A note regarding COVID-19
Kerrville
Kerrville Folk Festival
May 26-June 12
Quiet Valley Ranch, 3876 Medina Highway
Celebrating its 50th anniversary, the Kerrville Folk Festival is the longest continuously running music festival in the United States. The fest features 18 days and nights of music by songwriters of national and international acclaim and has activities for all ages with a focus on nurturing and developing artistic expression, especially the art of songwriting, in a loving family-friendly environment.
Southwest Gourd Fine Art Show
May 26-July 9
Kerr Arts and Cultural Center, 228 Earl Garrett St.
The nation's finest gourd artists compete in a variety of categories at this annual show.
Bandera
Memorial Day Weekend Stampede Parade and Rodeos
May 27-29
Mansfield Park, 2886 SH 16 N.
Bandera ProRodeo presents three nights of PRCA-sanctioned rodeos with bull riding, team roping, bareback riding, and other competitions. The annual Stampede Weekend Parade takes place on Main Street on May 28.
Alpine
Spirits of the West, Wine and Beef Fest
May 27-29
Alpine’s Artwalk is excited to announce the first annual Spirits of the West, Wine and Beef Fest. Standing true to Artwalk’s mission, this new event showcases signature beef bites from local beef companies to honor the area's long-time tradition of cattle ranching. In addition, handpicked Texas wineries and distilleries provide homegrown pairings to highlight West Texas gourmet food. Several hand-selected local artists are participating in the celebration. Friday has a VIP preview with limited availability to kick off the event. General admission is available from Saturday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. In addition to the evening festivities, Artwalk hosts a Saturday morning 5K fun run.
Hunt
Crider's Rodeo and Dancehall Opening Night
May 28
Crider's Rodeo and Dancehall, 2310 SH 39
For more than 90 years, Crider's Rodeo and Dancehall has been a entertainment spot along the banks of the Guadalupe River each summer, with rodeos, live music, and dancing, open from May to September.
Brownwood
Brown County Fair and Rodeo
May 29-June 5
Brown County Fairgrounds, 4206 SH 377 South
Enjoy mutton busting, the Wagner Carnival, and, of course, the Brown County Rodeo, as well as Market and Trade Days.
Kerrville
"Heaven's Declare: Artwork of the Sky"
June 1-July 9
Museum of Western Art, 1553 Bandera Highway
Debuting at the Museum of Western Art, this spellbinding exhibit features 11 nationally known artists who present their views of the heavens, cloud formations, and spectacular skies.
Ingram
Texas Watercolor Society Exhibit
June 1-30
Hill Country Arts Foundation, 120 Point Theatre Road
Since 1949, the Texas Watercolor Society has exhibited and promoted some of the best artists working in the unique and vibrant medium of watercolor. This is the organization's 73rd annual national show.
Galveston
Juneteenth Celebrations
June 1-20
Various locations
The national holiday that celebrates the end of slavery originated in this historic beach town of Galveston. The many festivities put on by different organizations include fireworks, a banquet, scholarship gala, parade and picnic, poetry festival, freedom tours (visitors go to the sites of emancipation where Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger read the historic General Order No. 3), a business summit, reenactments, and a festival culminating with the Juneteenth Jubilee.
Fredericksburg
Hill Country Film Festival
June 2-5
Various locations
"The Best Little Film Festival in Texas" is a celebration of independent film in the Texas Hill Country. The festival screens over 85 independent films (short and feature length) as well as hosts revealing Q&As, filmmaker panel discussions, and opportunities for attendees to rub elbows with filmmakers. Locations include the Hoffman Haus and Admiral Nimitz Ballroom.
Addison
Taste Addison
June 3-4
Addison Circle Park, 4970 Addison Circle
A North Texas legend since 1993, Taste Addison continues to rock out with delicious food and high-energy concerts. The region’s original food and music festival was voted Best in DFW in 2021, and continues to deliver top-notch Addison eateries, national music artists, food and wine sampling experiences, and activities for the whole family.
