A note regarding COVID-19
Upcoming Events in GULF COAST
Houston
“Habitat”
Sept. 14, 2024-Sept. 13, 2026
Houston Botanic Garden, 1 Botanic Lane
To mark its fourth birthday, the Houston Botanic Garden presents “Habitat.” The exhibit—which incorporates installations created by local artists—explores the central idea of “protecting habitats protects life,” through the lens of the Gulf Coast environment. With thematic sections on topics such as fungi, dead wood, nests, and insects, “Habitat” explores the critical role that many organisms play in creating and sustaining habitats.
“John Akromfrah: The Hour Of The Dog”
April 24-Oct. 11
The Menil Collection, 1533 Sul Ross St.
The Menil Collection and the Baltimore Museum of Art have co-commissioned renowned British filmmaker and artist John Akomfrah to create an immersive, multichannel video installation exploring the history of civil rights-era nonviolent protests, including the Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee.
Beaumont
“A Legacy of Collecting: Art Museum of Southeast Texas”
July 24-Sept. 20
Art Museum of Southeast Texas , 500 Main St.
In celebration of the museum’s 75th anniversary, this exhibition highlights the second half of the Art Museum of Southeast Texas’ legacy of nearly eight decades of community, culture, creativity, and connection. The exhibition chronicles the museum’s commitment to exhibiting contemporary artists of Texas and the region, and offers visitors the opportunity to view some of the museum’s most notable acquisitions, including Mexican folk art from the John Gaston Fairey collection and works by notable Texas artists such as José Villalobos, Earlie Hudnall Jr., Teresa Baker, Paul Manes, John Alexander, James Watkins, James Surls, and Tom Jean Webb.
Clute
Planetarium Show
Sept 1-29
Center for the Arts and Sciences, 400 College Blvd.
A 30-foot dome equipped with a Spitz Star Ball projector along with a variety of other high-tech equipment produces the night sky as it appears to the naked eye. The show gives audiences a close-up feel for comets, exploding stars, and black holes.
La Porte
Main Street Trade Days
Sept. 5-Oct. 3
Five Points Plaza, 100 S. Broadway St.
Discover one-of-a-kind items at Main Street Trade Days, held on the first Saturday of every month in downtown La Porte. This open-air market is a treasure trove for those seeking unique handmade and homemade goods, and a wide variety of collectibles, all surrounded by Main Street.
Lake Jackson
Abner Jackson Plantation Site Tour
Sept. 5, Oct. 3, Nov. 7
Abner Jackson Plantation Site, FM 2004 near State Highway 332
Visit the historical archeological site of Maj. Abner Jackson, the namesake of the city of Lake Jackson. Once a prosperous sugar plantation, the site was destroyed by the same hurricane that devastated Galveston in 1900. Learn about the sugar-making process of the 1840s and how convict labor replaced slave labor during the 1870s.
Houston
“Wall Drawing: Jitish Kallat”
Sept. 10-Aug. 8, 2027
Menil Drawing Institute, 1412 W. Main St.
The Menil Collection has commissioned Jitish Kallat to create the eighth installment of the Menil Drawing Institute’s ephemeral Wall Drawing Series. Born in Mumbai where he continues to live and work, Kallat is a leading figure in contemporary Indian art. His work often probes the intersections of the intimate and the immense, weaving together references to history, science, philosophy, and the cosmic scale of time.
“Fragility”
Sept. 10-Jan. 24, 2027
Menil Drawing Institute, 1412 W. Main St.
The exhibition highlights paper—and its incongruous and variable characteristics—as an artistic material. Included in the show are works that present a range of processes, as well as paper sculptures and found papers that imbue a finished work with an additional sense of history and place.
El Campo
Freedom Fest
Sept. 11-13
El Campo Lost Lagoon, 665 CR 451
Close out the summer at Lost Lagoon during the sixth annual Freedom Fest, a high-energy weekend packed with live music, lagoon fun, and red-white-and-blue vibes to wrap up the season in style.
South Padre Island
Wahoo Classic
Sept. 11-13
Jim’s Pier, 209 N. Whiting St.
Anglers compete for cash prizes targeting wahoo, blackfin tuna, and dorado in this thrilling summer tournament.
Clute
“A Broadway Revue”
Sept. 11-13, 18-20
Center for the Arts and Sciences, 400 College Blvd.
Enjoy this stage production featuring a collection of songs, dances, and comedic sketches.
Lake Jackson
Xtreme Hummingbird Xtravaganza
Sept. 12, 19
Gulf Coast Bird Observatory, 299 SH 332 West
Watch thumb-sized hummers dart in and out of nectar-producing flowers like lantana, trumpet-vine, and honeysuckle, or spy them sipping nectar at feeders hanging from tree limbs and building awnings. See a bird-bander take measurements of a hummingbird, weigh it, and clamp a thin, number-coded band on one of its legs. There are also activities for kids, nature-themed booths, and native plant sales.
Freeport
“Haunted Tales of the Gulf Coast”
Sept. 12-Oct. 30
Freeport Historical Museum, 311 E. Park Ave.
Experience this exhibition about local ghost stories and Freeport’s spookiest places.
Hispanic Heritage Month Exhibition
Sept. 15-Oct. 15
Freeport Historical Museum, 311 E. Park Ave.
