A note regarding COVID-19
Conroe
Big As Texas Festival
May 10-12
Montgomery County Fairgrounds, 9333 Airport Road
With aspirations as large as the Lone Star State, this new outdoor celebration features a world-class music lineup, Texas vendors and artisans, custom exhibitions, immersive art installations, live-fire grilling, carnival games, and fun for all ages. The lineup of performers includes Thomas Rhett, Dierks Bentley, Dwight Yoakam, Midland, Morgan Wade, and Breland.
El Campo
Lost Lagoon Anniversary and Mother’s Day Celebration
May 10-12
El Campo Lost Lagoon, 665 County Road 451
Lost Lagoon RV Resort celebrates its anniversary and Mother’s Day with the lively tunes of Rewind Texas, pickleball and cornhole tournaments, and a vendor fair—creating a perfect blend of music, games, and festivities to mark this special occasion and honor moms.
Austin
O. Henry Pun-Off World Championships
May 11
Brush Square Park, 409 E. Fifth St.
The O. Henry Museum Pun-Off World Championships is an internationally renowned spoken-word competition focused on the art of the pun. There are two competitions, PunSlingers and Punniest of Show, voted upon by the public.
Columbus
Magnolia Days Festival
May 16-18
Courthouse Square, 400 Spring St.
Held on the courthouse square under the shade of 100-year-old live oak and magnolia trees, the Magnolia Days Festival is fun for the whole family. See a presentation by the Magnolia Belles on the courthouse square, shop the vendor marketplace, and sample tasty food and beverages. Enjoy a brew in the beer garden, and dance the weekend away with a fantastic lineup of live concerts.
Giddings
Lee County Fair and Charcoal Challenge Barbecue
May 16-18
Lee County Fairgrounds on Hwy 290, 2495 SH 290 West
On the third weekend in May, the Lee County Fair takes center state in Giddings. Activities include live music, shopping, local art and food contests, and a carnival with an antique carousel open for the kids. Friday is Senior Citizens Day and Saturday includes an Armed Forces Day ceremony and parade. At the Charcoal Challenge Barbecue Cookoff, teams from all over Central Texas compete in a variety of foods, drinks, and barbecue.
Kerrville
Southwest Gourd and Fiber Fine Art Show
May 16-June 29
Kerr Arts and Cultural Center, 228 Earl Garrett St.
Open Tuesday through Saturday, this exhibit showcases gourd and fiber art by artists who come from all over the country. Meet the makers at the artists reception on May 25.
Grapevine
Main Street Fest
May 17-19
Grapevine’s Historic Main Street District, 636 S. Main St.
Main Street Fest is a family-friendly festival in the heart of downtown Grapevine. It’s three fun-filled days of live music, craft beverage experiences, delicious eats, street performers, and shopping. Children can have fun at the unique KidZone and the carnival.
Three Rivers
100th Anniversary Celebration
May 17-18
Hilbert H. Kopplin Memorial Park, 600 N. Murray Ave.
The Three Rivers Chamber of Commerce was established in 1924, so this month, they celebrate 100 years of service. There is live music, vendors, food, and children’s entertainment.
La Grange
Bluff SchuetzenFest
May 18
Kreische Brewery and Monument Hill State Historic Sites, 414 State Loop 92
Celebrate the history of the Bluff Schuetzenverein, a German marksmanship and social organization that once made its home on the grounds of Kreische Brewery and Monument Hill State Historic Sites. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the Bluff Scheutzenverein hosted dances, concerts, picnics, and shooting competitions, welcoming people from across Texas. Commemorate these traditions with a day full of entertainment, community booths, family activities, living history demonstrations, special tours, and food and drink.
Garland
Asian American Heritage Festival
May 18
Downtown Garland Square, 520 W. State St.
A day of unity in diversity pays tribute to the diverse and talented Asian Pacific American communities. Enjoy cultural performances from countries such as Thailand, Laos, China, Indonesia, Vietnam, Cambodia, the Philippines, Singapore, Myanmar, India, Japan, Korea, and Hawaii. Highlights include a Colorful World Parade, a captivating lion dance, craft stalls, and art performances showcasing the creativity and skillful hands of Asian Pacific Americans.
