A note regarding COVID-19
Upcoming Events in Gulf Coast
South Padre Island
Dolphin Watch Tours
Sept. 1-Dec. 31, 2025
Isla Tours, 33256 State Park Road 100
All aboard the Murphy’s Law for a 1.5-hour dolphin watch and eco tour. Cruise along the lower Laguna Madre on the 67-foot, double-decker boat, which is specially designed to allow guests to have an optimum viewing experience while on the water.
Houston
“Wall Drawing: Ronny Quevedo”
Sept. 13-Sept. 1, 2025
Menil Drawing Institute, 1412 W. Main St.
Curated by Kelly Montana, assistant curator at the Menil Drawing Institute, this is the sixth installment in the Menil Collection’s Wall Drawing Series, which began in 2018 as part of the institute’s commitment to seeking new approaches to the form and language of drawing.
“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.
“Joe Overstreet: Taking Flight”
Jan 24-July 13
The Menil Collection, 1533 Sul Ross St.
This is the first major museum exhibition in 30 years devoted to the work of the pioneering abstract painter. Renowned for his innovative approach to non-representational painting, American artist Joe Overstreet consistently sought to intertwine abstraction and social politics.
League City
Music in the Historic District
Feb. 28-Nov. 28
League Park, 512 Second St.
Join the League City Folk Association and League City Historical Society for a beautiful night full of music and song in the historic League Park. This free, family-friendly event features 12-16 musicians from all genres. Bring a chair, grab some treats and drinks from the café, and enjoy a night of songs and stories. Spotlight artists change monthly. Come early for a song circle, called Pickin’ on Second before the 7 p.m. performance.
Richmond
Richmond’s Farmers Market
March 7-Dec. 5
City Hall Plaza, 402 Morton St.
The market, held on the first Friday of the month from February through December (skipping July), flourishes under the canopy of old oaks and features music and food trucks. As one of the premier farmers market in Fort Bend County, it offers fresh produce from local growers and artisan goods as well as some prepared foods.
Houston
“What drawing can be: four responses”
March 21-Aug. 10
Menil Drawing Institute, 1412 W. Main St.
See site-specific installations by Jillian Conrad, Teresita Fernández, Tony Lewis, and Constantin Luser, who each have an individual gallery space to explore the experimental potential of the medium.
Galveston
ArtWalk
April 12-Dec. 13
Galveston Arts Center, 2127 The Strand
Once a month, ArtWalk celebrates local artists by transforming the historic Strand district into a lively hub for art enthusiasts. Visit galleries, boutiques, and pop-up exhibits to see a mix of unique art pieces and discover hidden gems, meet talented creators, and support Galveston’s thriving arts community.
Houston
“The Space Between Looking and Loving: Francesca Fuchs and the de Menil House”
May 23-Nov. 2
The Menil Collection, 1533 Sul Ross St.
Featuring new work by Francesca Fuchs and selections from the Menil’s collection and archives, the display explores the affective power and relational histories of objects in domestic settings, especially those of the de Menil house in Houston.
Freeport
Shark Exhibit
May 24-Aug. 13
Freeport Historical Museum, 311 E. Park Ave.
At this exhibition, visitors can stand inside enormous shark jaws, see life-size models of different sharks, and learn about Freeport’s historic fishing industry.
Victoria
“The Art of Dr. Seuss”
May 30-July 16
The Nave Museum, 306 W. Commercial St.
Experience one of the world’s largest collections of the secret are of Dr. Seuss. The collection is comprised of estate-authorized, limited-edition reproductions of Dr. Seuss’s original art, specifically chosen by Audrey Geisel and the estate curator for publication and release.
Clute
Planetarium Show
June 3-28
Center for the Arts and Sciences, 400 College Blvd.
This show (check for dates throughout the month) features a 30-foot dome equipped with a Spitz Star Ball projector that reproduces the night sky, along with a variety of other high-tech equipment to give visitors a close-up feel of comets, exploding stars, and black holes.
Corpus Christi
“Pure Imagination”
June 20-29
Harbor Playhouse, 1802 N. Chaparral St.
“Pure Imagination” is a brand-new revue featuring songs from across Music Theatre International’s Broadway Junior collection. From Broadway Junior musicals based on adored titles like “Seussical” and “Shrek The Musical” to Disney favorites like “Beauty and the Beast” and “Frozen,” “Pure Imagination” offers a fun introduction to musical revues for young performers who are new to musical theater.
Lake Jackson
Bird Banding
June 21, July 19, Aug. 16
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 about the birds of the Brazosport area.
Freeport
Fort Velasco Day
June 21
Freeport Historical Museum, 311 E. Park Ave.
This living history event commemorates the 191st anniversary of the Battle of Fort Velasco by bringing reenactors from across the state to the site to give visitors a glimpse of what life and conflict was like at the mouth of the Brazos River in 1830s Texas.
Houston
Rainbow on the Green
June 27
Discovery Green, 1500 McKinney St.
Discovery Green’s annual family-friendly Pride celebration returns to the park with an evening of performances and entertainment.
Lake Jackson
Rubber Duck Regatta
June 28
Dunbar Park, 803 FM 2004
Get out on Oyster Creek for some kayak and canoe fun. Teams compete to be one of the first 20 boats to retrieve eight different rubber ducks that are corralled along the creek, and bring them back to the starting point in order to win a prize.
Galveston
“The Addams Family—A Musical Comedy”
June 29
The Grand 1894 Opera House, 2020 Postoffice St.
Wednesday Addams, the ultimate princess of darkness, has grown up and fallen in love with a sweet young man from a respectable family—a man her parents have never met. Everything changes for the whole family on the fateful night that they host a dinner for Wednesday’s “normal” boyfriend and his parents.