Graham
Food Truck Championship of Texas
June 4
Graham Downtown Square, 608 Elm St.
One of the largest downtown squares in the U.S. is taken over by food trucks of all varieties competing for the coveted prize of Grand Champion and a a total payout of $16,000. Admission is free, and an evening concert at the Young County Arena finishes the day.
Austin
Pond and Garden Tour
June 4-5
Various locations
The Austin Pond Society presents this annual self-guided tour of ponds and gardens in and around the Austin area. On view are waterfalls, streams, fountains, koi, and aquatic plants at more than 20 locations. Some of these ponds and gardens are certified wildlife habitats.
Llano
Texas Heritage Day
June 4
Llano Courthouse Square, 801 Ford St.
Visit with Buffalo Soldiers and U.S. Cavalry as they tell the story of how they protected the Hill Country and helped settle the area. Take a real stagecoach ride around town, tour the historic Red Top Jail, historic Llano County Courthouse, and Llano County Historical Museum housed in an old drug store complete with a soda fountain. Quilters enjoy a quilt show displayed in the courthouse. Participate in and win prizes in the official adult and children’s costume contest. Enter your little one in the Children’s Parade. Children can also enjoy the games and crafts around the courthouse square. Shopping is abundant from vendors and local shops. Later in the day, celebrate Texas with the hilarious comedy “The History of Texas … in one darn easy lesson!” which is a hysterical, historical, hyperactive hayride through 500 years of Texas in 5,000 seconds by award-winning actor Damian Gillen.
Waxahachie
Gingerbread Trail Tour of Homes
June 4-5
Ellis County Museum, 201 S. College St.
Queen Anne, Victorian, Gothic Revival, Bungalow, Romanesque, and Greek Revival are a few of the architectural styles celebrated during the 52nd annual Gingerbread Trail Tour of Homes. Tour a special selection of five private homes and get the inside scoop on restoration triumphs, DIY recommendations, and local ghost lore. Visit historically recognized buildings such as the Ellis County Museum, Sims Library, the Ellis County Courthouse, and the Ellis County Museum on the downtown square.
Port Arthur
Lotus Festival
June 4-5
Buu Mon Buddhist Temple , 3401 Cultural Center Drive
Buu Mon Buddhist Temple's Lotus Festival is a family- and photo-friendly celebration of colorful blooms. Towering bamboo, lotus blossoms, and citrus plants are part of the landscape. Koi ponds and Buddha statues dot the grounds. Bring your camera to capture the beauty and get a tour of the temple. Look for monks in saffron robes and relax in the outdoors. Vendors and cultural programs are part of the festival.
Stonewall
Fishing Day at LBJ State Park
June 4
Lyndon B. Johnson State Park and Historic Site, 199 Park Road 52
At this annual day of fishing, participants can come and fish along the banks of the Pedernales River. Cane poles and bait are provided along with a fishing demonstration.
Jefferson
Hot Air Balloon Glow Festival
June 4
Cypress River Airport, 270 Cypress River Road
Hot air balloons rise to the skies in Jefferson at sunset. The event also features live music, food trucks, tethered rides, and other fun that the whole family can enjoy.
Bandera
Cowboys On Main
June 4-Aug. 27
Main Courthouse Area, 500 Main St.
Every Saturday, see gunfights at Rattle Snake Ridge (located in the backyard of the Bandera Convention and Visitor's Bureau) and different performances and demonstrations each week starting with strolling singers, chuckwagons, trick ropers, horses, and wagon rides in front of the courthouse and other parts around town.
Round Top
Music Festival
June 7-July 16
Festival Concert Hall, 248 Jaster Road
For more than 50 years, the Round Top Music Festival has offered orchestral and chamber music performances of the highest level, attracting music lovers from Texas and beyond. Repertoire is varied, mixing the well known and rarely performed. Concerts take place in a world-class concert hall, a "jewel case" completed over a 40-year period and acknowledged as acoustically unique. The surrounding campus, more than 200 acres, has been generously planted with thousands of trees and bushes of various species. It offers shadowing lakes, picnic areas, jogging trails, and wonderful herb gardens.