Nacogdoches
Summer Squash
May 18
Festival Park, 507 S. Pecan St.
The inaugural Summer Squash is a collaborative event with local musicians, local artists, vendors, food trucks, and The Fredonia Brewery. Music goes nonstop from noon to 10 pm.
Palestine
Gospel Bluegrass Festival
May 23-26
Salmon Lake Park Texas, 247 Salmon Lake Road
The 27th annual Memorial Day Gospel Bluegrass Festival at Salmon Lake Park in Grapeland includes performances by The Gospel Plowboys, The Cox Family, The Marksmen, High Fidelity, and several others. RVs are welcome.
Fredericksburg
Crawfish Festival
May 24-26
Marktplatz, 100 W. Main St.
At this festival on Memorial Day Weekend, indulge on great Cajun food, live music, shopping, and a kids’ carnival. This event is sponsored by the Fredericksburg Jaycees.
Rockport
Wine Festival
May 25
Texas Maritime Museum, 1202 Navigation Circle
Enjoy a wide variety of wines, food demonstrations, and specialty food concessions, plus live bands and fun entertainment.
El Paso
Water Lantern Festival
May 25
Ascarate Park, 6900 Delta Drive
The Water Lantern Festival is a floating lantern event that is all about connections. Magical nights in cities across the United States include food, games, activities, vendors, music, and the beauty of thousands of lanterns adorned with letters of love, hope, and dreams reflected upon the water. As the sun begins to set on the evening sky, the Water Lantern Festival begins to shine with the launch of the lanterns onto the water. Watch lanterns drift out into the water as it joins other lanterns carrying hope, love, happiness, healing, peace, and connection.
Corpus Christi
Beer Festival
May 25
Art Center of Corpus Christi, 100 N. Shoreline Blvd.
The annual Corpus Christi Beer Festival is back. Whether you are a hardcore craft beer aficionado or simply beer curious, there is something to try. Local host brewery, Nueces Brewing, brings you the ultimate South Texas beer experience featuring live music, beer talks, local artisans, food trucks, and free family art time presented by The Art Center. The Beer Festival benefits veterans programs at the Art Center.
Yoakum
Tom Tom Festival
May 31-June 2
Yoakum City Park, 105 Kvinta Drive
Kick off your summer in Yoakum style. The 96th annual festival honors the city’s tomato growing heritage with fun activities that include a pageant; parade; carnival; rodeo; barbecue cookoff; car show; 5K run; arts and craft booths; food trucks; a biergarten; cornhole, softball, and domino tournaments; daytime music; and two live performances by headlining country artists with dances to follow at the city park pavilion.
Jacksonville
Tomato Festival
May 31-June 8
Various locations
For several days, Jacksonville becomes “Tomatoville.” The festival, marking its 40th anniversary this year, features tomato-eating, salsa, and bloody mary contests; fishing and dodgeball tournaments; a street dance, and many other tomato-centric events.
Graham
Food Truck Championship of Texas
June 1
Graham Downtown Square, 608 Elm St.
Food trucks of all varieties take over “America’s Largest Downtown Square” to compete for the coveted grand champion prize and a total payout of $16,000. The day kicks off with the Possum Pedal Bike Ride early in the morning and ends with a ticketed evening concert at the Young County Arena.
Port Arthur
Buu Mon Temple Lotus Festival and Vesak Celebration
June 1-2
Buu Mon Buddhist Temple , 2701 Procter St.
Gardens, koi ponds, and statuary and Vietnamese cultural displays are part of the fun. The Buu Mon Buddhist Temple’s gardens create a peaceful scene with fruit trees, lotus, bamboo, and other foliage. A statue of Buddha, rimmed in lights, is at the head of a reflecting pool, and a sitting Buddha watches over the koi pond.
visitportarthurtx.com/things-to-do/attraction/buu-mon-buddhist-temple
Fredericksburg
Car Fest
June 1
Marktplatz , 114 W. Main St.
