Texas events calendar: major and unique events and festivals for 2007

This is a web-friendly version of the Texas events calendar published each year by the Office of the Governor, Economic Development and Tourism. The original list can be found on their website, Texas Tourism. Here’s a searchable database of annual events and festivals in Texas.

Jump to: January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December

 

January

Jan 1 | Dallas Cotton Bowl Classic Start the New Year with a bang at this annual event.
» Cotton Bowl at Fair Park
» attcottonbowl.com | 888.792.2635

Jan 12 – Feb 4 | Fort Worth Southwestern Exposition, Livestock Show & Rodeo Established in 1896, this popular event attracts nearly one million people from around the world to the nation’s oldest livestock show and daily performances of the world’s original indoor rodeo.
» Will Rogers Memorial Center
» fwstockshowrodeo.com | 817.877.2400

Jan 13, 25–27 | Mission Texas Citrus Fiesta “Citrus on Broadway” Royal Reception is Jan. 13 at Mario’s Banquet & Conference Center. Coronation of King Citrus and Queen Citrianna is Jan. 25. Product Costume and Royal Finale are Jan. 26. Parade of Oranges, Fun Fair Events, Vaquero Cook-Off and Citrus Youth Show Exhibit are Jan. 27.
» texascitrusfiesta.net | 956.585.9724

Jan 18 – Feb 18 | Laredo Washington’s Birthday Celebration Founded in 1898, this is the largest celebration of its kind in the United States. The almost month-long celebration includes parades, a carnival, air show, fireworks, live concerts and more.
» wbcalaredo.org | email: wbca@wbcalaredo.org | 956.722.0589

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February

Feb 1–18 | San Antonio San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo Non-stop action attracts all ages with livestock, auctions, carnival and daily rodeo performances that include top-notch entertainers.
» AT&T Center
» sarodeo.com | 210.225.5851

Feb 3 | Port Arthur Gulf Coast Music Hall of Fame Show Pays tribute to Janis Joplin and Southeast Texas musicians.
» Carl Parker Center/Lamar State College
» 409.722.3699

Feb 8–10 | Kingsville South Texas Ranching Heritage Festival Celebrates South Texas’ Western heritage. Includes storytellers, poets, demonstrations of ranch crafts and more.
» John E. Conner Museum, TAMUK
» museum.tamuk.edu | 361.593.2810

Feb 9–20 | Galveston Mardi Gras! Galveston Enjoy live music, spectacular parade, elaborate masked balls and flamboyant costumes. Hours are 5pm to midnight Friday, 10am to midnight Saturday and 10am to 6pm Sunday.
» Historic Downtown District
» mardigrasgalveston.com | 888.425.4753

Feb 15–18 | Port Arthur Mardi Gras of Southeast Texas/Holiday Razzle Dazzle Includes parades, headliner bands, carnival, food and craft vendors, and strolling street entertainers.
» Downtown Port Arthur
» portarthur.com | 409.721.8717

Feb 15–25 | San Angelo San Angelo Stock Show & Rodeo Includes Wrangler Pro Tour rodeo featuring top cowboys from the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association. The livestock show will host almost 4,000 youngsters and their ag projects for judging and premium sale.
» San Angelo Coliseum and Fair Grounds
» sanangelorodeo.com | 325.653.5622

Feb 16–18 | Jefferson Mardi Gras Upriver Enjoy Mardi Gras Texas-style. Includes a Doo Dah Parade on Friday, grand parade on Saturday, a children’s parade on Sunday, music, arts & crafts, and more.
» mardigrasupriver.com | email: jeffersonchamber@sbcglobal.net | 903.665.2672

Feb 18–25 | Brownsville Charro Days Fiesta The history of Charro Days dates back to 1937, and it’s still going strong today.
» charrodaysfiesta.com | 956.542.4245

Feb 23–25 | Alpine Texas Cowboy Poetry Gathering Presents classical, contemporary and traditional cowboy poetry, music and storytelling.
» Campus of Sul Ross State University
» cowboypoetry.org | email: btanksley@rionet.coop | 432.364.2490

Feb 23–25 | Yoakum Land of Leather Days Includes carnival, leather factory tours, CASI and local chili cook-off, bean cook-off, dessert cook-off, arts & crafts, live music and team roping. (Usually held the last weekend in February.)
» Yoakum Community Center
» yoakumareachamber.com | email: info@yoakumareachamber.com | 361.293.2309

Feb 24 | Forth Worth Cowtown Marathon, Marathon Relay/10K & 5K Race begins in Sundance Square and moves through Fort Worth neighborhoods.
» cowtownmarathon.org | 817.735.2033

Feb 27 – Mar 18 | Houston Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo Event is the world’s largest, with 20 days of championship rodeo action, superstar concerts, livestock and horse shows, children’s activities, carnival, educational exhibits, unique shopping opportunities and fun food.
» Reliant Park
» rodeohouston.com | 832.667.1000

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March

Mar 1–3 | Houston River Oaks Garden Club Azalea Trail Features four private homes and gardens, as well as Bayou Bend, Rienzi and the River Oaks Garden Club Forum of Civics Building and Gardens. Hours are 11am to 6pm. Call for ticket sale information and locations.
» riveroaksgardenclub.org | 713.523.2483