See this exhibition about the federal Bracero Program, which provided agricultural labor from Mexico during World War II, and local Hispanic history.
Houston
“The Music Man”
Sept. 15-27
The Hobby Center for the Performing Arts, 800 Bagby St.
Meredith Willson’s six-time Tony Award-winning beloved musical comedy, “The Music Man,” marches into Houston with laughter, heart, and all the music you love. Follow the fast-talking traveling salesman Harold Hill as he cons the people of River City, Iowa, into buying instruments and uniforms for a boys’ band that he vows to organize. Featuring songs such as “Seventy-Six Trombones,” “Trouble,”“Till There Was You,” “Pick-a-Little,” and “Gary, Indiana,”“The Music Man” is a classic musical to be shared with every generation.
Victoria
Stella Alesi Exhibit
Sept. 17-Nov. 27
The Nave Museum, 306 W. Commercial St.
Experience the works of Texas artist Stella Alesi, who works with a variety of mediums including drawing, painting, collage, photography, and large wall works.
Rockport
HummerBird Celebration
Sept. 17-20
Rockport Fulton Visitor Center, 319 Broadway
The 38th annual Rockport-Fulton HummerBird Celebration offers programs with speakers, birding trips, hummer home bus tours, and shopping.
Surfside Beach
Surfside, Sunset, and Sound
Sept. 18-19, Nov. 6-7
Surfside Beach Public Boat Ramp, Coast Guard Drive
Enjoy this event featuring live music, historical reenactments, food trucks, mariachi bands, and other festivities.
Corpus Christi
Conquer the Coast Bike Ride
Sept. 19
Whataburger Field , 734 E. Port Ave.
Conquer the Coast begins at Whataburger Field and proceeds with options of 66-, 21-, and 10-mile routes for cyclists of all ages and skill levels.
Beaumont
Bucktoberfest
Sept. 19
Buckstin Brewing Co., 6280 Phelan Blvd.
Bucktoberfest is a free, family-friendly Oktoberfest celebration hosted by Buckstin Brewing Co., blending traditional German beer hall culture with southeast Texas hospitality. Expect Oktoberfest food, a ceremonial cask tapping, live entertainment, a steinholding competition, a wurst-eating contest, and an Oktoberfest costume contest showcasing lederhosen and dirndls. There’s also a kids area.
South Padre Island
Kemp’s Krawl 5K
Sept. 19
Hilton Garden Inn, 7010 Padres Blvd.
This sea turtle-themed 5K run celebrates Kemp’s Ridley sea turtles. After crossing the finish line, enjoy a vibrant post-race celebration featuring an awards ceremony, photo ops with Sea Turtle Inc. mascots, a pop-up gift shop, snacks, a live DJ, and your finisher’s medal.
Surfside Beach
Texas Navy Day
Sept. 19
Surfside City Hall, 1304 Monument Drive
This event, which includes a speaker and light refreshments, shines a spotlight on the importance of the Texas Navy and significant moments in its history.
Spring
Color Vibe 5K
Sept. 19
City Place Plaza, 1495 Lake Plaza Drive
Lace up your running shoes, throw on your brightest white outfit, and experience one of the most colorful mornings of the year. Color Vibe 5K invites participants of all ages to enjoy an unforgettable celebration of movement, music, and community. Unlike a traditional race, Color Vibe is a fun, untimed 5K where runners, walkers, families, and friends make their way through a vibrant course filled with colorful powder stations. Participants begin the race dressed in white and finish covered in brilliant bursts of color, creating memories (and photos) that last long after race day.
Clute
Shell Show and Texas Sheller’s Jamboree
Sept. 24-26
The Center for the Arts and Sciences, 400 College Blvd.
The Sea Shell Searchers of Brazoria County and the Houston Conchology Society host the 2026 Texas Shellers Jamboree, a gathering that includes an annual shell show featuring various shell displays, sales, and meetings for shelling enthusiasts. If you plan to attend, you can find further details and registration forms as they are posted on the Houston Conchology Society homepage or check the Sea Shell Searchers of Brazoria County for local club information. You do not have to be a member of a Texas Shell Club to come to the jamboree, but there is a charge to attend. The Sea Shell Searchers Shell Show is free.
Corpus Christi
The Texas Food Championship
Sept. 25-27
Water’s Edge Park, 602 S. Shoreline Blvd.
The Texas Food Championships isn’t just a competition, it’s where Texas flavor meets world-class ambition. As the official state qualifier for the World Food Championships, this is where the best of the best battle it out for a coveted spot on Team Texas. Category champions earn the honor of representing the Lone Star State on the biggest culinary stage in the world.
Houston
“Terry Winters: Vitalized Geometry”
Sept. 25-April 4, 2027
The Menil Collection, 1533 Sul Ross St.
The exhibition presents 44 prints and works on paper by the American artist Terry Winters, who draws inspiration from mathematical systems and structures of the natural world. Celebrating two groups of gifts to the Menil and organized in close consultation with the artist, the career-spanning presentation explores the importance of printmaking to Winters’s practice and its dialogue with other forms of making.