Sponsored by the Fredericksburg Rotary Club, Car Fest is a Hill Country tradition now in its 19th year. The event offers food trucks and vendors and attracts car enthusiasts, families, and weekend shoppers to downtown Fredericksburg and the historic Marktplatz on Main Street.
Waxahachie
Gingerbread Trail Home Tour
June 1-2
Various locations
This year, the Gingerbread Trail Home Tour theme is “Main Street.” Embark on an immersive journey through the city’s downtown, where each step uncovers the stories and architectural elements that define the community. With exclusive access to landmarks, private homes, and special exhibits, this year’s trail showcases the heart and soul of Main Street in every detail.
Pancake Breakfast Fly-In
June 1
Mid-Way Regional Airport, 131 Airport Drive
Spend the day taking in classic airplanes and fighters, fly-overs, helicopter rides, Midlothian Classic Wheels Car Club, live music, and children’s activities.
Grand Prairie
Crawfish Boil
June 1
Grand Prairie Farmers Market, 121 W. Main Street
The Grand Prairie Farmers Market hosts its annual Crawfish Boil. Enjoy live music, delicious crawfish, a gift market, arts and crafts vendors, and other fun.
gptx.org/about-grand-prairie/downtown-grand-prairie/farmers-market
San Elizario
Billy the Kid Festival
June 1-2
San Elizario Historic Art District, 1501 Main St.
Visit historic sites, art galleries, museums, vendors, and saloons, and maybe catch an Old West gunfight or performance of the play “1876: Billy the Kid.” The event also has live music and food and drinks
The Woodlands
Wine and Food Week
June 5-8
Various locations
Celebrating its 20th year, Wine and Food Week is a multifaceted event that brings world-class chefs, wine pairings, and sommelier-driven tastings to The Woodlands each June.
Marfa
Agave Festival
June 6-9
Various locations
This annual festival celebrates the agave and its influence on culture through food, film, music, science, and spirits. Enjoy tastings hosted by agave spirit producers, one-of-a-kind dining experiences, and performances by contemporary and regional musicians.
Amarillo
Texas Route 66 Festival
June 6-15
Various locations
Route 66, the road that helped shape America, turns 100 years old in 2026. Starting in 2023, the annual Texas Route 66 Festival kicked off years of celebrations leading up to the historic route’s centennial. This festival features 10 days packed with events along the Texas route including classic car shows, bus tours, cattle drives, parades, music festivals, and a grand finale festival in Amarillo’s Route 66 Historic District.
Blanco
Lavender Festival
June 7-9
Historic Town Square, 300 Main St.
The Lavender Capital of Texas celebrates 19 years as one of the Hill Country’s premier festival venues. Artisans, food, local and regional beer and wine, live music, and lots and lots of lavender are available. The first commercial lavender farm in the state of Texas, Hill Country Lavender, is open for tours. The festival is free to attend.
Elgin
Juneteenth Festival and Parade
June 7-8
Veterans Memorial Park, 109 Depot St.
Head to Elgin’s Veterans Park and enjoy a Juneteenth parade and festival featuring music, vendors selling locally made goods, food, and lots of fun for the whole family.
Galveston
Galveston Island Revue Weekend
June 7-9
Various locations
Galveston’s official kickoff to summer is a throwback to the “good ol’ days” of the city’s summertime history. Watch contestants in retro and vintage-inspired swimwear compete in the Bathing Beauties Revue at the seawall; plus, enjoy a classic car show, vendors, live entertainment, and other old-timey fun.
Nacogdoches
Texas Blueberry Festival
June 8
Downtown, 200 E. Main St.
One of the most delicious festivals in the Lone Star State, the Texas Blueberry Festival marks its 34th year with a daylong celebration of the blueberry harvest. As the only state-sanctioned blueberry festival in Texas, this annual event attracts more than 19,000 people to downtown Nacogdoches on the second Saturday in June. Stay for the week or weekend and fill your calendar with a smorgasbord of activities such as live music, blueberry picking, auto exhibits, shopping, and restaurant specials.
