A note regarding COVID-19
Bandera
11th Street Mardi Gras and Main Street Parade
Feb. 9-11
11th Street Cowboy Bar, 307 11th St.
Join the fun at the 11th Sttreet Cowboy Bar for a three-day Mardi Gras celebration with Cajun food and zydeco music. Enjoy all the colorful floats and other parade entries as they travel down Bandera's Main Street in the Mardi Gras Parade on Feb. 11.
Galveston
Mardi Gras! Galveston
Feb. 10-21
Galveston Historic Downtown and Seawall
The third-largest Mardi Gras celebration in the country includes masked balls, balcony parties, parades, concerts, and lots of beads.
Austin
OUTsider Festival
Feb. 15-19
The Vortex, 2307 Manor Road #2135
As one of Austin’s most progressive festivals, OUTsider brings together Austin’s LGBTQ community for three days of creation and inspiration. This multidisciplinary art festival showcases film, performance art, music, and visual arts.
Beaumont
Mardi Gras Southeast Texas
Feb. 16-19
Great Lawn of the Event Center, 700 Crockett St.
Enjoy four days of family-friendly fun in downtown Beaumont, with parades, concerts, kids' activities, arts and crafts, and food vendors.
Jefferson
Mardi Gras
Feb. 17-19
Downtown Jefferson
The Krewe of Hebe presents Jefferson's annual Mardi Gras. The festivities last an entire weekend and feature parades, live music, food, vendors, a carnival, frosty beverages, and, of course, masks and beads.
Freeport
Mardis Gras Festival
Feb. 18
Freeport Historical Museum, 311 E. Park Ave.
Festivities for Mardi Gras include a parade, gumbo cookoff, King Cake-eating contest, and live entertainment.
Mckinney
Krewe of Barkus Dog Parade
Feb. 19
Mitchell Park, 300 W. Louisiana St.
At this parade held each year on the Sunday before Mardi Gras, dogs and their owners dress up in costumes based on the special theme of the event, then they parade around McKinney's downtown square. Prizes are awarded in multiple categories. Music, food trucks, and pet-related vendors add to the festivities.
Huntsville
Prison City Film Festival
Feb 22-25
Old Town Theatre, 1023 12th St.
Built with one overall objective in mind—to showcase independent films and filmmakers—the four-day independent film festival is where filmmakers break out.
Prison City Crawfish and Music Festival
Feb. 25
Downtown Square, 12th Street and University Avenue
This all-day crawfish and music festival takes place in conjunction with the Prison City Film Festival.
Boerne
Spring Antique Show
Feb. 25-26
Kendall County Fair Grounds, 1307 River Road
This antiques show features exhibitor booths overflowing with fine American antiques found from estates around the country. Collectors find real antiques—no reproductions or imports—that include country furniture, baskets, stoneware, glassware, jewelry, textiles, early paper, toys, silver, quilts, pewter, American Oak, and Southwestern items.
Fulton
Oysterfest
March 2-5
Fulton Festival Grounds, Fulton Beach Park, North Casterline Drive
This salute to the oyster industry is held at Fulton Harbor and includes entertainment, food, arts, crafts, a carnival, a parade, men's and women's oyster-eating contests, oyster shucking and decorating, and a fireworks show on Thursday night.
Kerrville
Classical Music Festival
March 4
First Presbyterian Church, 800 Jefferson St.
The Hill Country Chorale, an entity of the Hill Country Vocal Arts Society, which serves as a dynamic resource through which the vocal arts are introduced, networked, maintained, and performed in the Texas Hill Country, presents its Classical Music Festival.
Grand Prairie
Dallas Blues Festival
March 4
Texas Trust CU Theatre at Grand Prairie, 1001 Texas Trust Way
The 18th annual Dallas Blues Festival features the following acts: Pokey Bear, King George, J'Wonn, Tucka, Calvin Richarson, Roi Anthony, and Ronnie Bell.
Brazoria
Heritage Celebration
March 5-6
Brazoria Foundation Civic Center, 204 W. Smith St.
Celebrate Texas Independence Day with a parade, gun show, car show, and live performances.
