Various locations

Fiesta San Antonio started in 1891 as a one-parade event to honor the memory of the heroes of the Alamo and the Battle of San Jacinto. That historic commemoration still takes place, but for more than a century the event has grown into a celebration of San Antonio’s rich and diverse cultures. Today, Fiesta is one of this nation’s premier festivals, with more than 100 local nonprofit organizations orchestrating festivities and raising funds that support the community throughout the year. There’s something for everyone at Fiesta: street fairs, parades, carnivals, charity runs, music, arts, culture, and pageants.

fiestasanantonio.org

Various locations

As one of the nation’s top locations for birding, Galveston Island hosts the 22nd annual FeatherFest birding and nature photography festival. FeatherFest is one of the largest birding festivals in Texas, and the only one with a dedicated nature photography track.

galvestonfeatherfest.com

Carthage Civic Center, 1701 S. Adams St. and Loop 149

See over 150 quilts at this juried show that includes prizes for most categories as well as free hourly demonstrations, vendors of all kinds, door prizes, and a country store. There is also a featured-artist section. At the end of the day on Saturday, awards are presented along with the drawing for the donation quilt.

ACE Arena, 1441 SH 176 East

Relive the days of the Wild West with gunslingers, a gun and knife show, garden tractor pulls, a car show, antique tractors, and a petting zoo. Live music from Texas Rain, Radio La Chusma, the Bellamy Brothers, A.J. Castillo, and Bidi, Bidi Banda fills the air, and a monster truck show provides entertainment. There’s also the Heart of America Carnival, over 100 vendors, the Texas ShootOut Cookoff, and an area for kids to learn how to become a real cowboy.

wildwildwestfest.com

Texas winemakers, spirit distillers, and brewmasters come together with beef producers and chefs from across Texas at this open-air festival with lots of live music on the grounds of the Brewster County Courthouse.

spiritsfestwtx.com

Downtown San Augustine, 100 W. Columbia St.

San Augustine Main Street presents its annual Heritage Days Festival in downtown San Augustine. Friday includes art and craft vendors, delicious food, and shopping at local businesses. Saturday sees art and craft vendors, delicious food, live music, a media art exhibition, a wild walk/run event, an old tractor parade and exhibition, and glimpses into the history of San Augustine. Historic bus tours and a hayride to Mission Dolores are a few of the historic adventures you can expect. The kids have their own historic activities and a special barrel train. Admission is free.

facebook.com/sanaugustinemainstreet

Texas Cotton Gin Museum, 307 N. Main St.

In almost every corner of Texas, cotton has influenced our history. In Burton, the 1914 Burton Farmers Gin is the oldest operating cotton gin in America. Burton preserves that history with the annual Cotton Gin Festival. A parade, music, contests, games, arts and crafts, food and drink, an antique tractor pull and engine show, and a classic car display are part of the day. You can also take a tour of the cotton gin.

texascottonginmuseum.org

Emily Ann Theater , 1101 FM 2325

The annual butterfly festival celebrates spring with music, kids’ activities, and thousands of butterflies.

emilyann.org/butterfly.html

Postoffice Street between 23rd and 20th streets

Designed to introduce children and families to the arts, the festival offers three blocks of activities, entertainment areas, and vendor booths. Attendees are able to enjoy live performances, storytellers, arts and crafts, face painting, and other festivities themed around the arts.

thegrand.com

Anderson County Youth Livestock Pavilion, 750 US 287

Over the past five years, the Whiskey Myers band has built up the Wiggy Thump Festival as a must-see for all fans of the Southern rockers. The 2024 lineup features Whiskey Myers as the headliners once again, along with Jason Boland and the Stragglers, Brent Cobb, and Joey Greer.

visitpalestine.com

Exchange Food Park, 2801 Duniven Circle

Amarillo’s annual 420 fest offers music, food trucks, vendors, and fun for the whole family. See local musicians perform and check out artist installations.

visitamarillo.com

Nash Farm, 626 Ball St.

Experience 19th century skills and trades at this agriculture festival held at historic Nash Farm.

grapevinetexasusa.com/nash-farm/events

Centennial Park, North Third and Main Streets

The Huntington Business Owners Association presents the inaugural Homestead Festival. Join in for a day of activities devoted to showcasing traditions and practices of homesteading in East Texas.

shophuntingtontx.com

Cinemark Memorial City, 310 Memorial City Mall

The Houston International Film Festival is North America’s third oldest film festival and champions independent filmmakers. Come and be a part of the 57th year celebration as the festival showcases the visionaries of tomorrow and their exclusive creations.

worldfest.org

National Oak Park, 118 S. Magnolia St.

