Autumn in Bonham Bicycle Rally & Fall Festival — October 4, 2025

A day of wheels, festivities, and small-town Texas charm

If you’re looking for a lively Texas fall event that blends open-road cycling with community fun, mark your calendar: Autumn in Bonham Bicycle Rally & Fall Festival returns to downtown Bonham on Saturday, October 4, 2025.

This is a great excuse to visit Fannin County, ride some scenic back roads, stroll through a fall marketplace, enjoy live music, and stay somewhere cozy and walkable (I’ll get to lodging in a bit). Below is what to expect, how to plan, and how to make the most of your visit.

A bit of history and local meaning

The Autumn in Bonham ride has roots going back decades. Some accounts date it to the early 1980s. The idea was to position Bonham as a destination for cyclists, to highlight Fannin County’s rural beauty, and to draw visitors into the heart of town. Over time, it evolved into more than a ride: the festival side now includes vendors, entertainment, a car show, family activities, and a chance to enjoy downtown’s historic square. In 2025, the rally features five paved routes and three gravel routes, including a 13-mile “family” ride option. Even for non-cyclists, the festival gives a full day of local flavor, food, music, and showrooms. Organizer Sam Lumpkins (Bonham Area Chamber) notes that after some years off, the event is returning with renewed energy and aims to bring 200+ riders and their families to town. So this year is both a celebration and a reassertion of community identity: pedal power meets small-town festivity.

Schedule of activities

Here’s a tentative timeline and what you can expect (subject to slight changes; check the official site closer to the date).

• 6:00 AM Registration opens downtown, rider check-in begins.
• 8:30 AM All rides (road and gravel, including the 13-mile “family” route) depart.
• 8:30 AM onward Festival area opens: vendors, beer garden (if applicable), food stalls, car show, kids’ activities etc.
• Throughout the day (until ~4:00 PM), Live music, stage performances, car show, games, a petting zoo, and more.
• 4:00 PM Festival and rally wind down.

If you’re not riding, arriving mid-morning (around 9:30 or 10:00 a.m.) is a good way to catch the festival energy, browse booths, eat, listen to music, and take in the car show without having to get out early.

Key performers, speakers, and highlights

As of now, the event organizers have not published a complete artist or speaker lineup. But based on recent years, the central square stage will host local and regional musicians in alternation with announcements, awards, and community remarks. Also, in past festivals, there has been a car show aligned with the rally, often with awards or display features, which draws classic-car enthusiasts. Check the Autumn in Bonham website or Facebook page in late September for final announcements of special performers, guest speakers, or musical headliners. If you enjoy live music and local talent, this is a good chance to mingle, tap your toes, and support area artists.

Location, access, and parking

Where exactly?

The event is centered in downtown Bonham, at 327 N. Main Street (the courthouse / square area) and is often referenced as “downtown Bonham/courthouse square.” Texas Highways lists the address as 101 E. Sam Rayburn Drive in its event directory — that's essentially the same downtown square area.

The rally starts and ends there; festival booths will line the square or adjacent streets.

How to get there & parking

Most visitors will arrive by car or bike. Bonham is about 70–80 miles northeast of Dallas and reachable via U.S. highways and regional roads. Town roads, especially downtown streets near the square, may see closures or traffic diversions for the event, so give yourself extra time.

For parking:

• On-site / street parking near the square — several blocks of metered or free curb parking.
• City lots nearby may be open (check signage).
• The Four Winds Victorian Venue & Suites offers free parking for guests.
• Because the event draws many participants, parking early (morning) is wise to avoid long walks or full lots.

Public transit options are minimal in Bonham — it’s a smaller town without major bus networks. If you’re coming from Dallas, the best option is to drive or arrange ride share/van service. From lodging a few blocks away, walking or biking is quite feasible.

Admission, registration, and ticket costs

For riders

Registration is required for all cycling participants.

As of now, the published rates for 2025 are (via BikeReg):

• Road or gravel rides (100 mi, 70 mi, 38 mi, 28 mi, etc.): $40
• Under-12 rider (family / youth option): $25
• Event T-shirt (optional add-on): $10 extra BikeReg.com

One note: for some routes, the T-shirt is not included in the base registration. BikeReg.com

Net proceeds from T-shirt sales support Community Well Texas, a local behavioral health initiative.

For festival / non-rider visitors

There’s no separate published admission fee for walking into the festival, browsing vendors, or enjoying the car show (outside of being a rider). The festival is meant to be open and inclusive.