Mar 1–4 | Fulton Oysterfest This salute to the oyster industry features plenty of food, entertainment, and arts & crafts.
» Fulton Navigation Park
» 361.463.9955 or 361.729.3248 | email: bgaris@garisfamily.com

Mar 2–4 | Dallas North Texas Irish Festival One of the largest Celtic cultural events in the nation salutes its 25th year. Features many of the top Irish musicians and dancers in the world. A number of cultural presentations will focus on the 25-year history of the NTIF and the Irish culture in this country. Includes world-famous bands, award-winning dancers, enchanting storytellers and educational workshops. Offers a variety of delicious Irish and international food and drink, cultural crafts and ethnic vendors. Hours are 6 to 11pm Friday, 10:30am to 11:30pm Saturday and 11:30am to 7:30pm Sunday.
» Fair Park
» ntif.org | 972.943.4624

Mar 3–4 | Washington Texas Independence Day Celebration Come celebrate the 170th anniversary of Texas Independence at this free two-day historic event. Hours are 10am to 5pm.
» Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site birthplaceoftexas.com | 936.878.2214

Mar 9–11 | Sweetwater Rattlesnake Roundup
» Nolan County Coliseum
» sweetwatertexas.org or rattlesnakeroundup.com | 325.235.5488

Mar 9–18 | Austin South by Southwest Conferences & Festivals Unique in concept, renowned for execution and treasured by participants, SXSW is an essential event for understanding tomorrow’s entertainment industry today. Industry professionals from the music, film and digital community gather in Austin every March for this extraordinary event.
» Austin Convention Center, along with theaters and music venues primarily in downtown Austin
» sxsw.com | email: sxsw@sxsw.com | 512.467.7979

Mar 9–18 | Mercedes Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show This event dates to 1940 and is one of the largest in South Texas.
» 1000 N. Texas Ave.
» rgvlivestockshow.com | 956.565.2456 or 956.968.2102

Mar 9–24 | Austin Star of Texas Fair & Rodeo Hoof-pounding, heart-stopping arena action, superstar entertainment, stomach-tingling carnival rides and the giggle-inspiring petting zoo are only a few aspects of this event that bring people back every March. Among the exciting events and exhibits this year are: Whiplash the Cowboy Monkey, Kidstown, calf scramble, mutton bustin’, Buffalo Soldiers, chuck-wagon cook-off, barbecue cook-off, more than 40 bands on the outdoor stage, Youth and Open Livestock Show, Xtreme Bull Riding, 13 ProRodeo performances and live concerts.
» rodeoaustin.com | 512.919.3000

Mar 10 – Apr 15 | Dallas Dallas Blooms This event is considered the largest outdoor floral festival in the Southwest.
» Dallas Arboretum
» dallasarboretum.org | 214.515.6500

Mar 16–18 | Shamrock St. Patrick’s Day Celebration Enjoy a banquet, parade, carnival, arts & crafts show, antique car show, Miss Irish Rose pageant, rodeo, Lad & Lassie Pageant, adult dance, MC Rally, food and more.
» shamrocktx.net | 806.256.2501

Mar 16 – Apr 1 | Tyler Azalea & Spring Flower Trail Enjoy more than 8 miles of residential gardens. Includes home tours, garden tours, art shows, flower shows, living history exhibits, quilt show, Renaissance Faire, arts & crafts festival and more.
» tylerazaleatrail.com | email: jturner@tylertexas.com | 800.235.5712

Mar 17 | Dublin St. Patrick Day Festival This Celtic event includes Highland games, Irish music, crafts vendors, great food, carnival and parade.
» Dublin City Park on Highland Street
» 254.445.3422 or 254.485.1637 | email: dublintxchamber@earthlink.net

Mar 24–25, Mar 31 – Apr 1, Apr 7–8 | Palestine Texas Dogwood Trails Celebrations Celebrates the coming of spring and the beautiful Dogwood blossoms, as well as other flowers, the season brings to the East Texas Piney Woods. Three weekends of activities include a kickoff arts & crafts show in Downtown and Old Town Palestine, a country music concert by Dogwood Jamboree, a Dulcimer Festival at the Museum for East Texas Culture, live theater at the Texas Theatre and more.
» visitpalestine.com | email: sleonard@palestine-tx.org | 903.723.3014, 903.729.6066 or 800.659.3484

Mar 24, 30–31, Apr 7 | Woodville Tyler County Dogwood Festival Includes a Festival of the Arts on March 24, Western Weekend on March 30-31 and Queen’s Weekend on April 7.
» tylercountydogwoodfestival.org | email: dogwood_festival@yahoo.com | 409.283.2632

Mar 25 | Austin Capitol 10,000 Celebrates its 30th anniversary The Cap 10, which is the largest 10-K in Texas, attracts the silly and serious. It has become an annual tradition for the whole family.
» Congress Avenue and Barton Springs Road
» statesman.com/cap10k | 512.445.3598

Mar 29 – April 1 | Portland 34th Annual Windfest Features a carnival, arts & crafts, live music, tasty food, chili cook-off, Dachshund Dash, washer and horseshoe tournament, golf tournament, 5-K run, parade, kite contest, kids fair, petting zoo and much more. Friday is Tejano Tribute Day, Saturday is Texas Music Day and Sunday is Flashback ’80s.
» Community Center, 2000 Billy G. Webb.
» windfest.org | email: chamber@portlandtx.org | 361.643.2475

