Tyler Pounds Airport, 700 Skyway Blvd.

The annual Rose City Airfest has quickly become a signature event in East Texas. Featuring dozens of historic aircraft, the Airfest offers a very diverse lineup of both ground displays and aerial performances by several WWII warbirds, Russian MiGs, and dozens of other aircraft. All proceeds benefit CampV, a nonprofit veteran’s resource center.

rosecityairfest.com

Starlight Ranch Event Center, 1415 Sunrise Drive

The festival offers a Bavarian experience with German beer, fresh pretzels, an entertaining wiener dog race, and music. 

bigtexan.com/starlight-ranch-event-center

Abner Jackson Plantation Site, Farm-to-Market Road 2004 near State Highway 332

Visit the historic archeological site formerly owned by Maj. Abner Jackson, the namesake of the city of Lake Jackson. Once a prosperous sugar plantation, the site was destroyed by the hurricane that devastated Galveston in 1900. Learn about the sugar-making process of the 1840s and how convict labor replaced slave labor during the 1870s.

ljhistory.org

Alden B. Dow Office Museum, 101 S. Parking Place

Take a self-guided tour of the restored midcentury architectural beauty of Alden B. Dow’s 1943 downtown office. Learn about the city’s beginnings and the indelible mark that Dow left as the principal architect of Lake Jackson. 

ljhistory.org

Varner Hogg Plantation State Historic Site, 1702 N. 13th St.

Celebrate the season, learn about harvest time on a 1800s plantation, and enjoy hayrides, crafts, sugar cane, storytelling, and other old-fashioned activities.

visitvarnerhoggplantation.com

Lubbock Memorial Civic Center, 1501 Mac Davis Lane

Stephen J. “Tio” Kleburg is the 46th recipient of the National Golden Spur Award, which recognizes an individual’s hard work and dedication to the ranching and livestock industries. Established in 1978, the award honors iconic industry leaders whose devotion to land and livestock has earned them notable respect and admiration from their peers. Along with dinner and the awards show, the event offers a chuckwagon breakfast and self-guided tours of the National Ranching Heritage Center.

goldenspurhonors.com

Briscoe Western Art Museum, 210 W. Market St.

Families are invited to discover the importance of cactus in the lives of Native Americans and have the opportunity to put their learning into practice.

briscoemuseum.org

El Paso Museum of Art, 1 Arts Festival Plaza

In 1997, in anticipation of a new El Paso Museum of Art downtown, a statewide campaign was held to name one of the galleries after Tom Lea, bringing the artist’s work home to El Paso. This tour features the special exhibit “Tom Lea and Contemporaries” in the Tom Lea Gallery, with Adair Margo, founder of the Tom Lea Institute, guiding the tour.

tomlea.com

Historic Town Square, 901 Ave. C

This festival, occurring annually on the second weekend of October in downtown Katy, honors the city’s history as a rice farming community. Enjoy a carnival, craft vendors, live music, food trucks, a kids zone, craft beer, and art and rice cooking contests. There is a free shuttle that takes visitors to and from the parking area at the Merrell Center.

katyriceharvestfestival.com

Museum of the Big Bend, 400 N. Harrison St.

Artist Tom Lea explores the life cycle of beef cattle through paintings that provide a unique perspective on a little-explored topic. Experience this inaugural exhibit at the Museum of the Big Bend’s new Emmett and Miriam McCoy building and join Adair Margo, founder of the Tom Lea Institute, for a talk and book signing event.

tomlea.com

Peace Plaza, 815 S. Main St.

Celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month at Celebra Grapevine. This free, family-friendly event honors the rich histories, cultures, and contributions of Hispanic citizens from across the Americas. Enjoy live music, entertainment, and a flash mob dance, alongside exhibits highlighting Hispanic heritage. The event also features Latin American cuisine and activities for children.

grapevinetexasusa.com/event/celebra/39513

Bosque Museum, 301 S. Ave. Q

The Smithsonian’s Museum on Main Street exhibition “Crossroads: Change in Rural America” offers small towns a chance to look at their own paths to highlight the changes that affected their fortunes over the past century. The exhibition prompts discussions about what happened when America’s rural population became a minority of the country’s population and the ripple effects that occurred. The exhibition is presented in partnership with the Texas Historical Commission and visits seven Texas towns: San Augustine, Clifton, Brenham, Rockport, Buffalo Gap, San Elizario, and Bandera.

bosquemuseum.org/crossroads

Briscoe Western Art Museum, 210 W. Market St.