ROCO In Concert: Eyes on the Horizon
Sept. 25-26
Miller Outdoor Theatre, 6000 Hermann Park Drive
ROCO embarks on its 22nd season with Eyes on the Horizon, an opening weekend featuring two world premiere commissions in back-to-back orchestra performances conducted by artistic partner Delyana Lazarova. The program begins with Jonathan Peters’ “Sonus Colorum,” an orchestral meditation on color in sound, before moving into two multimedia world premieres that explore the connections between sight, sound, and perspective. Leanna Primiani’s multimedia concerto “Visions” explores the lenses through which we see the world and how perception shapes our understanding of ourselves and those around us. Composer and saxophonist Alison Shearer features in her own new work, “The Light Paintings,” inspired by abstract artwork created by her late father, acclaimed LIFE photojournalist John Shearer. The evening concludes with “The Godfather” trilogy composer Nino Rota’s rarely performed Symphony No. 3 in C Major.
Sargent
Kayaks and Cars FunRaiser
Sept. 26
Mike Leebron (Lions) Park, 716 CR 296 (Caney Drive)
Start with a leisurely paddle on Caney Creek then join the festivities at Lions Park, which include food trucks, beverages, auctions, an open-class car show, and family fun.
Victoria
Victoria Ballet Theatre: Fall for Dance
Sept. 26
Leo J. Welder Center for the Performing Arts, 214 N. Main St.
Fall for Dance features a mixed repertory of classical and contemporary pieces highlighting the talent of Victoria Ballet Theatre. Pieces by professional guest choreographers are included.
South Padre Island
Triathlon
Sept. 27
South Padre Island Entertainment District, 211 W. Whiting St.
Designed for both seasoned athletes and first-time competitors, the SPI Triathlon features Olympic and sprint distance courses, offering an exciting challenge for every skill level. The race includes an open-water swim, cycling, and running.
Victoria
Czech Heritage Festival
Sept. 27
Victoria Community Center, 2905 E. North St.
Celebrate Czech heritage with live Czech music and dancing, Czech food and drink, arts and crafts, games, and a country store.
South Padre Island
Sandcastle Days
Oct. 1
Clayton’s Beach Bar and Grill, 6900 Padre Blvd.
More than 30,000 come to see master sandcastle builders demonstrate their abilities. The event features game vendors, food and drinks, and art booths.
Rockport
Seafair
Oct. 1-4
Harbor Festival Grounds, 101 Seabreeze Drive
Since 1975, the Rockport-Fulton SeaFair has been the Gulf Coast’s premier fall festival, with four days of live music, legendary Cajun cooking competitions, crab races, carnival rides, a parade, and the warmth of a tight-knit coastal Texas community.
Victoria
Tejas Fest
Oct. 2-3
De Leon Plaza, 101 N. Main St.
This two-day fall festival is a celebration of all things Texas. Enjoy live Tejano and Texas country music, ballet folklórico and mariachi, a car show, a kids area, food trucks, and a shopping market.
El Campo
Prairie Days Festival
Oct. 3
Alamo Park, West First Street
This festival celebrates El Campo’s heritage with live music, a beer garden, food and craft vendors, a kids zone, community 5K run, shopping, entertainment, and hometown fun all day long.
Clute
Planetarium Show
Oct. 3-31
Center for the Arts and Sciences, 400 College Blvd.
A 30-foot dome equipped with a Spitz Star Ball projector along with a variety of other high-tech equipment produces the night sky as it appears to the naked eye. The show gives audiences a close-up feel for comets, exploding stars, and black holes.
“Dinosaur George Returns!”
Oct. 3
Center for the Arts and Sciences, 400 College Blvd.
Dinosaur George, a paleontologist and animal behaviorist, brings real artifacts of prehistoric life to the coastal community. His show features over 150 exhibit pieces.
West Columbia
Hoggtoberfest
Oct. 3
Varner Hogg Plantation State Historic Site, 1702 N. 13th St.
Celebrate the season and learn about harvest time on a 1800s plantation. The event includes hayrides, crafts, sugar cane, and storytelling.
Lake Jackson
Brazosport Symphony Orchestra in Concert: “Romeo and Juliet”
Oct. 3
The Clarion, 500 College Drive
Experience Shakespeare’s tragic love story through the music of the symphony orchestra.
Freeport
Texas Archeology Month
Oct. 3
Freeport Historical Museum, 311 E. Park Ave.
Celebrate Texas Archeology Month with sand excavations and artifacts visitors can touch.
Port Aransas
Hook ‘Em and Book ‘Em Fishing Tournament
Oct. 3
Roberts Point Pier, 301 JC Barr Blvd.
Head to the Texas Coast for a full day of friendly competition, coastal adventure, and unwavering support for the officers and families of the Texas Department of Public Safety. Every cast helps the department continue its mission of providing scholarships, relief assistance, and emergency support for the DPS community. Registrations, check-ins, and weigh-ins take place at Roberts Point Marina.
South Padre Island
Ride for Rotary
Oct. 4
Louie’s Backyard, 2305 Laguna Blvd.
Cyclists from across the region bike the Ride for Rotary, a scenic cycling event beginning in Brownsville and finishing on South Padre Island. Participants can choose between a 33-mile short route or a 50-mile long route.
Beaumont
Delilah Montoya: Solo Exhibition
Oct. 9-Jan. 3
Art Museum of Southeast Texas, 500 Main St.
Delilah Montoya is a Latina photographer living in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Montoya’s exhibition features a curated selection of art from her recent retrospective at the Albuquerque Museum of Art and additional artwork. Examples of artworks in this exhibition include portraits from the Contemporary Casta Portraiture: Nuestra Calidad series featured at the National Museum of Mexican Art and landscapes from the Trail of Tears series.