Mar 30 – Apr 1 | Port Aransas Texas SandFest Features a competition for master sculptors, as well as youth, amateur and Pro-Am contests This is one of the largest sand sculpting festivals in the United States.
» texassandfest.com | email: texassandfest@aol.com | 800.452.6278

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April

Apr 7 – May 28 | Waxahachie Scarborough Renaissance Festival Re-created 16th-century English village offers 20 stages of entertainment, jousting, falconry, music, 200-plus artists and craftspeople, games, rides and foods from around the world. Open Saturdays and Sundays, plus Memorial Day.
» scarboroughrenfest.com | 972.938.3247 or 888.533.7848

Apr 13–15 | Burnet Bluebonnet Festival Includes food and arts & crafts vendors, music stage, parade, air show, weiner dog races, pet parade, scholarship pageant, demolition derby, 5-K run, bike tour and carnival.
» Downtown Square
» burnetchamber.org | email: info@burnetchamber.org | 512.756.4297

Apr 13–15 | Poteet Strawberry Festival This celebration has been held for the past 59 years to celebrate the famous Poteet strawberry harvest. One of the oldest, largest and most popular events in the state, this festival offers something for everyone on the 12 stages of family entertainment.
» Festival Grounds, Hwy. 16, 40 miles south of San Antonio
» strawberryfestival.com | email: nitaharvey@sbcglobal.net | 888.742.8144

Apr 14–15 | Austin Austin Fine Arts Festival Find original, one-of-a-kind artwork in a variety of mediums. Dance to eclectic live music, take part in an interactive public art project, or watch special children’s entertainment and live artist demonstrations. Hours are 10am to 5pm Saturday and 11am to 6pm Sunday.
» Downtown Austin streets surrounding Republic Square Park
» austinfineartsfestival.org | 512.495.9224

Apr 14–15 | Chappell Hill Bluebonnet Festival Includes more than 250 juried vendor booths with home decor, gardening items, artisans, crafters, clothing, jewelry and more. Enjoy fun children’s events, food court and entertainment.
» Main Street Chappell Hill
» chappellhillmuseum.org | email: chmuseum@chappellhillmuseum.org | 979.836.6033 or 888.273.6426

Apr 19–22 | Austin Old Settler’s Music Festival Encourages children and adults to appreciate and preserve American roots music by providing workshops, displays and activities.
» Salt Lick BBQ Pavilion and Camp Ben McCulloch
» oldsettlersmusicfest.org | email: info@oldsettlersmusicfest.org | 512.346.0999 ext. 3

Apr 20–22 | Harlingen Riofest 2007 This international celebration of arts and culture features concerts, art displays and craft demonstrations from northern Mexico and the Rio Grande Valley. Includes a children’s area, live music and lots of entertainment. Hours are 5 to 10pm Friday, 10am to 10pm Saturday and noon to 8pm Sunday.
» Municipal Auditorium & Casa de Amistad, 1204 Fair Park Blvd.
» 956.425.2705

Apr 20–22 | Huntsville 20th Annual General Sam Houston Folk Festival Celebrates the life and times of Gen. Sam Houston with life-skill demonstrations, authentic 19th-century dress, continuous entertainment and hands-on children’s activities.
» samhouston.memorial.museum | 936.294.1832

Apr 20–29 | San Antonio Fiesta San Antonio Offers a multicultural celebration of the history and diversity of San Antonio. More than 90 nonprofits and 10 military organizations stage 100 events. Features all kinds of food, music and entertainment. Activities include balls, parades, art exhibits, festivals, athletic events, conferences and much more.
» fiesta-sa.org | email: fiesta@fiesta-sa.org | 210.227.5191 or 877.723.4378

Apr 21–22, 28–29 | Houston Houston International Festival This event is the city’s official celebration of art and culture. Continues its tradition of bringing together hundreds of international musicians, artisans and food vendors from around the world. This year’s festival spotlights China.
» Downtown Houston
» ifest.org | 713.654.8808

Apr 25–28 | Fort Stockton Big Bend Open Road Race Enthusiasts call this one of the most exciting open road races in the world. The route follows Hwy. 285 from Fort Stockton to Sanderson and back. This event draws racers from around the United States to match their skills against 118 miles of twists, turns and elevation changes.
» bborr.com | email: kfurman@ci.fort-stockton.tx.us | 432.336.8525 ext. 16

Apr 25 – May 6 | Corpus Christi Buc Days From its simple beginnings in 1938, Buc days has grown into the premier festival event in Corpus Christi. In addition to the carnival and the spectacular Illuminated Night Parade, the festivities now include a PRCA rodeo, BBQ Challenge, a Competencia Folklorica, junior parade, stadium show, fireworks, and various sporting and athletic events. Monies raised during this event benefit the Buccaneer Commission Scholarship Fund, providing scholarships for local area youth.
» Downtown Corpus Christi Area
» bucdays.com | email: info@bucdays.com | 361.882.3242

