Sundrop Springs, 953 Hueco Springs Loop Road

Sundrop Springs is a new family tradition that brings entertainment during the best time of year. Enjoy a hayride, pumpkin patch, mazes, and delicious food.

sundropsprings.com/fall-attractions

Wurstfest Grounds, 178 Landa Park Drive

A unique annual celebration rich in German culture and full of Texas fun includes food, music, dancing, carnival rides and games, beer, special events, and the finest in Bavarian-style entertainment.

wurstfest.com

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.

rgvbf.org

The Texan Theater, 201 S. Kilgore St.

Celebrate the tenth anniversary of the REEL East Texas Film Festival, showcasing a slate of indie film projects with live screenings, filmmaker Q&As, and special events that highlight the city of Kilgore for visiting film industry colleagues.

reeleasttexas.com

Various locations, 146 US 83

Enjoy a one-of-a-kind songwriter festival held the second weekend in November (Veterans Day weekend) in the scenic Frio Canyon town of Leakey. Over four days, award-winning and Hall of Fame songwriters from Nashville and Texas share the stories behind the songs that shaped country music in intimate listening-room settings, riverside performances, and free community events. Now in its fifth year, what began as a small gathering has grown into one of the region’s most anticipated weekends where world-class talent meets small-town Texas charm. There are at least 13 events the entire weekend at locations that include the courthouse lawn, Rio Bella Resort, The Back Porch at The Historic Leakey Inn, and The Bent Rim Grill.

songsonthefrio.com

Barrow Brewing Company, 108 Royal St.

The 65th annual event includes the skirl of bagpipes, the wearing of the tartan, tossing the caber, Highland dancing, Celtic entertainers, shopping, food, and other Celtic fun.

saladomuseum.org

Downtown

This family- and pet-friendly fundraiser for pet rescues in Marion County includes food trucks, artisan and craft vendors, kids and pet activities, games and prizes, a silent auction, a 5K fun run, a 1-mile dog walk, and live entertainment.

woofstockevent.com

Texas State Capitol, 1100 Congress Ave.

Founded in 1995, the book festival has evolved into one of the premier literary events in the country and hosts about 300 authors each year. Join other bookworms for readings, panel discussions, signings, cooking demonstrations, local food, an exhibitor marketplace, and the popular Saturday night Lit Crawl.

texasbookfestival.org

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.

crossroadsbbqandbrew.com

Downtown, 100 E. Main St.

The tradition of ribbon cane syrup making is commemorated at the annual Heritage Syrup Festival, held the second Saturday of November. The highlight of the only folk life festival in East Texas is the syrup making demonstration on the Depot Museum grounds. Experienced syrup makers operate the museum’s antique mule-powered equipment to produce old-fashioned cane syrup. While the syrup cooks, other folk artists demonstrate the techniques of lace making, rope making, basket making, blacksmithing, wood carving, quilting, and other old-time survival skills. Folk singers entertain, antique tractors whine, and a petting zoo and local civic organizations offer a varied selection of food and beverages.

facebook.com/heritagesyrupfestival

Downtown, 105 S. Main St.

Count down to light the Sale Park Christmas tree and illuminate picturesque historic downtown Bryan. This free, family-friendly event includes a variety of holiday activities, live music, and a special appearance by Santa Claus.

destinationbryan.com

Doris Williams Civic Center Plaza, 333 SH 332

Kick off the holiday season with a carnival, games, a parade, entertainment, and other festivities.

lakejackson-tx.gov

Hill Country Mile, 100 N. Main St.

Kick off your holiday season at this annual Hill Country celebration. Boerne’s Hill Country Mile is transformed into a vintage Christmas experience, with entertainment in various holiday “villages.” Enjoy live music and performances, visits with Santa Claus, ice sculpting shows, children’s take-home crafts, and snow along Main Street. Roving musicians, carolers, and other revelers, along with brightly lit shops and restaurants, add to the delight.

dickensonmain.com

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.

brazosportcenter.org

Downtown, 303 Main St.