Corpus Christi
Moonlight Magic in the Gardens
Oct. 9
South Texas Botanical Gardens and Nature Center, 8545 S. Staples St.
A magical evening under the stars and among the flowers includes music and dancing with the Diamond’s Edge Band, dinner from various restaurant stations, a butterfly release, a silent auction, garden strolls through exhibits, and “magic” from San Antonio mentalist James Arthur.
Port Aransas
Cultural Arts Festival
Oct. 9-11
Old Town Park, 408 N. Alister St.
This celebration of art, heritage, and creativity by the sea showcases the cultural, artistic, and civic spirit of Port Aransas. Visitors can enjoy immersive experiences—from food and music to storytelling and the arts.
Galveston
Greek Festival
Oct. 10-11
Assumption Greek Orthodox Church, 714 19th St.
A celebration of Hellenic culture, this event is a lively experience featuring Greek food, wine, beer, pastries, and commemorative items. There is no admission fee.
Wharton
Monterey Square Wine and Arts Fair
Oct. 10
Wharton County Historic Courthouse, 100 N. Fulton St.
One of Wharton’s most delightful evenings includes shopping for art while sampling wine in a relaxed atmosphere.
Port Aransas
Fall Kite Fly
Oct. 10
Beach Mile Marker 13, 405 W. Ave. G
The fun begins in the morning near beach marker 13. The sky comes alive with kites of all shapes, sizes, and colors. If the evening breeze is right, you might even see the beach light up with glowing night kites. Bring your own kite and join in, or just relax and enjoy the view. This fevent is open to all ages.
Victoria
Victoria Symphony: Symphonic Spooktacular
Oct. 15
Victoria Fine Arts Center, 1002 Sam Houston Drive
Join the Victoria Symphony Orchestra and special guests for this family-friendly Halloween concert featuring fun and spooky music accompanied by special guests. Be sure to wear your costume.
Houston
Party in the Park
Oct. 15
Menil Park, 1423 Branard St.
The Menil Collection’s annual fall fundraiser, Party in the Park, features cocktails and culinary delights under the majestic oak trees and twinkling lights of Menil Park. Proceeds support the museum’s public programs, as well as the enhancement, maintenance, and care of museum’s art buildings and green spaces.
Port Aransas
Shoptober
Oct. 16-18
Various locations
This event is a prime weekend to score deals. Snag that great pair of flip-flops or that extra-special price on the must-have swimsuit you’ve been eyeing. It’s also a goof time to bring a touch of fall décor into your home.
South Padre Island
Wine for Wishes
Oct. 17
The Greens at the Shores, 8605 Padre Blvd.
Raise a glass for a meaningful cause, benefiting Make-A-Wish Rio Grande Valley on South Padre Island. Guests can expect curated wine tastings, flavorful bites from local restaurants, live entertainment, sponsor experiences, and inspiring stories highlighting the impact of wishes granted for children with critical illnesses throughout the Rio Grande Valley.
Victoria
Victoria Symphony Orchestra—“Voices of the Americas”
Oct. 17
Victoria Fine Arts Center, 1002 Sam Houston Drive
Join the Victoria Symphony Orchestra and special guest, Nola Richardson, as they perform “Voices of the Americas.” Hear the voices through the wide-open prairies of Appalachia, the deep South, and the vibrant rhythms of Mexico.
Bellaire
Houston Area Wood Carvers Show, Competition, and Sale
Oct. 17
Faith Lutheran Church, Fellowship Hall, 4600 Bellaire Blvd.
Houston-area wood carvers display one-of-a-kind art and compete for awards. On display are caricature, realistic, and stylized carvings including birds, animals, Santas, and cowboys. Relief and chip carvings and pyrography are also displayed. Watch the whittling contest in the afternoon.
Corpus Christi
Texas Jazz Festival
Oct. 17-19
Heritage Park, 1581 N. Chaparral St.
Now in its sixth decade, this is the longest continuously running free jazz festival in the world. Musicians from across the country take over the historical Heritage Park downtown for three days of live performances, artisan markets, global eats, and local flair.
Freeport
Ghost Stories
Oct. 17
Freeport Historical Museum, 311 E. Park Ave.
Things get spooky at the Freeport Historical Museum at this event showcasing ghost stories and local legends.
Lake Jackson
Bird Banding
Oct. 17, Nov. 21
Gulf Coast Bird Observatory, 299 SH 332 West
Watch volunteers collect baseline data on bird populations at the sanctuary. The banding station is an excellent opportunity to see birds up close and to learn all the birds of the Brazosport area.
Port Aransas
Harvest Moon Regatta
Oct. 22-24
Roberts Point Park, 301 JC Barr Blvd.
The regatta has been hosted by Lakewood Yacht Club every year since 1987. The offshore race begins in Galveston and ends with a party in Port Aransas. Whether you are new to offshore sailing, a seasoned cruiser, a serious racer, or a spectator, Harvest Moon has something for everyone.
Victoria
Cemetery Tour
Oct. 23-24
Evergreen Cemetery, 1868 N. Vine St.
Experience live theater in a historic cemetery setting. Visit with townspeople, portrayed by actors, at their gravesites and learn about their history. The information presented is historically accurate and entertaining.