Apr 27–29 | Hallettsville Texas State Championship Fiddlers Frolic Includes arts & crafts, fiddler contests, food, fun, cook-off, dance and more.
» Knights of Columbus Hall
» hallettsville.com | 361.798.2311 or 361.798.2662

Apr 27–29 | Muenster Germanfest Offers a bicycle rally, fun run, sanctioned barbecue cook-off, carnival rides, arts & crafts, children’s area with stage, German entertainment stage, and a stage for country, rock, jazz and blues. Enjoy lots of good German food along with other festival-type foods.
» Muenster City Park
» germanfest.net | email: chamber@ntin.net | 800.942.8037

Apr 28 | Bastrop Yesterfest Enjoy historic re-creations, food booths, and an arts & crafts fair.
» Downtown Bastrop
» bastropoperahouse.com | email: chester@bastropoperahouse.com | 512.321.6283

Apr 28 | Turkey Bob Wills Day Honors the late, great King of Western Swing. Generally the last Saturday in April.
» 806.423.1033

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May

May 3–5 | San Marcos Viva! Cinco de Mayo Includes the state Menudo Cook-Off.
» Hays County Civic Center
» vivacincodemayo.org | email: webmaster@vivacincodemayo.org | 512.353.VIVA or 877.847.4906

May 4–6 | Jefferson 60th Pilgrimage Tour of Homes Four of Jefferson’s most beautiful and historic homes – festooned with fresh and fragrant bouquets and period furnishings – open their doors to the public. The worldrenowned and ever-popular Diamond Bessie Murder Trial is performed. Includes a Garden Stroll, Civil War reenactment, colorful parade, quilt show, and arts & crafts.
» theexcelsiorhouse.com | email: excelsior@jeffersontx.com | 903.665.2513 or 800.490.7270

May 10–13 | Abilene Western Heritage Classic Preserves the heritage of the ranch cowboy. Features a parade, ranch rodeo, nightly dances and much more.
» Taylor County Expo Center
» 325.677.4376

May 11–13 | Crystal Beach Texas Crab Festival Features continuous live music and entertainment combined with some of the tastiest crab dishes on the Texas Gulf Coast. Enjoy more than 60 food and craft booths, carnival, Crab Legs Contest, Weiner Dog Races, crab cook-off, a kids stage with free entertainment and activities, and much more.
» Gregory Park, Hwy. 87
» bolivarchamber.org | email: bolivarchamber@earthlink.net | 409.684.5940 or 800.386.7863

May 18–20 | Pasadena Strawberry Festival Includes a barbecue cook-off, beauty pageant, mud volleyball, arts & crafts, four stages of entertainment, mutton busting, washer pitching contest, World’s Largest Strawberry Shortcake and more.
» Pasadena Fairgrounds, corner of Fairmont and Red Bluff Road
» strawberryfest.org | 281.991.9500

May 19 | Marshall Stagecoach Day Festival This historic transportation festival is filled with arts & crafts booths, food vendors, live entertainment, domino tournaments, horseshoe throwing contest and classic car show. Held the third Saturday in May.
» Downtown Marshall
» marshalltxchamber.com | email: marshallcvd@hotmail.com | 903.935.7868

May 24–27 | Forth Worth Crowne Plaza Invitational at Colonial One of professional golf’s classic tournaments, this nationally televised competition features the nation’s top golfers on the PGA tour. This is formerly the Colonial Golf Tournament.
» Colonial Country Club
» crowneplazainvitational.com | 817.927.4280

May 24 – Jun 10 | Kerrville Kerrville Folk Festival More than just a “folk music” festival, Kerrville offers music of many styles, including folk, bluegrass, acoustic rock, blues, country, jazz and Americana. The common thread is songwriting. Event promotes emerging artists while giving the audience exposure to both new and recognized, seasoned talent. Impromptu jam sessions may pop up at any time around a campfire in the campgrounds. In addition to the live music, enjoy special concerts and activities for children, songwriting schools, music business seminars, Hill Country bike rides, canoe trips on the Guadalupe River, Sunday Folk Services, New Folk competition and concerts for emerging songwriters.
» Quiet Valley Ranch
» kerrvillefolkfestival.com | 830.257.3600

May 25 | Athens Annual Texas Fiddlers Contest & Reunion Offers fiddlin’ contest for all ages, street dance and carnival.
» Courthouse Square
» athenstx.org | email: cvb@athenstx.org | 903.675.5181 or 903.675.1859

May 25–27 | Ennis National Polka Festival Enjoy a little bit of old Czechoslovakia on the streets of historic downtown Ennis and in the three Czech Halls. Celebrate the Czech culture with polka dancing, Czech food, fun and 13 sensational live polka bands.
» KJT, Sokol, and Knights of Columbus halls
» nationalpolkafestival.com | email: secretary@nationalpolkafestival.com | 888.366.4748

May 25–28 | Kerrville 2007 Texas State Arts & Crafts Fair Fine arts & crafts fair features great food, music, demonstrations and children’s activities.
» River Star Arts & Event Park
» tacef.org | email: fair@tacef.org | 830.896.5711

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June

Jun 1–2 | Yoakum Tom Tom Festival This festival honors the tomato heritage of Yoakum.
» 361.293.2309 | email: info@yoakumareachamber.com