The 50th annual Frontier Day, presented by the Alvin Rotary Club, features the popular Frontier Day Parade through the old downtown area of Alvin. There are children’s rides, food concessions, carnival activities, arts and crafts vendors, and an antique car and bike show with vintage tractors on display. Proceeds support scholarships and other charitable activities in the Alvin area.

alvinrotary.org/sitepage/frontier-day

Ben Gill Park , 1314 W. Moore Ave.

The Terrell Jubilee is celebrating 43 years of bringing the community together for food, fun, and festivities. The annual celebration consists of The Denny Rohe Memorial State Championship Barbecue Cookoff, The Fountain 5K Walk/Run, kids’ fun run, For the Love of Cars Car Show, Helwig Jubilee Marketplace, a cornhole tournament, Swifty Swine Pig Races, food vendors, CareFlite Tug of War Tournament, Terrell Youth Athletes Kids’ Zone, a carnival, and live entertainment. The entertainment stage features live music from Kevin Curtis, Amy Fox and the Uptown Beggars, and Lara Latin, a 10-piece Latin band playing all of your favorite Latin styles. Lastly, the Terrell Lions Club presents the “Ain’t Got No Papers Dog Show,” where you can bring your pooch to compete in different categories.

terrelljubilee.com

Heritage Park, 301 N. Ash St.

The last weekend in April, have fun at one of the biggest German parties in Texas. Thousands come for German sausage, apple strudel, hearty cheeses and homemade bread, cakes, and pies. Events include a Germanfest Fun Run, a bicycle rally, and a sausage and rib cookoff. Puppets, balloon artists, face painting, the Karneval and Kinder Theater for children, bounce houses, carnival rides, dancing, music, arts and crafts, and a rock climbing wall round out the fun.

muensterchamber.com

Downtown Dripping Springs, Mercer Street

Visit Dripping Springs for a festive celebration of heritage and pioneer spirit. The celebration has a parade plus free music and entertainment, the Mighty Thomas Carnival, food, beer, street dances, cookoff competitions, and over 150 arts and crafts booths and business vendors.

cityofdrippingsprings.com/founders-day

Downtown Corsicana, 301 S. Beaton St.

Derrick Days is the largest annual festival in Corsicana, held the last weekend in April. Celebrate the city’s oil history with dozens of delicious food trucks, specially curated craft vendors, a vintage car show, and a block party with live music.

derrickdays.com

Main Street, 101 E. Main St.

Bandits, Bluegrass, and Barbecue and the Doc Holliday Saints and Sinners Festival is an annual event celebrating the history of Denison. Starting on Friday night, Bandits, Bluegrass, and Barbecue gets you into the Wild West spirit, featuring barbecue, live bluegrass music, and Old West reenactors. The Doc Holliday Festival follows on Saturday along Main Street with reenactors and gunfights, bluegrass bands, costume contests, art demonstrations, wagon rides, and a Wild West parade.

facebook.com/docindenisontx

Georgetown Square, 103 W. Seventh St.

The Red Poppy Capital of Texas celebrates this annual event in honor of red poppy season. The three-day celebration includes food vendors, live music, a parade and car show, an artisan market, and an area for kids. All concerts are free.

poppy.georgetown.org

Texas Trust CU Theatre at Grand Prairie, 1001 Texas Trust Way

Don’t miss the 19th annual Dallas Blues Festival with King George, Lebrado, Pokey Bear, Lenny Williams, J’Wonn, and West Love.

texastrustcutheatre.com

Downtown , 200 block of West Main Street

The 11th annual Main Street Fest offers carnival rides, a kids’ zone, two stages with live music, arts and crafts vendors and activity area, food and beverage vendors, and a business expo.

mainstreetfest.com

Pease District Park, 1100 Kingsbury St.

Eeyore’s Birthday Party is a fundraiser operated by the Friends of the Forest Foundation to benefit local nonprofit groups in Austin. Celebrate with live music, beer, food, acrobats, and costume contests.

eeyores.org

Prestwick Elementary School, 3101 Stonefield

Birds, planes, and kites, oh my! The Up, Up, and Away! Festival of Flight lifts off for another year of entertainment in the sky. Bring the family out for interactive activities such as kite flying and demonstrations, music, birding demonstrations, and paper airplane making. There’s also giveaways, rides, and food trucks.

visitthecolonytx.com/calendar.aspx?eid=3510

Hill Country Arts Foundation, 120 Point Theatre Road

Learn about Celtic culture while enjoying the festivities that include vendors, clans, music, food, the annual Highland Games, and dancing. The event takes place on the grounds of the Hill Country Arts Foundation which include a replica of Stonehenge that was created by the late Al Shepperd and Doug Hill more than 20 years ago.

hcaf.com

Downtown Avinger

Ring in springtime with an art and photography show, craft vendors, food trucks, kids’ activities, and a community parade. There’s a wine garden and wine tasting of the best Texas wines, and your entry provides a glass and a wine bag. There’s also a Jeep show and a hot dog eating contest, and music is provided by 92.3 FM, The Depot.

avingertxchamber.org

Waterloo Park, 500 E. 12th St.