East Bernard
Czech Kolache-Klobase Festival
June 8
Riverside Hall, 14643 Buls Road
Enjoy live music and dancing with bands and entertainers performing from morning to night. A plate lunch of barbecue chicken, sausage, sauerkraut, and trimmings is available for purchase. Hamburgers are available in the evening. There are also arts and crafts vendors, a raffle, cake walk, and plenty of kolaches.
Lockhart
Chisholm Trail Roundup
June 13-15
Lockhart City Park, 504 City Park Road
The Chisholm Trail Roundup is Lockhart’s largest annual festival and tourism event. Now celebrating its 51st year, the event has a range of family activities including a petting zoo, pig races, a carnival, rodeo, barbecue cookoff, the Grand Parade in historic downtown, and live entertainment.
Aransas Pass
Shrimporee
June 14-16
Shrimporee Festival Grounds, 200 E. Johnson Ave.
The annual Shrimporee festival has celebrated the rich heritage of this coastal community for 76 years. The festival pays homage to a time when Aransas Pass was known as the Shrimp Capital of the World. The weekend includes live music on two stages, craft vendors, a live cooking stage serving up shrimp, a carnival, and kids’ zone and several family-friendly activities.
Amarillo
Texas Route 66 Festival Finale
June 15
Amarillo Route 66 Historic District
Experience the grand finale of the 10-day Texas Route 66 Festival. Enjoy live music, a car show, a pin-up pageant, vendors, kids’ activities, and other festivities. Immerse yourself in iconic Route 66 vibes and celebrate the rich history and culture of this legendary highway.
Waco
Water Lantern Festival
June 15
Baylor Basin at McLane Stadium, 1001 S. M.L.K. Jr. Blvd.
The Waco Water Lantern Festival brings people together for a celebration of light and community. The evening includes food trucks, music, activities, and thousands of lanterns lighting up the night.
Stonewall
Peach JAMboree and Rodeo
June 20-22
Stonewall Chamber of Commerce, 250 Peach St.
The 63rd annual celebration of the Stonewall peach crop includes peach judging, the crowning of the Peach Queen, a parade, lots of peach eating and pit spitting, a variety of food, live music, and goat roping.
Bowie
Jim Bowie Days
June 22-29
Bowie Rodeo Arena and Downtown Bowie, 413 Pelham St.
Started in 1967, the Jim Bowie Days celebration and rodeo is held the last full week in June each summer. Events include a rodeo, parade, concerts, hamburger feed, Native American artifact show, quilt show, pet parade, cornhole tournament, golf tournament, and a fishing tournament. This year’s Saturday rodeo concert features Curtis Grimes.
Luling
Watermelon Thump
June 27-30
Watermelon Thump Pavilion, 319 E. Davis St.
For 71 years, Luling has honored hard-working local watermelon farmers with a festival celebrating all things watermelon. Enjoy four days of live music, food booths, pageants, the World Championship Seed Spitting Contest, a carnival, parade, car show, and market.
Lubbock
Cotton Fest
June 27-29
Cook’s Garage, 11002 US 87 D
When early summer rolls around, a celebration of all things music and cotton makes its way to the High Plains of Texas. A weekend-long festival, journey out to Lubbock for three days of camping, cornhole, barbecue cookoffs, and some of the biggest names in Texas country music at William Clark Green’s Cotton Fest.
Kilgore
Texas Shakespeare Festival
June 27-July 28
TSF Performance Venue, 1200 Henderson Blvd.
East Texas’ only professional theater company performs each summer in rep two Shakespeare plays, a non-Shakespearean classic, a musical, and a production for children. The main stage productions are produced in rotating repertory Thursday through Sunday, with an afternoon matinee and an evening performance each day. This summer’s list of plays are “Much Ado About Nothing,” “Peter and the Starcatcher,” “Julius Caesar,” “Sweeney Todd,” and the children’s play “Tinker Bell.”
Amarillo
Pride on the Plains
June 30
Thompson Park , 2401 Dumas Drive
Nonprofit organization Smile Big Texas presents Pride on the Plains, a celebration of Pride and the LGBTQ community in the Texas Panhandle.
Southlake
Stars and Stripes
July 3
Southlake Town Square, 1400 Main St.
