Day Trips & Beyond: November Events Roundup

A rose by another name. Built at the height of the Great Depression and modeled after the grand cathedrals of Europe, the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Little Flower, originally founded as the Our Lady of Mount Carmel and St. Thérèse Church, celebrates the 100th anniversary of the parish on Nov. 14. On Feb. 6, 2027, the San Antonio church celebrates the 29th anniversary of its dedication as one of 94 minor Catholic basilicas in the U.S., and one of four in Texas (the others are in Beaumont, Galveston, and San Juan). A basilica is an honorary designation given to a church by the Pope due its antiquity, historical significance, architectural beauty, or importance as a center of worship. On the other hand, a cathedral is defined strictly as the principal church of a diocese where the bishop has his official seat. A church can be both a basilica and a cathedral. For instance, St. Anthony’s in Beaumont and St. Mary’s in Galveston have both designations. 

Constructed in the Beaux-Arts style with Moorish features, the church opened in 1931 by the Discalced Carmelite Friars. Two towers of the building face Zarzamora Street and can be seen from I-10, a little more than half-mile away. The 96-foot north tower is topped with a 7-foot bronze statue of St. Thérèse. The sanctuary is surrounded by colorful stained-glass windows with a classical arched ceiling. A central octagonal dome rises 75 feet, showcasing 24 roses symbolizing each year of St. Thérèse’s life. The south transept contains a replica of her tomb in Lisieux, France. 

The basilica was the first shrine in the U.S. dedicated to St. Thérèse. She was canonized in 1925 by Pope Pius XI only 28 years after her death. Thérèse became one of the most popular saints of the 20th century as the patron saint of missionaries, florists, aviators, and priests. Her parents, Zélie and Louis Martin, were the first spouses to be canonized together. Therese’s older sister, Léonie Martin, is also a candidate for sainthood. 

St. Thérèse is called the “Little Flower” because she saw herself as a small, humble wildflower in God’s garden rather than a grand rose, and believed in doing ordinary tasks with great love, trust, and childlike abandonment to God. Even today, the faithful regard a single rose left anonymously to be a gift from St. Thérèse. The church occasionally opens to the public for Heritage Tours where docents explain the history and architectural details of the building.

Jan. 23, 2027, Heritage Tour, San Antonio, littleflowerbasilica.org

Over its 100-year history the Witte Museum in San Antonio has added more hands-on displays as it tells the stories of South Texas. Credit: Courtesy of the Witte Museum

Century mark. It began with a three-year effort by Ellen Schulz Quillin’s students collecting nickels and dimes to raise $5,000 to purchase the H.P. Attwater natural history collection. After local businessman Alfred G. Witte bequeathed money for San Antonio’s first museum, the Witte Memorial Museum opened in Brackenridge Park in 1926. The name was shortened in 1984 to simply the Witte Museum, but the museum has steadily grown over the years. With a focus on natural history, science, and South Texas history, the museum lets visitors walk through time among dinosaurs, bison, and Native people, travel into space, and explore the human body. With something for everybody, the exhibits’ strong suit is hands-on displays. Be careful while wandering the maze of interactive displays or you might learn something while having fun.

To celebrate its 100th anniversary the Witte has special exhibits showcasing its rich history of telling the story of Texas. Follow the path of the museum’s many changes and events from a 1930s Reptile Garden that blended public spectacle with scientific research to the daring and still unsolved 1968 heist of the McFarlin Diamond. 

Through Jan. 9, 2027, 3801 Broadway, San Antonio, www.wittemuseum.org

Travel Notes:    Gary P. Nunn at the Big Barn Dance in Taos, N.M., 2019. Credit: Gerald E. McLeod

Smile for the sculptor. The songwriter who gave us such timeless classics as “London Homesick Blues” and “The Last Thing I Needed, First Thing This Morning” may soon have a bronze likeness overlooking Lake Marble Falls. Community members, leaders, and FiestaJAM have launched a fundraising campaign for a life-size bronze sculpture of Texas music icon Gary P. Nunn. The sculpture will join the Floyd Tillman sculpture, which honors the Country Music Hall of Fame inductee and longtime Marble Falls resident in Lakeside Park at 305 Buena Vista Dr. The Nunn piece will be created by Lubbock bronze artist Garland Weeks. Fans are encouraged to donate at FiestaJAM. Nunn was born in Okmulgee, Oklahoma, and moved to Brownfield, Texas, in the sixth grade. In 1968, he entered UT as a pharmacy major. As the pianist for Jerry Jeff Walker and the Lost Gonzo Band he wrote that immortal line: “I want to go home with the armadillo.” He and his wife, Ruth, have lived outside of Marble Falls since 2003.