Shop a local craft vendor and ornament market, take pictures with Santa, take a ride at the carnival, watch the lighted night parade cruise down Main Street, and end the night with a firework show.

budafest.org

Llano Courthouse Square , 801 Ford St.

A three-day festival transforms downtown Llano into a holiday wonderland filled with festive traditions: a Dickens of a Dinner Theater on Friday evening, and on Saturday, Breakfast with Santa, magician and puppet shows, a petting zoo, carriage rides, main stage entertainment, crafts and games, a Christmas market, historic homes tour, a lighted Christmas parade, and Victorian afternoon tea.

llanotxdickens.org

Wimberley Lions Field, 601 FM 2325

Held on the first Saturday of each month from March through December, Wimberley Market Days is one of the largest and most beloved outdoor markets in the Texas Hill Country. Set beneath the shade of towering oak trees, the event features nearly 500 vendor booths offering antiques, handmade goods, art, jewelry, clothing, plants, and unique vintage finds. Visitors can enjoy live music at three stages, 10 distinct food concessions, and a small-town atmosphere.

wimberleymarketday.com

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.

tabreenashay.com/crossroads-pickle-festival

Downtown, 200 E. Main St.

The Nine Flags Christmas Festival is a magical holiday tradition that brings festive cheer to the oldest town in Texas. Enjoy twinkling holiday lights, a dazzling Christmas parade, live entertainment, crafting, shopping, carols, and more.

visitnacogdoches.org/nine-flags-christmas-festival

Second Baptist Community Center, 3310 E. Commerce St.

Join the Pan African Cultural Community for the 17th annual Kwanzaa Market Festival, a vibrant family celebration of culture, community, heritage, and cooperative economics. The afternoon is filled with African and Black-owned businesses, unique vendors, cultural performances, music, African drumming, food, children’s activities, Kwanzaa education, and community fellowship.

eventvesta.com/events/162436/t/tickets

Downtown Plano Arts District, 1021 E. 15th St.

Welcome the holiday season with twinkling lights, hot cocoa in hand, and festive cheer filling the air. The family-friendly holiday celebration, happening in the historical Downtown Plano Arts District, transforms the heart of the city into a charming, old-fashioned winter wonderland.

events.visitplano.com/event/dickens-in-downtown-plano-2026

Aransas Navigation District County Festival Grounds at Rockport Harbor, 1391 E. Laurel St.

This two-day extravaganza kicks off the holiday season starting with an illuminated night parade, tree lighting, and fireworks at Rockport Beach Park Road, followed by vendors, entertainment, ornament making, and pictures with Santa on the festival grounds at Rockport Harbor on Sunday.

rockporttx.gov/91/parks-recreation

Downtown , 300 W. Main St.

Main Street Magic is downtown Grand Prairie’s monthlong holiday celebration, packed with twinkling lights, joyful performances, family activities, and holiday cheer. It all kicks off Dec. 5 with the annual Christmas tree lighting, live carols, a drone light show, festive vendors, free photos with Santa, and a cheerful holiday parade.

visitgrandprairietx.com/holiday

Central Library, Austin Public Library, 710 W. Cesar Chavez St.

Bring the whole family to experience a celebration of culture, literature, and art at the third annual Varta Storytelling Festival. Hosted at the Austin Public Library Central Branch, this afternoon festival brings global South Asian narratives to life for children and families across Central Texas. Festival highlights include award-winning authors, historical traditional arts, intergenerational folk music and dance, and hands-on workshops. Activities include interactive readings from celebrated children’s book authors Jyoti Rajan Gopal, Reem Faruqi, and Meera Sriram; a performance of traditional Kerala shadow puppetry (Tholpavakoothu), a rare, ancient art form making its debut in Austin; lively musical showcases and rhythm workshops designed for kids to drum, dance, and sing along; and arts and crafts stations where children can create their own puppets, explore storytelling elements, and take home their creations. Varta is dedicated to fostering empathy, diverse representation, and intergenerational connections through the universal power of a good story. Admission is free, and all workshop materials are provided. Space for specific author sessions and puppetry workshops may be limited, so early arrival or RSVP is highly encouraged.

peerbagh.com/varta-storytelling-festival/

Downtown, 100 W. Buck St.