South Padre Island
Muzicians Run
Oct. 24
Beach Waterpark, 33261 State Park Road 100
This timed, chipped event rewards participants with festive perks including tacos, beer, margaritas, unique swag, and a lively mariachi band waiting at the finish line.
Corpus Christi
Dia de los Muertos Festival
Oct. 24
Various locations, Downtown
Vibrant, heartfelt, and deeply rooted in community, this award-winning street festival features traditional ofrendas (altars), folkloric dance performances, mariachi music, art vendors, and a Walk of Remembrance. The event takes place at venues along Chaparral, Starr, Mesquite, Taylor, and Peoples streets.
West Columbia
Ghosts Along the Brazos
Oct. 24
Varner Hogg Plantation State Historic Site, 1702 N. 13th St.
Take a spooky nighttime stroll through the woods to the plantation’s 1840s-era Patton Family Cemetery, and learn about mortality on the plantation during the 1800s and the dangers of the early Texas wilderness.
Port Aransas
Flynn’s Beach Run
Oct. 24
Horace Caldwell Pier, 230 North on the Beach
With options that include a 5K, a 10K, and a family-friendly fun run, this event welcomes all to enjoy the beach views while staying active. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or looking for a family adventure, sign up for a race and help support local high school runners and sustainability efforts in Port Aransas.
portaransas.org/events/festivals-and-annual-events/beachtober/flynns-beach-run
Victoria
South Texas Farm and Ranch Show
Oct. 29-30
Victoria Community Center, 2905 E. North St.
Learn about the farming and ranching industries through educational programs, classes, speakers, and exhibitors. Programs are offered for adults and children.
Clute
Spooktacular Drive-Thru Trick or Treat
Oct. 29
Clute Municipal Park, 100 Parkview Drive
Drive through spooky displays, grab some treats, and enjoy the Halloween spirit from your car.
Rockport
Film Festival
Oct. 30-Nov. 1
The Rockport Conference Center , 106 S. Austin St.
The 20th annual Rockport Film Festival honors the enduring power of cinema to connect communities and cultures. International in scope yet rooted in local spirit, the festival presents an exceptional selection of independent films from Texas and around the world, celebrating the art of storytelling through diverse voices and perspectives. A red carpet party takes place Oct. 29.
Victoria
Día de los Muertos Celebration
Oct. 31
The Nave Museum, 306 W. Commercial St.
Celebrate Día de los Muertos with a craft market, music, children’s fun, community “ofrendas” (offerings), and an evening procession to Memorial Square.
Clute
Planetarium Show
Nov. 3-24
Center for the Arts and Sciences, 400 College Blvd.
A 30-foot dome equipped with a Spitz Star Ball projector along with a variety of other high-tech equipment produces the night sky as it appears to the naked eye. The show gives audiences a close-up feel for comets, exploding stars, and black holes.
Fulton
Songwriter Festival
Nov. 5-8
The Harbor Tent at Charlotte Plummer’s, 202 N. Fulton Beach Road
The festival is a multiday celebration of Texas songwriting and live music held each fall in the coastal community of Rockport-Fulton. Featuring acclaimed singer-songwriters, intimate performances, storytelling, and waterfront venues, the festival honors the rich musical legacy of hometown legend Guy Clark while showcasing the spirit and creativity of the Texas coast.
Victoria
Viva Texas Film Festival
Nov. 6-8
Downtown
A three-day film festival showcases a variety of independent and studio films from American and Latin American cultures.
Hot Rod Riot
Nov. 6-7
Riverside Park, 456 McCright Drive
Experience two days of car fun in beautiful Riverside Park. Friday includes a car meet, a cruise through Victoria, and a movie on the big screen. On Saturday, enjoy a custom car show and live music. Food trucks are on site both days.
Clute
“Lilies of the Field”
Nov. 6-8, 13-15
Center for the Arts and Sciences, 400 College Blvd.
Brazosport Center Stages presents the story of an aimless drifter who encounters a group of resilient Catholic nuns in the desert and is eventually convinced to build them a chapel.
Surfside Beach
Surfside, Sunset, and Sound
Sept. 18-19, Nov. 6-7
Surfside Beach Public Boat Ramp, Coast Guard Drive
Enjoy this event featuring live music, historical reenactments, food trucks, mariachi bands, and other festivities.
Lake Jackson
Mums and Mistletoe Market
Nov. 6-7
St. Michael’s Event Center, 100 Oak Drive
This holiday market has a variety of vendors and is famous for their market café cheese soup.
Alvin
Alvin Rotary Car and Bike Novemberfest
Nov. 7
National Oak Park, 118 S. Magnolia St.
Shop arts, crafts, and collectibles and see antique tractors and farm equipment on display. There’s also a car and bike show, entertainment, a raffle, a veteran tribute, food courts, and kids games. Proceeds support community charitable organizations.
Freeport
“The Karankawa People: The First Caretakers of the Coast”
Nov. 7
Freeport Historical Museum, 311 E. Park Ave.
Learn about pottery making and the language of Freeport’s first residents.
West Columbia
Meet Your Ancestors
Nov. 7
Columbia Cemetery, Corner of 16th and Jackson streets
Learn about past residents of West Columbia at one of the most historical cemeteries in Texas, the Columbia Cemetery. Guides lead guests to graves of notable occupants.