If you want to register as a vendor or car show participant, there are separate vendor/car registration fees.

Timing & deadlines

• Online registration in advance is strongly recommended, especially for riders, to secure your route and T-shirt option.
• Some features (e.g. personalized bottles, limited event swag) require pre-order before event day.
• Late or same-day registration may be accepted (depending on capacity) but could be more limited. Check the official site.

Food, vendors, and what to expect on site

Expect a lively street festival atmosphere. Vendors will offer:

• Local food stalls (barbecue, Tex-Mex, snacks, sweets)
• Drink stands (cold drinks, perhaps coffee or iced tea)
• Artisan goods, crafts, local businesses
• Bike-related gear, accessories, and sponsor booths
• Community and nonprofit displays
• Car show exhibitors

One highlight: the car show is integrated into the festival, so you’ll see classic and vintage cars lined up on or near the square.

Kids’ zones (games, petting zoo, etc.) are part of the draw, so it’s a family-friendly mix.

It pays to bring cash (some smaller vendors may not have card readers), reusable water bottles, and comfortable shoes. The event tends to stretch across multiple blocks, so wear walking shoes.

Safety, weather, and planning tips

Weather & conditions

October in this region of Texas often brings mild to warm fall days — pleasant for cycling, though early parts of the day can be cooler. Check local forecasts as the event nears. Be ready for sun, light winds, or occasional showers.

Because roads will be open and in use by cyclists, drivers should be vigilant and obey any posted event signage or traffic changes.

Safety & rider advice

• Helmets are strongly recommended (often required) for all ride participants.
• Bring basic repair kits (tube patch, pump, multi-tool) — support sag/wagon may be available.
• Hydration and nutrition matter: carry water and energy snacks.
• Obey traffic rules and any event marshal instructions.
• Be cautious in congested areas near the finish/festival zone, where riders and pedestrians mingle.

For non-riders, keep watch for cyclists crossing intersections, and follow marked walkways or blocked streets. Be especially careful around vendor zones where mixing foot and bike traffic is likely.

If severe weather (storms, heavy rain, lightning) arises, the organizers might adjust the schedule or suspend parts of the ride/festival — always check event updates the morning of October 4.

Staying nearby: lodging, and especially Four Winds Victorian Venue & Suites

If you want to stay close (ideally walking distance), one standout option is Four Winds Victorian Venue & Suites in Bonham. It is roughly 3 blocks (or a few minutes’ walk) from the downtown square and event zone.

What Four Winds offers

• Restored Victorian-era structure with suites and cottages; rooms are artfully decorated with period flair yet include modern amenities.
• Pricing starts at around $100/night for standard suites, higher for cottages or larger spaces.
• Complimentary amenities: free parking, WiFi, coffee/tea, secure lodging.
• Check-in begins at 3:00 PM, check-out by 11:00 AM (with possible flexibility)

Because it’s close by, you can walk or bike easily to the event, avoiding parking hassles. It also means you’ll be in town early to soak up the festival vibe, with minimal commuting.

That said, Bonham offers other lodging (motels, inns, Airbnbs) for variety or if Four Winds fills up — but for charm and convenience, Four Winds is a standout.

How to volunteer, get involved, or ride

If you’d like more than just attending, here are ways to plug in:

• Volunteer roles: route marshals, ride support (water / sag wagons), registration help, festival staffing. The Chamber and organizers always welcome extra hands.
• Vendor or exhibitor: local artisans, eateries, nonprofits can apply to have a booth at the festival.
• Sponsor opportunities: business sponsors get exposure via signage, banners, and materials distributed to riders and visitors.
• Ride participation: register in advance via BikeReg.
• Promote & share: help publicize the event in your social circles or cycling groups. The more riders and visitors, the richer the festival.

If you're local, volunteering can be a great way to meet people. If you're traveling in, being a volunteer gives a behind-the-scenes view you won’t forget.

Final thoughts and tips for your visit

• Arrive early to secure parking and soak up the ambiance.
• Bring layers; mornings may be cool, afternoons warmer.
• Don’t rely on only electronic payment — some vendors may be cash-only.
• Walk through all vendor lanes before buying; you may find a hidden gem.
• Bring your camera (or phone) — the historic downtown, colorful bikes, car show displays, and fall light make for great photos.
• Check the event’s Facebook page or official site the evening before for last-minute changes.

If you're curious about dining recommendations, local attractions, or alternative lodging nearby, I can help put together a mini visitor’s guide too. Want me to send that?