Bandera
Bandera Fiber and Arts Week
March 7-11
The Sheep Walk Ranch, 5305 SH 173 North
Celebrating Texas wool, mohair, and alpaca, Bandera Fiber and and Arts Week offers shearing days, classes, vendors, a field trip, and other activities.
Bandera Fiber and Arts Festival
March 10-11
The Sheep Walk Ranch, 5305 SH 173 North
The Bandera Fiber and and Arts Festival is the capstone of the Bandera Fiber and Arts Week, with live music and vendors.
Austin
South by Southwest
March 10-19
Austin Convention Center and Downtown Austin, 500 E. Cesar Chavez St.
Every spring, crowds descend on downtown Austin to experience the world-renowned SXSW conference and festivals. Consisting of three main components—Interactive, Music, and Film—each track brings top creatives and global professionals together to collaborate during this exciting 10-day event.
Rockport
Spring Art Fair
March 11-12
Rockport Conference Center, 106 S. Austin St.
The Spring Art Fair is an opportunity for artists to connect with patrons and art collectors. Visitors are invited to shop artists booths in a leisurely fashion, visit with the artists, and witness a number of artist demonstrations to learn about mediums and techniques. The fair features galleries and collectives that are invited to show artwork for acquisition and collection. VIP guests get the first chance to see and acquire works from reputable Texas galleries for their collections.
Corpus Christi
Wine Festival
March 11
Heritage Park , 1581 N. Chaparral St.
The Corpus Christi Wine Festival's intention is to stimulate the local economy and donate a large portion of event proceeds to support local nonprofits that benefit health and safety, education, the arts, and veterans. The event features a variety of wines, food, and concerts.
Sherman
St. Patrick's Day Parade
March 11
Downtown
Join Sherman Main Street, Texoma Society of CELTS, and the Old Iron Post for Sherman's St. Patrick's Day Parade in historic downtown Sherman. Bring your friends and family to check out all of the groups and music.
Lake Jackson
Food Truck Festival
March 11
MacLean Park, 93 Lake Road
Along with visiting food trucks and eating delicious food, attendees can participate in a cornhole tournament, chalk-the-lot contest, and other activities.
Grand Prairie
Kids' Fest
March 11-12
Traders Village, 2602 Mayfield Road
Bring the whole family out for a day of fun and kid-friendly activities, plus carnival rides and food.
Rockport
Crawfish Cookoff and Tasting
March 17-18
Rockport Festival Grounds, 1204 E. Market St.
At this fourth annual event, which attracts 10,000 attendees, approximately 20,000 pounds of crawfish are served. Feast on great food and beverages while enjoying music, vendors, and the eating contests.
Palestine
Dogwood Trails Celebration
March 17-April 2
Davey Dogwood Park and surrounding Forest Trails, 825 W. Spring St.
Enjoy the delicate beauty of the dogwood trees in Davey Dogwood Park the last two weeks in March and first week in April. Activities are scheduled each weekend to compliment the celebration, including a festival the first weekend. Stop at Palestine Visitor Center for venues and maps.
visitpalestine.com/p/things-to-do/84th-annualbrdogwood-trails-celebration
Lewisville
St. Paddy's Texas Style
March 18
Wayne Ferguson Plaza, Old Town, 150 W. Church St., Old Town
Toast to St. Patrick's Day and Texas Independence Day with Irish and Texas music, dancing, beer, and amusements for kids including life-size games. Food and drinks are sold on site, and blankets and chairs are encouraged. Well-behaved pets on leashes are welcome.
Fredericksburg
Mud Dauber Festival and Chili Cookoff
March 18
Luckenbach Texas, 412 Luckenbach Town Loop
Named in honor of the pesky insect, this open chili cookoff and live music festival shows why Luckenbach has some of the best mud in the universe.
Comanche
Food Truck Rodeo
March 18
Comanche City Park, 1200 Comanche Trail
Feast on great food from food trucks, plus enjoy live music all day and kids' activities. This is a BYOB event.
Palestine
Dogwood Trails Festival
March 18
Downtown and Old Town Palestine, 825 W. Spring St.
For over 80 years, Palestine has celebrated the Dogwood Trails Festival. This long-running event in downtown and Old Town Palestine offers a parade, craft and novelty vendors, food vendors, art galleries, street entertainment, and live music.