Presented by Antone’s and Waterloo Greenway, Austin Blues Festival returns for its second year, this time with over two full days of music from greats like Buddy Guy, Jimmie Vaughn, Brittany Howard, Soul Man Sam, Big Freedia, Robert Glasper, and Cimafunk, along with food, drinks, and market vendors.

austinbluesfestival.com

Wimberley Valley Museum, 14068 RR 12

You can’t go wrong with pie and hot dogs (in that order), and it’s all to raise money for the Wimberley Valley Museum. The pie competition covers five different categories, and judging takes place for fruit, cream, nut, specialty, and kids’ pies. Ribbons are given for first, second, and third places in each category. A grand prize for Best Pie receives a special award, and all winning pies are auctioned. All funds raised from selling slices of pies and hot dogs go directly to the Wimberley Valley Museum. A pie-eating contest is also part of the day, along with music provided by Marvin and Laura Bottera.

wimwic.org/pie-social

Fruehling Saengerfest, 952 S. Tesch St.

Originating back to 1860, this local German singing festival has live bands and German choirs at historic Concordia Hall. There are fun activities for children and adults. This is a charitable fundraiser with barbecue chicken and sausage with sauerkraut. Admission and entertainment are free.

bellvillelions.org

American Bank Center, 1901 N. Shoreline Blvd.

Commencing with the mayor of Corpus Christi walking the plank, this pirate-themed festival has a variety of family-friendly activities like the Stripes Carnival, an indoor shopping event coined Treasure Island, multiple parades, Barbecue on the Bay Competition, and the Robotics Rodeo. Families can also attend the Professional Bull Riding Velocity Tour Finals and watch some of the world’s best bull riders compete for the championship title.

bucdays.com

Fireman’s Park, 901 N. Park St.

Bring the entire family and enjoy the 134th Maifest. Experience the authentic tastes and sounds of Texas’ German heritage with a colorful parade, spectacular evening performances, live entertainment, and tasty food.

brenhammaifest.com

Various locations

More than 700 Civil War period reenactors descend on Jefferson to reenact the Battle of Big Cypress Bayou at Total Farm. Infantry, cavalry, and artillery all play a part in the scenario battle. Coupled with the Jessie Allen Wise Garden Club’s annual Pilgrimage, the “battle” portion of the weekend has succeeded in turning Jefferson’s downtown historic district and surrounding neighborhoods into a three-day living-history encampment that includes a parade and downtown skirmish on Saturday morning.

battleforjefferson.com

Various locations

The Jessie Allen Wise Garden Club hosts the annual Pilgrimage, where visitors can immerse themselves in the 19th century—period attire is optional but fun. The event includes the Friday night Illumination, a ladies tea and Grand Ball on Saturday, and then the Presentation of Colors on Sunday morning.

battleforjefferson.com

El Campo Lost Lagoon, 665 County Road 451

Rev up your engine and appetite and enjoy the best of both worlds at the Crawfish Cookoff and Car Show, featuring delicious crawfish dishes, classic cars, and live music by Whiskey Bent and Trey Cruz.

eclostlagoon.com

American Bank Center, 1901 N. Shoreline Blvd.

The Professional Bull Riders organization brings its Velocity Tour to Corpus Christi during the city’s annual Buc Fest. See some of the best athletes of the sport going head-to-head with the fiercest bulls in the country.

americanbankcenter.com

Sandy Creek Park, 337 E. North St.

A full day of outdoor fun for the family includes vendors and activities, followed with a concert by Neal McCoy and Josh Ward in the evening.

emorytx.com

The Coliseum, 900 E. Coliseum Drive

Volunteers from the Scurry County Senior Center work all year sewing, quilting, crafting, and planning for the annual May Day celebration. Booths are open with baked goods and homemade crafts. There’s a silent auction, cake and pie auction, quilt auction, and entertainment from the Deep Creek Cloggers and a local band. Brisket plates are available as well. All proceeds go to the Scurry County Senior Center.

East Sixth Street, Sixth Street from Brazos Street to I-35

A free, family event, the Pecan Street Festival is the oldest and largest art festival in Central Texas. Musicians, food vendors, artists, and craftspeople turn Sixth Street—historically called Pecan Street—into a lively street fair.

pecanstreetfestival.org

Downtown , 101 W. Main St.