Christmas on the Square is a cherished event in the community. Enjoy dance performances, music from the Caldwell High School Band, and showcases by the Caldwell High School Honeybees Dance Team. Following all the performances, the Lighted Parade begins on Buck Street.

burlesoncountytx.com

Lakeline Park, 1510 Alexis Drive

This joyful celebration features twinkling lights, family-friendly activities, holiday music, warm treats, Santa’s arrival, and timeless holiday cheer. Bundle up, bring your holiday cheer, and join a night with festivities that include the Frosty Winter Fun, pictures with Santa, food and beverage vendors, a holiday market, and the Sip and Stroll presented by Always Fun Market.

cedarparktexas.gov/1417/a-jolly-bright-lakeline-night

Hill Country Mile, 100 N. Main St.

Kick off Christmas break with a festive family weekend in downtown Boerne. Kinder Fest invites kids to wear their wackiest Christmas gear—ugly sweaters, silly pajamas, and Whoville hairdos—for a joyful celebration packed with holiday fun.

boerne-retail-restaurant-association-109974.square.site/kinder-fest

Karnes City Park, 302 S. Browne St

Celebrate the 11th annual Founders Day with family fun for all ages. The event transforms this South Texas town into a vibrant hub of community, culture, and live entertainment. with a color run in the morning, live entertainment, vendors, food trucks, carnival rides, dummy roping, fireworks, and both Tejano and country music artists.

cityofkctx.com

First Baptist Church, 1515 N. Live Oak St.

Groups appearing this year at the annual Southern gospel festival include Crimson River Quartet, the Kinsmen, the McNeills, and the Delawders.

rockport-fulton.org

Saengerhalle, 1703 Heights Blvd.

Raise a glass with ROCO as the annual Beer and Brass tradition continues. This spirited event features the ROCO Brass Quintet performing traditional beer hall music and favorite brass arrangements. Perfect for a midweek adventure, the evening pairs engaging, interactive performances with locally brewed craft beers (plus root beer and cider), tasty bites, and good company.

eventvesta.com/events/155506/t/tickets

Galveston Historic Strand District, 2314 The Strand

Kick off the ultimate weekend of flavor and fun in Galveston’s historic Strand District with this action-packed festival featuring everything from championship chili cookoffs and public tastings to an indoor beer and spirits fest. The weekend also gets moving with the Beerfoot Beer Run 5K, inviting participants to log some morning miles and balance out the festival indulgence before diving into a full day of great food, drinks, and coastal entertainment.

yagaschiliquest.com

St. Joseph’s Halle , 212 W. San Antonio St.

Celebrate all things literary with author readings, talks, and Q&A sessions. Featured authors include Lisa Wingate, Rick Bass, Bret Anthony Johnston, W. F. Strong, Kathi Appelt, Mike Blakely, David Hillis, and Pamela Colloff. Don’t miss the Typewriter Rodeo, where participants can type poems on vintage typewriters. The festival is free to attend.

fredericksburgbookfestival.org

Martin Luther King Jr. Academy , 3501 Martin Luther King Drive

Celebrating its 40th year, the annual San Antonio MLK March is one of the largest in the country. The city’s community, as well as visitors from across the country, come together in January to commemorate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The celebration begins at Martin Luther King Jr. Academy and ends at Pittman-Sullivan Park. Look for activities during the week, including panel discussions and lectures, art exhibitions, concerts and theatrical performances, and cultural celebrations hosted by local nonprofits, museums, universities, businesses, and faith organizations.

visitsanantonio.com/events/arts-culture-events/mlk-march

KC Hall, 321 US 77

The Knights of Columbus local council sponsors this domino tournament every January to determine the state champion of Texas. From its humble beginnings, this tournament has grown to be recognized as one of the finest competitions of straight dominoes nationwide.

kchall.com/texas-state-championship-straight-domino-tournament

Asia Times Square, 2625 W. Pioneer Parkway

Asia Times Square hosts its annual Lunar New Year celebration. Enjoy live cultural performances, food vendors and merchants, and firecrackers.

asiatimessquare.com

Jefferson Visitor Center, 305 E. Austin St.