Bandera
Ham Rodeo
March 18
Mansfield Park, 2886 SH 16 North
The Bandera Wranglers, an all-volunteer nonprofit, hosts this annual rodeo that features vendors, wild hogs, barbecue, a concert, and interactive activities.
Jefferson
Medieval Wine Fair
March 18-19
Knightlight Tavern Olde World Restaurant, 202 N. Walnut St.
Find wine, chivalry, romance, and merriment at this event in downtown historic Jefferson. The wine tavern also offers beer, mead, live music, food, and a costume contest.
Palestine
Old-Time Music and Dulcimer Festival
March 23-25
First Baptist Church of Palestine, 5700 Loop 256
This festival offers workshops in the morning, but the afternoons are free for jamming. If you just want to listen, the jams are throughout the building. You may find one room full of autoharps, another full of old-time fiddlers, while another may be a slow mountain dulcimer jam for beginners. Concerts take place in the afternoons and evenings. Then there is more jamming after the evening concert.
Bandera
Thunder in the Hill Country
March 23-26
Mansfield Park, 2886 SH 16 North
Come celebrate the 21st annual Thunder in the Hill Country, an event held at Bandera’s Mansfield Park that consists of tent camping, a poker run, vendors, food, field events, music all day Friday and Saturday, a bike show, tattoo contest, and other activities.
Liberty
Jubilee
March 24-25
Downtown Liberty, 1829 Sam Houston St.
Have fun with the family at this outdoor festival with arts and crafts, food, music, entertainment, a barbecue cookoff, carnival, photo contest, book sale, and a car show.
Hallettsville
Polka and Sausage Fest
March 24-26
Hallettsville KC Hall, 321 US 77 South
Czech/Texas culture collides at the Polka and Sausage Fest. Friday night there are live bands and a fish fry, Saturday night there is a polka Mass, a dance, and dinner; and Sunday there are more bands, food, and a dance battle. Typical foods served at the festival include sauerkraut, sausage, German potatoes, kolaches, and fried chicken.
Alvin
Music Festival and Cookoff
March 24-25
Bob Briscoe Park, 3625 Briscoe Drive
For almost 10 years, people from all over Brazoria County and surrounding areas have gathered to experience a weekend of family fun with great music, food and craft vendors, and a sanctioned cookoff. The food is accompanied by performances from Tejano group Siggno and country stars Kevin Fowler and Roger Creager as the duo "Dos Borrachos." Proceeds from this event go to funding scholarships for area students, as well as supporting organizations that provide food, shelter, and other services to the Alvin Area.
Lometa
Diamondback Jubilee
March 24-25
Lometa Regional Park, 15115 US 183
The 50th anniversary of the Lometa Diamondback Jubilee is full of fun with a carnival, chili cookoff, food vendors, cornhole tournament, rodeo, live bands, and of course, snakes and snake weigh-ins.
Llano
Earth Art Fest
March 24-26
Grenwelge Park, 199 E. Haynie St.
More than 6,000 people come out each year to the banks of the Llano River for Llano Earth Art Fest—home of the World Rock Stacking Championships. Try your hand at stacking rocks to create beautiful rock art in and along the Llano River. For kids there are activities such as face painting, a fashion circus, and rock painting. Adults can enjoy live music, a cold beer, workshops, viewing and creating art, or just relaxing in the sun.
Cameron
Spring Festival
March 25
Downtown Square, 206 South Central Ave.
Wine wagons, craft beer, a street dance, and live music are all part of the fun at the Spring Festival. There's also arts and crafts vendors, a youth livestock exhibit, and a Kids' Zone. The event coincides with the Milam County Junior Livestock Show, where heifers, steers, chickens, turkeys, rabbits, and hogs are exhibited.
Weslaco
Texas Onion Fest
March 25
Downtown Weslaco, 500 S. Texas Blvd.
The Texas Onion Fest celebrates the development of the world famous Texas 1015 Onion developed in Weslaco by Dr. Leonard Pike at the Texas A&M University Extension Service. The festival, which began in 1989, offers fun for the entire family, with a lineup of entertainment, cooking demos, the 1015 Market, dancing, and a horse show.
Plano
Texas Forever Fest
March 25
Haggard Park, 901 E. 15th St.