Love locks in Bastrop will soon have a new home. Credit: Gerald E. McLeod

Love ya. According to the Bastrop mayor’s office, there is a new Love Locks sculpture coming to the banks of the Colorado River. In the past, lovers have demonstrated their forever affections by attaching a lock to the ornate gate to the historic Old Iron Bridge and tossing the key into the river. Bastrop Mayor Ishmael Harris announced on Facebook that the BTX Love Locks public art sculpture will be unveiled when the pedestrian and bicycle bridge has its ribbon-cutting ceremony on Dec. 4. The 1923 Parker steel-truss landmark was closed to vehicles in 1998 and to pedestrians in 2018. The stabilized and improved bridge will include the addition of color-changing LED lights.

Other November Events: BIG BEND  Hancock Hill offers spectacular views of Alpine and the surrounding country. Credit: Gerald E. McLeod

Guided Hike on Hancock Hill

Dr. Jesse Kelsch will lead the 1.8-mile, moderately challenging hike, highlighting the dynamic geologic history of the Big Bend region. Space is limited and registration is required. Sign up online for this or other nature hikes in the area. 

Nov. 7, Alpine, www.sulross.edu/guided-hikes

Artwalk

Local artists show their work in local businesses against a festive backdrop of music and food vendors. 

Nov. 21-22, Alpine, www.artwalkalpine.com

GULF COAST The Astrodome sits empty next to its replacement stadium. Closed to the public since 2009, dozens of proposals have envisioned new uses, yet stakeholders and county officials have not reached consensus on its future. Credit: Gerald E. McLeod

Big Dome, Bigger Dreams: Visions for Harris County Domed Stadium

It was the world’s first fully enclosed and air-conditioned sports stadium in a city known for punishing heat and humidity. The exhibition explores the ambition, innovation, and cultural moments that made the Astrodome an icon and what should come next for the Dome.

Through Jan. 22, Houston, architecturehouston.org

Wooden Boat Festival

This is a family-friendly event showcasing handcrafted kayaks, paddleboards, skiffs and sailing boats, celebrating a heritage of handmade watercraft started locally in 1915 when the Farley brothers began making some of the first production fishing boats in the U.S.

Nov. 6-8, Port Aransas, woodenboatfestival.org

125th Anniversary Celebration and Dance

The Lindenau Dance Hall is hosting a big birthday party and you’re invited. The old German settlement is largely gone, but the dance hall survives to offer an afternoon of activities for children and adults from 3 to 5pm and a free dance from 6 to 9pm.

Nov. 14, Cuero, www.facebook.com/p/Lindenau-Dance-Hall-61573954770858

Islamic Arts Festival

The largest and oldest festival of its kind in the U.S. offers diverse forms of arts from calligraphy to music. 

Nov. 15-16, Houston, islamicartssociety.org/festival-2026

HILL COUNTRY Visitors to the Titanic display delve into the inner workings of the luxury liner.

“Titanic: The Human Story”

This extraordinary exhibit of artifacts, life-size recreations, and the real stories of its passengers enter its last two weeks on display. 

Nov. 1-15, Austin, titanicexhibition.com/austin

FiestaJAM

Celebrating the songs and stories that have shaped Texas music, the magic happens at Round Mountain Live Stage between Marble Falls and Johnson City. 

Nov. 6-8, Marble Falls, fiestajam.org

Wurstfest

Enjoy the best of the wurst in the classic Texas German festival saluting sausage with song, food, dancing, and more. Monday through Thursday are free nights.

Nov. 6-15, New Braunfels, www.wurstfest.com

Celtic Festival

Local groups highlight Celtic culture through music, history, and Highland Games at Pioneer Farms. 

Nov. 7-8, Austin, www.austincelticfestival.com

Songs on the Frio

The Frio Canyon is filled with the sounds of new songs and the stories behind the tunes as told by the songwriters who wrote the verses during 13 free shows. 

Nov. 12-15, Leakey, www.songsonthefrio.com

 Texas Book Festival

Celebrate all things literary on the Capitol grounds with Texas authors, book publishers, and cooking demonstrations. 

Nov. 14-15, Austin, www.texasbookfestival.org

Beowulf Sheehan in Conversation on the Legacy of Cormac McCarthy

Photographer Beowulf Sheehan discusses The Father of the Man, his new book about his experience shooting what would be the last portraits of novelist Cormac McCarthy. Lead archivist Katie Salzmann, who processed McCarthy’s vast archive, will join the conversation, sharing never-before-seen childhood photos of McCarthy and other materials from his archive. 

Nov. 15, San Marcos, www.thewittliffcollections.txst.edu/events/photographer-beowulf-sheehan.html

Dickens on Main

A vintage Christmas comes alive with roving musicians, ice sculpting, and snow. 

Nov. 27-28, Boerne, www.dickensonmain.com

PANHANDLE PLAINS The old bookstore in Archer City is now the McMurtry Literary Center and Bookstore. Credit: Gerald E. McLeod

Larry McMurtry Lecture Series with Tracy Daugherty: A Life 

The author of the biography “Larry McMurtry: A Life” speaks out about the Pulitzer Prize-winning author and writing a book about him.

