60+ Things To Do in Midland, TX this Fall
Midland is about to cool down from 100-degree weather to a nice 70-80 degrees and we are going to call it Fall. Time to pull out your sweaters, and indulge in everything pumpkin flavored. The fun starts now with plenty of festive things to do around Midland, Texas this season.
Here’s your list of things to do this Fall in Midland, Texas:
HOT DRINKS IN MIDLAND
Support your local drink shops around town when you’re craving the very sweet, but very seasonal Pumpkin Spice Latte from the coffee shop that normally makes them… Chances are, these seasonal drinks around Midland will be tastier than your average PSL.
Hand Cafe- The Hand Cafe offers tons of seasonal options that will have you in the fall spirit in no time. Start off with a warm cup of their spiced caramel apple cider and follow it with a warm pumpkin treat. Ask for more of their seasonal treats to try out while you’re in.
Tea2Go- While these teas make for refreshing drink during the summer, the hot teas make for an even better Fall treat.
Far West Coffee- where coffee meets art. Enjoy classic espresso beverages with housemade syrups, a selection of tea, or the house favorite - the oatchata. Need a baked good with that? They have you covered with their in-house croissants, bagels, and breakfast sandwiches.
CPL Ray’s Coffee- This Permian Basin staple is perfect for grabbing something warm to keep your hands toasty during this Fall season.
The Human Bean- This drive-thru coffee shop is what dreams are made of. With the convenience of stopping on your way to the office or just out and about, you’ll be frequenting this shop all season long.
Black Rifle Coffee - this locally-owned franchise has plenty of room for you to work with a first-responder focus. You can also find locally-made food items through local partnerships.
SWEET TREATS & PUMPKIN EVERYTHING
As soon as the air gets somewhat cool, something clicks in all of us and everything needs to be pumpkin flavored and covered in cinnamon. Those are the rules of Autumn apparently. These spots around Midland offer delicious seasonal finds to get you in the spirit and fill you up with sugar.
Tony’s Old Fashioned Bakery- A timeless classic for all your sweet treats in Midland, Tony’s will satisfy your sweet tooth or pumpkin craving. Try out a bag of their pumpkin chocolate cookies or a few pumpkin empanadas to celebrate the season.
Golden Whisk- With so many great sweet options, you’ll have a hard time choosing what to eat. (Maybe try it all, and get back to us on your faves). With a storefront in central Midland, this bakery will be fueling your Fall sweet tooth.
D’Lisa’s Gluten-Free Bakery- For all of our gluten-sensitive dessert lovers, this is the answer to your bread prayers. Located at Midland Downtown Farmers Market (and a physical location on West Wall Street), the local baker has perfected her dessert recipes for her gluten-free customers. Try her cinnamon bread or pumpkin bread for a treat with your coffee in the mornings. Be quick because she sells out fast!
Martinez Bakery- One of Midland’s bakery secrets has some of the best pumpkin empanadas during the Fall. Homemade and baked to perfection, you’ll be coming back for more. After you order one of their empanadas, try out the other sweet breads and cakes, you’ll thank us later.
COMFORT FOOD
There’s nothing better than warming up on a chilly day with a big plate or bowl of something warm. In the case of Midland, Texas, this might mean shoveling soup in your mouth while you’re still sweating from the walk in the parking lot, but remember, it’s festive.
Sapporo Ramen & Grill- A hot bowl of ramen on a chilled day, or just any regular day in September or October, is the perfect pick me up that anyone needs.
Pachuco’s- This diverse menu has lots of options for your comfort food fix. With some elote, bao, and various smothered fries, you’ll be warm and toasty in no time.
Mulberry Cafe- Some days you’re just craving a bowl of soup. Mulberry has options for you to keep you warm and full. Curl up next to their giant fireplace to warm up even more.
Murray’s Deli- Located on Wadley and serving some of the best soup in town is Murray’s Deli. If you’re not in the mood for soup, their newest addition to the menu will be just as comforting. The pizza only served on the weekends is an addition that you need to try.
The Red Plate Diner-This locally owned favorite is the best stop for half a sandwich and a cup of soup on any given Fall day. The classic diner setting will transform your dining experience as well as making you feel extra cozy.
Strawberry Fields Cafe- If you’re still trying to stick to your diet but are in need of some comfort food, Strawberry Fields needs to be your first stop. With their daily specials, no matter what kind of health regimen you are sticking to, you’ll find something tasty and comforting.