Celebrate the food, art, and people of Texas. Enjoy live music, live Western entertainment, Texas-favorite food and drink, Texas-themed vendors, and fun for all ages.
Sugar Land
International Art and Kite Festival
March 25
Brazos River Park, 18427 Southwest Freeway
This festival honors culture and community through art, music, dancing, and food. Kite flying, art car showings, and cultural performances are just some of the highlights of this colorful festival.
Salado
Texas Packard Meet
March 30-April 2
Holiday Inn Express Salado-Belton , 1991 N. Stagecoach Road
Held in historic Salado, the 44th annual Texas Packard Meet is the oldest and possibly the largest regional Packard meet in the country. The meet features a welcoming social, early bird tour, parade, public display on the banks of Salado Creek, a swap meet, people's choice competition, seminars, banquet, and awards.
Rockport-fulton
Taste of Rockport-Fulton
March 30
Fulton Convention Center, 402 N. Fulton Beach Road
The Rockport Rotary Club presents this event that showcases several fine restaurants and caterers of the area. The events helps raise funds for scholarships for Rockport-Fulton high school seniors. Along with great food, the event has live and silent auctions and other festivities.
Fredericksburg
Texas Vintage Motorcycle Fandango
March 31-April 2
Gillespie County Fairgrounds, 530 Fair Drive
Known as the “best little vintage bike event in Texas," the Texas Fandango is a vintage swap meet and bike show with vintage races all rolled into one fun-packed weekend.
Jefferson
Miata Madness
March 31-April 1
Downtown , 100 E. Austin St.
This annual event is open to Mazda Miata owners and held at the 100 block of East Austin Street. On Saturday, the Show 'n’ Shine kicks off in the morning. The car show is open to spectators at no charge.
Mason
Arts and Wine Festival
April 1
Mason Town Square, 201 Fort McKavitt St.
Enjoy the work of talented artists and winemakers during the Arts and Wine Fest. A whole host of local artists and craftspeople, Mason winemakers, and Texas winemakers featuring wines made with Mason County grapes line the sidewalks with their creations.
Kerrville
Solar Eclipse Kickoff
April 1
Butt-Holdworth Memorial Library, 505 Water St.
Butt-Holdworth Memorial Library hosts this party that includes an indoor planetarium show, music, and guest speaker. This event celebrates the upcoming Oct. 14, 2023 annular eclipse and the April 8, 2024 total solar eclipse.
Houston
Neighborhood Community Day
April 1
The Menil Collection, 1533 Sul Ross St.
Enjoy an afternoon of art, music, poetry, and family activities in celebration of the Menil’s vibrant neighborhood. Participating organizations include: DACAMERA, Houston Center for Photography, Inprint, The Menil Collection, Rothko Chapel, Watercolor Art Society, and Writers in the Schools.
Mesquite
Rodeo Parade and Food Truck Rodeo
April 1
Downtown and Front Street Station, 111 S Broad St. and 100 W. Front St.
The 65th annual Rodeo Parade is an all-day, community-wide event that features a downtown farmers market; the Food Truck Rodeo with food trucks lined up along Front Street; and a parade with horses, bands, and floats that wind through downtown Mesquite.
Port Arthur
Cajun Heritage Fest
April 1
Carl A. Parker Multipurpose Center, 1800 Lakeshore Drive
Enjoy live Cajun music, spicy food, and dancing the night away. Cajun activities are planned in days surrounding the event.
Galveston
Steampunk Festival
April 1-2
Galveston Railroad Museum, 2602 Santa Fe Place
The inaugural Steampunk Festival hearkens back to a time inspired by 19th-century industrial steam-powered machinery and takes place in the historic railroad museum. The festival offers a family-friendly program filled with entertainment, exhibits, vendors, presenters, and games.
Burnet
Bluebonnet Festival
April 7-9
Downtown Burnet, 220 S. Pierce St.
Bluebonnet season begins with a grand parade, carnival, and two stages with live music. The festivities include a pet parade, wiener dog races, 5K and 10K runs, a car show, demolition derby, children's activities, a children's bicycle decorating contest, over 150 arts and crafts vendors, a biergarten, and a food court.