Celebrate the holiday while enjoying entertainment that includes live music, mariachis, and folklórico dancers.

visitwaxahachie.com

Haggard Park, 901 E. 15th St.

Celebrating Asian American Heritage Foundation, a all-volunteer nonprofit organization, announces AsiaFest, the 20th annual Plano Asian American Heritage Festival. Enjoy family-friendly signature cultural performances from all parts of Asia. Learn about Asian artistic traditions like cooking, visual art, calligraphy, martial arts, origami, and fashion. The festival features a wide variety of food vendors from area restaurants and food trucks.

visitplano.com/event/asiafest-2024

Traders Village, 2602 Mayfield Road

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo at Traders Village with live music, dancing, traditional food, and fun festivities for the whole family.

tradersvillage.com/grand-prairie

Montgomery County Fairgrounds, 9333 Airport Road

With aspirations as large as the Lone Star State, this new outdoor celebration features a world-class music lineup, Texas vendors and artisans, custom exhibitions, immersive art installations, live-fire grilling, carnival games, and fun for all ages. The lineup of performers includes Thomas Rhett, Dierks Bentley, Dwight Yoakam, Midland, Morgan Wade, and Breland.

bigastexasfest.com

El Campo Lost Lagoon, 665 County Road 451

Lost Lagoon RV Resort celebrates its anniversary and Mother’s Day with the lively tunes of Rewind Texas, pickleball and cornhole tournaments, and a vendor fair—creating a perfect blend of music, games, and festivities to mark this special occasion and honor moms.

eclostlagoon.com

Brush Square Park, 409 E. Fifth St.

The O. Henry Museum Pun-Off World Championships is an internationally renowned spoken-word competition focused on the art of the pun. There are two competitions, PunSlingers and Punniest of Show, voted upon by the public.

punoffatx.brushsquaremuseums.org

Courthouse Square, 400 Spring St.

Held on the courthouse square under the shade of 100-year-old live oak and magnolia trees, the Magnolia Days Festival is fun for the whole family. See a presentation by the Magnolia Belles on the courthouse square, shop the vendor marketplace, and sample tasty food and beverages. Enjoy a brew in the beer garden, and dance the weekend away with a fantastic lineup of live concerts.

magnoliadays.org

Lee County Fairgrounds on Hwy 290, 2495 SH 290 West

On the third weekend in May, the Lee County Fair takes center state in Giddings. Activities include live music, shopping, local art and food contests, and a carnival with an antique carousel open for the kids. Friday is Senior Citizens Day and Saturday includes an Armed Forces Day ceremony and parade. At the Charcoal Challenge Barbecue Cookoff, teams from all over Central Texas compete in a variety of foods, drinks, and barbecue.

leecountyfairtx.com

Kerr Arts and Cultural Center, 228 Earl Garrett St.

Open Tuesday through Saturday, this exhibit showcases gourd and fiber art by artists who come from all over the country. Meet the makers at the artists reception on May 25.

kacckerrville.com

Kreische Brewery and Monument Hill State Historic Sites, 414 State Loop 92

Celebrate the history of the Bluff Schuetzenverein, a German marksmanship and social organization that once made its home on the grounds of Kreische Brewery and Monument Hill State Historic Sites. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the Bluff Scheutzenverein hosted dances, concerts, picnics, and shooting competitions, welcoming people from across Texas. Commemorate these traditions with a day full of entertainment, community booths, family activities, living history demonstrations, special tours, and food and drink.

bluffschuetzenfest.org

Downtown Garland Square, 520 W. State St.

A day of unity in diversity pays tribute to the diverse and talented Asian Pacific American communities. Enjoy cultural performances from countries such as Thailand, Laos, China, Indonesia, Vietnam, Cambodia, the Philippines, Singapore, Myanmar, India, Japan, Korea, and Hawaii. Highlights include a Colorful World Parade, a captivating lion dance, craft stalls, and art performances showcasing the creativity and skillful hands of Asian Pacific Americans.

visitgarlandtx.com

Salmon Lake Park Texas, 247 Salmon Lake Road

The 27th annual Memorial Day Gospel Bluegrass Festival at Salmon Lake Park in Grapeland includes performances by The Gospel Plowboys, The Cox Family, The Marksmen, High Fidelity, and several others. RVs are welcome.

salmonlakepark.com

Marktplatz, 100 W. Main St.