Back in the Day Cafe- If you’re needing some good homestyle cooking in your life, Back in the Day is the place to be. It feels like Sunday dinners made by your granny where everything in the world is just right. And of course, the food is just as good.
READ: Soup and Ramen Spots in Midland
SCARY FUN
The kind of fun that is for sure seasonal, but also a little bit scary and you might want to take a buddy. We’ll let you try these out and we’ll just take your word for how it went.
Old Midland Trail of Horrors- Located in Old Midland, you’ll be taken on a scary tour that will have you shaking in your boots.
Hell’s Hallow Haunted House-After the chaos of last year, Midland’s haunted house fanatics are hoping that this scary attraction will be open again this year. Keep an eye on their socials for more info about this coming year.
Fairview Cemetery- This cemetery was recognized by the state of Texas as a Historic Texas Cemetery a few years back and is actually the oldest cemetery in Midland. With the oldest grave standing in 1858, you’ll get a whole lot of history here. Remember to be respectful of the premises and others that might be at the cemetery.
Museum of the Southwest-Yes, it’s all fun and games with the weekly farmers market and Children’s museum on the campus, but the mansion itself has a dark past. It’s said that the owners were murdered in the home and still haunt the grounds today.
The Screamatorium- More free and scary fun is put on every year by a local family in order to provide a safe but frightening experience for Midland every Halloween.
PUMPKIN PATCHES
A Fall tradition for all ages. Whether you’re going to pick the perfect carving pumpkin, or you’re going to pick one out to sit on your porch to rot, there’s nothing that’s more seasonal than strolling through a pumpkin patch.
Fiddlesticks Farms- Opening for their Fall 2023 season on September 23, Fiddlesticks Farms has everything you need for the Fall season. With a pumpkin patch, corn maze, a giant slide, farm animals, and much more,
St. Luke’s Methodist Church Pumpkin Patch- Another Fall and local favorite, the St. Luke’s Patch will be returning for another year. With fun photo ops around the property for the kids and tons of pumpkins to choose from, add this to your list for the Fall.
Anderson Farms- Produce out of Andrews, Texas comes over a few days a month to sell their (super delicious) produce meaning that pumpkins will soon be joining the mix just in front of Mr. Gatti’s on Wadley. If you can’t bear to wait until then, take the short trip over to Andrews and visit their storefront.
Mandujano Farms- Another pumpkin-picking opportunity that’s a short drive away from Midland. Not only does this family-owned farm have pumpkins during this season, but they also have seasonal vegetation to chow down on.
FESTIVE FAMILY FUN IN MIDLAND
If you need to get the children out of your house, these are great options that are both festive and time-consuming before nap time.
The Orchard Apple Picking- If you’re wanting to take a little day trip during the season, we have to suggest Idalou, Texas. A small pit spot around Lubbock, their apples and apple picking will bring seasonal memories and tons of fun for the entire family.
SeptemberFest- Welcome the Fall season and hang out with the local art scene with this year’s annual SeptemberFest. Support local artists and enjoy live music, vendors, and food this weekend.
Midland Downtown Farmers Market- Shop and eat locally every Saturday at the Farmers Market. With lots of local businesses and entrepreneurs, you’ll find exactly what you need and more.
Miss Cayce’s- Visit a holiday wonderland without even leaving town. Be transformed by holiday magic with everything from Halloween to Thanksgiving to Christmas. Enjoy a cookie and a Coke while you walk around the store and do a little shopping.
Duck Pond- The ducks still need love too in the Fall! The weather will be perfect this time of year to take a walk around the pond but also feeding the ducks a few snacks.
Green Acres- The newly renovated mini golf course is open and ready to have you and your family. Make sure to check out their Fall hours for when they are open and you can enjoy the Fall weather.
Sibley Nature Center- With events throughout the month to enjoy, there’s tons to do out in nature over at Midland’s Sibley Nature Center and Hogan Park.
The Pottery- Channel your inner artist at Midland’s pottery studio with so many ceramic options to customize, you won’t be able to choose just one.
I-20 Wildlife Preserve- Take a walk on the wild side of Midland where you’ll be met with scenic views of Midland’s wildlife.
The Petroleum Museum- Learn more about Midland’s extensive history from the days of underwater terrain to oil discovery. There’s plenty to do both inside and outside the museum with special events throughout the month for both the adults and the kiddos.
Evridge Farms- If you’re a frequent visitor to the Midland Downtown Farmers Market, you’ll definitely recognize this small business. Located on the edge of town, you’ll find an abundance of sunflowers and wildflowers, cotton, high-quality beef, and grains.