Waxahachie
Scarborough Renaissance Festival
April 8-May 29
Scarborough Renaissance Festival, 2511 FM 66
Scarborough Renaissance Festival is interactive fun for everyone—16th-century style. Enjoy full combat jousting and birds of prey exhibitions, the Mermaid Lagoon, more than 20 stages with nonstop Renaissance entertainment, and the 75-plus-member performing company. Discover hundreds of shops featuring exquisite crafts and artisan demonstrations. Experience knighting ceremonies, combat competitions, the Grande Parade, daily wine and beer tasting events, and themed weekends.
Kerrville
Easterfest, Cookoff, and Open Car Show
April 8
Flat Rock Lake Park, 3840 Riverside Drive
At this fun-filled event, enjoy a barbecue and chili cookoff, food, games, rides for all ages, vendors, live music, and Easter egg hunt, an open car and bike show, and a visit from the Easter Bunny.
Houston
Art Car Parade
April 10-16
Various locations
Orange Show Center for Visionary Art hosts the annual Art Car Parade and event week. Founded in the mid-'80s as a small gathering of like-minded individuals making a statement on the road, the now internationally recognized phenomenon showcases personal artistic creativity and provides a forum for a unique type of expression. Festivities include the annual ball, a lineup party along Allen Parkway, Kids' Creative Zone in Sam Houston Park, the 36th annual Art Car Parade, and an awards ceremony.
Austin
Moontower Comedy Festival
April 12-23
Various locations
The Moontower Just For Laughs Austin comedy fest returns with two full weeks of comedy. Complete with favorite headliners and a four-day comedy club binge, expect over 100 comedians invading downtown Austin for stand-up, podcasts, parties, screenings, and cast panels. Headliners this year include Trevor Noah, Seth Meyers, Chelcie Lynn, and Vir Das.
Gladewater
East Texas Gusher Days
April 14-15
Downtown Historic Gladewater, Pacific and Commerce streets
East Texas Gusher Days celebrates the rich oil history of Gladewater from the 1930s oil boom era. This year, special events and activities coincide with Gladewater's 150th birthday celebration. There is a domino tournament and longest beard contest, arts and crafts vendors, food trucks, live music, a car show, and a chili cookoff.
Jefferson
Outlaw Nationals Car Show
April 14-15
Downtown
This antique rod show is open to all—if it runs, bring it. Activities include karaoke on Friday night, live entertainment and a live auction on Saturday night, and awards to be given out before the auction. This is Jefferson's most popular and longest-running car show.
Burton
Cotton Gin Festival
April 15
Texas Cotton Gin Museum, 307 N. Main St.
In almost every corner of Texas, cotton has influenced our history. In Burton, halfway between Houston and Austin on State Highway 290, sits the 1914 Burton Farmers Gin, the oldest operating cotton gin in America. The surrounding fields may no longer be white with cotton bolls, but the gin still preserves that history for future generations. Step back in time at the annual Burton Cotton Gin Festival and enjoy a parade, music, contests, games, arts, crafts, food, drinks, a tractor pull, antique engines, and tractor and classic car shows.
Chappell Hill
Official Bluebonnet Festival of Texas
April 15-16
Downtown Chappell Hill
Chappell Hill is the Bluebonnet Capital of Texas, and this festival honors that bluebonnet heritage with more than 400 vendors, food, live music, and family-friendly fun.
Lubbock
Arts Festival
April 15-16
Lubbock Memorial Civic Center, 1501 Mac Davis Lane
With over 150 artists and crafters showcasing and selling their work, this festival is an art lover's dream. Listen to live music, browse through galleries, and enjoy local eats at this free, family-friendly event.
Georgetown
Two Step Inn
April 15-16
San Gabriel Park, 445 E. Morrow St.
Embrace the honky-tonk spirit with 40-plus artists across three stages, featuring live music from country currents, country classics, and the country curious. Acts scheduled to perform include Zach Bryan, Tyler Childers, Midland, Travis Tritt, Tanya Tucker, Wynonna Judd, Clay Walker, Mavis Staples, and Diplo.