Jun 1–3 | Aransas Pass Shrimporee Home of the Largest Shrimp Festival in Texas. Enjoy a great family weekend with musical acts, entertainment, cooking competition, carnival rides, arts & crafts vendors and more.
» Community Park, 200 E. Johnson Ave. at Arch Street
» aransaspass.org | 800.633.3028 or 361.758.2750

Jun 1–3 | Arlington Texas Scottish Festival & Highland Games This is the largest cultural event of its kind in Texas and the Southwest.
» Maverick Stadium, University of Texas at Arlington
» TexasScottishFestival.com | 800.363.7268

Jun 1–3 | Longview AlleyFest Includes Alley Art – a juried art show, Music Fest with top-name musicians, Kids Fest – a combination of fun and education, one of the most popular 5-K and 10-K runs in East Texas and a variety of food vendors. Hours are 6:30pm to midnight on Friday, 10am to midnight on Saturday and 11am to 4pm Sunday.
» Downtown Longview
» alleyfest.org | 903.237.4040

Jun 8–10 | San Antonio Texas Folklife Festival Celebrates the many ethnic communities of Texas. The festival brings together more than 40 ethnic groups sharing their food, music, dance and crafts.
» UTSA’s Institute of Texan Cultures, HemisFair Park
» texasfolklifefestival.org | 210.458.2224

Jun 8–17 | Abilene Texas High School Rodeo Association State Finals
» Taylor County Expo Center
» 325.677.4376

Jun 8 – Aug 18 | Canyon TEXAS Musical Drama Offers outdoor musical theater at its best as the story of the Texas panhandle unfolds year after year. The Texas Panhandle Heritage Foundation is in its 42nd season of presenting Texas culture through this internationally acclaimed production. Performances are Tuesday through Saturday nights.
» Pioneer Amphitheatre at Palo Duro Canyon State Park
» texas-show.com | 806.655.2181

Jun 9 | Jacksonville Tomato Fest Offers arts & crafts, live entertainment, antique car show, gospel concert and much more.
» Downtown Jacksonville on Commerce Street
» jacksonvilletexas.com | email: chamber@jacksonvilletexas.com | 800.376.2217 or 903.586.2217

Jun 15–16 | Stonewall Peach JAMboree Central Texas town famous for juicy Hill Country peaches hosts this event.
» stonewalltexas.com | 830.644.2735

Jun 21–23, 28–30 | Albany Fort Griffin Fandangle Commemorates the rich history of the area. Written, directed, lighted, costumed, sung and danced by the people of Albany.
» fortgriffinfandangle.org | 325.762.3838

Jun 21–24 | Luling Watermelon Thump Celebrates the nutritious, auspicious watermelon. Includes three stages with continuous live entertainment and big name nightly concerts, arts & crafts booths, food court, beer garden, carnival, kiddie rides, contests, giant parade, car show and more. Held the last Thursday through Sunday in June.
» Downtown Luling
» watermelonthump.com | email: susan@watermelonthump.com | 830.875.3214 ext. 2

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July

Jul 4–7 | Stamford Texas Cowboy Reunion The World’s Largest Amateur Rodeo includes dances, art show, trade show, cowboy poetry, ranch horse show, old-timers events and parade.
» Hwy. 277, about 35 miles north of Abilene
» tcrrodeo.com | 325.773.3130

Jul 9–15 | Lampasas Spring Ho Festival
» lampasas.org | email: springho@ltex.net | 512.556.5301

Jul 13–15 | Longview Great Texas Balloon Race Considered the largest sanctioned hot air balloon race in Texas. Sport and special shape balloons compete for prizes and cash. Includes two evening balloon glows, music concerts both Friday and Saturday night, Gigantic Kids Land, arts & crafts and food vendors. Hours are 4pm to midnight on Friday, 6:30am to midnight Saturday and 6:30 to 9:30am Sunday.
» East Texas Regional Airport
» gtbr.net | 903.237.4000

Jul 14 | Weatherford Parker County Peach Festival Features handmade arts & crafts, children’s activities and food. With more than 200 vendors, there is something for everyone. Held the Second Saturday in July.
» Historic Downtown Area
» weatherford-chamber.com | email: mallison@weatherford-chamber.com | 817.596.3801

Jul 26–28 | Clute Great Texas Mosquito Festival Fun-filled, family event features variety of contests, more than 75 vendors, carnival and headliner entertainment each evening. Willie-Man-Chew, a Texas-sized inflatable mosquito, presides over the event. Usually the last Thursday, Friday and Saturday in July.
» Clute Municipal Park
» mosquitofestival.com | email: buzz@mosquitofestival.com | 800.371.2971 or 979.265.8392

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August

Aug 1–5 | South Padre Island Texas International Fishing Tournament (TIFT) This is the oldest tournament on the Texas Gulf Coast.
» South Padre Island and Port Isabel waters
» tift.org | 956.943.TIFT

Aug 2–4 | Dalhart XIT Rodeo & Reunion Held every year since 1925 in honor of the cowboys who worked the ranch.
» XIT Rodeo Arena
» dalhart.org/xit.htm | email: chamber@dalhart.org | 806.244.5646