League City
Fireworks Extravaganza
July 3
Chester L. Davis Sportsplex, 1251 W. League City Parkway
This family-friendly event is free and open to the public and includes a fireworks display, live-music, inflatables, and food trucks. Bring your lawn chairs or blanket to enjoy an evening with family and friends. Fireworks begin at sundown.
South Padre Island
Fourth of July Fireworks
July 4
South Padre Island Entertainment District, 211 W. Whiting St.
Celebrate Independence Day on South Padre Island with a dazzling fireworks display over the bay. Watch as the night sky lights up with vibrant colors, creating the perfect backdrop for a memorable Fourth of July celebration by the water.
Rosenberg
Family Fourth Celebration
July 4
Seabourne Creek Nature Park, 3831 SH 36 South
Celebrate Independence Day with live music, kids’ activities, and food trucks. The night ends with a fireworks show. Bring blankets, lawn chairs, and bug spray for an enjoyable evening.
Port Arthur
Fourth of July at Lamar State College-Port Arthur
July 4
Carl A. Parker Multipurpose Center, 1800 Lakeshore Drive
Watch fireworks along the Port Arthur Seawall. Family events start in the evening, so come out early.
Galveston
Independence Day Parade and Fireworks
July 4
Galveston Seawall
From fireworks over the beach to a traditional hometown parade, Galveston provides family-friendly activities to celebrate the Fourth of July.
Freeport
Fishin’ Fiesta
Juy 4-6
Freeport Municipal Park, 421 N. Brazosport Blvd.
Since 1947, anglers have been drawn to this fishing tournament each year in the hopes of catching the biggest redfish, barracuda, or any other offshore or inshore fish. There’s also lots of games, food, live entertainment, dances, arts and crafts, and a fireworks display on Saturday night.
Lake Jackson
Firecracker 4 Run
July 4
Dunbar Park, 803 FM 2004
Participate in a 4-mile run through the neighborhoods of Lake Jackson along Oyster Creek. This is a USATF-certified course.
Port Aransas
Fourth of July Fireworks
July 4
Robert’s Point Park, 300 JC Barr Blvd.
Kick off your summer family vacation with the annual Independence Day Fireworks Show at Roberts Point Park. The 25- to 35-minute show starts at nightfall.
Rockport
Rockport Art Festival
July 5-6
Rockport Festival Grounds, 1500 E. Laurel St.
A staple of the summer season on the coast, the festival features over 120 artists who sell their work to over 10,000 art buyers.
Port Aransas
Deep Sea Roundup
July 10-13
Civic Center , 710 W. Ave. A
The oldest fishing tournament on the Texas coast is sponsored by Port Aransas Boatmen Inc., an organization with an equally long and illustrious history. The tournament attracts hundreds of families and individual anglers to Port Aransas to fish, compete, and have fun.
South Padre Island
Ron Hoover Fishing Tournament
July 11-12
South Padre Island Convention and Visitors Bureau, 7355 Padre Blvd.
Anglers compete in an exciting bay tournament, with a portion of proceeds going to Make-A-Wish of the Rio Grande Valley.
Clute
“Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat”
July 11-13, 18-20
Center for the Arts and Sciences, 400 College Blvd.
This stage production is a family-friendly retelling of the biblical story of Joseph that features a variety of musical styles.
Port Aransas
Texas Legends Billfish Pachanga
July 15-19
Virginia’s On The Bay, 815 Trout St.
This tournament pioneered the concept of a video-release format, with points awarded for blue marlin, white marlin, and sailfish. All fish in those divisions are released. Targeted meat fish brought to the dock for weigh-in are dorado, wahoo, tuna, and swordfish.
Corpus Christi
“Hairspray”
July 18-Aug. 17
Harbor Playhouse, 1802 N. Chaparral St.
It’s 1962 in Baltimore, and the lovable, plus-size teen, Tracy Turnblad, has only one desire—to dance on the popular “Corny Collins Show.” When her dream comes true, Tracy is transformed from social outcast to sudden star. She must use her newfound power to dethrone the reigning Teen Queen, win the affections of heartthrob, Link Larkin, and integrate a TV network.
Lake Jackson
Bird Banding
June 21, July 19, Aug. 16
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 about the birds of the Brazosport area.
Clute
Great Texas Mosquito Festival
July 24-26
Clute Municipal Park, 100 Parkview Drive
At this fun-filled family event, celebrating its 44th year, festivalgoers can expect vendor booths with a variety of foods, arts and crafts, and other merchandise; a carnival; live entertainment each evening; and Willie-Man-Chew, the 26-foot-tall mosquito mascot that greets visitors.
Corpus Christi
“Bye Bye Birdie”
July 25-26
Harbor Playhouse, 1802 N. Chaparral St.
Teen heartthrob Conrad Birdie has been drafted, so he chooses all-American girl Kim McAfee for a very public farewell kiss. Featuring a high-energy score, plenty of great parts for kids, and a hilarious script, “Bye Bye Birdie” remains one of the most popular shows in schools across the country.
Victoria
“Footloose”
July 25-Aug. 3
Leo J. Welder Center for the Performing Arts, 214 N. Main St.
Join Theatre Victoria for “Footloose,” a coming-of-age musical based on the ‘80s film. The musical celebrates the exhilaration of youth, wisdom of listening to one another, and the power of forgiveness.
Port Lavaca
Christmas in July Nativity Exhibit
July 25-27
Former home of the Red Barn, 3187 SH 35
Bringing the December Christmas season to the summer vacation season, this event features over 1,000 displays and representations of the Nativity from all over the world and made from all kinds of materials. Organizers continue the tradition of presenting this annual exhibit, as seen on “The Texas Bucket List.”