New Braunfels
Swing Dance Lessons
June 7-Aug. 16
Gruene Hall, 1281 Gruene Road
Learn simple, fun East Coast Swing steps in this one-hour class before the Two Ton Tuesday show at Gruene Hall. This class is perfect for beginners or those wanting to polish their wraps, tunnels, turns, and spins.
Lockhart
Chisholm Trail Roundup
June 9-11
Various locations
Traditionally held the second full weekend in June, Lockhart's largest annual festival and tourism event celebrates its 48th year. The entire family can enjoy activities including a petting zoo, an Old West gunfighter show, pig races, a carnival, rodeo, barbecue cookoff, grand parade, the Queen’s Coronation, and live entertainment.
Nacogdoches
Blueberry Festival of Quilts
June 10-11
Come enjoy beautifully created quilts made by members of the Nacogdoches Quilters Guild. This festival is part of the annual Texas Blueberry Festival and takes place June 10 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and June 11th from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Fredonia Hill Baptist Church.
San Antonio
Fiesta Noche del Rio
June 10-Aug. 6
Arneson River Theatre, 418 Villita St.
The oldest outdoor dance performance of its kind in the United States, Fiesta Noche del Rio, Spanish for “Party Night on the River,” is a musical variety show of authentic Mexican, Spanish, and Texas songs and dances performed by local professionals. San Antonio's annual iconic cultural performance, full of colorfully costumed dancers and rich, lush sounds, brings to life the deep roots that make San Antonio a special place for love and life. The audience is seated on tiered grass seats across the river from the stage, located in La Villita, the Little Spanish Village of the city.
Blanco
Lavender Festival
June 10-12
Old Blanco County Courthouse Square, 300 Main St.
The Lavender Capital of Texas celebrates 17 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.
Elgin
Juneteenth Festival Street Dance and Parade
June 10-11
Historic Downtown Elgin , Veterans' Memorial Park
The event kicks off with vendors in Veterans’ Memorial Park and the annual street dance at night. Juneteenth continues on Saturday with the Grand Parade that runs through historic downtown Elgin. Activities after the parade are available in Veterans’ Memorial Park downtown.
Nacogdoches
Texas Blueberry Festival
June 11
Downtown Nacogdoches, 200 E. Main St.
This daylong celebration of the blueberry harvest is the only state-sanctioned blueberry festival in Texas. The delicious 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 and entertainment, including live music, blueberry picking, auto exhibits, shopping, and restaurant specials.
Fredericksburg
Pride in the Pacific Living History Reenactment
June 11
National Museum of the Pacific War Pacific Combat Zone, 311 E. Austin St.
Hear the rattling of machine guns, feel the heat of the flamethrower, and smell the powder of rifle fire during the Pride in the Pacific event. This one-of-a-kind program features a battle reenactment complete with period vehicles and weaponry from both sides of the War in the Pacific. The event takes place a short walk from the main National Museum of the Pacific War campus.
Alpine
Multicultural Festival
June 11-12
Kokernot Park, 1500 Fighting Buck Ave.
Alpine Multicultural Festival is two fun-filled days to experience the traditions of many different cultures through music, dance, food, and vendors.
Jacksonville
Tomato Fest
June 11
Downtown , Commerce Street, from Austin to Bolton streets
For one week in June, Jacksonville becomes "Tomatoville." The 38th annual Tomato Fest in downtown Jacksonville offers five blocks of vendors; a farmers market; fried green tomatoes; eating, peeling, packing, and salsa contests; live entertainment; a talent show; soccer and tennis tournaments; and an annual street dance.
Mesquite
Rodeo Road Rally Bike Race
June 11
Dr. John Horn High Scool, 3300 E. Catwright St.
Grab your bike for the Rodeo Road Rally charity bike race. Cyclists have the choice of 35-, 50-, or 100-killometer courses with traffic control and rider support.
Sugar Land
Heritage Hike
June 11
Sugar Land Heritage Museum and Visitor Center, 198 Kempner St.