Port Aransas
Fall Farmers Market
Nov. 8
Roberts Point Park, Fred Rhodes Memorial Pavilion, 301 JC Barr Blvd.
Enjoy a vibrant community gathering featuring local farms, fresh produce, artisan goods, wellness products, handmade items, fresh seafood, and live music—all while supporting small businesses and sustainable living along the Texas coast.
Harlingen
Rio Grande Valley Birding Festival
Nov. 11-15
Harlingen Convention Center, 701 Harlingen Heights Drive
Each November, the Rio Grande Valley transforms into one of North America’s most vibrant birding destinations—and in 2026, the tradition continues with the Rio Grande Valley Birding Festival. This internationally recognized festival draws birders, photographers, and nature enthusiasts from around the globe, all eager to experience the unmatched biodiversity of the Lower Rio Grande Valley. Positioned at the crossroads of two major migratory flyways, the region offers a rare opportunity to spot species found nowhere else in the United States. Over five days, attendees can choose from expertly guided field trips, hands-on workshops, and engaging seminars led by some of the most respected naturalists and ornithologists in the field. Whether you’re hoping to glimpse the vibrant green jay, track elusive rarities, or refine your bird photography skills, the festival offers curated experiences for every level of enthusiast. Beyond birding, the event highlights the Valley’s unique ecosystems—from coastal wetlands and thorn forests to riparian corridors—while promoting conservation and environmental stewardship. Evening socials, vendor exhibits, and community events provide opportunities to connect with fellow bird lovers and explore the culture and hospitality of Harlingen. For seasoned birders and curious newcomers alike, the Rio Grande Valley Birding Festival is more than an event—it’s an immersive celebration of nature, discovery, and community in one of the most ecologically rich regions in the country.
Lake Jackson
Veterans Day Parade
Nov. 11
Lake Road from Kohl’s to MacLean Park
Celebrate veterans in Brazoria County by attending this patriotic parade.
Rockport
Silver Meltdown
Nov. 12
The Rockport Conference Center , 106 S. Austin St.
Silver Meltdown returns for a stylish evening celebrating the artistry, creativity, and craftsmanship of the Coastal Bend’s premier silversmiths. Held in Randall Ewing Kemper Hall at The ROCC, this annual event transforms the evening into a lively women-only experience filled with fashion, handcrafted silver jewelry, cocktails, music, and exclusive shopping.
Galveston
“The Polar Express” Train Ride
Nov. 13-Dec. 23
Galveston Railroad Museum, 2602 Santa Fe Place
“The Polar Express” adventure comes to life when the train departs for a round-trip journey to the North Pole led by a cast of talented actors. Set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, passengers relive the magic of the classic story with hot chocolate, dancing chefs, and a keepsake sleigh bell and souvenir golden ticket.
South Padre Island
Half Marathon
Nov. 14-15
Isla Blanca Park, 33174 State Park Road
Known for its scenic surroundings and fast, runner-friendly course, this event invites athletes of all levels to run where the shoreline meets the finish line. From the sound of the waves to the coastal atmosphere throughout the course, every mile delivers the laid-back beach vibes that make racing on South Padre Island truly unique.
Victoria
Crossroads Barbecue and Brew Music Festival
Nov. 14
De Leon Plaza, 101 N. Main St.
Hear live country music while sampling barbecue from more than 15 barbecue joints. There are additional food trucks, and you can shop a vendor market.
La Porte
La Porte By the Bay Half Marathon
Nov. 15
Sylvan Beach Park, 636 N. Bayshore Drive
The La Porte By the Bay Half Marathon starts from Sylvan Beach Park by the water, proceeding through La Porte streets and on to the Fred Hartman Bridge, one of the most beautiful and unique structures in Texas. After looping back to take on the bridge for a second crossing, the race finishes at Five Points Plaza, where the post-race party awaits with food and cold beer, awards, and good times.
Lake Jackson
Bird Banding
Oct. 17, Nov. 21
Gulf Coast Bird Observatory, 299 SH 332 West
Watch volunteers collect baseline data on bird populations at the sanctuary. The banding station is an excellent opportunity to see birds up close and to learn all the birds of the Brazosport area.
Holidays Around the World
Nov. 21
Lake Jackson Historical Museum, 249 Circle Way
Make your way around the museum as you learn about different winter holidays celebrated around the world and participate in activities and crafts to take home. Get your passport stamped in each country to be entered in a drawing to win a great prize.
Festival of Lights
Nov. 21
Doris Williams Civic Center Plaza, 333 SH 332
Kick off the holiday season with a carnival, games, a parade, entertainment, and other festivities.
Clute
Fall Astronomy Night
Nov. 21
Center for the Arts and Sciences, 400 College Blvd.
This event offers an opportunity to experience planetarium shows, demonstrations, and night sky viewing through telescopes to see the moon, planets and other interesting night sky objects.
Lake Jackson
Monster Dash 5K
Nov. 24
MacLean Park, 91 Lake Road
Participate in this race on a certified 5K course through MacLean Park in Lake Jackson. T-shirts are given to all finishers and awards are handed out to overall male and female finishers and to the top 3 finishers in all age categories. There is also a Kids 1K. Costumes are encouraged, and expect monster-themed decorations on the course.