South Padre Island
Texas International Fishing Tournament
July 30-Aug. 3
South Padre Island Convention and Visitors Bureau, 7355 Padre Blvd.
Surrounded by the sparkling waters of the Laguna Madre Bay and Gulf of Mexico, Port Isabel and South Padre Island play host to Texas’ largest saltwater fishing tournament. Anglers compete in one of three divisions: bay, tarpon, and offshore.
Tomball
Tomball Night
Aug. 1
Downtown, 100 Market St.
A family-friendly festival ends with a lighted parade and fireworks. Previous festivities have included live entertainment, kids’ activities, food, drinks, shopping, giveaways, vendors, and door prizes.
Clute
Planetarium Show
Aug. 5-30
Center for the Arts and Sciences, 400 College Blvd.
This show (check for dates throughout the month) features a 30-foot dome equipped with a Spitz Star Ball projector that reproduces the night sky, along with a variety of other high-tech equipment to give visitors a close-up feel of comets, exploding stars, and black holes.
Port Aransas
Texas Legends Billfish Tournament
Aug. 6-10
Port Aransas Fisherman’s Wharf, 900 Tarpon St.
This tournament pioneered the concept of a video-release format with points awarded for blue marlin, white marlin, and sailfish. It is unique in that once you are registered in the tournament, you may depart from any Texas port. The Port Aransas weigh-in and awards allows fisherman easy access to the natural offshore structure and deep-water rigs for which this area is famous.
South Padre Island
Ladies Kingfish Tournament
Aug. 8-10
South Padre Island Convention and Visitors Bureau, 7355 Padre Blvd.
The first all-ladies tournament in Texas is divided into two divisions: bay and offshore fishing.
Victoria
“The Art of Myke Venable”
Aug. 15-Oct. 4
The Nave Museum, 306 W. Commercial St.
Texas artist Myke Venable is known for his vibrant, abstract paintings that explore color theory and geometric abstraction, characterized by bold colors, dynamic compositions, and intricate patterns.
Lake Jackson
Bird Banding
June 21, July 19, Aug. 16
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 about the birds of the Brazosport area.
Clute
Planetarium Show
Sept. 2-30
Center for the Arts and Sciences, 400 College Blvd.
This ongoing show features a 30-foot dome equipped with a Spitz Star Ball projector that reproduces the night sky, along with a variety of other high-tech equipment to give visitors a close-up feel of comets, exploding stars, and black holes.
El Campo
Freedom Fest
Sept. 5-7
El Campo Lost Lagoon, 665 CR 451
Hear live music by Dos Borrachos, Chad Cooke Band, Payton Howie, and Bubba Westley. Enjoy the pool with a swim-up bar while performers are live on stage.
La Porte
First Fridays at Five Points
Sept. 5-Nov. 7
Five Points Plaza, 100 S. Broadway St.
First Fridays offers a chance to enjoy Main Street with interactive activities inside local businesses. The event features special themes throughout the fall, including a Taste of Main Street in September, Trick or Treat Main Street in October, and a Wine Walk in November.
South Padre Island
Wahoo Classic
Sept. 5-7
Jim’s Pier, 209 N. Whiting St.
Anglers compete for cash prizes targeting wahoo, blackfin tuna, and dorado in this thrilling summer tournament.
Houston
Wall Drawing: Gladys Nilsson
Sept. 5-Aug. 1, 2026
Menil Drawing Institute, 1412 W. Main St.
Chicago-based artist Gladys Nilsson, a member of the Hairy Who artist group who is known for her densely layered and meticulously constructed watercolors and collages, has been commissioned to create the seventh installment of the Menil Drawing Institute’s Wall Drawing Series.
Rosenberg
Ride to Rosenberg Car Show
Sept. 6
Downtown, 807 Third St.
In downtown Rosenberg, see 150 cars dating from the early 1900s to modern times. A DJ plays music all day, and a local band rocks the streets.
La Porte
Main Street Trade Days
Sept. 6-Nov. 1
Main Street, 100 S. Broadway St.
Main Street Trade Days is a monthly event held on the first Saturday of every month. This outdoor market features a wide array of vendors selling antiques, collectibles, repurposed furniture, and handcrafted goods.
Galveston
Moody Gardens Car Show
Sept. 6-7
Moody Gardens Convention Center, 7 Hope Blvd.
It’s a car lover’s dream at the Moody Gardens Convention Center as the hall is filled with rows of classic and creative vehicles and the stories that accompany them.
Beaumont
Neches River Rally
Sept. 6
Big Thicket Cooks Lake to Scatterman Paddling Trail, 6790 Bigner Road
Explore the Big Thicket National Preserve via the 4-mile Cooks Lake to Scatterman Paddling Trail. Experience the Neches River and a bald cypress/water tupelo swamp, where you might spot wading birds, songbirds, and turtles. Every registered adult gets a complimentary Big Thicket Association 2024 membership, plus a free hamburger lunch and a goodie bag.
Freeport
“Class in Session: Freeport’s Educational Heritage”
Sept. 6-Nov. 8
Freeport Historical Museum, 311 E. Park Ave.
The Freeport Historical Museum presents a new exhibition about the history of education in the Freeport area. This exhibit features information and artifacts from Freeport schools dating back to the late 1800s, as well as opportunities for Freeport alumni to share their schooltime stories.
Lake Jackson
Abner Jackson Plantation Site Tour
Sept. 6, Oct. 4, Nov. 1
Abner Jackson Plantation Site, Farm-to-Market Road 2004 near State Highway 332
Visit the historic 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. Discover the sugar-making process of the 1840s and how convict labor replaced slave labor during the 1870s.
