Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How did the Rice Harvest Festival begin?

A.  Rice farming made a significant contribution to the Katy area economy and the Tri County Optimists wanted to honor that Katy legacy.  They put together  an event in 1978 held at the VFW Park and  named it “Sellabration”.  In 1980 they determined Sellabration outgrew them and a nucleus of Katy folks joined together  to plan an event that would continue the legacy and be unique to Katy.  The Westside Art Guild was excited about giving artists another avenue to showcase their work, the Katy   Area Chamber of Commerce was excited about promoting the Katy area and the City of Katy was very receptive to the idea of a festival.

Q. When was the first festival held?

A.  The second weekend of October, 1981, the streets around the square in historic downtown Katy were transformed into the first official Rice Harvest Festival.

Q.  Who comes to the Festival?

A.  Everyone.  People of all ages, especially, families, come from the surrounding Katy areas, across Texas and many states.  The Rice Harvest Festival brings 40,000 to 50,000 people to Katy for the big weekend.

Q. What is the admission price to Rice Harvest Festival?

A.  Young families like the fact that children under the age of 12 are admitted free of charge.  Others recognize the $5 gate admission fee is one of the best entertainment bargains in the area.  Once inside the Festival, individuals may sample all of the live or the free entertainment on any or all of the three stages.  They have access to some of the finest crafts available in the nearly 200 craft booths.  And, the food tastes better at Rice Harvest Festival.

Q.  Do I have to pay extra to watch the live entertainment?

A  The $5 admission fee allows individuals a full day of activities including the continuous live entertainment on three stages.

Q.  What does the carnival cost?

A  Carnival armbands can be purchased in advance for $20.00.  The armbands are good for one day and for all rides.

Q.  Are pets allowed?

A.  Service animals are allowed in the Festival.  Pets are allowed if they are on a leash.

Q.  Who participates in the Festival?

A.  People from the Katy area, primarily.  The KISD High School Project Graduation/Project Prom parents man the eight gates.   Non-profit organizations such as the Katy Volunteer Fire Department, VFW, Elks, Knights of Columbus, school groups and churches  have booths, provide entertainers or volunteer.

Q.  Where is the Festival?

A.  The festival is held on the streets of historic downtown Katy between 1^st Street and 4^th Street and Ave A to Ave D.  The downtown area is located about one mile north of I-10 at Exit # 741. 

Q.  Where can I park?

A.  Parking is available free of charge at the Merrell Center - 6301 S Stadium Lane, just off FM 1463.  Free Shuttle service is provided to and from the parking areas to the Festival grounds. 

Q.  Are there handicap accommodations?

A  Handicap parking is provided on Ave A just south of 3^rd Street.  An legal handicap permit visibly displayed is required for entry into the handicap lot.  Handicap accessible portable toilets are located behind the Social Services building at Ave C and 2nd Street.

Q.  How is the Festival advertised?

A  Marketing is directed to the four million people of Houston and the surrounding areas.  However, ads are featured in national and Texas magazines such as AAA, Texas Highways, Travel Section – Austin American Statesman, American Profile Magazine and Texas Travel Log. Local papers, television and radio ads complete the advertising campaign. 

Q.  What can I sell?

A.  The Katy Rice Harvest Festival is a family-oriented event aimed at presenting entertainment and activities suitable for the entire family, including minors.  Handcrafted arts and crafts and selected imports and commercial items are permitted. Items that include nudity, profanity, obscenity or otherwise objectionable material is prohibited.  Craft and Business Vendors are not allowed to give, sell, cook or display any type of food or drink in their booths.  Packaged food for consumption outside of the festival is allowable.

Additionally, the sale or distribution of carbonated drinks, water or alcoholic beverages by any vendor is prohibited.

Q. How do I get to perform at the Rice Harvest Festival?

A.  Amateur entertainers need to fill out an application, submit a photo, brief biography and send the completed package to the Katy Area Chamber of Commerce, 23501 Cinco Ranch Blvd Ste B206, Katy, Texas 77494.  First time RHF performers need to submit an Audition Demo.  Questions can be directed to Brad Turney at brad@bradturney.com

Professional Entertainers need to contact Mark Taylor at Ibookbands@aol.com.

Q. How big is the amateur’s stage?

A. The Stars Stage, located near Gate 1 is used for dancers, cheerleading groups, martial art demonstrations, etc.  This stage is 20’ x 20’.  The Rice Stage is located near Gate 5 and is for vocalists and bands.  The stage is 20’ x 20’.  Both stages provide sound systems.

Professional Entertainers need to contact Mark Taylor at Ibookbands@aol.com.

Q. If I perform, do I pay to get in the Festival?

A. Performers must be registered and enter at the assigned gate or they will be charged an admission fee.  Family and friends who come to the Festival to watch the performance must pay an admission fee.  However, children under age 12 are admitted free when accompanied by an adult.

Helpful Links

Rice Harvest Festival
Main Events