Palestine
Wiggy Thump Festival
April 15
Anderson County Youth Livestock Pavilion, 750 US 287
This music festival features a lineup of Texas country favorites including Whiskey Myers, Mark Chesnutt, Tanner Usrey, and Sarah Hobbs. Food and non-alcoholic drinks are sold at the festival.
Austin
McKinney Falls Fest
April 15
McKinney Falls State Park, 5808 McKinney Falls Parkway
Come out to the park for a fun day full of guided hikes, live music, food trucks, and activity booths, plus park staff open a time capsule buried in the park in 1975. Discover the treasures that were left behind and witness the preparation of the next time capsule for McKinney Falls State Park to be opened in 2073.
Dale
Old Settler's Music Festival
April 20-23
At the 36th annual Old Settler's Music Festival, enjoy four days of Americana/roots music, camping, jamming, and family fun in beautiful Dale (just outside of Austin). Yolo, the Wood Brothers, Shovels and Rope, and Shinyribs are just a few of the acts scheduled to perform.
Galveston
FeatherFest and Nature Photo Festival
April 20-23
Various locations
Bird lovers are invited to experience one of the largest birding festivals in Texas and the only one with a dedicated nature photography track. The 21st annual event features field trips, workshops, and other special events on Galveston Island.
Corsicana
Texas Veterans Parade
April 21-22
Downtown Historic Corsicana, 300 W. Third Ave.
A patriotic parade to honor our Texas veterans from all wars and conflicts takes place in downtown Corsicana. This year is especially awesome, as it is also the 175th anniversary of the city of Corsicana. The parade marshal this year is Chris Cassidy, a former Navy SEAL who became a NASA astronaut.
Grand Prairie
Main Street Fest
April 21-23
Downtown , 200 block of West Main Street
The 10th annual Main Street Fest is a three-day event featuring live music, carnival rides, arts and crafts, food and beer, and local vendors.
Andrews
Wild, Wild West Fest
April 22-23
ACE Arena, 1441 SH 176 East
Live gunfighters, a barbecue cookoff, carnival, car show, vendor market, and petting zoo help bring back the vibes from the Wild West days.
Fredericksburg
Luckenbach Bluegrass Festival
April 22
Luckenbach Texas, 412 Luckenbach Town Loop
A day full of great bluegrass music, food, and a family-friendly atmosphere. The music line up starts at 1 p.m. and goes into the evening with lots of great artists and bands.
Sherman
Texoma Earth Day Festival
April 22
Municipal Grounds, 405 N. Rusk St.
The Texoma Earth Day Festival offers a family-friendly event with something for everyone. Come for entertainment, education, food, and fun.
Corsicana
Derrick Days Festival
April 27-30
Downtown Corsicana, 301 S. Beaton St.
The Derrick Days Festival is the largest annual festival in Corsicana, held the last weekend in April. Celebrate the city's oil history with a week of events leading up to the festival, such as the rodeo, Oil Town Mini-thon, wine stroll, and block party. The all-day festival features food and craft vendors from all over the state of Texas, live entertainment, a carnival, and a chili cookoff.
Georgetown
Red Poppy Festival
April 28-30
The Georgetown Square, 103 W. Seventh St.
The “Red Poppy Capital of Texas” celebrates this annual event in honor of red poppy season. The three-day celebration includes food vendors, live music, a parade and car show, kids' Fun Zone, an artisan market, and fields of red poppies.
Temple
Bloomin' Temple Festival
April 28-29
Downtown Temple, Main Street
As one of Central Texas' most popular events, Bloomin Temple Festival attracts over 13,000 people annually and is held the last Friday and Saturday in April. For over 15 years, attendees have enjoyed this two-day festival, jam-packed with great musical performances, a thrilling carnival, delicious food, arts and crafts, and fun for the whole family in downtown Temple.
Rockport
Kite Festival
April 29-30
Rockport Festival Grounds , Adjacent to the Beach Park
A free family event, the Kite Festival provides the opportunity to view, make, and fly kites. An exotic array of kites are on display, along with demonstrations by professional kite pilots. There are children's arts and crafts booths, including one for making their own kites, vendors, and food trucks.