Spring
ArtBeat in Concert
Sept. 9
The Centrum, 6823 Cypresswood Drive
The husband-wife musical duo (Mark Morton, associate professor of double bass at Texas Tech University, and Grace Marin Aguilar, Lubbock Symphony violinist) use their multi-instrumental talents to perform on violin, double bass, piano, guitar, and voice.
South Padre Island
5K Kemp’s Krawl
Sept. 12
Holiday Inn Beach Resort, 100 Padre Blvd.
Timed runners begin on the beachfront to enjoy this 5K with a scenic view of the Gulf of Mexico. This year, a family fun run is added and includes stations along the route with educational games and sea turtle facts to keep the whole family entertained.
Tacos and Tequila Festival
Sept. 12-13
South Padre Island Convention Center, 7355 Padre Blvd.
The best food, music, and fun is paired with mouthwatering tacos, top-shelf tequila tastings, and live performances from local and national artists. There’s also cooking demonstrations, eating contests, an artisan market, “lucha libre” (Mexican wrestling) matches, and entertainment.
Victoria
Quilt Show
Sept. 12-13
Holy Family Catholic Church, 704 Mallette Drive
Presented by the Victoria Quilt Guild, this two-day show features a beautiful quilt display, vendors, demonstrations, and a scrap drive. Food is available for purchase.
Houston
“Chroma Collective”
Sept. 12-Oct. 26
Discovery Green, 1500 McKinney St.
Artist Karen Navarro’s pop-up installation incorporates an array of portraits of Houstonians culled from an open call.
Clute
“Rosencranz and Guildenstern Are Dead”
Sept. 12-14, 19-21
Center for the Arts and Sciences, 400 College Blvd.
Tom Stoppard’s absurdist play expands upon the exploits of two minor characters from Shakespeare’s “Hamlet,” the courtiers Rosencrantz and Guildenstern.
Lake Jackson
Xtreme Hummingbird Xtravaganza
Sept. 13
Gulf Coast Bird Observatory , 299 SH 332 West
A yearly event, the Xtreme Hummingbird Xtravaganza takes place during the peak of ruby-throated hummingbird migration in the fall. It features symbolic hummingbird adoptions and live hummingbird banding where you get the opportunity to see these birds up close.
Port Isabel
Summer Causeway Run and Fitness Walk
Sept. 13
Port Isabel Event and Cultural Center, 309 Railroad St.
The annual Causeway Run follows the 6.2 miles (10K) course starting at the Port Isabel Event and Cultural Center, continuing on to the Queen Isabella Causeway and over the Laguna Madre Bay.
Port Arthur
Mexican Heritage Fiesta
Sept. 13
Robert A. “Bob” Bowers Civic Center, 3401 Cultural Center Drive
Cultural foods, dancing, and entertainment bring families together. Costumes, pageants, and music are scheduled throughout the day.
Victoria
Victoria Symphony in Concert
Sept. 13
Victoria Fine Arts Center, 1002 Sam Houston Drive
Victoria Symphony presents “Dynamic Duos: Brahms and Rachmaninoff in Harmony,” a night of sweeping melodies and passionate emotions that features Emily Bruskin Yarbrough (violin) and Julia Bruskin Wunsch (cello) performing Brahms’ Concerto for Violin and Cello. The program also includes Tchaikovsky’s Miniature Overture from “The Nutcracker” and concludes with Rachmaninoff’s lush and deeply expressive Symphony No. 2.
Freeport
Hispanic Heritage Month Event
Sept. 13
Freeport Historical Museum, 311 E. Park Ave.
Learn about the early history of Hispanic settlers in the Freeport area.
Lake Jackson
Xtreme Hummingbird Xtravaganza
Sept. 13, 20
Gulf Coast Bird Observatory, 299 SH 332 West
Watch the thumb-size 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. Enjoy seeing a bird-bander hold a tiny hummingbird while taking measurements of the bird, weighing it, and clamping a thin, number-coded band on one of its teensy-weensy legs. There are activities for kids, nature-themed booths, and native plant sales.
Youth Fishing
Sept. 13
Sea Center Texas, 302 Medical Drive
Pack your sunscreen, hat, lawn chair and fishing gear for a couple of hours of catch and release fishing. Bring your own equipment and bait. Barbless hooks only.
Beaumont
Viva Beaumont Hispanic Heritage Festival
Sept. 14
Downtown , 701 Main St.
This vibrant festival features live entertainment from Southeast Texas including Lucha Libre wrestling, an array of diverse dishes served from food trucks (plus beer and micheladas for purchase), and a variety of family-friendly activities.
Corpus Christi
Conquer the Coast
Sept. 19
Whataburger Field , 734 E. Port Ave.
This annual bike ride typically held on the third Saturday of September has remained a fan favorite since its inaugural 2004 ride. Packet pickup is at Brewster Street Icehouse.
Houston
“Robert Rauschenberg: Fabric Works of the 1970s”
Sept. 19-March 1, 2026
The Menil Collection, 1533 Sul Ross St.
On the occasion of the 100th birthday of American artist and native Texan Robert Rauschenberg (1925–2008), the Menil Collection presents an exhibition that looks at the artist’s expressive and conceptual use of fabric as a sculptural medium.
Port Aransas
Anglers on Wheels
Sept. 19-20
Woody’s Last Stand , 154 W. Cotter Ave.
Anglers On Wheels is a fishing tournament for anglers with a disability and up to three of their friends or family members. There are two tournaments a year: the third weekend in May and the third weekend in September.