Nov. 17, Archer City, www.lmcmurtrylitcenter.org

PINEY WOODS

Heritage Syrup Festival

The highlight of the only folk life festival in East Texas is the syrup making demonstration on the Depot Museum grounds. While the syrup cooks, other folk artists demonstrate the techniques of lace making, rope making, basket making, blacksmithing, wood carving, quilting, and other old-time survival skills.

Nov. 14, Henderson, www.hendersontx.us/14/Heritage-Syrup-Festival

PRAIRIES AND LAKES

Texas Renaissance Festival

The country’s largest Ren Faire continues for its final month of the year with multiple shops, entertainment, and lots of food.

Nov. 1-29, Todd Mission, www.texrenfest.com

Quarter Horse Racing Season

The excitement of the ponies jumping from the starting gate continues Thursday through Saturday. 

Nov. 5-21, Grand Prairie, www.lonestarpark.com

Big Star Texas Night

Enjoy good country music, dancing, and local food in the historic La Bahia Turn Verein Dance Hall. 

Nov. 7, Burton, www.burtontexas.org/bigstartexasnight

The historic buildings at Winedale will be open during the Fall Festival. Credit: Gerald E. McLeod

Winedale’s Fall Festival

Artisans and craftspeople display their wares among demonstrations, food vendors, and live music. 

Nov. 7, Round Top, www.briscoecenter.org/winedale

Scottish Gathering and Highland Games

The clans come together for a weekend of bagpipe music, Highland dancing, haggis, and shows of strength and agility.

Nov. 13-15, Salado, saladomuseum.org/scottish-gathering-and-highland-games/

Fall Chautauqua

A Chautauqua was a popular cultural gathering from the 1870s to the 1920s that blended lectures, music, drama, and other entertainment with learning. Mother Neff State Park hosted many of these events in its early days, and today the park honors that heritage with their free annual fall festival with a variety of interesting guests and activities. 

Nov. 14, Moody, tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/mother-neff/park_events

The ponies return to Washington-on-the-Brazos. Credit: Courtesy THC

Gamblers, Horse Racers, and Sports of All Classes: Horse Racing in Washington

In partnership with the Texas Racing Commission, Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site brings back authentic 1840s horse racing traditions. Races take place at 10:30 and 11:30am and 1, 2, and 3pm.

Nov. 14, Washington, thc.texas.gov/historic-sites/washington-brazos

SOUTH TEXAS Enjoy the tales of one of the state’s great storytellers around the campfire. Credit: Gerald E. McLeod

Dobie Dichos

Celebrate J. Frank Dobie, Live Oak County’s most famous son, with stories and songs around the campfire. 

Nov. 6, Oakville, www.dobiedichos.com

Rio Grande Valley Birding Festival

Just when one of most active migration flyways gets busy, birders of all skill levels gather on the biodiverse banks of the Rio Grande to celebrate. 

Nov. 11-15, Harlingen, www.rgvbf.org

Smoke & Fire BBQ Fest

Tickets aren’t cheap, but attendees can sample signature bites from 11 pitmasters, sip curated beverages, and enjoy live music and entertainment in a family-friendly festival atmosphere.

Nov. 14, San Antonio, www.pullmanmarket.com/happenings

Brack Bash

A free celebration honoring the founding of San Antonio’s beloved Brackenridge Park at the historic Sunken Garden Theater with music, a petting zoo, and food vendors.

Nov. 14, San Antonio, brackenridgepark.org/event/3rd-annual-brack-bash

Luminaria Contemporary Arts Festival

This free, outdoor festival is an experience of live music, film, digital art, poetry, theatre, fine art, monumental installations, dance, and countless surprises, all set against the vibrant energy of the city after dark.

Nov. 14, San Antonio, luminariasa.org

Centro de Artes celebrates Latino heritage, artists and artwork at Market Square. It focuses on San Antonio and South Texas art through local and regional artists.

Centro de Artes 10th Birthday Family Day Celebration

Come enjoy free hands-on family activities, including pinata making, creating aluminum can picture frames, and printmaking. Birthday cupcakes while supplies last.

Nov. 14, San Antonio, events.getcreativesanantonio.com

Yanaguana Indian Arts Festival

This annual event highlights Native American artistry and heritage through performances, demonstrations, crafts, and more. 

Nov. 14, San Antonio, briscoemuseum.org/etn/yanaguana-indian-arts-festival

Panda Fest

In Civic Park at Hemisfair, attendees experience one of the biggest outdoor Asian food festivals in the U.S. with experiential activities, tastings, and market fairs that showcase the vibrant food, art, and cultural traditions of Asia.

Nov. 21-22, San Antonio, www.pandafests.com

Holiday Lights on the San Antonio River Walk

The famous holiday lights on the River Walk light up each year the day after Thanksgiving.

Nov. 27-Jan. 7, San Antonio, www.thesanantonioriverwalk.com/events/holiday-lights-on-the-river-walk-free

Gerald McLeod has been traveling around Texas and beyond for his “Day Trips” column for more than 35 years. Keep up to date with his journeys on his archive page and follow him on Facebook.

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