Port Aransas
Turkey Trot
Nov. 25
Cinnamon Shore North, 5009 SH 361
Join the fun at Cinnamon Shore North for the Turkey and Tot Trot, featuring 10K, 5K, 2K, and 1K races. Then hang around for a fun-filled morning of food trucks, inflatables for the kids, music, lawn games, and a vendor village.
Lake Jackson
Lake Jackson Turkey Trot
Nov. 26
Lake Jackson Intermediate School, 100 Oyster Creek Drive
The Lake Jackson Turkey Trot is a 5K run/walk and 10K run held on Thanksgiving Day. This event benefits the students of the Lake Jackson Intermediate Band Program.
Corpus Christi
Holly-Days at the Gardens
Nov. 27-28
South Texas Botanical Gardens and Nature Center, 8545 S. Staples St.
Four special holiday weekends celebrate the splendors of the season with a beautiful 20-foot, fresh-cut lighted fir tree and a huge 18-foot recycled eco-Christmas tree made of green plastic bottles. Twinkling light displays, trees, Santa, hayrides, and photo cut-outs are on site for holiday fun.
Clute
Elizabethan Madrigal Feast
Nov. 27-29, Dec. 4-6, 10-12
Center for the Arts and Sciences, 400 College Blvd.
Flood your senses with the majesty and pageantry befitting the court of Queen Elizabeth I at this holiday feast. Join the Earl of Warwick and his royal guests in the main hall of his castle for an exquisite meal and entertainment provided by the court’s troupe of players, dancers, and singers.
Port Aransas
Sand Santa
Dec. 1-Jan. 4
Roberts Point Park Pavillion, 301 JC Barr Blvd.
Take holiday photos with Sand Santa. This giant sand sculpture is created by world-class sand sculptors and is on display for the holiday season.
Victoria
Holiday Artisan Market
Dec. 3
Museum of the Coastal Bend, 2200 E. Red River St.
Now in its 19th year, the Museum of the Coastal Bend’s annual holiday market features one-of-a-kind items made by regional artisans and makers.
Will Holiday’s Grand Ol’ Christmas Show
Dec. 3
Leo J. Welder Center for the Performing Arts, 214 N. Main St.
The Grand Ol’ Christmas Show is a live, one-of-a-kind musical variety show bringing all-time favorite Christmas classics and original sketch comedy antics to downtown Victoria.
Pearland
Hometown Christmas Festival
Dec. 4
Independence Park, 3449 Pearland Parkway
Join Pearland for an evening of shopping, live music, Christmas lights, inflatables, and food trucks. Spend some time playing in the snow in the H-E-B Winter Wonderland and stick around for the magical drone show.
Houston
Beats Antique in Concert
Dec. 4
Bad Astronaut Brewing Co., 1519 Fulton St.
Commitment to the full performance art form is how Beats Antique fuses musical worlds, pulling on global sounds for experiments on the fringes of cinematic cabaret, informed by electronic mash-ups and inspirations who have joined them on the journey such as Les Claypool, Alam Khan, The Glitch Mob, Too Many Zooz, and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band.
Corpus Christi
Holly-Days at the Gardens
Dec. 4-19
South Texas Botanical Gardens and Nature Center, 8545 S. Staples St.
Four special holiday weekends celebrate the splendors of the season with a beautiful 20-foot, fresh-cut lighted fir tree and a huge 18-foot recycled eco-Christmas tree made of green plastic bottles. Twinkling light displays, trees, Santa, hayrides, and photo cut-outs are on site for holiday fun.
Beaumont
McFaddin-Ward House Holiday Open House Weekend
Dec. 5-6
McFaddin-Ward House Museum, 1906 Calder Ave.
The McFaddin-Ward House invites the community to delight in the spirit of the season at its annual admission-free Holiday Open House Weekend. Guests enjoy festive refreshments, live music, carolers, and Santa’s craft workshop with children’s activities at the museum’s visitor center before making their way across the street to see the historic house shining with holiday cheer and twinkling lights.
Houston
ROCO Connections: Eva Burmeister, Violin
Dec. 5
Julia Ideson Library, 550 McKinney St.
Curated by ROCO violinist Eva Burmeister, this ROCO Connections concert transforms the historic Julia Ideson Library into a gathering place for music, poetry, and conversation.
Victoria
Crossroads Pickle Festival
Dec. 5
Victoria Community Center, 2905 E. North St.
This one-of-a-kind festival brings together local businesses, performers, organizations, families, and community members while supporting local youth, foster families, group homes, scholarships, and other community initiatives throughout the Crossroads. Shop the Pickle Patch Marketplace featuring local boutiques, makers, farmers market vendors, handmade goods, gifts, specialty products, and plenty of pickle-inspired finds. Compete in a pickle-eating competition, pickle recipe competition, the Pickle Pageant, and more. Enjoy musicians, dancers, singers, comedians, cultural performers, and spoken-word artists.
Pearland
Hometown Christmas Parade
Dec. 5
Pearland Plaza, 3245 Broadway St.
The streets of Pearland come alive with twinkling lights, jolly music, and the wonder of the season. The Hometown Christmas Parade invites neighbors near and far to gather along the route and watch as floats inspired by timeless holiday tales glide by, accompanied by merry dancers, cheerful bands, and a few magical surprises.
Katy
“Celebrate Joy!”