Aug 15 | Praha Prazska Pout This annual homecoming features food, bands, souvenirs, auction, country store, games and more. Always on Aug 15.
» flatoniachamber.com 361.865.3920

Aug 23–26 | Fredericksburg Gillespie County Fair Old-fashioned country fair includes pari-mutuel horse racing, dancing, concerts, carnival and more.
» Gillespie County Fairgrounds, 530 Fair Drive
» gillespiefair.com | email: gcffa@ctesc.net | 830.997.2359

Aug 25 | Wichita Falls Hotter ’N Hell Hundred This is one of the largest cycling events in the nation. Participants can ride routes up to 100 miles. Festivities include a three-day consumer expo, entertainment on ride day, medical seminar, off-road bicycle race, off-road trail run, and United States Cycling Federation racing on Saturday and Sunday.
» hh100.org | email: info@hh100.org | 940.322.3223

Aug 31 – Sep 1 | Bertram/Oatmeal Oatmeal Festival Event is held in Oatmeal on Friday and Bertram on Saturday. Usually the Friday and Saturday before Labor Day.
» bertramchamber.com | 512.355.2197

Aug 31 – Sep 1 | Brady World Championship Barbecue Goat Cook-Off Features teams from all over Texas and the United States cooking goat in their own way. Includes arts & crafts booths, kids games, horseshoe and washer pitching, and more.
» Richards Park
» bradytx.com | email: chamber@bradytx.us | 325.597.3491

Aug 31 – Sep 2 | Marfa Marfa Lights Festival Celebrates the enigmatic mystery lights that appear almost nightly east of town.
» 800.650.9696

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September

Sep 1–2 | Boys Ranch 63rd Annual Boys Ranch Rodeo
» Cal Farley’s Boys Ranch, 36 miles northeast of Amarillo
» calfarley.org | email: maryshields@calfarley.org | 806.322.2635 or 800.687.3722

Sep 1–2 | West Westfest This is an annual Czech/polka festival held Labor Day weekend in this Central Texas town.
» westfest.com | email: info@westfest.com | 254.826.5058

Sep 6–9 | Grapevine GrapeFest Join wine novices and connoisseurs at the largest wine festival in the Southwest. Sample award-winning Texas wine, visit Grapevine’s winery/tasting rooms, enjoy the international wine area, listen to live music on stages located throughout historic Main Street. Complete in the GrapeStomp for the coveted Purple Foot award.
» Downtown Historic Grapevine
» grapevinetexasusa.com/grapefest | 817.410.3185

Sep 6–15 | Abilene West Texas Fair & Rodeo Features exhibits, rodeo, livestock shows and carnival at the Taylor County Expo Center. Parade is at 10:30am Sep 8.
» Historic Downtown Abilene
» 325.677.4376

Sep 7–9 | Grand Prairie 45th Annual National Championship Powwow Several hundred Native Americans, representing dozens of tribes from across the United States, take part in this colorful celebration of culture and heritage. Dancers in full regalia of feather, buckskin, beadwork and bells compete in many different dance categories. Includes colorful tribal dance contests, arts & crafts, cultural heritage demonstrations, teepees and Indian food. Usually the first weekend after Labor Day.
» Traders Village
» tradersvillage.com | email: allan@tradersvillage.com | 972.647.2331

Sep 8 | Caldwell 23rd Annual Kolache Festival Enjoy Czech dances and festivities, arts & crafts booths, antique tractor and engine show, classic car and street rod show, and demonstrations.
» Downtown Caldwell
» burlesoncountytx.com | 979.567.0000

Sep 13–15 | Rockport/Fulton Hummer/Bird Celebration Presents informative and educational centering on the migrating hummingbirds and other birds.
» ACISD School Complex
» rockport-fulton.org | 361.729.6445

Sep 14–16 | Anahuac Texas Gatorfest Family-oriented festival offers activities for the whole family. Includes airboat rides, carnival rides, barbecue cook-off, beauty pageants, assorted vendors, and arts & crafts booths. The highlight of the festival is the alligator roundup. The festival coincides with the opening of the hunting season in Texas for alligator.
» Historic Fort Anahuac Park
» texasgatorfest.com | 409.267.4190

Sep 14–16 | Austin Austin City Limits Music Festival Brings the magic of the famed public television series outside of the studio.
» Zilker Park
» aclfestival.com | 877.337.8225

Sep 14–22 | Amarillo Tri-State Fair
» Fairgrounds, 10^th and Grand Street
» tristatefair.com | 806.376.7767

Sep 15 | Richmond Fiestas Patrias This free family event is a tribute to the day in 1810 when Mexican patriot Father Hidalgo rang the church bells in the town of Dolores and began the struggle for Mexican (and thus, Texan) independence from Spain. Includes the Fiestas Patrias Queen contest. Hours are noon to 6pm.
» Fort Bend Museum, 500 Houston St.
» fortbendmuseum.org | 281.342.6478

Sep 15–22 | Brenham Washington County Fair Features livestock shows, live music, rodeos and carnival.
» Washington County Fairgrounds
» washingtoncofair.com | email: washingtoncofair@sbcglobal.net | 979.836.4112