Stars and Stripes is held annually on July 3 in the heart of Southlake’s Town Square. This event ignites the spirit of patriotism and community with an array of delectable festival foods, engaging activities for all ages, and, of course, a display of fireworks that lights up the night sky.
Rockdale
Sesquicentennial Celebration
July 4-15
Various locations
It’s Rockdale’s 150th Birthday and everyone is invited to enjoy 12 days of festivities that celebrate the city’s past and future. Events kick off with a July Fourth Drone Light Show at Fair Park. Other highlights include a community parade, car show, quilt exhibition, community art exhibition, a heritage celebration at The 1895, historic walking tours, live music, family activities, historical presentations, and vendors. The festival wraps up with a costumed Sesquicentennial Gala Dinner and Dance featuring Kenny Orts.
The Woodlands
Red, Hot, and Blue Festival
July 4
Various locations
Enjoy a variety of activities at Town Green Park, Northshore Park, Rob Fleming Park, Hughes Landing, and Waterway Square. All sites feature live music in the evening with bands playing until the Fireworks Extravaganza. Some locations offer concessions and kids’ activities like face painting and balloon art.
Jefferson
Jefferson Salutes America
July 4
Various locations
Come to Jefferson to partake in an old-fashioned celebration of the country’s birthday. Activities at Ostott Park include a kids’ parade, a homemade ice cream contest, a cake and pie auction, games, and live music. At night, the grand finale fireworks show goes off over the Big Cypress Bayou by the LED-lighted historical bridge.
Freeport
Fishin’ Fiesta
July 4-7
Freeport Municipal Park, 421 N. Brazosport Blvd.
Since 1947, anglers have been drawn to this fishing tournament in the hopes of catching the biggest redfish, barracuda, or any other offshore or inshore fish. Along with fishing, the Fiesta has games, food, live entertainment, dances, arts and crafts, and a fireworks display on Saturday night. The tournament is one of the largest on the Gulf and includes prizes for both offshore and inshore categories.
Corsicana
Freedom Fest
July 4
IOOF Park, 3440 W. Second Ave.
Head to Independent Order of Odd Fellows (IOOF) Park for a star-spangled celebration and a day filled with family fun, kids’ games, mouthwatering dishes at food trucks, live music, and an awe-inspiring fireworks show at night.
Granbury
Hometown Fourth of July: 50 Golden Years
July 4-7
Downtown, Historic Granbury Square
Granbury Chamber presents the city’s 50th annual Fourth of July celebration. For four days, the historic square of Granbury comes alive with vendors offering souvenirs, handmade crafts, food, and other goods. The highlight of the festivities is the Fourth of July parade, a tradition that kicks off the event with colorful floats, marching bands, and community organizations. The sun sets on the evening with a fireworks display that lights up the night sky over Lake Granbury.
Edinburg
Texas Cook’Em: High Steaks In Edinburg
July 6
Ebony Hill’s Golf Course, 300 W. Palm Drive
Texas Cook’Em High Steaks is back. This year’s event promises to be the biggest and best yet, featuring top musical acts, a fireworks show, Freedom SkyDive Jump, and, of course, one of the best steak barbecue cookoffs in Texas.
Rockport
Art Festival
July 6-7
Rockport Festival Grounds, 1500 E. Laurel St.
Founded in 1969 as a way to stimulate the arts economy in Rockport, an emerging art colony on the Texas Gulf Coast, the Rockport Art Festival has since become a staple of the summer season on the coast, with over 120 artists selling their work to over 10,000 art buyers.
Lampasas
Spring Ho
July 8-14
Various locations
Founded in 1972, the annual Spring Ho was first held the second full weekend in July, but through the years has grown into a weeklong event. Festivities include live music, shops by the creek, entertainment for kids and families, a fireworks show, and a parade.
Lubbock
Bards, Brews, and Brawls
July 10
LHUCA Icehouse, 511 Ave. J
Do you love games, beer, and music? Enjoy a day of game demos with Stormcrow Games, fantasy map creation, West Texas Comedy, Bardic personas of Russell Thompson and Travis Burge, and pirate-themed sessions of Roll Initative with LHUCA Game Masters. This event is in preparation for the Hub City Renaissance Faire at LHUCA in October.