The Briscoe Western Art Museum presents a captivating celebration of indigenous culture through movement and storytelling, led by artists Ceiba ili and Rosie Torres. This unique event give participants the opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich traditions and vibrant histories of indigenous communities.

briscoemuseum.org

Various locations

The Woodlands celebrates turning 50 with festivities that include a free concert with Lyle Lovett and Hayes Carll, a tree dedication ceremony, mural unveiling, and a family extravanganza that includes a drone and fireworks show above Lake Woodlands.

thewoodlands.com/50th-anniversary

Riverside Park, 532 McCright Drive

Experience Victoria’s bicentennial through the lens of what life was like for the settlers and pioneers of 1824 at this historical reenactment.

discovervictoriatexas.com

Fort Concho National Historic Landmark, 630 S. Oakes St.

Visit with “characters” of Fort Concho from the 1870s during evening self-guided tours and try to solve the on-site “murder.”

fortconcho.com

Badu Park, 300 Legion Drive

Spend some time in Llano learning about the history of the area. Friday there’s a chuckwagon supper with cowboy poetry and songs. Saturday is the festival with living history actors, music, games, crafts, a quilt show, and a model A car show. Sunday is the living history cemetery tour.

llanomuseum.org

Pfluger Park, 515 City Park Road

Pflugerville’s annual festival celebrates the city’s heritage with music of all kinds, food, and an arts and crafts fair. Participate in the pfun run, and enjoy a weekend out at Pfluger Park.

deutschenpfest.com

The Grace Museum, 102 Cypress St.

Reflecting on Texas in the 1930s and ‘40s, these photographs of the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl, sponsored by the Farm Securities Commission, document the hardships of individuals in Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, New Mexico, and Colorado. The show includes iconic photographs by Arthur Rothstein, Dorothea Lange, Marion Post Wolcott, and Russell Lee.

thegracemuseum.org

Texas State Railroad Palestine Depot, 789 Park Road 70

Savor the flavors and sights of East Texas on this four-hour round-trip train ride that features complimentary appetizers and champagne or cider followed by a catered lunch served on the grounds of the Rusk Rail Depot.

texasstaterailroad.net

Haggard Park, 901 E. 15th St.

The area’s largest cultural event features multicultural music and dance performances, ethnic food trucks, cultural displays, an art exhibit, STEM activities for kids. The Wellness Fair and Fitzone offers free flu and COVID shots, health screenings and services, and interactive fitness demos.

visitplano.com

Old Churchyard Cemetery and New Montgomery Cemetery, 500 Old Plantersville Road

Actors in period dress stand by graves and recount the departeds’ lives and contributions to Montgomery and Texas history. Visitors have an intimate look at the lives of many patriots buried there, including Dr. Charles B. Stewart, who designed the Texas Lone Star Flag and created the Texas Seal, which included the Lone Star from a button on his father’s jacket.

mhs-tx.org

Briscoe Western Art Museum, 210 W. Market St.

The Briscoe Western Art Museum’s Native Film Series showcases a selection of films that feature original and diverse indigenous stories. Guests get a deeper look into life in the Southwest in conjunction with the museum’s latest exhibit, “Storytellers: Narrative Art & the West.”

briscoemuseum.org

Horsehead Crossing on the Pecos River, SH 11 at Horsehead Road between Girvin and Imperial

See two days of living history at one of the most iconic locations in Texas history, Horsehead Crossing on the Pecos River. Expect chuckwagon meals, cooking demonstrations, gunfights, trail rides, live cannon fire, and reenactors. Horsehead Crossing is where the real “Lonesome Dove” took place, and is marked in history by Comanches, the Goodnight-Loving Trail, and more. The event is free, but donations are accepted.

pecoscountyhistoricalcommission.org/horsehead-crossing-celebration

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.

victoriapreservation.com

First Lutheran Church, 2415 Winnie St.

Celebrate German heritage in Galeston with a full weekend of food, drinks, live performances, games, and kids’ activities. Attendees are encouraged to dress in traditional German costumes.

visitgalveston.com/events

Fort Concho National Historic Landmark, 630 S. Oakes St.

Mules have been used by the military for centuries. See displays and presentations about the role of the Army mule in Western history.

fortconcho.com

Oakwood Cemetery, 701 Grand Ave.