This monthly historic walking tour takes you back to the time when Sugar Land was a company town, with virtually all enterprises managed by the Imperial Sugar Company or its affiliate, Sugarland Industries.
Marshall
Main Street Cruise Night
June 11, July 9, Aug. 13, Sept. 10, Oct. 8, Nov. 12, Dec. 10
Main Street , 216 N. Washington Ave.
Every second Saturday, meet friends and family or make it a date night and enjoy the stroll along Main Street. See new and classic cars of all makes, models, and colors. Main Street is the location for East Texas’ finest show with local hot rods, classic cruisers, motorcycles, and the pride and joy of hand-polished collections. Before you go, plan to shop and dine while in downtown Marshall.
Fairfield
Freestone County Fair and Rodeo
June 13-18
W.L. Moody Reunion Grounds, 843 E. Commerce St.
This year is the 100th annual Freestone County Fair and Rodeo. The event kicks off with a parade and then features a livestock show that benefits local children, a carnival, and a rodeo. There is live music every night of the fair week. Come be a part of this beloved tradition that keeps Freestone County heritage alive.
Austin
"The Sound of Music"
June 15-July 24
ZACH Theatre, 202 S. Lamar Blvd.
The hills are alive in this intimate, heartfelt reimagining of the beloved musical classic. The Von Trapp Family come to life in a ZACH360 experience, where The Topfer theater is transformed into a lively biergarten. Maria’s sunny nature and passion for music brings joy and laughter back into the aching Von Trapp family, and melts the Captain’s icy heart.
Stonewall
Peach JAMboree and Rodeo
June 16-18
Stonewall Chamber of Commerce Grounds, 250 Peach St.
The 61st celebration of the annual peach crop includes peach judging, the crowning of the Peach Queen, a parade, lots of peach-eating and pit-spitting, baking contests, a variety of food, live music, and a rodeo.
Marfa
Agave Festival
June 16-19
Various locations
This annual festival celebrates the agave and its influence on culture through food, film, music, science, and spirits. It brings communities together through accessible programming that includes talks by preeminent historians, botanists, artists, anthropologists, and archaeologists. The multi-day event offers tastings hosted by agave spirit producers, one-of-a-kind dining experiencs, and performances by leading artists in contemporary and regional music.
Rockport
The Rockport-Fulton Art Colony Symposium
June 17-19
Rockport Cultural Arts District
Experience the longest-standing Texas art colony in Rockport-Fulton. Plein air painters capture the windswept trees, lighthouse, harbors with shrimp and oyster boats, bait stands, and historic buildings that have inspired artists since 1948. Bring your brushes and camera to join in the celebration of 74 years of creativity. Attend a free symposium with art historians, colony founders, and artists in conjunction with the release of a book chronicling the history of the colony. Keynote speakers are William and Linda Reaves, renowned Texas art historians and authors.
Austin
Oddities and Curiosities Expo
June 18
Palmer Events Center, 900 Barton Springs Road
Vendors, dealers, and artists feature all things weird. Find items such as preserved specimens, original artwork, horror- and Halloween-inspired pieces, antiques, handcrafted oddities, quack medical devices, creepy clothing, and odd jewelry.
Sweetwater
Rattlesnake Gravel Grind
June 18
Lake Sweetwater, County Road 264
The first Rattlesnake Gravel Grind benefits the Volunteer Fire Department of Nolan County and takes riders on tours of the scenic areas around Lake Sweetwater as well as farm and ranch roads around Birds Nest Canyon, Happy Valley, Mulberry Canyon, and Panther Canyon. Route distances range from 111, 66, and 32 miles. After the event, enjoy free beer, food, and live music.
Bowie
Jim Bowie Days Rodeo and Celebration
June 18-25
Bowie Community Center and Rodeo Arena, 413 Pelham St.
This 56th annual event features a weeklong celebration full of family fun, with kids' activities, a parade, live music, a rodeo, youth rodeo, and rodeo queen contest.