Weatherford
Parker County Peach Festival
July 13
Downtown, 1 Courthouse Square
The 39th annual Parker County Peach Festival, held in historic downtown Weatherford, invites visitors to indulge in peachy treats including homemade peach ice cream, peach cobbler, peach pie, peach tea, peach smoothies, ice cream topped with fresh peaches, or just plain ol’ juicy peaches. There’s nonstop entertainment and activities for the entire family with a food competition, vendors and store specials, and two stages featuring local talent. Around 2,200 cyclists participate in the Peach Pedal Bike Ride as well.
Waco
Waco Mac Fest
July 14
Southern Roots Brewing Co., 219 N. Eighth St.
On National Mac and Cheese Day, Roni’s Mac Bar is hosting Waco’s first Mac Fest, a celebration of all things macaroni and cheese. This festival features a variety of local food vendors, live music, activities for kids, outdoor games, and other family-oriented fun.
Fairfield
Fuzzy Peach Festival
July 19-20
Freestone County Courthouse , 118 E. Commerce St.
It’s peach season in Texas and Fairfield celebrates with the Fuzzy Peach Festival. The two-day event includes live music, a street dance, cornhole tournament, vendors, games, food trucks, water fun, and the Little Miss Peach Pageant.
Wichita Falls
Watermelon Festival
July 20
Downtown Wichita Falls Farmers Market, 713 Ohio Ave.
The 12th annual Watermelon Festival is a great summertime event for all. Have a free slice of watermelon, then use the watermelon rind to throw at the ring toss target. Live music, a farmers market, food, and kids’ activities round out the fun.
Clute
Great Texas Mosquito Festival
July 25-27
Clute Municipal Park, 100 Parkview Drive
At this fun-filled family event, celebrating its 43rd 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.
Naples
Watermelon Festival and Rodeo
July 26-28
Naples Melon Patch and Rodeo Grounds, Front and Floyd streets
One of the biggest events in the area, the 86th annual Watermelon Festival and Rodeo, held every year on the last full weekend of July, features sweet East Texas melons, a parade, arts and craft booths, largest watermelon contest, a rodeo with PRCA-sanctioned and local events, an antique car show, and other festivities.
Edinburg
FridaFest
July 27
Promenade Park Amphitheater and Water Gardens, 202 N. 10th Ave.
This festival that honors renowned Mexican artist Frida Kahlo as well as the spirit of perseverance and empowerment. FridaFest features live art demonstrations and performances, Frida’s zoo and animal exhibit, and a number of children’s activities. The festival also includes the Frida Look-A-Like Contest which takes place in the Edinburg Municipal Auditorium. The evening is capped off by a concert that will have the whole family dancing.
Galveston
Esports Summit
July 27-28
Galveston Island Convention Center, 5600 Seawall Blvd.
Enjoy an opportunity to look, learn, and participate in this fast-growing entertainment industry. Daily panels focus on the influence esports has on STEM education, mental and physical health, and diversity in gaming. There are also appearances by voiceover and game celebrities and game developers, demonstrations, gaming areas, and tournaments for all ages.
Jefferson
Civil War Symposium
Aug. 3
Jefferson Convention and Visitor Center, 305 E. Austin St.
Calling all history buffs! Enjoy a whole day of presentations, speakers, exhibits, and vendors at this conference that focuses on the part that Jefferson and the surrounding area played in the Civil War.
Seguin
186th Birthday Party
Aug. 9
Heritage Village, 200 Block of East Live Oak Street
Seguin celebrates its 186th birthday with a party at the Seguin’s First Church and the Campbell-Hoermann Log Cabin in Heritage Village. Festivities over the years have included a barbecue dinner, homemade ice cream contestant, and live entertainment.
Pampa
PampaFest
Aug. 17
Downtown Pampa, 100 S. Cuyler St.
Six bands, 75 retail vendors, and 16 food trucks take over the brick streets of downtown Pampa. There is also axe throwing and a VIP section. Gates open at 11 a.m., bands start at 3 p.m., and the festival is over at midnight.