Ingram
Stonehenge II Celtic Festival and Highland Games
April 29
Hill Country Arts Foundation, 120 Point Theatre Road
Learn about Celtic culture while enjoying the festivities that include vendors, clans, music, food, the annual Highland Games, and dancing. The event takes place on the grounds of the Hill Country Arts Foundation which include a replica of Stonehenge that was created by the late Al Shepperd and Doug Hill more than 20 years ago.
Brazoria
Migration Celebration
April 29-30
San Bernard National Wildlife Refuge, 2547 County Road 306
Tour the refuge on a marsh buggy. Free activities for children include archery, fishing for catfish, a BB gun range, bug sweeping, microscopes, touch tanks, and reptiles. Adults and children can both enjoy the popular "Birds of Prey" show by EarthQuest as well as the butterfly encounter tents. Refuge tours given by qualified naturalists can be enjoyed by marsh buggy or wagon. Guided walking tours to Bobcat Woods and to the largest Texas Live Oak are also available.
Surfside Beach
Old Guy Surf Reunion
April 29
Stahlman Park, 2211 Bluewater Highway
Join Texas surfers as they remember and honor those who have gone before them. The event includes vendors, food trucks, a paddle-out, and a nighttime bonfire.
Surfside Marina Crawfish Fest
April 29
Surfside Marina, 827 Gulf Road
Come for the crawfish, stay for the competition, where teams compete and judges select the best crawfish boil. The event also feature vendors and live music.
Frisco
Uncorked
April 29
Frisco Square, 8874 Coleman Blvd.
The fourth annual Frisco Uncorked is a can't-miss food and wine experience featuring local restaurants, wine pairings, a VIP tent with lawn games and a photo booth, selections from more than 100 wineries, and a lively atmosphere.
Corpus Christi
Buc Days
May 4-14
American Bank Center, 1901 N. Shoreline Blvd.
There's something for buccaneers of every age at Buc Days, including a rodeo, concerts, and carnival rides.
Jefferson
Historical Pilgrimage: Home Tours of Jefferson
May 4-7
Various locations
Four of Jefferson's finest historical homes and featured gardens open their doors for tours. Docents dressed in period attire help provide information about the homes.
"The Diamond Bessie Murder Trial"
May 4-7
Jefferson Playhouse, Corner of Market and Henderson streets
"The Diamond Bessie Murder Trial" is a unique adaptation of the last stages of a nationally famous trial which actually took place in Jefferson in the late 1800s. After more than a half century of production, this play has become a tradition in itself during the annual Historical Pilgrimage.
Ozona
Crockett County History Day
May 5
Ozona Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center, 505 15th St.
Learn more about the early days on the frontier in and around Ozona during Crockett County History Day on the Ozona Chamber of Commerce grounds. The informative event featurs camels, soldiers, pioneers, flintknapper, and livestock including donkeys from the Peaceful Valley Donkey Rescue.
Brenham
Maifest
May 5-6
Downtown Brenham
Bring the entire family and enjoy the 133rd Maifest. Experience the authentic tastes and sounds of Texas' German heritage with a colorful parade, spectacular evening performances, live entertainment, kids' activities, a carnival, and delicious food and drink.
Jefferson
Pilgrimage Weekend: 19th Century Social Events
May 5-7
Various locations
Immerse yourself in the 19th century—period attire is optional but always fun. Events take place on different evenings and include the Illumination ceremony at old Oakwood Cemetery (where hundreds of Civil War veterans are buried and candles illuminate the headstones), a ladies tea, the Grand Ball, and the Presentation of Colors.
Elgin
Explore Elgin Arts and Culture
May 6
Downtown , 114 Central Ave.
Come for a day full of activities and fun for the whole family. Local studios open their doors to the public and downtown businesses host artist demonstrations, live music, and tours in historic downtown Elgin. An artist and makers market offers a variety of paintings, sculptures, woodworking items, jewelry, blacksmithing, fiber arts, photography, outsider art, self-care, and food.
Plano
AsiaFest
May 6
Haggard Park, 901 E. 15th St.
It's the 19th year of Plano's AsiaFest, a showcase of the rich cultures of the continent that includes numerous cultural demonstrations, performances, and vendors and provides a fun and engaging time for the entire family.
Salt the Rim
May 6
McCall Plaza, 998 E. 15th St.
Taste and dance your way through Plano’s third annual margarita-tasting celebration. Attendees must be age 21 or older.
