How to make the most of fall in Stephenville

BY KELLAN BYARS

Digital Media Director

Fall is here, and if you are ready to leave the classroom for some fun off campus, Stephenville has plenty of fall events to provide the perfect break from school. From rodeos and live music to food competitions and festivals, there is something for everyone in town this fall. 

From Sept. 17-19, the 2nd Annual Cowboy Capital of the World Ranch Rodeo takes place at the Cowboy Capital Fairgrounds, where over 40 teams will compete for a ranch rodeo title. The rodeo starts at 6:30 p.m. each evening. Tickets are $20 and only sold at the gate.

On Friday the 18th, after the rodeo, country singer Gage Gardiner will perform before western swing band Jake Hooker and The Outsiders take the stage on Saturday night. If you love rodeo, this is a great opportunity to see some good cowboys and cowgirls in action. 

If the Ranch Rodeo isn’t enough, the 57th Annual PRCA Pro Rodeo is coming to the Cowboy Capital Fairgrounds Sept. 24-26. Performances start at 7 p.m. each evening, with events happening all day leading up to the main show.

Rodeo and concert tickets are $30 each. Live music will be performed by a range of artists, including regular Twisted J artists Kevin Fowler, Carson Jeffery and Wade Forester. 

And if rodeo isn’t your thing, there are plenty of other fun events to get you off campus.

Parker McCollum is performing on Sept. 24 at the EECU Center as part of his 2026 tour. The concert starts at 7:30 p.m., and he will be joined by special guests Vincent Mason and Jackson Wendell. If you like country music, it is a great opportunity to take a break from school, grab some tickets and enjoy a night of fun. 

Bosque River Taphouse is hosting Burgers and Brews, a food and beer competition on Sept. 26 starting at 11 a.m. Incredible chefs and brewmasters from the area will compete for the number one spot while guests get to sample all their competing burgers and drinks.

Tickets include samples from every chef and shopping at over 12 vendors. Guests also get to vote on the best burger and beer and watch the winners be crowned at 4 p.m. that afternoon. 

Another opportunity for some amazing music is the Larry Joe Taylor Rhymes and Vines Festival at Melody Mountain Ranch, happening Oct. 7-10. Performances start mid-afternoon and run late into the night each day, with plenty of food and drink options at the venue. 

Every day different artists will be performing, presenting a good opportunity for local stars. Some of the artists include Race Ricketts, Jenna Paulette and Larry Joe Taylor himself.

Lastly, Treaty Oak Revival is coming to Stephenville on Oct. 30 at Melody Mountain Ranch. The concert starts at 7 p.m., with special guests William Clark Greene and Austin Meade.

For students trying to make the best of this fall, whether it is their first one in Stephenville or their last, the best place to start is by marking some dates on a calendar, grabbing some friends and exploring what Stephenville has to offer.

Taking a break from classes and just enjoying life is absolutely the way to go, and this town has plenty to keep everyone busy.