy VFW Museum—a community favorite where local chefs (amateur only!) can show off their best rice-based dishes for a chance at awards and bragging rights. Learn more and sign up here.
During festival weekend, the music lineup takes center stage with a stacked roster of Texas favorites:
Saturday, October 11
- Headliner: Sawyer Brown
- Artists: Brazos County Line, Coleton Black
Sunday, October 12
- Headliner: Kylie Frey
- Artists: Bri Bagwell, Holly Tucker
From country chart-toppers to local rising stars, the live performances are set to keep energy high all weekend long.
Student Art Contest Celebrates Katy Through Young Eyes
The Katy Rice Harvest Festival is once again highlighting the talents of local students with its 2025 Art Contest, open to all Katy ISD students in grades K–12.
This year’s theme is “Day Trip to Katy”, inviting students to illustrate what makes Katy special. From favorite parks and landmarks to beloved local eateries and traditions, the contest encourages young artists to share their perspective on what they’d show a visitor spending a day in their hometown.
Students should see their art teachers for entry forms. The submission deadline is October 2, 2025.
Ticket Information
Admission remains affordable for families:
- $10 per adult per day (Saturday or Sunday)
- Children 12 & under get in free
- Carnival wristbands: $30/day or $50 for the weekend (festival admission sold separately)
To skip the lines, pre-purchase tickets and carnival passes online here.
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Getting There: New Parking & Shuttle Options
This year’s festival also features improved parking logistics, including a free shuttle service to and from the Merrell Center, plus exclusive rideshare discounts for guests who choose to Uber or Lyft to the festival grounds. These new transportation options are designed to reduce congestion and create a smoother experience for attendees.
Volunteers Needed: Be Part of the Festival Family
The Katy Rice Harvest Festival is powered by volunteers—and community members age 16 and up are encouraged to sign up by September 26 to join the effort. From setup crews to info booth helpers, there’s a role for everyone looking to be part of something special. Sign-up to volunteer here.
Celebrating Katy’s Roots While Embracing Its Future
As Katy continues to grow, the Katy Rice Harvest Festival remains a vibrant reminder of the community’s deep agricultural history, enduring traditions, and strong neighborly ties. With new attractions, familiar faces, and a welcoming spirit, this year’s festival is more than an event—it’s a celebration of everything Katy was, is, and will be.
Mark your calendars for October 11–12, and get ready to celebrate Katy’s heritage with heart, flavor, and fun. Stay connected with My Neighborhood News for more updates and event reminders as festival day approaches.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