Sep 19–23 | Lufkin Texas State Forest Festival Includes the Southern Hushpuppy Championships, Lumberjack show, giant carnival, East Texas Cheerleading Competition, Kachunga & the Alligator Show, and much more.
» George H. Henderson, Jr. Exposition Center
» texasforestfestival.com | 936.634.6644

Sep 20–29 | Tyler East Texas State Fair Enjoy a carnival, food, vendors, livestock, Academic Rodeo, arts & crafts, helicopter rides and local entertainment.
» East Texas State Fairgrounds
» etstatefair.com | email: info@etstatefair.com | 903.597.2501

Sep 21–23 | Plano Balloon Festival About 100 balloons are launched at various times during the weekend, weather permitting.
» planoballoonfest.org | 972.867.7566

Sep 21–29 | Lubbock Panhandle South Plains Fair
» Panhandle-South Plains Fairgrounds
» 806.763.2833 | email: info@southplainsfair.com

Sep 28–30 | Corpus Christi Bayfest
» bayfesttexas.com | 361.887.0868

Sep 28 – Oct 21 | Dallas State Fair of Texas For three weeks each autumn, Dallas becomes home to all Texans. This represents a grand 121-year-old tradition – a merry gathering during which farmers, ranchers, home cooks, gridiron fans and music lovers converge on the city for food and fun.
» Fair Park
» bigtex.com | 214.565.9931

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October

Oct 3–6 | Winnie Texas Rice Festival Founded in 1969, this family-oriented event celebrates the harvest of the rice grown in Southeast Texas.
» texasricefestival.org | 409.296.4404

Oct 4–13 | Waco Heart of Texas Fair & Rodeo Educates through entertainment and agricultural experiences. Events held at the Fair & Rodeo include livestock shows, Texas Farm Bureau’s Planet Agriculture, Wild West Market Place, Bud True Music Stage, midway and more.
» Heart O’ Texas Fair Complex
» hotfair.com | 254.776.1660

Oct 5–7 | Fredericksburg Oktoberfest Celebrate German heritage with German food and drink, polka and waltz contests, music on three stages, artisans, Kinderpark, souvenirs and more. Generally held the first weekend in October.
» Marktplatz
» oktoberfestinfbg.com | email: creative@ktc.com | 830.997.4810 or 866.839.3378

Oct 5–7 | Gonzales Come & Take It Festival Celebrates the firing of the first shot for Texas Independence on Oct. 2, 1835, with a parade, re-enactments, carnival, biergarten, food booths, arts & crafts vendors and much more.
» Downtown Gonzales
» 888.672.1095

Oct 5–7 | Rockport Seafair This sea-themed fun festival features live entertainment, more than 120 vendors, gumbo cook-off, seafood cooking classes and demonstrations, carnival, education about the coast, parade and more.
» rockportseafair.com | email: tourism@1rockport.org | 361.729.6445

Oct 6 – Nov 25 | Plantersville Texas Renaissance Festival This festival is the largest of its kind in the nation. Visit New Market Village for eight themed weekends: Oktoberfest, 1001 Dreams, Pirate Adventure, Roman Bacchanal, All Hallows Eve, Highland Fling, Glorias de Espana and Celtic Christmas.
» 21778 FM 1488
» texrenfest.com | 800.458.3435

Oct 12–14 | Cuero Turkeyfest The North Star (Worthington, Minnesota) and the Lone Star (Cuero, Texas) get together for a friendly rivalry of the Great Gobbler Gallop. See which turkey claims the title for its city as the “Turkey Capitol of the World.” Generally includes a variety of activities such as the Turk Olympics, cook-offs, parade and contests.
» Cuero City Park
» turkeyfest.org | 361.275.2112

Oct 13–14 | Marshall Fireant Festival This zany, fun-filled festival is complete with a fire ant calling contest, arts & crafts booths, food vendors, live entertainment, chili-cooking contest, Tour de Fireant Bike Race, 5-K run, ugly face making contest, chicken chunking and domino tournament. Usually the second weekend in October.
» Downtown Marshall
» marshalltxchamber.com | email: marshallcvd@hotmail.com | 903.935.7868

Oct 17–20 | Gilmer East Texas Yamboree One of the oldest and largest festivals in the state.
» yamboree.com | 903.843.2413

Oct 18–21 | Tyler Texas Rose Festival Celebrate the rose, our national flower, and Tyler’s rose industry at one of the most beautiful community celebrations in Texas. Highlights include the coronation of the queen and her court, rose show, luncheons, queen’s tea and Rose Parade. Traditionally held during the third week of October.
» 420 Rose Park Drive and numerous venues throughout Tyler
» texasrosefestival.com | email: info@texasrosefestival.com | 903.597.3130

Oct 26–28 | Flatonia Czhilispiel XXXV Features continuous entertainment, food, carnival, barbecue and chili cookoff, arts & crafts, car show, adult/children contests, parade, model train exhibits and more.
» czhilispielfestival.com | 361.865.3920

Oct 30 – Nov 3 | Terlingua Terlingua International Chili Championship Bands play from 8pm to midnight Thursday through Saturday. Friday is National Scholarship day and includes a competition in beans, salsa and hot wings. Chili Championship is Saturday. Includes arts & crafts and food vendors on site beginning Wednesday.
» CASI Ranch
» casi.org | email: casihotrodd@aol.com | 210.887.8827