Surfside Beach
Fall Festival
Sept. 19-20
Stahlman Park, Bluewater Highway
Celebrate the start of autumn at this festival that offers crafts, vendors, and kites soaring through the air.
Houston
Go Bananas
Sept. 20
Houston Botanic Garden, 1 Botanic Lane
The Houston Botanic Garden marks its fifth birthday with the annual Go Bananas festival, a celebration of the world’s most popular tropical fruit. The festival features food and drink, educational programs, and entertainment to highlight the more than 20 types of banana plants in the Garden’s global collection.
The Makeup Show Houston
Sept. 20-21
Hilton Houston Post Oak, 2001 Post Oak Blvd.
The most influential artists, beauty experts, and top brands come together to teach you the latest trends, techniques, and career secrets in the beauty industry. There are studio classes and shopping for makeup and skincare.
Mexico en el Corazon
Sept. 20
Discovery Green, 1500 McKinney St.
Immerse yourself in the sounds and sights of Mexico with this group of mariachis and ballet folklórico dancers.
Corpus Christi
“Legally Blonde”
Sept. 26-Oct. 26
Harbor Playhouse, 1802 N. Chaparral St.
Elle Woods appears to have it all. Her life is turned upside down when her boyfriend dumps her so he can attend Harvard Law School. Determined to get him back, Elle ingeniously charms her way into the prestigious law school. While there, she struggles with peers, professors, and her ex. With the support of some new friends, though, Elle quickly realizes her potential and sets out to prove herself to the world.
Galveston
Galveston Island Shrimp Festival
Sept. 26-27
Saengerfest Park, 2302 Strand St.
Featuring some of the best shrimp gumbo on the Gulf Coast, the Shrimp Festival includes a seafood cookoff, tastings, a li’l shrimp parade, and a merchant walkabout.
Galveston Island Shrimp Festival
Sept. 26-27
Strand District, 2302 Strand St.
Featuring some of the best shrimp gumbo on the Gulf Coast, the Shrimp Festival includes a seafood cookoff, tastings, a boat show, and live music.
Victoria
Viva Texas Film Festival
Sept. 26-28
Various locations, 101 N. Main St.
A three-day film festival showcases a variety of independent and studio films from American and Latin American cultures.
Tomball
GroovFest
Sept. 27
Depot Plaza, 201 S. Elm St.
Tomball’s iconic celebration of retro fun and nostalgia is packed with music, entertainment, and good vibes for all ages. Live music, vintage vehicles, face painting, a bubble station, stilt walkers, and a play zone keep the fun going all day.
Victoria
Victoria Ballet Theatre: “Fall for Dance”
Sept. 27
Leo J. Welder Center for the Performing Arts, 214 N. Main St.
Victoria Ballet Theatre opens its 42nd season with the annual autumn performance, “Fall for Dance.” The dance concert features a mixed repertory of classical and contemporary pieces highlighting the talent of the company.
Port Aransas
Belt Sander Races
Sept. 27
The Gaff, 323 Beach St.
Belt sander racing is a longstanding custom in Port Aransas. Head to the The Gaff, the “Birthplace of Texas Belt Sander Racing,” to watch competitors race their power tools down the wooden track. While there, enjoy cold beer and wine with delicious pizza or other foods. Held every second and fourth Saturday of the month.
South Padre Island
SPI Sprint Triathlon
Sept. 28
Jim’s Pier, 211 W. Swordfish St.
Seasoned veterans and first timers can both experience the SPI Sprint Triathlon, which includes Olympic and sprint distance courses.
Victoria
Czech Heritage Festival
Sept. 28
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.
Clute
Fine Art Family Day
Sept. 28
Center for the Arts and Sciences, 400 College Blvd.
Outdoor activities include fine art booths and food vendors, as well as games for the whole family. In the studio, visitors can take in artist demonstrations by art league members and instructors.
South Padre Island
Sandcastle Days
Sept. 29-Oct. 5
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.
Beaumont
13 Nights of Halloween
Oct. 1-31
Jefferson Theatre, 345 Fannin
Get into the Halloween spirit at the Jefferson Theatre’s 13 Nights of Halloween. This beloved annual holiday event features spooky screenings for all ages. Doors open an hour before each show.
Port Aransas
Beachtober
Oct. 1-31
Various locations
October means a bevy of autumnal events happening every weekend, a time the island likes to call “Beachtober.” These events range from a month-long Sweet Traditions dessert trail to the Wooden Boat Festival.
portaransas.org/events/festivals-and-annual-events/beachtober
Victoria
Tejas Fest
Oct. 3-4
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, a car show, a kids’ area, food trucks, and a shopping market.
El Campo
Prairie Days Festival
Oct. 4
Alamo Park, West First Street
This festival celebrates El Campo’s heritage with craft and food vendors, live music, a parade, a car show, contests, and performances.
Spring
Shades of Bublé in Concert
Oct. 4
The Centrum, 6823 Cypresswood Drive
Shades of Bublé: “A Three-Man Tribute to Michael Bublé“ brings the swinging standards and pop hits of Michael Bublé to the stage in a high-energy concert event.
Beaumont
Oktoberfest
Oct. 4
Rogers Park , 6540 Gladys
Beaumont Oktoberfest returns to Rogers Park and offers a festive blend of polka dancing, live music, a spacious beer garden, and local food trucks. Don’t miss Kidtoberfest with family-friendly activities and entertainment for all ages.
Houston
“Lines of Resolution: Drawing at the Advent of Television and Video”
Oct. 4-Feb. 8, 2026
Menil Drawing Institute, 1412 W. Main St.
