The 36th Annual Heritage Syrup Festival

On the History Center Grounds and in Historic Downtown Henderson

The "Sweetest" Festival in Texas

Centered Around Old-Time Syrup Making with Folk Arts, Antique Tractors & Cars,  Arts & Crafts, Shopping Vendors and Musical Entertainment

​The Heritage Syrup Festival is an annual event held in Henderson, Texas, celebrating the traditional craft of ribbon cane syrup making. Scheduled on the second Saturday of November each year, the festival runs from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. ​

The festival's centerpiece is the syrup-making demonstration at the Depot Museum & History Center, where experienced syrup makers use antique mule-powered equipment to produce old-fashioned cane syrup. While the syrup cooks, attendees can observe various folk-art demonstrations, including lace making, rope making, basket weaving, blacksmithing, wood carving, and quilting. ​

Beyond the museum, festivities extend six blocks to Heritage Square in the Downtown National Register Historic District. Visitors can explore over 150 handcrafted arts and crafts booths, savor East Texas cuisine, and enjoy live musical entertainment across multiple stages. The event also features performances by cloggers and square dancers, an antique and classic car exhibit, and a dedicated children's section with various activities. ​

For convenient transportation between the Depot Museum complex and Downtown Heritage Square, hayride shuttles are available. ​