Monahans Sandhills- Another small adventure out of town gives all the beach vibes with a little bit of Texas to it. As the weather cools down, you have to make this trip at least once where the bottoms of your feet aren’t burning off on the sand and you can enjoy your day.
OUTDOOR DINING
We have a few days during the season where it’s a little too chilly to be sitting outside. Especially with that West Texas wind. These spots have a nice in-between option for outside dining while still keeping a little warm.
Little Bohemian-The newest addition to Downtown Midland’s dining experience on the corner and across from Centennial Park is your next stop for small bites and a fun cocktail. Perks include the gorgeous patio and outdoor seating on a nice fall day.
Pi Social-Located next to Little Bohemian is another great outdoor dining option. With bar seating and tables outside on the patio, you can enjoy the weather and a slice of pizza in Downtown Midland.
Fuel Bar- A healthy option for this Fall is something from Fuel Bar’s menu. With smoothie bowls, sandwiches, and wraps, all of this can be enjoyed in their amazing outdoor eating space.
Venezia- If you’re looking for a more formal dining experience, Venezia is the place to go with both indoor and outdoor dining options. Add a glass of wine to your visit, and you’ll be living your best festive life.
Cafe at the Gardens- Sit inside the greenhouse at Alldredge Gardens amongst the plants and greenery with a plate of some yummy comfort food and a cup of something warm.
La Bodega- Another atrium-style dining experience in Midland will be a staple for this season. Tex Mex is the best sort of comfort food this time of year, so this one is a given.
Juji’s Kitchen- An atrium option for dining will give that outdoor experience without the weather’s tendency to change. Juji’s menu is also packed with comfort food and homestyle meals.
FALL SPORT & FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS
Support some of the local teams this season to get your sports fill. Everything from football to volleyball and even some local leagues that you can get involved with around town.
Midland Legacy High School Sports- Put on your maroon and white and cheer for one of Midland’s high school teams. This Fall, you’ll be able to enjoy football, volleyball, and tennis from this high school team.
Midland High School Sports- The other team that locals support around Midland will be on the field and on the court this Fall.
Midland Christian Sports- One of Midland’s private schools has all the normal Fall sports like other schools where you can get your Friday Night Light experience.
Trinity School of Midland Sports- What makes this school’s sports unique is their 6 man football team that plays every fall on their home field on Wadley.
Midland Classical Sports- While MCA doesn’t have a football team (yet) you can still enjoy other Fall sports and support the local youth at the same time.
Midland College Sports- Support our local community college’s teams this fall in their amazing and local facilities. A great option for some midweek fun and great for the kiddos.
Midland Polo Club- Another kind of fall sport that you wouldn't expect for this area has been around for longer than you think. Check out their polo matches to sit and watch or join in on the fun.
Cornhole Leagues- Here in West Texas, cornhole is serious. So serious that Midland has local leagues for everyone to join in and get their cornhole game on.
Frisbee Golf- If you’ve been to any park in Midland, you might notice the weird metal things in the middle of the field. You definitely need to join in on the fun to see what it’s all about.
Bush Tennis Center- Want to take a swing just for fun or to unleash your competitive side? The Bush Tennis Center is the perfect way to get outside and get into the sport.
Pickleball Midland/Odessa-Speaking of tennis, the latest rage in outdoor past times is the one and only Pickleball! Curious about what it is? Head on over to the local Facebook page to learn more (hint: you don’t hit pickles).
Green Tree Country Club: Golf and Tennis- Even if you don’t live in Green Tree, there are opportunities to use the golf and tennis facilities as a way to practice, play, or just enjoy the beautiful Fall weather
FALL EVENTS YOU WON’T WANT TO MISS
While there is a lot to do around town, there are some extra festive happenings around Midland that will bring all of the Fall vibes and lots of fun.
Midland Downtown Farmers Market: Every Saturday in the Autumn. With cooler weather and pumpkins in season, why not support your local farmers and vendors by stalking up on your pumpkins at the market?
Turkey Trot, November 23, 2023: Join in on the 10th annual Turkey Trot with either the kid’s fun run, the 5K, or the 10K before filling up on carbs, dessert, and of course, turkey.
Check out our posts on Halloween in Midland and Thanksgiving in Midland. We’ll be updating these periodically throughout the Fall for even more festive events around town.
Let us know if we missed one of your favorite autumnal activities and we’ll get it added.
(updated November 2023)