New Braunfels
Pop-Up Yoga Class in Gruene
June 21
Gruene Hall, 1281 Gruene Road
Celebrate International Day of Yoga at Gruene Hall, Texas' oldest dance hall. Join instructor Melissa Welch-Lamoreaux for a pop-up yoga class. The class is one hour and 15 minutes and designed for adults. Children ages 12 and older are welcome to attend with their parent or guardian. Wear workout/exercise clothing and bring a yoga mat and any personal props that make you comfortable. All experience levels are invited.
Luling
Watermelon Thump
June 23-26
Watermelon Thump Pavilion and Spitway, 319 E. Davis
Since 1954, the Luling Watermelon Thump has celebrated the growers and the town's watermelon market. Over the years the event has offered live music all weekend, an exhibitors' market, carnival, world champion seed spitting, the crowning of the Thump Queen, a car show, kids entertainment, a grand parade, an arts and crafts show, and fun contests.
New Braunfels
Frank Schlather Day
June 23
Gruene Hall, 1281 Gruene Road
Also known as Frank's Tranquilizer Hour, this event commemorates the legendary former "Mayor" of Gruene with special offers at Gruene Hall, including $.50 beers from noon to 2 p.m.
Sweetwater
Summer Blast
June 30-July 3
Nolan County Coliseum, 220 Coliseum Drive
Big Country Cutting Horse Association hosts this family-friendly rodeo event featuring activities for kids and a National Cutting Horse Association show.
Rockport
Art Festival
July 2-3
Festival Grounds at Rockport Harbor, 1500 E. Laurel St.
A two-day, juried outdoor festival shines a light on fine art and master crafts. Over 120 artists from all over Texas and beyond sell their work to over 10,000 visitors. In addition to viewing and purchasing art, visitors to the festival can enjoy a tasty array of food truck options as well as an air-conditioned entertainment tent with live music throughout the weekend and a beer garden. The festival is family friendly, with a dedicated children's activity tent and live music just for the little ones.
Edinburg
Texas Cook'Em: High Steaks In Edinburg
July 2
Ebony Hill's Golf Course, 300 W. Palm Drive
Texas Cook’Em has one of the biggest barbecue cookoff purses in the state, awarding $16,000 to the winners. In 2021, Texas Cook’Em drew cooking teams from across the state and over 10,000 citizens attended this state championship event.
Roscoe
Fourth of July Celebration and Plowboy Mudbog
July 2
Downtown Roscoe
This family-friendly day includes a parade, food, craft vendors, live music, fireworks, dancing, and the annual high-powered truck mud races of the Plowboy Mudbog.
Boerne
Music in the Cave: American Stories
July 2
Cave Without a Name Throne Room, 325 Kreutzberg Road
Experience a unique musical experience down in the Queen's Throne Room at the Cave Without A Name. American Stories is a rousing exploration of American patriotic music and the stories of American composers from Independence Day through modern times.
Seguin
Freedom Fiesta
July 2
Central Park, 201 S. Austin St.
Celebrate Independence Day in beautiful downtown Seguin with live music, food trucks, vendors, a kiddie parade, and and other festivities.
Addison
Kaboom Town
July 3
Addison Circle Park, 4970 Addison Circle
Since 1985 one of the nation’s most impressive and unique Independence Day celebrations has been held in Addison. Each year approximately 500,000 guests from across the country converge on this small town to view the incredible Addison Airport Airshow, followed by a spectacular fireworks display. Whether enjoyed from a restaurant watch party, hotel balcony, or the award-winning festival in Addison Circle Park, attendees are sure to be immersed in patriotic revelry.
Lubbock
Fourth on Broadway
July 4
Mackenzie Park , 301 I-27
For over three decades, Fourth on Broadway has been an event that Lubbock and the entire region look forward to year after year. Since its humble beginnings by a committee of downtown churches in 1991, the event has become a go-to summer celebration for thousands of West Texans. This year’s theme is “United We Stand.” The day starts with a parade and is followed by the annual Bolton Oil Youth Fishing Tournament, eating contests, a kids' area with water slides, a mechanical bull, an obstacle course, a petting zoo, and daytime concerts. The evening concert features some of the best local musicians and is followed by the fireworks show, synchronized to classic and contemporary patriotic music.