At this festival on Memorial Day Weekend, indulge on great Cajun food, live music, shopping, and a kids’ carnival. This event is sponsored by the Fredericksburg Jaycees.

fbgcrawfishfestival.com

Texas Maritime Museum, 1202 Navigation Circle

Enjoy a wide variety of wines, food demonstrations, and specialty food concessions, plus live bands and fun entertainment.

texasmaritimemuseum.org

Yoakum City Park, 105 Kvinta Drive

Kick off your summer in Yoakum style. The 96th annual festival honors the city’s tomato growing heritage with fun activities that include a pageant; parade; carnival; rodeo; barbecue cookoff; car show; 5K run; arts and craft booths; food trucks; a biergarten; cornhole, softball, and domino tournaments; daytime music; and two live performances by headlining country artists with dances to follow at the city park pavilion.

yoakumareachamber.com

Various locations

For several days, Jacksonville becomes “Tomatoville.” The festival, marking its 40th anniversary this year, features tomato-eating, salsa, and bloody mary contests; fishing and dodgeball tournaments; a street dance, and many other tomato-centric events.

jacksonvilletexas.com/ tomato-fest

Graham Downtown Square, 608 Elm St.

Food trucks of all varieties take over “America’s Largest Downtown Square” to compete for the coveted grand champion prize and a total payout of $16,000. The day kicks off with the Possum Pedal Bike Ride early in the morning and ends with a ticketed evening concert at the Young County Arena.

foodtruckchampionshipoftexas.com

Buu Mon Buddhist Temple , 2701 Procter St.

Gardens, koi ponds, and statuary and Vietnamese cultural displays are part of the fun. The Buu Mon Buddhist Temple’s gardens create a peaceful scene with fruit trees, lotus, bamboo, and other foliage. A statue of Buddha, rimmed in lights, is at the head of a reflecting pool, and a sitting Buddha watches over the koi pond.

visitportarthurtx.com/things-to-do/attraction/buu-mon-buddhist-temple

Marktplatz , 114 W. Main St.

Sponsored by the Fredericksburg Rotary Club, Car Fest is a Hill Country tradition now in its 19th year. The event offers food trucks and vendors and attracts car enthusiasts, families, and weekend shoppers to downtown Fredericksburg and the historic Marktplatz on Main Street.

fredericksburgmorningrotary.org/sitepage/car-fest

Various locations

This year, the Gingerbread Trail Home Tour theme is “Main Street.” Embark on an immersive journey through the city’s downtown, where each step uncovers the stories and architectural elements that define the community. With exclusive access to landmarks, private homes, and special exhibits, this year’s trail showcases the heart and soul of Main Street in every detail.

elliscountymuseum.org/gingerbread-trail-2024

Mid-Way Regional Airport, 131 Airport Drive

Spend the day taking in classic airplanes and fighters, fly-overs, helicopter rides, Midlothian Classic Wheels Car Club, live music, and children’s activities.

mid-wayregional.com/events

Grand Prairie Farmers Market, 121 W. Main Street

The Grand Prairie Farmers Market hosts its annual Crawfish Boil. Enjoy live music, delicious crawfish, a gift market, arts and crafts vendors, and other fun.

gptx.org/about-grand-prairie/downtown-grand-prairie/farmers-market

San Elizario Historic Art District, 1501 Main St.

Visit historic sites, art galleries, museums, vendors, and saloons, and maybe catch an Old West gunfight or performance of the play “1876: Billy the Kid.” The event also has live music and food and drinks

billythekidfestival.com

Various locations

Celebrating its 20th year, Wine and Food Week is a multifaceted event that brings world-class chefs, wine pairings, and sommelier-driven tastings to The Woodlands each June.

wineandfoodweek.com

Various locations

This annual festival celebrates the agave and its influence on culture through food, film, music, science, and spirits. Enjoy tastings hosted by agave spirit producers, one-of-a-kind dining experiences, and performances by contemporary and regional musicians.

agavemarfa.com

Various locations

Route 66, the road that helped shape America, turns 100 years old in 2026. Starting in 2023, the annual Texas Route 66 Festival kicked off years of celebrations leading up to the historic route’s centennial. This festival features 10 days packed with events along the Texas route including classic car shows, bus tours, cattle drives, parades, music festivals, and a grand finale festival in Amarillo’s Route 66 Historic District.

visitamarillo.com/events/route-66

Historic Town Square, 300 Main St.

The Lavender Capital of Texas celebrates 19 years as one of the Hill Country’s premier festival venues. Artisans, food, local and regional beer and wine, live music, and lots and lots of lavender are available. The first commercial lavender farm in the state of Texas, Hill Country Lavender, is open for tours. The festival is free to attend.

blancolavenderfest.com

Veterans Memorial Park, 109 Depot St.

Head to Elgin’s Veterans Park and enjoy a Juneteenth parade and festival featuring music, vendors selling locally made goods, food, and lots of fun for the whole family.

elgintexas.gov

Various locations

Galveston’s official kickoff to summer is a throwback to the “good ol’ days” of the city’s summertime history. Watch contestants in retro and vintage-inspired swimwear compete in the Bathing Beauties Revue at the seawall; plus, enjoy a classic car show, vendors, live entertainment, and other old-timey fun.

galvestonbeachrevue.com

Downtown, 200 E. Main St.