Presented by the North Fort Worth Historical Society, the 17th annual tour takes visitors on a stroll through Oakwood Cemetery, where they get to meet and hear the famous and infamous “residents” tell their histories.

stockyardsmuseum.org

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

This Halloween-themed festival lets attendees explore eerie experiences along 15th Street, while the Apparition Expedition is a walking tour through downtown Plano’s haunted history.

visitplano.com

Central Park, 201 S. Austin St.

Go nuts at this celebration of all things pecan and Seguin’s agricultural heritage. There’s live music, pecan eating, and family fun. The event coincides with Fall Trade Days, where vendors set up their booths around Central Park and at the Big Red Barn.

visitseguin.com

Briscoe Western Art Museum, 210 W. Market St.

Get crafty in time to celebrate Día de los Muertos. Join a piñata-making class taught by local artist Adriana Gamez, who leads guests through a fun sugar skull piñata class full of cultural insights and crafting techniques.

briscoemuseum.org

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.

visitvarnerhoggplantation.com

Fort Stockton Convention Center, 2181 I-10 West

The town celebrates the 45th anniversary of its roadrunner mascot, Paisano Pete, with food and craft vendors and live music including the Randy Rogers Band.

visitfortstockton.com

Harry Ransom Center, 300 W. 21st St.

The Harry Ransom Center presents an exhibition exploring the history of PEN, the renowned international association dedicated to protecting free expression. The exhibition draws upon the Center’s PEN Records collection in order to trace the history of the organization from its founding as a dinner club in 1921, through the darkest days of war and repression, to supporting contemporary writers and readers today. The exhibition allows visitors to engage with key moments from the story of PEN, showing how writers need freedom of expression in order to produce inspiring work, and how, in turn, readers need to be free to choose what they read.

hrc.utexas.edu

National Museum of the Pacific War, 508 E. Austin St.

Pacific Valor is a battle demonstration that tell the story of a specific World War II Medal of Honor recipient. Go back to the jungles of New Guinea, where Sergeant Raymond Eubanks gave his life through an act of heroism on the battlefield. The battle demonstration includes simulated explosives, blank firing guns, and a real M2-2 flamethrower for an immersive experience.

pacificwarmuseum.org/event/pacific-valor-sergeant-raymond-eubanks-1

Abner Jackson Plantation Site, Farm-to-Market Road 2004 near State Highway 332

Visit the historic archeological site formerly owned by Maj. Abner Jackson, the namesake of the city of Lake Jackson. Once a prosperous sugar plantation, the site was destroyed by the hurricane that devastated Galveston in 1900. Learn about the sugar-making process of the 1840s and how convict labor replaced slave labor during the 1870s.

ljhistory.org

Alden B. Dow Office Museum, 101 S. Parking Place

Take a self-guided tour of the restored midcentury architectural beauty of Alden B. Dow’s 1943 downtown office. Learn about the city’s beginnings and the indelible mark that Dow left as the principal architect of Lake Jackson. 

ljhistory.org

Columbia Cemetery, Corner of 16th and Jackson streets

Learn about former West Columbia residents (and possibly your ancestors) at one of the most historic cemetaries in Texas. Guides lead guests to graves of notable occupants.

columbiahistoricalmuseum.org

Jefferson Convention and Visitor Center, 305 E. Austin St.

This paranormal conference is for the history buff, avid ghost hunter, and anyone with an interest in the unexplained or things that go bump in the night. There are special guest speakers, vendors, book signings, night-time tours, and ghostly investigations.

jeffersonghostwalk.com

Fischer Dance Hall, 701 Fischer Store Road

Support the Wimberley Valley Museum by participating in this annual dinner and dance at one of Texas’ oldest dance halls. Dinner is catered by Kelly’s BBQ of Wimberley, and music comes from Erik Hokkanen and Friends. The museum strives to preserve and foster appreciation for the archeological, historical, natural, and cultural resources of the Wimberley Valley.

wimwic.org

Briscoe Western Art Museum, 210 W. Market St.

Families are invited to join the Briscoe to learn more about Native American pictographs. Rather than using a written language, stories were passed down through oral language or pictographs (drawings). After a short presentation, families can create a story using pictures instead of words.

briscoemuseum.org

Thomas Arnold Elementary School Grounds, Thomas Arnold Road at Interstate 35

Heralding all things Scottish, this event is the oldest Scottish festival in Texas. Activities include sanctioned competitions in bagpiping, drumming, Highland dance and heavy athletics, clans and bands parade, live Celtic music, and the largest gathering of Scottish clans in Texas. Come see men in kilts, the Caber Toss, the Bonniest Knees contest, and all the pageantry of Scotland.

saladoscottishfestival.com

Espino Conference Center, Sul Ross State University, 400 N. Harrison St.