Rockport
July Fourth Activities
July 4
Little Bay and Downtown
Get in a patriotic mood as you view a patriotic boat parade at noon. The parade can be seen from downtown, but for the best views, head to Broadway adjacent to Little Bay. The Wendell Family Fireworks Show is held at dark.
Kerrville
Robert Earl Keen's Fourth on the River
July 4
Louise Hays Park, 202 Thompson Drive
Enjoy food, vendor booths, family fun, bounce houses, face painting, the Louise Hays Park splashpad and playgrounds, and cooling off in the Guadalupe River. The free concert features Robert Earl Keen and other musical acts. Then at dusk the largest fireworks display in the Texas Hill Country fills the sky.
Fredericksburg
July Fourth Community Parade
July 4
Main Street from Washington to Bowie
Originally started in 1991 by a group of community-minded friends, this small-town patriotic parade has grown over the years to be one that is loved by locals and visitors from all over. Bring lawn chairs or use the tailgate of your truck.
Jefferson
Fourth of July: Jefferson Salutes America
July 4
Downtown , Lafayette and Vale streets
At this old-fashioned Fourth of July celebration in the park, visitors can expect a pie auction, homemade ice cream contest, music, hot dogs, cool drinks, and a finale with a spectacular fireworks display reflecting in the Big Cypress Bayou.
Weatherford
Parker County Peach Festival
July 9
Historic Downtown Weatherford, 1 Courthouse Square
The 37th annual Parker County Peach Festival is shaping up to be peachy with a bounty of Parker County peaches and impressive vendors. Visitors can get their fill of homemade peach ice cream, peach cobbler, peach pie, peach tea, peach smoothies, ice cream topped with fresh peaches, or just plain ol’ juicy peaches—eaten with the fuzz. More than 200 quality arts and crafts, produce, activity, and food vendors line the historic streets of downtown, with the charming Parker County courthouse as the backdrop. This year, visitors find an even more spread out event with the festival area expanded by 25%. Pull up a seat and sit back at one of two entertainment stages where local talent performs, and don’t forget about the annual Peach Pedal Bike Ride with over 2,200 cyclists and the judged food competition that's full of peachy bites. For easy transportation to the festival, hop on one of the air-conditioned shuttles from the 9th Grade Center, Weatherford College, or Heritage Park.
Sugar Land
Heritage Hike
July 9
Sugar Land Heritage Museum and Visitor Center, 198 Kempner St.
This monthly historic walking tour takes you back to the time when Sugar Land was a company town, with virtually all enterprises managed by the Imperial Sugar Company or its affiliate, Sugarland Industries.
Houston
Comicpalooza
July 15-17
George R. Brown Convention Center, 1001 Avenida de las Americas
Texas’ largest pop-culture festival draws fans of art, celebrity, comics, films, gaming, and literature. Comicpalooza hosts panels, autograph and photograph sessions with celebrity guests, a literature conference, film festival, and cosplay competitions, and presents special attractions, entertainment, and gaming tournaments. Shoppers can browse art and handcrafted goods from local and visiting artists in the Artist Alley and stroll through the Dealer’s Room to peruse comic books, collectibles, toys, clothing, and other niche products. Young festival-goers can immerse themselves in interactive exhibits found throughout the hall and in the Innovation Lab, while adult attendees can learn about space advancements and test new consumer technologies.
Laredo
International Sister Cities Festival
July 15-17
Sames Auto Arena, 6700 Arena Blvd.
Over a span of three days, the Sames Auto Arena is transformed into an indoor mercado featuring artisans from all over Mexico selling a variety of different products from leather goods, home décor, jewelry, clothing, and delicious food and candies from their native city. With an annual average of 200 exhibitors, the festival has grown tremendously over the past couple of years and hit 25,000 visitors in 2019.
visitlaredo.com/p/things-to-do/events/laredosistercitiesfestival
Bandera
National Day of the American Cowboy
July 23
Bandera Couthouse Lawn, 500 Main St.