One of the most delicious festivals in the Lone Star State, the Texas Blueberry Festival marks its 34th year with a daylong celebration of the blueberry harvest. As the only state-sanctioned blueberry festival in Texas, this annual event attracts more than 19,000 people to downtown Nacogdoches on the second Saturday in June. Stay for the week or weekend and fill your calendar with a smorgasbord of activities such as live music, blueberry picking, auto exhibits, shopping, and restaurant specials.

texasblueberryfestival.com

Riverside Hall, 14643 Buls Road

Enjoy live music and dancing with bands and entertainers performing from morning to night. A plate lunch of barbecue chicken, sausage, sauerkraut, and trimmings is available for purchase. Hamburgers are available in the evening. There are also arts and crafts vendors, a raffle, cake walk, and plenty of kolaches.

kkfest.com

Lockhart City Park, 504 City Park Road

The Chisholm Trail Roundup is Lockhart’s largest annual festival and tourism event. Now celebrating its 51st year, the event has a range of family activities including a petting zoo, pig races, a carnival, rodeo, barbecue cookoff, the Grand Parade in historic downtown, and live entertainment.

lockhartchamber.com/chisholm-trail-roundup

Shrimporee Festival Grounds, 200 E. Johnson Ave.

The annual Shrimporee festival has celebrated the rich heritage of this coastal community for 76 years. The festival pays homage to a time when Aransas Pass was known as the Shrimp Capital of the World. The weekend includes live music on two stages, craft vendors, a live cooking stage serving up shrimp, a carnival, and kids’ zone and several family-friendly activities.

aransaspass.org

Amarillo Route 66 Historic District

Experience the grand finale of the 10-day Texas Route 66 Festival. Enjoy live music, a car show, a pin-up pageant, vendors, kids’ activities, and other festivities. Immerse yourself in iconic Route 66 vibes and celebrate the rich history and culture of this legendary highway.

visitamarillo.com/events/route-66

Stonewall Chamber of Commerce, 250 Peach St.

The 63rd annual celebration of the Stonewall peach crop includes peach judging, the crowning of the Peach Queen, a parade, lots of peach eating and pit spitting, a variety of food, live music, and goat roping.

stonewalltexas.com

Bowie Rodeo Arena and Downtown Bowie, 413 Pelham St.

Started in 1967, the Jim Bowie Days celebration and rodeo is held the last full week in June each summer. Events include a rodeo, parade, concerts, hamburger feed, Native American artifact show, quilt show, pet parade, cornhole tournament, golf tournament, and a fishing tournament. This year’s Saturday rodeo concert features Curtis Grimes.

jimbowiedays.org

Watermelon Thump Pavilion, 319 E. Davis St.

For 71 years, Luling has honored hard-working local watermelon farmers with a festival celebrating all things watermelon. Enjoy four days of live music, food booths, pageants, the World Championship Seed Spitting Contest, a carnival, parade, car show, and market.

newsite.watermelonthump.com

Cook’s Garage, 11002 US 87 D

When early summer rolls around, a celebration of all things music and cotton makes its way to the High Plains of Texas. A weekend-long festival, journey out to Lubbock for three days of camping, cornhole, barbecue cookoffs, and some of the biggest names in Texas country music at William Clark Green’s Cotton Fest.

cottonfestlbk.com

TSF Performance Venue, 1200 Henderson Blvd.

East Texas’ only professional theater company performs each summer in rep two Shakespeare plays, a non-Shakespearean classic, a musical, and a production for children. The main stage productions are produced in rotating repertory Thursday through Sunday, with an afternoon matinee and an evening performance each day. This summer’s list of plays are “Much Ado About Nothing,” “Peter and the Starcatcher,” “Julius Caesar,” “Sweeney Todd,” and the children’s play “Tinker Bell.”

texasshakespeare.com

Thompson Park , 2401 Dumas Drive

Nonprofit organization Smile Big Texas presents Pride on the Plains, a celebration of Pride and the LGBTQ community in the Texas Panhandle.

smilebigtx.com

Southlake Town Square, 1400 Main St.