The 29th annual Center for Big Bend Studies conference brings together historians, archaeologists, folklorists, and other researchers studying the past and present of the Big Bend region and northern Mexico.

cbbs.sulross.edu/conference

Various locations

Take a guided tour of five privately-owned historic homes dating from the Victorian era through the early 20th century. Each tour location has received Preservation Houston’s Good Brick Award for excellence in historic preservation.

preservationhouston.org

Terrell City Hall, 201 E. Nash St.

British Bash celebrates the relationship between Terrell and England, which dates back to World War II. Terrell is proud of the part that it played in the Allied Forces successes during the war and the continued relationship between Terrell and the British government. This event features a vendor village with shopping and arts and crafts vendors, food, a Mini Cooper car show, and a Children’s Entrepreneur Market. There’s also live music and entertainment. Terrell’s own No. 1 British Flying Training School and Museum has a booth to showcase the city’s unique contribution to this period of history, and tours of the museum are available.

discoverterrell.com

Art Masters of El Paso, 6501 N, Mesa St., Suite C

This year, La Frontera Print Fest unites 10 artists from El Paso and Ciudad Juárez to create a panoramic print of the sister cities that features important areas, icons, and landscapes and showcases the unity and shared culture of the cities. This project aims to promote printmaking within the community and create a welcoming environment for various artists across the borderland.

skuishipress.com/lafronteraprintfest

Downtown , 100 E. Main St.

The sweetest festival in Texas is centered around the tradition of ribbon cane syrup-making and features folk arts, antique tractors and cars, arts and crafts, unique shopping, and live entertainment for the entire family.

visithendersontx.com

The American Legion 157 Post hosts this celebration that includes displays, information booths, special programming honoring Vietnam War era veterans, a parade on Main Street, and a veterans and spouses barbecue.

al157tx.org

Commemorative Air Force Central Texas Wing, 1841 Airport Drive

Step into the 1940s and honor the brave men and women who secured the country’s freedom at the annual CAF Veterans Dinner and Big Band Dance. Dance to the timeless tunes of the Sentimental Journey Orchestra surrounded by restored and functional World War II aircraft. The evening begins with dinner followed by a swing dance lesson with Rob and Diane of Swing Junction.

hangardance.org

Briscoe Western Art Museum, 210 W. Market St.

The Briscoe Western Art Museum invites everyone to its annual Yanaguana Indian Arts Festival, featuring live performances, storytelling, artist demonstrations, pottery, and carving, as well as Native American-inspired food.

briscoemuseum.org

Museum of Western Art, 1550 Bandera Highway

The exhibition features Western-themed art by landscape painter Noe Perez and sculptor Jason Scull.

museumofwesternart.com

The Fieldhouse at the Crossover, 1717 Scottsdale Drive, Suite 160

Enjoy Latin food, live music, and a great time for the whole family. The event features Latin food vendors representing all the best flavors from the Caribbean and Central and South America, live music, and drinks. Come hungry because there’s also dessert. Space is limited, so arrive early.

eventbrite.com/e/sazon-latin-food-festival-in-austin-family-friendly-tickets-902059312687?aff=ebdsoporgprofile

Briscoe Western Art Museum, 210 W. Market St.

The Briscoe Western Art Museum’s Native Film Series showcases a selection of films that feature original and diverse indigenous stories. To spotlight Native Americans serving in the military for both Native American Heritage month and Veterans Day, the featured film is “Windtalkers,” about the World War II code talkers from the Navajo Nation.

briscoemuseum.org

Briscoe Western Art Museum, 210 W. Market St.

This month the Briscoe celebrates the local American Indian cultures that called San Antonio home. The name given to the life-giving river is Yanaguana, which is what the city calls the San Antonio River today.

briscoemuseum.org

Texas Jailhouse, 704 Ave. A

He’s mean. He’s green. He’s in Palestine. Be greeted by a Who’s Who of Whoville before being sent down into the lair, where Mr. Grinch gives you a tour through his Texas Jail House home.

txjailhouse.com/products/grinchs-lair-1

Travis County Expo Center, 7311 Decker Lane

For more than 25 years, the Austin Powwow has been the largest of its kind in Texas, featuring Native American dancing, singing, arts and crafts, and food. You can also shop at the native market and enjoy traditional foods at the Native Food Court. The annual Austin Powwow is brought to you by Great Promise for American Indians, a local Austin nonprofit organization.

austinpowwow.net

Downtown Fort Worth, 777 Taylor St.