Dec. 6
Holy Covenant United Methodist Church, 22111 Morton Road
Ring in the season with an uplifting concert filled with music that celebrates joy, gratitude, peace, and togetherness. The Lone Star Symphonic Band presents this festive experience appropriate for all ages and featuring beloved melodies and opportunities to sing along with family and friends. Make this concert part of your holiday tradition by reserving your seats early.
Port Aransas
Holiday Shop Around
Dec. 11-13
Port Aransas Tourism Bureau and Chamber of Commerce , 403 W. Cotter St.
Local shops and boutiques participate in this shopping event, where visitors can find great deals, fun and whimsical treasures, and holiday gifts and décor.
Lighted Boat Parade, Holiday Drone Show, and Bingo Bells
Dec. 12
Port Aransas Fisherman’s Wharf, 900 Tarpon Street
Holiday-decorated boats go on parade in the city marina, followed by the Holiday Drone Show. Watch the night sky come to life with over 150 drones. Spectators are encouraged to watch from Port Aransas Fisherman’s Wharf and Grumbles, where there’s holiday music, photo ops with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and holiday beverages. Bingo Bells is a festive twist where a scavenger hunt meets classic bingo. Pick up a bingo card and mark off squares as you shop, dine, and enjoy holiday-themed activities around town. Score a bingo and enter a giveaway with prizes.
portaransas.org/event/lighted-boat-parade-%26-holiday-drone-show/5453/
New Year’s Eve Fireworks
Dec. 31
Roberts Point Park Pavillion, 301 JC Barr Blvd.
The night sky lights up with brilliant colors as Port Aransas celebrates New Year’s Eve with a big fireworks show.
Restaurant Weeks
Jan. 16-26
Various locations
Take a break from the sand and surf to dive into the island’s unique local culture. There’s no ticket purchase necessary, simply select the prix-fixe menus that catch your eye and enjoy all the delicious dishes this island has to offer.
Beaumont
Kathleen Frank and Mark Yale Harris: “The New American West by Brush and by Bronze”
Jan. 29-May 16
Art Museum of Southeast Texas, 500 Main St.
See works by Kathleen Frank and Mark Yale Harris. Frank’s work includes a collection of new oil paintings inspired by recent hikes throughout West Texas. Harris’ sculptures are inspired by the people and animals he experienced while traveling on horseback throughout the Big Bend in West Texas and the Texas Hill Country.
Port Aransas
Home Tour
Jan. 30
Island Retreat Condominiums, 700 Island Retreat Court
The Port Aransas Garden Club hosts its 37th annual Home Tour on Mustang Island. The self-guided tour originates at the Island Retreat Condominiums. Guests get a peek at beautiful homes in the city and help raise funds to support several local projects.
South Padre Island
Rio Grande Valley Quilt Show
Feb. 12-13
South Padre Island Convention Center, 7355 Padre Blvd.
Around 300 quilts are on exhibit, and this year’s theme is Rhythm in Blues. Win a quilt or take a class by Carly Mul. Proceeds from the show are donated to the Rio Grande Valley Quilt Guild to support their community service, educational, and military service programs.
Victoria
“Little Shop of Horrors”
Feb. 12-14
Leo J. Welder Center for the Performing Arts, 214 N. Main St.
Join Theatre Victoria for this horror comedy rock musical. You will not want to miss this cult classic that follows a hapless florist shop worker who raises a plant that feeds on the unexpected.
Port Aransas
Chocolate Crawl and Shoparound
Feb. 12
Various locations
Celebrate Valentine’s Day early by shopping at local boutiques and shops to find outfits for the holiday or a gift for that special someone. Starting late afternoon, shoppers are treated to beverages and a wide assortment of chocolate goodies throughout the evening.
Houston
ROCO In Concert: “Pure Imagination”
Feb. 13
The Hobby Center for the Performing Arts Zilkha Hall, 800 Bagby St., #300
Adventure continues where curiosity takes hold in “Pure Imagination.” Artistic partner Mei-Ann Chen returns to lead Houston’s chamber orchestra. The concert includes the world premiere of Maxime Goulet’s “The Return of Wolf Suite” and a Texas premiere of a new guitar concerto by Austin Wintory, featuring guitarist Mak Grgiä, plus Mozart’s “Sinfonia Concertante for Four Winds” (I. Allegro) and Mahler’s Symphony No. 1 (I. Langsam, schleppend).
Port Aransas
Whooping Crane Festival
Feb. 25-28
Various locations
Every year since 1996, the Whooping Crane Festival has celebrated the annual return of the cranes to their wintering habitat at the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge. The event features world renowned speakers, birding trips, nature outings, and photography workshops.
Victoria
Victoria Symphony Presents Echoes of Continental Empires
Feb. 27
Victoria Fine Arts Center, 1002 Sam Houston Drive
Great empires in great continents bring great music from the African landscape through the center of the European empire. Experience the cultures of Germany, the United Kingdom, and Africa through the music of the Victoria Symphony Orchestra and special guests.
Katy
“Deep in the Heart of Texas”
Feb. 28
Holy Covenant United Methodist Church, 22111 Morton Road
The Lone Star Symphonic Band presents this concert that celebrates the pride, spirit, and traditions that make Texas one of a kind. “Deep in the Heart of Texas” brings audiences a program full of familiar sounds and heartfelt tributes that resonate with anyone who calls the state home.