Make Fall Memories Without the Parking Hassle: Ride METRO to Seasonal Fun

As the temperatures finally dip and pumpkin spice takes over Houston, there’s no better way to soak up the season than by hopping on a METRORail train or bus heading straight into the heart of fall fun. From pumpkin patches popping up downtown to family festivals in the Museum District, METRO makes it easy to skip the hassle of parking and traffic while diving headfirst into hayrides, live music, and all things pumpkin.

Take a look at some popular attractions you can get to by riding METRO. Just a friendly reminder that local bus and METRORail fares are $1.25.

1. Houston Pumpkin Festival - Located in Discovery Green, you can get to this event by riding the METRORail Green or Purple lines, or by riding the Community Connector.

2. St. Joseph's Fall Festival - St. Joseph’s Catholic Church will host their annual fall festival on Oct. 18. Attendees can ride Route 44 Acres Homes, Route 85 Antoine/Washington, or Route 162 Memorial Express. Riders will be dropped off at the bus stop next to the church, on Houston Avenue and Lubbock Street.

3. Zoo Boo - The Houston Zoo will host its popular Zoo Boo event from Sept. 26 through Oct. 31. Great for families, the METRORail Red Line offers a convenient way to attend. Get off at the Memorial Hermann/ Houston Zoo platform and just walk a short distance to the zoo.

4. ArBOOretum at the Houston Arboretum - On Oct. 18, the Houston Arboretum will host its biggest family event of the year. There will be no on-site parking, so METRO will be your preferred way to attend. A bus stop in front of the arboretum is located at Woodway Drive and Memorial Drive, serviced by Route 20 Canal/Memorial.

5. Mid-Autumn Festival at the Children's Museum - On Oct. 5, the Vietnamese Culture and Science Association and the Children’s Museum will celebrate Vietnamese culture with activities and events. Attendees can hop on the METRORail Red Line and offboard at the southbound Museum District platform. Walk for five minutes to Binz Street. There’s also a bus stop at Binz Street and San Jacinto Street, which is serviced by Route 5 Southmore.

6. Houston Diwali at Levy Park - On Oct. 11, Levy Park will host its annual Diwali Festival featuring festivities and vendors to celebrate the holiday. Attendees can ride Route 25 Richmond and either get off at either Richmond Street and Wakeforest Street or Richmond Street and Audley Street.

So, whether your family is headed to a pumpkin patch, a fall festival, or just out to enjoy the crisp autumn air, METRO makes it easy to get there. Plan your next outing with the RideMETRO app and let the fun begin!