Needville
Brazos Bend Expo
May 6
Brazos Bend State Park, 21901 FM 762
Brazos Bend State Park invites the community and visitors to spend the day at this expo-style event. Nonprofit organizations, respresentatives from other Texas State Parks around the region, rehabilitation groups, local sports teams, archelogy organizations, and other civic-minded entities are on hand to provide information about their causes. Food trucks are on-site throughout the day.
Jefferson
Train Days
May 15-16
Various locations
Everyone is welcome aboard this two-day event that features four in-town destinations: the Historic Jefferson Train Show, RD Moses Railroad display, a Jefferson Historic Railway excursion, and the "Atalanta" railway car tour.
Giddings
Lee County Fair
May 18-20
Firemens Park/Lee County Fairgrounds, 2495 US 290 West
On the third weekend in May, the Lee County Fair takes center state in Giddings with shopping, live music, local art, food contests, a carnival, and an antique carousel for kids. The fun begins Thursday evening and continues Friday with Senior Citizens' Day. Saturday includes an Armed Forces Day ceremony and parade. At the Charcoal Challenge Barbecue Cookoff, teams from all over Central Texas compete with a variety of foods, drinks, and barbecue.
Fulton
Babes on the Bay
May 19-20
Fulton Harbor
Babes on the Bay is an all-women’s fishing tournament that has existed since 2000. The tournament is hosted by the CCA Texas Aransas Bay Chapter, based in Rockport. It was created to help educate women about the sport of saltwater fishing in a conservation-minded approach. The event includes cash pots, the Babes Shopping Mall, a food court, drinks, live music, and team shirts judging. The event kicks off at Fulton Park Fairgrounds.
Plano
Texas Mineral and Fossil Show
May 19-21
Plano Event Center, 2000 E. Spring Creek Parkway
Enjoy shopping from world-class mineral, gem, and fossil dealers and exhibitors, who display all varieties of rocks, minerals, fossils, polished stones, gemstone jewelry, and other natural treasures.
planoeventcenter.org/event/texas-mineral-fossil-plano-show-2023
Grand Prairie
Asian Heritage Fest
May 19-21
Asia Times Square, 2625 W. Pioneer Parkway
The month of May is recognized as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month and Asia Times Square is celebrating with a weekend festival.
Kerrville
Kerrville Folk Festival
May 25-June 11
Quiet Valley Ranch, 3876 Medina Highway
This annual festival features 18 days and nights of music from songwriters of national and international acclaim. One of the longest continuously running music festivals in the U.S., the festival 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.
Grapeland
Memorial Day Gospel Bluegrass Festival
May 25-28
Salmon Lake Park Texas, 247 Salmon Lake Road
Musicians and singers from around the state converge in Grapeland for the 26th annual festival, with music starting after noon and going well into the night.
Fredericksburg
Crawfish Festival
May 26-28
Marktplatz, 100 block of West Main Street
At this festival on Memorial Day Weekend, indulge with great Cajun food, live music, shopping, and a kids' carnival. This event is sponsored by the Fredericksburg Jaycees.
Bandera
Memorial Day Weekend Stampede Rodeo and Parade
May 26-28
Mansfield Park and Main Street, 2886 SH 16 North
Bandera Pro Rodeo presents three nights of PRCA-sanctioned rodeos with bull riding, team roping, bareback riding, and other competitions. The annual Memorial Day Parade down Main Street gets underway at 11 a.m.
Rockport
Wine Festival
March 27
Texas Maritime Museum, 1202 Navigation Circle
This event is sponsored by the Maritime Museum and proceeds go toward furthering the museum's efforts. The festival includes wine tastings, beer, food, and live music.
Quanah
Copper Breaks Day
May 27
Copper Breaks State Park, 777 Park Road 62
Copper Breaks Day has been a community event at the park for years, but has been on hiatus for some time. Now, to celebrate Texas State Parks centennial, the park is hosting a reimagining of that historic event. Enjoy family fun, educational programming, and booths from local organizations.
Grand Prairie
Tejano Fest
May 28
Traders Village, 2602 Mayfield Road
Enjoy live music featuring Tejano artists from around the state, all-ages entertainment, food, and carnival rides.