Jefferson
Texas UFO Con
Aug. 17
Jefferson Convention and Visitor Center, 305 E. Austin St.
This all-day convention covers Texas-based UFO sightings, alien encounters, and UFO crash sites. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as their favorite extraterrestrial.
Fredericksburg
Gillespie County Fair
Aug. 22-25
Gillespie County Fairgrounds and Exhibition Hall, 530 Fair Drive
The oldest continuous county fair in Texas marks its 136th year. Enjoy four big days filled with fun events, including livestock shows and judging, agricultural and household exhibits, arts and crafts, live music and dancing, and live pari-mutuel horse racing.
Gillespie County Fair Parade
Aug. 23
Main Street, 100 Block of West Main Street
One of the Texas Hill Country’s biggest parades has more than 200 units, marches down Main Street, and kicks off the annual Gillespie County Fair. The parade starts behind the courthouse and travels east to South Washington Street, then turns and goes west on Main Street to Edison Street. Bring chairs and arrive early.
Pleasanton
Cowboy Heritage Days
Aug. 24
Pleasanton River Park, 1030 Riverpark Road
The “Birthplace of the Cowboy” celebrates its heritage with a festival featuring concerts, craft and food vendors, a parade, and activities for kids.
Castroville
St. Louis Day Celebration
Aug. 24-25
Koenig Park , 1700 San Jacinto St.
Celebrate the feast of St. Louis, the patron saint of St. Louis Catholic Church in Castroville. This event, held annually since 1882, kicks off with an old-fashioned biergarten on Saturday evening, with food and drinks, live music, polka and Alsatian-style dancing, washer and cornhole tournaments, and children’s games located in the Boardwalk. On Sunday, the main event takes place: a barbecue brisket and sausage lunch. Enjoy music and dancing all day, along with games for adults and children, raffles, a silent auction, bingo, and a country store.
Hamilton
Hamilton County Dove Festival
Aug. 29-Sept. 1
Hamilton Historic Main Street, Downtown
Hamilton calls itself the dove-hunting capital of Texas, and to mark the opening of dove-hunting season, the town hosts this annual festival, celebrating its 52nd year. Spend Labor Day weekend enjoying music every night and exploring a variety of local vendors while indulging in mouthwatering festival foods during the day.
Boerne
Kendall County Fair
Aug. 30-Sept. 1
Herff Park, 1307 River Road
The Kendall County Fair Association hosts the 118th annual Kendall County Fair. Head to the fairgrounds for a weekend of good old-fashioned community fun, with vendors, a Queen’s Pageant, a rodeo and livestock show on Friday and Saturday, and Bull Riding Extreme on Sunday. A parade on Main Street takes place on Saturday. Attendees can also see exhibits in the Homestead Heritage Exhibit Hall.
Austin
The Front Fest
Aug. 31-Sept. 2
Various locations
The Front Fest is an end-of-summer festival featuring performances, films, and creative experiences that put Texas women and LGBTQ+ creatives of all kinds at the front of the lineups. The festival has welcomed over 15,000 guests and showcased 500-plus women and LGBTQ+ artists since 2016, including Dorian Electra, Jessica Williams, Lizzo, Alok V. Menon, Madame Gandhi, Juliana Huxtable, and Katja Blichfeld.
Texas Tribune Festival
Sept. 5-7
Downtown Austin, 919 Congress Ave.
Join along at Texas’ breakout politics and policy event as you explore the big, bold ideas driving politics, policy, and the day’s news. This year, dig into the 2024 elections, Texas and national politics, and the state of democracy with conversations curated by the Tribune’s award-winning journalists.
San Antonio
Water Lantern Festival
Sept. 28
Millers Pond Park, 6175 Old Pearsall Road
The San Antonio Water Lantern Festival brings people together for a celebration of light and community. The evening includes food trucks, music, activities, and thousands of lanterns lighting up the night.
Lake Jackson
Festival of Lights
Nov. 18
Lake Jackson Civic Center, 333 SH 332
Lake Jackson brings the Yuletide cheer with this kick-off to the holiday season. Festivities include a carnival, games, and a parade.