Stars and Stripes is held annually on July 3 in the heart of Southlake’s Town Square. This event ignites the spirit of patriotism and community with an array of delectable festival foods, engaging activities for all ages, and, of course, a display of fireworks that lights up the night sky.

southlakestarsandstripes.com

Various locations

It’s Rockdale’s 150th Birthday and everyone is invited to enjoy 12 days of festivities that celebrate the city’s past and future. Events kick off with a July Fourth Drone Light Show at Fair Park. Other highlights include a community parade, car show, quilt exhibition, community art exhibition, a heritage celebration at The 1895, historic walking tours, live music, family activities, historical presentations, and vendors. The festival wraps up with a costumed Sesquicentennial Gala Dinner and Dance featuring Kenny Orts.

rockdale150.com

Various locations

Enjoy a variety of activities at Town Green Park, Northshore Park, Rob Fleming Park, Hughes Landing, and Waterway Square. All sites feature live music in the evening with bands playing until the Fireworks Extravaganza. Some locations offer concessions and kids’ activities like face painting and balloon art.

visitthewoodlands.com/events/patriotic/fourth-of-july

Various locations

Come to Jefferson to partake in an old-fashioned celebration of the country’s birthday. Activities at Ostott Park include a kids’ parade, a homemade ice cream contest, a cake and pie auction, games, and live music. At night, the grand finale fireworks show goes off over the Big Cypress Bayou by the LED-lighted historical bridge.

visitjeffersontexas.com/jefferson-texas-events

Freeport Municipal Park, 421 N. Brazosport Blvd.

Since 1947, anglers have been drawn to this fishing tournament in the hopes of catching the biggest redfish, barracuda, or any other offshore or inshore fish. Along with fishing, the Fiesta has games, food, live entertainment, dances, arts and crafts, and a fireworks display on Saturday night. The tournament is one of the largest on the Gulf and includes prizes for both offshore and inshore categories.

fishinfiesta.com

IOOF Park, 3440 W. Second Ave.

Head to Independent Order of Odd Fellows (IOOF) Park for a star-spangled celebration and a day filled with family fun, kids’ games, mouthwatering dishes at food trucks, live music, and an awe-inspiring fireworks show at night.

visitcorsicana.com

Downtown, Historic Granbury Square

Granbury Chamber presents the city’s 50th annual Fourth of July celebration. For four days, the historic square of Granbury comes alive with vendors offering souvenirs, handmade crafts, food, and other goods. The highlight of the festivities is the Fourth of July parade, a tradition that kicks off the event with colorful floats, marching bands, and community organizations. The sun sets on the evening with a fireworks display that lights up the night sky over Lake Granbury.

granburychamber.com

Ebony Hill’s Golf Course, 300 W. Palm Drive

Texas Cook’Em High Steaks is back. This year’s event promises to be the biggest and best yet, featuring top musical acts, a fireworks show, Freedom SkyDive Jump, and, of course, one of the best steak barbecue cookoffs in Texas.

edinburg.com/texas-cookem-high-steaks-in-edinburg/

Rockport Festival Grounds, 1500 E. Laurel St.

Founded in 1969 as a way to stimulate the arts economy in Rockport, an emerging art colony on the Texas Gulf Coast, the Rockport Art Festival has since become a staple of the summer season on the coast, with over 120 artists selling their work to over 10,000 art buyers.

rockportartcenter.com/artfest

Various locations

Founded in 1972, the annual Spring Ho was first held the second full weekend in July, but through the years has grown into a weeklong event. Festivities include live music, shops by the creek, entertainment for kids and families, a fireworks show, and a parade.

springho.com

LHUCA Icehouse, 511 Ave. J

Do you love games, beer, and music? Enjoy a day of game demos with Stormcrow Games, fantasy map creation, West Texas Comedy, Bardic personas of Russell Thompson and Travis Burge, and pirate-themed sessions of Roll Initative with LHUCA Game Masters. This event is in preparation for the Hub City Renaissance Faire at LHUCA in October.

lhuca.org/renaissance-faire

Downtown, 1 Courthouse Square

The 39th annual Parker County Peach Festival, held in historic downtown Weatherford, invites visitors to indulge in peachy treats including homemade peach ice cream, peach cobbler, peach pie, peach tea, peach smoothies, ice cream topped with fresh peaches, or just plain ol’ juicy peaches. There’s nonstop entertainment and activities for the entire family with a food competition, vendors and store specials, and two stages featuring local talent. Around 2,200 cyclists participate in the Peach Pedal Bike Ride as well.

peachfestivaltx.com

Freestone County Courthouse , 118 E. Commerce St.

It’s peach season in Texas and Fairfield celebrates with the Fuzzy Peach Festival. The two-day event includes live music, a street dance, cornhole tournament, vendors, games, food trucks, water fun, and the Little Miss Peach Pageant.

fairfieldtexaschamber.com

Downtown Wichita Falls Farmers Market, 713 Ohio Ave.