Enjoy a festive evening filled with food, live music, dancing, Mardi Gras costumes and beads, and the crowning of the 2027 Mardi Gras King and Queen.

visitjeffersontexas.com/events

Fulton Convention Center, 402 N. Fulton Beach Road

Winter Texans are encouraged to stop by for refreshments, collect info from local businesses, learn about local attractions, grab a bite to eat, and enjoy live entertainment, food, and games at local RV parks.

visitrockportfulton.com

11th Street Cowboy Bar, 307 11th St.

Join the fun at the 11th Street Cowboy Bar’s annual Mardi Gras celebration that includes Cajun food and live zydeco music.

11thstreetcowboybar.com

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.

portaransasgardenclub.org/the-home-tour

Enjoy all the colorful floats and parade entries as they travel down Main Street.

11thstreetcowboybar.com

410 Niche Coffee and Shop, 410 W. Main St.

Coffee shops and vendors from across Texas take over downtown for a full-scale coffee crawl. Entry is free, drinks are sold separately, and a live DJ keeps things going at Niche Coffee and Shop.

discoverdenison.com/events

KC Hall, 321 US 77

This annual supper, along with the Big Buck Contest. is hosted at the Hallettsville Knights of Columbus Hall. The feast takes place on the last Saturday of January and serves as one of the largest sporting banquets in Texas to celebrate the end of the white-tailed deer hunting season.

kcbuckcontest.com

Downtown , Procter Street

Mardi Gras Port Arthur celebrates the season in the official Cajun Capital of Texas. Inspired by the rich heritage of Mardi Gras celebrations along the Gulf Coast and in Southeast Texas, Mardi Gras Port Arthur is creating a vibrant new tradition filled with colorful parades, live music, delicious food, family-friendly activities, and the warm hospitality that defines our region.

visitportarthurtx.com/mardi-gras

Various locations, Downtown

The Krewe of Hebe presents this year’s Jefferson Mardi Gras, with a whole weekend of festivities including parades, live music, food, vendors, a carnival, frosty beverages, masks, and beads.

mardigrasupriver.com

Various locations

The “Biggest Little Mardi Gras Celebration” brings New Orleans-style fun right to downtown Waxahachie. Enjoy a full-day festival featuring a lively parade, beads, bands, krewe-style energy, and plenty of local flavor.

waxahachiecvb.com/events

Frost Bank Center and rodeo fairgrounds, 723 Frost Bank Center Drive

One of the city’s signature annual traditions, the Stock Show and Rodeo combines professional rodeo competition, livestock exhibitions, live music, carnival attractions, and Texas-style food. The multi-week celebration draws families, ranchers, and visitors to experience Western heritage while supporting scholarships and agricultural education for Texas youth. A highlight is the colorful Charreada, a traditional Mexican rodeo featuring skilled charros, elegant escaramuza riders, horsemanship, roping demonstrations, and vibrant cultural pageantry. 

sarodeo.com

Sokol Hall , 2622 SH 34 East

Join the polka bands of Ennis for a day filled with great music, dancing, food, and drinks. The Sokol kitchen is serving Czech classics all day long, including klobase and sauerkraut. The festival is also a great family event with a kids zone for the smallest of attendees.

ennisczechmusicfestival.com

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.

portaransas.org/whooping-crane-festival

Gulf Coast Bird Observatory , 299 SH 332 West

Flock Party is a nature-themed festival with free admission, kids games, arts and crafts, vendors, animal encounters, and food trucks.

gcbo.org/events/flock-party