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November

Nov 3–4 | Austin Texas Book Festival More than 200 authors participate in special presentations, readings, panel discussions and book signings. Includes a Children’s Chapter, Bon Appetit, Y’all Cooking Tent, entertainment tent and special presentations at the Austin Museum of Art and the Paramount Theatre.
» State Capitol
» texasbookfestival.org | 512.477.4055

Nov 2–11 | New Braunfels Wurstfest Celebrate with this 10-day “salute to sausage.” Enjoy a variety of entertainment, food and fun on the Wurstfest Grounds in Landa Park along with other special events throughout New Braunfels and Comal County.
» wurstfest.com | email: info@wurstfest.com | 800.221.4369

Nov 4 | Port Isabel World Championship Shrimp Cook-Off Dozens of contestants compete for the World’s Championship title. Vendors offer gift items, collectibles, food and more. Includes a kiddie play area.
» portisabelchamber.com | 956.943.2262

Nov 8–11 | Crystal City Spinach Festival Enjoy food and festivities next to the Popeye statue.
» 830.374.3161

Nov 9–11 | Salado Scottish Clan Gathering & Highland Games Features Highland dancing, piping, drumming, Celtic music, athletic events, vendors and more. Second weekend in November.
» ctam-salado.org | 254.947.5232

Nov 10 | Henderson Heritage Syrup Festival Considered by some to be the sweetest festival in Texas. Includes mule-driven, old-time syrup making, folk artists, antique tractors and cars, musical entertainment, arts & crafts, children’s area, cloggers, square dancers, hayride shuttle and more.
» Depot Museum and Historic Downtown
» hendersontx.us | 866.650.5529

Nov 21 – Dec 31 | Marshall Wonderland of Lights Spectacular Christmas event features a parade, home tours, bus tours, carriage rides, outdoor ice skating, live entertainment, visits with Santa and historic church tours. Christmas memories are made in Marshall.
» Downtown Marshall
» marshalltxchamber.com | email: marshallcvd@hotmail.com | 903.935.7868

Nov 23 | San Antonio Holiday River Parade Spectacular parade begins at 7pm.
» Along the River Walk
» 210.227.4262

Nov 23 – Jan 1 | Fredericksburg Texas Hill Country Regional Christmas Lighting Trail Come home to the hills for the holidays as the communities of Boerne, Burnet, Dripping Springs, Fredericksburg, Goldthwaite, Johnson City, Llano, Marble Falls, New Braunfels, Round Mountain and Wimberley light up the Texas night skies.
» texfest.com | 866.TEX.FEST

Nov 29 – Dec 1, Dec 6–8 | Jefferson 25^th Annual Candlelight Tour of Homes Docents dressed in Victorian attire guide visitors through four beautiful homes glowing from the soft radiance of Christmas candles and richly adorned in natural cedar, pine and fir. Choirs and handbells sing melodies from on high to ring in the true spirit of Christmas.
» historicjeffersonfoundation.com | email: jeffersonchamber@sbcglobal.net | 903.665.7064

Nov 30 – Dec 2, Dec 7–9, Dec 14–16 | San Antonio Fiesta de las Luminarias These luminarias line the walkways along the San Antonio River, symbolically marking the “lighting of the way” for the Holy Family.
» thesanantonioriverwalk.com | 210.227.4262

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December

Dec 1 | Dallas Neiman Marcus Adolphus Children’s Christmas Parade Enjoy marching bands, magnificent floats, acrobats and even a visit from Santa.
» Adolphus Hotel
» 214.742.8200

Dec 1–2 | Galveston Dickens on the Strand Enjoy a Victorian-era holiday festival with lively entertainment, delicious food, extraordinary merchandise and more.
» The Strand National Historic Landmark District
» dickensonthestrand.org | email: foundation@galvestonhistory.org | 409.765.7834

Dec 7–8 | Lubbock Candlelight at the Ranch Experience the many different traditions and celebrations associated with Christmas in ranching areas while strolling this 16-acre site. Lit only by candlelight and lanterns, visitors can look back in time as they watch Ranch Host volunteers re-create Christmas as it was from the 1780s to the early 1920s.
» National Ranching Heritage Center, 3121 4th St.
» nrhc.ttu.edu | 806.742.0498

Dec 7–9 | San Angelo Christmas at Old Fort Concho Features three full days of Christmas cheer, including shopping, living history, special children’s area, ongoing entertainment and special scheduled shows.
» Fort Concho National Historic Landmark, 630 S. Oakes St.
» fortconcho.com | email: events@fortconcho.com | 325.481.2646 or 325.657.4441

Dec 7–8, 14–15, 21–22 | Richmond Campfire Christmas Join the families of George Ranch for a special Christmas celebration.
» George Ranch Historical Park
» georgeranch.org | 281.343.0218

Dec 31 | El Paso Sun Bowl The nationally televised game ends the year with El Paso’s biggest, most festive event. The second oldest bowl game, often one of the better bowl games across the nation, pits the Big Twelve or Big East Conference/Notre Dame against the Pac-10 Conference.
» Sun Bowl Stadium, University of Texas at El Paso campus
» sunbowl.org | 800.915.2695 or 915.533.4416

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