Katy Rice Harvest Festival Must-Knows to Plan for a Weekend of Fun and Tradition
KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
October 9, 2026
By Natalie Cook Clark
Katy’s most iconic event returns this weekend along with carnival rides, vendors, food, big screens for sports, and plenty of entertainment of entertainment of the main stage. Here’s what Katy residents and visitors need to know ahead of the fun!
The 45th Katy Rice Festival is this weekend, October 10 and 11, 2026. Tickets are available online and families can enjoy all-day passes for unlimited rides. Big entertainment awaits you this season with headliners Lonestar and Neal McCoy.
“The Katy Rice Harvest Festival isn’t just another event — it’s a celebration of who we are as a community,” says Kaci Maris, City of Katy Tourism and Marketing Event Coordinator. “Rooted in Katy’s proud agricultural history, the festival began as a way to honor the area’s rice farming heritage — the very industry that built the foundation of this city. Over the years, it’s grown into a beloved tradition that brings together thousands of residents, visitors, and local businesses for one unforgettable weekend in historic downtown Katy.
The last two seasons saw record-breaking donations, which means more money for scholarships.
Big Entertainment
The City of Katy and its award-winning events staff keeps raising the bar for Katy's biggest event.
Lonestar will headline entertainment on Saturday with Neal McCoy set to close the event out on Sunday evening.
Lonestar, remains one of the most recognizable groups in country music history. Known for hits including “Amazed,” “I’m Already There,” and “My Front Porch Looking In,” the band has earned multiple ACM and CMA awards, a GRAMMY Award, and sold more than 10 million records worldwide.
Neal McCoy, known for crowd favorites like “Wink,” “No Doubt About It,” and “The Shake.” McCoy has earned multiple ACM awards and built a national reputation for his energetic performances and dedication to supporting communities and charitable causes.
Main Stage Entertainment:
Saturday, October 10, 2026
3:00 p.m.- Maverick Murphy
5:30 p.m.- Christian Walker
8:00 p.m.- Lonestar
Sunday, October 11, 2026
2:00 p.m.- Hayden Haddock
4:30 p.m.- Neal McCoy
Event Parking Info and Other Tips
Each year the Katy Rice Festival attracts thousands of Katy residents and guests to the Downtown Katy area. Parking doesn’t need to be a headache. Festival attendees can park at the Merrell Center (6301 S. Stadium Lane,) where a complimentary shuttle will run continuously to and from the festival gates.
Please note that streets from Avenue D to Avenue A between 1st and 4th Street will be closed for the festival. Street parking in the area is limited and may be unsafe, so attendees are encouraged to utilize the shuttle service, carpool, or use rideshare options such as Uber or Lyft.
Welss Fargo's parking lot will be availabe for guests with valid ADA parking. Spaces are a first come, first served basis. If those spaces fill up, additional ADA parking is available at the Merrell Center and the shuttles are compliant.
Maris advises guests to dress comfortably as weather will be beautiful in the mornings and evenings, but it is expected to get warm during the day. Guests need to know that they can bring chairs to set up near the stage, but outside food and drinks are not permitted. There will be plenty of food and drink (including alcoholic beverage) options for purchase.
Please note, that due to the safety of all, pets are not allowed this year. Only service animals will be allowed.
Here's the Fun to Know
Families can opt for unlimited rides at the carinal. Ride wristbands for $30 per day and are $5 pony rides.
There will be a huge tent structure on the main lawn of the Historic Town Square that will have a full bar, including a Rota Rita in honor of the Rotary club of Katy. There will be a large 17 foot television that will air the UT vs. OU game as well as the A&M vs. Missouri game.
Local shopping can be found everywhere from vendors display homemade goods, decor ideas, farm animals and more. The city's rich history in agriculture will be on full display.
“There’s truly something for everyone at this year’s Katy Rice Harvest Festival,” says Maris.
All proceeds from this event support local scholarships and community grants through the city’s partnership with the Rotary Club of Katy. This includes the proceeds from the souvinir cups and koozies.
“The Katy Rice Harvest Festival is special because it’s more than fun and festivities — it’s about giving back. Every ticket sold, every booth set up, and every volunteer hour helps raise money for local scholarships and community grants, directly benefiting Katy ISD students and nonprofits that serve our neighbors,” says Maris.
Many local businesses and groups will be out and involved along with the many volunteers that help make this festival be an ongoing tradition.
“It’s where generations connect, small businesses thrive, and local pride shines. From live music and parades to the petting zoos, carnival rides, and food vendors — the festival captures the spirit of Katy: hardworking, generous, and deeply community-focused,” says Maris. “In short, the Katy Rice Harvest Festival is Katy’s heartbeat for one weekend every year — a celebration of our roots, our people, and our commitment to each other.”
Ticket Info
Tickets for the festival are $15 for adults, with children 12 and under are free. Carnival unlimited rides and games can be purchased for $30 per day.
Again, all proceeds from the festival go directly to community grants and scholarships through a partnership with the Rotary Club of Katy, supporting local initiatives and students.
Tickets can be purchased online.