Celebrate the National Day of the American Cowboy in Bandera, the "Cowboy Capital of the World." See gunfighters, picking circles, vendors, blacksmiths, and other frontier fun.
Kerrville
Heart of the Hills Golf Tournament
July 26-29
Schreiner Golf Course, 1 Country Club Land
One of the most prestigious amateur level golf tournaments contested in Texas, golfers from all over the country come to Kerrville to compete in this annual 72-hole tournament. Since its inception, the tournament has been played at the Scott Schreiner Golf Course, a par-70 course that is considered one of the state’s best municipality-operated courses.
Alpine
Viva Big Bend
July 27-31
Various locations
Viva Big Bend showcases the best of the state: extraordinary natural beauty, remarkable and talented people, an independent spirit, and an amazing culture. Approximately 55 bands and solo artists (with a wide variety of styles represented) are expected to be showcased in at least 10 venues in Alpine, Marfa, Marathon, Terlingua, and Fort Davis this year.
Naples
Watermelon Festival and Rodeo
July 29-30
Melon Patch Grounds, 100 Front St.
One of the biggest events in the area, the annual Watermelon Festival draws people from far and wide. There are watermelons aplenty, and these East Texas melons are as sweet as they come. The festival holds one of the biggest parades in northeastern Texas and includes a street dance, craft booths, a fully sanctioned PRCA rodeo, an antique car show, corn hole, horse shoes, food, and bingo.
Lubbock
Buddy Holly’s 85th Birthday Celebration
Aug. 6
The Buddy Holly Hall of Performing Arts and Sciences, 1300 Mac Davis Lane
Celebrate the 85th birthday of Lubbock’s favorite son with guitarist Duane Eddy. The Buddy Holly Educational Foundation and Lubbock Entertainment Performing Arts Association give an evening of conversations and songs for Buddy Holly’s epic birthday celebration.
buddyhollyhall.com/event/buddy-hollys-85th-birthday-celebration
Fredericksburg
Texas Ranger Day and History Symposium
Aug. 6
Texas Rangers Heritage Center at Fort Martin Scott, 1618 E. Main St.
This day honors those who have served and those still commissioned with a two-part event featuring historians and educational programs. Texas Rangers Day includes Living History HQ Company Rangers who present reenactments that focus on the time periods of 1823 to 1960 and include Ranger Camp setups, cannon firing, and memorabilia displays.
Sugar Land
Heritage Hike
Aug. 13
Sugar Land Heritage Museum and Visitor Center, 198 Kempner St.
This monthly historic walking tour takes you back to the time when Sugar Land was a company town, with virtually all enterprises managed by the Imperial Sugar Company or its affiliate, Sugarland Industries.
Galveston
AIA Sandcastle Contest and Viewing
Aug. 20-21
East Beach , 1923 Boddeker Drive
Now in its 35th year, the Sandcastle Contest pits more than 80 teams of architects against each other to sculpt the best creations. On Sunday, the castles remain for public viewing without the crowds.
Fredericksburg
Gillespie County Fair
Aug. 25-28
Gillespie County Fairgrounds and Exhibition Hall, 530 Fair Drive
The oldest continuous county fair in Texas marks its 134th year. Enjoy four big days filled with fun events, including a carnival and midway, fair food, livestock judging, agricultural and household exhibits, arts and crafts, antique tractor shows, live music and dancing, and live pari-mutuel horse racing.
Stonewall
113th Birthday Celebration for President Lyndon B. Johnson
Aug. 27
LBJ State and National Historical Parks, Stonewall
The National Park Service hosts the annual wreath-laying ceremony at President Johnson’s gravesite on the LBJ Ranch at 10 a.m. Throughout the day, the LBJ State Park invites visitors to participate in old-time games at the Sauer-Beckmann Living History Farm. Birthday cake is served at 1 p.m. at the state park’s visitor center.