This exhibition explores the relationship between drawing, television, and video from the late 1950s into the 1980s.
Clute
Planetarium Show
Oct. 4-28
Center for the Arts and Sciences, 400 College Blvd.
This ongoing show features a 30-foot dome equipped with a Spitz Star Ball projector that reproduces the night sky, along with a variety of other high-tech equipment to give visitors a close-up feel of comets, exploding stars, and black holes.
Freeport
Texas Archeology
Oct. 4
Freeport Historical Museum, 311 E. Park Ave.
Celebrate Texas Archeology Month with sand excavations and artifacts you can touch.
Clute
Fall Astronomy Night
Oct. 4
Center for the Arts and Sciences, 400 College Blvd.
Each fall and spring, BASF Planetarium hosts an Astronomy Day and Astronomy Night. Enjoy planetarium shows, demonstrations, and night sky viewing through telescopes to see the moon, planets, and other interesting nightsky objects.
West Columbia
Hoggtoberfest
Oct. 4
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.
South Padre Island
Ride for Rotary: Queen Isabella Causeway Cross
Oct. 5
Louie’s Backyard, 2305 Laguna Blvd.
A wide range of riders of varying experience levels participate in this tour, hosted by the Rotary Club of Historic Brownsville. It’s approximately 33 miles and includes crossing the Queen Isabella Casuseway for a spectacular view.
Groves
Pecan Festival
Oct. 9-12
Lions Park, 6200 Jackson St.
A free festival includes a carnival, nightly entertainment, over 125 vendors and food trucks, a gumbo cookoff, a cooking with pecans contest, a pet contest, horseshoe tournament, and a car show.
Port Aransas
Harvest Moon Regatta
Oct. 9-11
Port Aransas Marina, 301 JC Barr Blvd.
This offshore race begins in Galveston and ends with a party in Port Aransas. Spectators can track the regatta by downloading the YB Races mobile app from the Apple Store or Google Play Store or viewing in your computer’s browser at the link supplied on the website.
Houston
Bayou City Art Festival Memorial Park
Oct. 10-12
Memorial Park, 6501 Memorial Drive
The works of more than 250 artists in 19 different categories are showcased. There’s also live entertainment, food trucks, a craft beer and wine garden, and a kids’ area.
Corpus Christi
Moonlight and Mariposas in the Gardens
Oct. 10
South Texas Botanical Gardens and Nature Center, 8545 S. Staples St.
Themed around this year’s Mariposa Palooza, guests experience restaurant and beverage stations, dancing, the 70-artist butterfly exhibit, a silent auction and raffle, a butterfly release, animal ambassadors, and garden strolls.
Richmond
Community One Table
Oct. 10
City Hall Plaza, 402 Morton St.
Be part of a family-style dinner for 250 people at a table one block long. Local restaurants create the dishes, and a live band brings the tunes.
Tomball
Spooktacular Second Saturday
Oct. 11
Depot Plaza, 201 S. Elm St.
Put on your Halloween costumes and join in for an evening of “Ghostbusters”-inspired games, bounce houses, face painting, crafts, local vendors, and spooky surprises for everyone.
Beaumont
Big Thicket Day on the Neches
Oct. 11
Collier’s Ferry Park, 5390 Pine St.
At this family-friendly event on the banks of the Neches River, the community celebrates the founding of the Big Thicket Association in 1964 and the Big Thicket National Preserve in 1974. Join the fun at historical Collier’s Ferry Park for free rides on the Ivory Bill boat, free lunch cooked on-site, Gator Country, exhibitors, and kids activities.
Port Aransas
Fall Kite Fly
Oct. 11
Fly It Port A, 405 W. Ave. G
Fly It Port A is hosting a Fall Kite Fly on the beach. Don’t miss this open kite fly: BYOK (Bring Your Own Kite) and help decorate the sky or simply come watch the show. Flyers can plan to start setting up around 10 a.m. near beach marker 13 and fly all day, weather permitting.
Lake Jackson
Brazosport Symphony Orchestra: “French Impressions”
Oct. 11
The Clarion, 500 College Drive
The Brazosport Symphony Orchestra performs this show featuring works by French composers Debussy, Ravel, Bizet, and others.
Houston
Monarchs and Marigolds
Oct. 12
Houston Botanic Garden, 1 Botanic Lane
Monarchs and marigolds serve as symbols of remembrance during Día de los Muertos. The Monarchs and Marigolds festival features food and drinks, educational programs, and entertainment with a special focus on the southern migration of the monarch butterfly and the Garden’s seasonal collection of marigolds.
Spring
Daniel Pardo in Concert
Oct. 14
The Centrum, 6823 Cypresswood Drive
As part of its Promenade Series, Cypress Creek Foundation for the Arts and Community Engagement (FACE) presents the Bogota, Colombia flutist who performs and records in a range of styles and genres—Western classical, jazz, rock, Latin Jazz and world music from across the globe.
Victoria
Victoria Symphony: Symphonic Spooktacular
Oct. 16
Victoria Fine Arts Center, 1002 Sam Houston Drive
The Victoria Symphony presents this fun-filled Halloween concert for families. Come in costume and enjoy a not-so-spooky afternoon filled with music, costumes, interactive surprises, and a magician who wows audiences with tricks and treats as the orchestra plays seasonal favorites.
Houston
Party in the Park
Oct. 16
Menil Park, 1423 Branard St.
The Menil Collection’s fall fundraiser, Party in the Park, includes an open bar with refreshing cocktails, passed hors d’oeuvres, and entrée food stations, all accompanied by live music.
South Padre Island
Chrome in the Sand Festival
Oct. 17-18
South Padre Island Convention and Visitors Bureau, 7355 Padre Blvd.