The 12th annual Watermelon Festival is a great summertime event for all. Have a free slice of watermelon, then use the watermelon rind to throw at the ring toss target. Live music, a farmers market, food, and kids’ activities round out the fun.

farmersmarketwf.com

Clute Municipal Park, 100 Parkview Drive

At this fun-filled family event, celebrating its 43rd year, festivalgoers can expect vendor booths with a variety of foods, arts and crafts, and other merchandise; a carnival; live entertainment each evening; and Willie-Man-Chew, the 26-foot-tall mosquito mascot that greets visitors.

mosquitofestival.com

Naples Melon Patch and Rodeo Grounds, Front and Floyd streets

One of the biggest events in the area, the 86th annual Watermelon Festival and Rodeo, held every year on the last full weekend of July, features sweet East Texas melons, a parade, arts and craft booths, largest watermelon contest, a rodeo with PRCA-sanctioned and local events, an antique car show, and other festivities.

facebook.com/naplesmelonpatch

Promenade Park Amphitheater and Water Gardens, 202 N. 10th Ave.

This festival that honors renowned Mexican artist Frida Kahlo as well as the spirit of perseverance and empowerment. FridaFest features live art demonstrations and performances, Frida’s zoo and animal exhibit, and a number of children’s activities. The festival also includes the Frida Look-A-Like Contest which takes place in the Edinburg Municipal Auditorium. The evening is capped off by a concert that will have the whole family dancing.

edinburgarts.com

Galveston Island Convention Center, 5600 Seawall Blvd.

Enjoy an opportunity to look, learn, and participate in this fast-growing entertainment industry. Daily panels focus on the influence esports has on STEM education, mental and physical health, and diversity in gaming. There are also appearances by voiceover and game celebrities and game developers, demonstrations, gaming areas, and tournaments for all ages.

galvestonesports.com

Jefferson Convention and Visitor Center, 305 E. Austin St.

Calling all history buffs! Enjoy a whole day of presentations, speakers, exhibits, and vendors at this conference that focuses on the part that Jefferson and the surrounding area played in the Civil War.

visitjeffersontexas.com/jefferson-texas-events

Heritage Village, 200 Block of East Live Oak Street

Seguin celebrates its 186th birthday with a party at the Seguin’s First Church and the Campbell-Hoermann Log Cabin in Heritage Village. Festivities over the years have included a barbecue dinner, homemade ice cream contestant, and live entertainment.

visitseguin.com

Downtown Pampa, 100 S. Cuyler St.

Six bands, 75 retail vendors, and 16 food trucks take over the brick streets of downtown Pampa. There is also axe throwing and a VIP section. Gates open at 11 a.m., bands start at 3 p.m., and the festival is over at midnight.

pampafest.com

Jefferson Convention and Visitor Center, 305 E. Austin St.

This all-day convention covers Texas-based UFO sightings, alien encounters, and UFO crash sites. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as their favorite extraterrestrial.

facebook.com/texasufocon

Gillespie County Fairgrounds and Exhibition Hall, 530 Fair Drive

The oldest continuous county fair in Texas marks its 136th year. Enjoy four big days filled with fun events, including livestock shows and judging, agricultural and household exhibits, arts and crafts, live music and dancing, and live pari-mutuel horse racing.

gillespiefair.com

Main Street, 100 Block of West Main Street

One of the Texas Hill Country’s biggest parades has more than 200 units, marches down Main Street, and kicks off the annual Gillespie County Fair. The parade starts behind the courthouse and travels east to South Washington Street, then turns and goes west on Main Street to Edison Street. Bring chairs and arrive early.

gillespiefair.com

Pleasanton River Park, 1030 Riverpark Road

The “Birthplace of the Cowboy” celebrates its heritage with a festival featuring concerts, craft and food vendors, a parade, and activities for kids.

pleasantontx.gov

Herff Park, 1307 River Road

The Kendall County Fair Association hosts the 118th annual Kendall County Fair. Head to the fairgrounds for a weekend of good old-fashioned community fun, with vendors, a Queen’s Pageant, a rodeo and livestock show on Friday and Saturday, and Bull Riding Extreme on Sunday. A parade on Main Street takes place on Saturday. Attendees can also see exhibits in the Homestead Heritage Exhibit Hall.

kcfa.org

Various locations

The Front Fest is an end-of-summer festival featuring performances, films, and creative experiences that put Texas women and LGBTQ+ creatives of all kinds at the front of the lineups. The festival has welcomed over 15,000 guests and showcased 500-plus women and LGBTQ+ artists since 2016, including Dorian Electra, Jessica Williams, Lizzo, Alok V. Menon, Madame Gandhi, Juliana Huxtable, and Katja Blichfeld.

thefrontfest.com

Lake Jackson Civic Center, 333 SH 332

Lake Jackson brings the Yuletide cheer with this kick-off to the holiday season. Festivities include a carnival, games, and a parade.

lakejackson-tx.gov