Witness a stunning display of chrome and horsepower as magnificent motorcycles and classic cars converge in a celebration of automotive excellence.
Aransas Pass
Shrimporee
Oct. 17-19
Shrimporee Grounds, 200-266 E. Johnson Ave.
The annual Shrimporee festival has celebrated the rich heritage of this coastal community for 77 years. The weekend includes live music on three stages, craft vendors, a live cooking stage serving up shrimp, a carnival, and family-friendly activities.
Port Aransas
Shoptober
Oct. 17-19
Various locations
Score deals on all those summer finds you missed out on. 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 fabulous time to bring a touch of fall décor into your home.
Victoria
The Gridiron Symphony: Where Football and Music Collide
Oct. 18
Victoria Fine Arts Center, 1002 Sam Houston Drive
Celebrate the spirit of football with symphony performances of “Wide Receiver,” Robidoux’s “Lombardi Trophy Super Bowl Suite,” and Gullings’ “The Gridiron Symphony.”
Beaumont
Dogtoberfest
Oct. 18
Downtown , 701 Main St.
Enjoy dog-themed activities, souvenirs, and awards at Beaumont Main Street’s annual festival. Bringing families and their canines together on the second Saturday in October, the day includes food, music, a “Strut Your Mutt” competition, paw readings, and a puppy kissing booth.
Lake Jackson
Bird Banding
Oct. 18
Gulf Coast Bird Observatory, 299 SH 332 West
Watch volunteers collect baseline data on bird populations at the sanctuary. The monthly banding station event is an excellent opportunity to see birds up close and to learn all the birds of the Brazosport area.
Corpus Christi
Surftoberfest
Oct. 19
Water Street Market , 306 N. Chaparral St.
Corpus Christi’s coastal twist on Oktoberfest blends German beer culture with surf-town vibes. The family-friendly festival features over 50 local and imported brews, live music, German fare like schnitzel sliders and soft pretzels, and stein-holding, lederhosen, and pet costume competitions. Kids can enjoy face painting and educational activities, while adults explore vintage Volkswagens.
Houston
“Putnam County Spelling Bee”
Oct. 21-Nov. 2
Theatre Under The Stars, 800 Bagby St.
Six eccentric spellers take center stage in a musical comedy with heart and hilarity in this new production. This fast-paced, laugh-out-loud show promises big laughs, bigger feels, and a spelling bee experience you won’t forget.
Freeport
Frightfest
Oct. 23
Freeport Municipal Park, 410 S. Brazosport Blvd.
Participate in a haunted evening that features a costume contest, goodie bags, and free scary, family fun.
Victoria
Cemetery Tour
Oct. 24-25
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.
Port Aransas
Wooden Boat Festival
Oct. 24-26
Roberts Point Park, 301 JC Barr Blvd.
This festival was created by the staff and volunteers at Farley Boat Works to provide a venue for showcasing the fine craft of wooden boat building. The annual family-friendly event features handcrafted kayaks, paddleboards, skiffs, sailing boats, and historical Farley boats; plus, there are vendors and live music.
Houston
Scream on the Green
Oct. 25
Discovery Green, 1500 McKinney St.
Houston’s citywide Halloween celebration, Scream on the Green, returns with a costume contest, music, and a screening of a fun, family-friendly movie.
Port Aransas
Flynn’s Beach Run
Oct. 25
Horace Caldwell Pier, 230 On The Beach Drive
Experience the ultimate coastal run this October. With a variety of options, including a 5K, 10K, and family-friendly fun run, this event welcomes all to enjoy the beach views while staying active.
portaransas.org/events/festivals-and-annual-events/beachtober/flynns-beach-run/
Clute
Fall Astronomy Day
Oct. 25
Center for the Arts and Sciences, 400 College Blvd.
Each fall and spring, BASF Planetarium hosts an Astronomy Day and Astronomy Night. Enjoy planetarium shows, demonstrations, and safe viewing through telescopes to see the sun, planets and other interesting sky objects.
Lake Jackson
Monster Dash 5K
Oct. 25
MacLean Park, 91 Lake Road
Race a certified 5K course through MacLean Park. Finishers receive T-shirts and awards are given 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.
West Columbia
Ghosts Along the Brazos
Oct. 25
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.
Lake Jackson
Halloween Spooktacular
Oct. 26
Sea Center Texas, 302 Medical Drive
Dress up in your Halloween costume and enjoy crafts, games, and other special programs around the fish-filled, floor-to-ceilings aquariums.
Victoria
South Texas Farm and Ranch Show
Oct. 29-30
Victoria Community Center, 2905 E. North St.
Learn about the farming and ranching industries from educational programs, classes, speakers, and exhibitors. Programs are offered for adults and children.
Clute
Spooktacular Drive-Through Trick or Treat
Oct. 30
Clute Municipal Park, 100 Parkview Drive
Hop in your car and drive through a spooky setup in the park. Grab some treats, and enjoy the Halloween spirit from your car.
Bay City
Dia De Los Muertos Festival
Oct. 31-Nov. 1
Various locations, 1135 I-35 South
A traditional Mexican Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) event is full of music, art, cultural activities, and food.
Rockport
Film Festival
Oct. 31-Nov. 2
Rockport Conference Center , 106 S. Austin St.
The 19th annual Rockport Film Festival celebrates the power of storytelling in cinema with some of the best independent filmmaking from Texas and around the world.
Clute
“Misery”
Oct. 31; Nov. 1-2, 7-9
Center for the Arts and Sciences, 400 College Blvd.
Be on the edge of your seat during this cat-and-mouse stage adaptation of the Stephen King thriller.
South Padre Island
Muzicians Run
Nov. 1
Beach Waterpark, 33261 State Park Road 100
This fun run/walk fuses live entertainment and running. Mariachis perform along the course about every half mile and participants are rewarded with tacos, beer, and margaritas.
Tomball
Depot Day Fall Fest
Nov. 1
Tomball Depot Plaza, 201 S. Elm St.
A fun-filled day with family-friendly activities includes a model train display, trackless train rides, carnival games, live music, and food vendors.
West Columbia
Meet Your Ancestors
Nov. 1
Columbia Cemetery, Corner of 16th and Jackson streets
Meet your ancestors at one of the most historical cemetaries in Texas, the Columbia Cemetery. Guides lead guests to graves of notable occupants.
Houston
Día de los Muertos
Nov. 2
Discovery Green, 1500 McKinney St.
Families and friends gather to celebrate and remember their loved ones and prepare special foods in their honor. Expect a market, community altar, and a Catrina (Mexican skeleton character) contest.
Clute
Planetarium Show
Nov. 4-29
Center for the Arts and Sciences, 400 College Blvd.
This ongoing show features a 30-foot dome equipped with a Spitz Star Ball projector that reproduces the night sky, along with a variety of other high-tech equipment to give visitors a close-up feel of comets, exploding stars, and black holes.
Lake Jackson
Mums and Mistletoe Market
Nov. 7-8
St. Michael’s Event Center, 100 Oak Drive
This holiday market offers a variety of vendors and serves its famous market café cheese soup.
Alvin
Alvin Rotary Car and Bike Novemberfest
Nov. 8
National Oak Park , 118 S. Magnolia St.
Shop arts, crafts, and collectables 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 scholarships and other charitable activities in the area.
South Padre Island
Half Marathon
Nov. 8-9
Isla Blanca Park, 33174 State Park Road 100
Participate in an exciting run on the beach with a half marathon, half marathon relay, and 5K.
Victoria
Crossroads Barbecue and Brew Music Festival
Nov. 8
De Leon Plaza, 101 N. Main St.
Hear live country music while eating barbecue samples from more than 15 of Texas’ finest barbecue joints. There are other food trucks and a vendor market, too.
Lake Jackson
The New York Tenors in Concert
Nov. 9
The Clarion, 500 College Drive
Brazosport Symphony Orchestra presents this concert with Andy Cooney (“Irish America’s Favorite Son” according to “The New York Times”), Daniel Rodriguez (the New York City police officer who soothed our nation’s grief following September 11th) and Christopher Macchio (a native New Yorker with of a voice of exceptional power and beauty).
South Padre Island
Craft Beer and Wing Festival
Nov. 15
South Padre Island Convention Center, 7355 Padre Blvd.
Indulge your taste buds at this festival offering flavorful bites, refreshing brews, and live music and entertainment in a vibrant atmosphere.
Lake Jackson
Bird Banding
Nov. 15
Gulf Coast Bird Observatory, 299 SH 332 West
Watch volunteers collect baseline data on bird populations at the sanctuary. The monthly banding station event is an excellent opportunity to see birds up close and to learn all the birds of the Brazosport area.
Freeport
“The Karankawa People: The First Caretakers of the Coast”
Nov. 15
Freeport Historical Museum, 311 E. Park Ave.
The Karankawa-Kadla are the living descendants of the Indigenous people that lived along the Texas Coast. Learn about historic artifacts, pottery making, and the Karankawa language that has survived.
Spring
Hope Cowan and Zachary Montasser in Concert
Nov. 18
The Centrum, 6823 Cypresswood Drive
Harpist Hope Cowan and violinist Zachary Montasser perform classical, folk, and popular works. Join them as they explore musical stories about people and places.
Corpus Christi
“A Christmas Carol”
Nov. 21-Dec. 21
Harbor Playhouse, 1802 N. Chaparral St.
Ebenezer Scrooge is a prosperous curmudgeon who believes that personal wealth is more valuable than the happiness of others. He’s forced to face his selfish ways when three ghosts on Christmas Eve lead him through his Past, Present, and Future. Thanks to their guidance, Scrooge recognizes his faults and greets Christmas morning with cheer.
Tomball
Holiday Parade
Nov. 22
Main Street, 100 W. Main St.
Get in the holiday spirit with a parade featuring over 175 floats and entries and over 40,000 people in attendance.
Richmond
Pecan Harvest Festival
Nov. 22
Downtown , 402 Morton St.
Always the Saturday before Thanksgiving, the Pecan Festival is a celebration of the rich history of the Fort Bend pecan varieties with a festival format. Artisan vendors, agriculture education workshops, a car show, a pecan bake off contest, live music, and a kids’ area are highlights.
Lake Jackson
Festival of Lights
Nov. 22
Doris Williams Civic Center Plaza, 333 SH 332
At this kickoff to the holiday season, visitors can find a carnival, games, a parade, and live entertainment.
Clute
Fall Astronomy Day
Nov. 25
Center for the Arts and Sciences, 400 College Blvd.
The fun begins with safe solar viewing for daylight hours. See the sun through a telescope and watch a dynamic, living body, changing unpredictably from day to day.
Spring
The Rodney Marsalis Philadelphia Big Brass in Concert
Nov. 29
The Centrum, 6823 Cypresswood Drive
America’s premier large brass ensemble presents “A Very Brassy Christmas.”
Surfside Beach
Christmas Tree Lighting
Nov. 29
Surfside Beach Main Entrance, Intersection of State Highway 332 and Bluewater Highway
Kick off the holiday season with carols and the lighting of the community tree.