The GM Financial Parade of Lights illuminates the streets of downtown Fort Worth for the 42nd year. The parade includes more than 100 illuminated floats, an array of festive performers, holiday décor, live music, and hundreds of thousands of sparkling lights. Carrying on the tradition, this year’s parade concludes with a special appearance from Santa and Mrs. Claus on their finale float.

fortworthparadeoflights.org

Downtown, 100 block of West Main Street

Experience a mix of German Christmas traditions and warm Texan hospitality this Weihnachtszeit, or Christmas season, with the nightly lighting of the community Christmas tree and German Christmas pyramid.

visitfredericksburgtx.com/event/fredericksburgs-christmas-nights-of-lights/63791/

Center for the Arts and Sciences, 400 College Blvd.

This holiday feast offers majesty and pageantry befitting the court of Queen Elizabeth I. Join the Earl of Warwick and his royal guests in the main hall of his castle for an exquisite meal with entertainment provided by the court’s troupe of players, dancers, and singers.

brazosportcenter.org

Downtown, 111 N. Tennessee

Stroll the 14-block area of McKinney’s 166-year-old commercial historic downtown and find family activities, food, entertainment, and a magical holiday village with festive shop windows, a 35-foot community Christmas free, rides, and kids crafts.

mckinneytexas.org/677/home-for-the-holidays

Arneson River Theatre, 418 Villita St.

The tradition along the San Antonio River Walk features illuminated floats, entertainment floats, and over 100,000 holiday lights.

thesanantonioriverwalk.com

Schreiner Mansion, 226 Earl Garrett St.

The historic Schreiner Mansion is beautifully decorated for the holidays and guests can enjoy guided tours featuring complimentary wassail, holiday cookies, and festive Christmas carolers dressed in vintage period clothing on site. Tours of this historic home in downtown Kerrville are offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

caillouxfoundation.org

Various locations

Tour historic homes not usually open to the public. Each home is lavishly decorated for the season. Docents in period costumes greet guests and chronicle each home’s origins and finery.

jeffersoncandlelight.com

Central Presbyterian Church, 402 N. College St.

Step back in time, over 2,000 years ago, and walk the streets of ancient Bethlehem as Mary and Joseph did on the night of Christ’s birth. On your journey to the site of the Nativity, meet innkeepers, merchants, craftsmen, tradesmen, clergy, and many other citizens as they portray daily life in Bethlehem, complete with sheep, camels, and donkeys.

visitwaxahachie.com

Landmark Inn State Historic Site, 402 Florence St.

Castroville was settled in 1844 by Alsatians from France who built unique homes along the Medina River in Castroville and surrounding areas. The Castroville Conservation Society organizes a tour of these homes each December as it’s major fundraiser. Enjoy the ambience of the holidays before electricity in these pioneer homes.

castrovilleconservationsociety.org

National Museum of the Pacific War, 311 E. Austin St.

Honor and remember those who were killed and injured during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. There is a special presentation from Dr. Custer-Bojakowski and a book signing from Stephen L. Moore, author of “Strike of the Sailfish.” Both presentations are given two times so that all those interested are able to attend before the program concludes at noon.

pacificwarmuseum.org

Historic Downtown Cleburne, 201 Caddo St.

Enjoy a tour of historic homes decorated for the holiday season. Local businesses are also open to ticket holders with special activities, exhibits, and other festivities. Tickets are sold at Cleburne Chamber of Commerce or Layland Museum.

visitcleburne.com

Various locations

Sing along to Christmas carols, spin the dreidel for Hanukkah, learn about the Scandinavian St. Lucia Day celebration, make Kwanzaa crafts, get pictures with Santa, and play games. Festivities take place at the Elgin Public Library and the new expansion of Veterans Memorial Park on Depot Street. Remember to drop off your letters to Santa at the official mailbox at the gazebo in the park.

elgintxchamber.com/holiday-by-the-tracks

Abner Jackson Plantation Site, Farm-to-Market Road 2004 near State Highway 332

Visit the historic archeological site once owned by Maj. Abner Jackson, the namesake of the city of Lake Jackson. Formerly a prosperous sugar plantation, the site was destroyed by the same hurricane that devastated Galveston in 1900. Discover the sugar-making process of the 1840s and how convict labor replaced slave labor during the 1870s.

ljhistory.org

Enjoy free cowboy fun in downtown Bandera. Activities can include chuckwagon storytelling, taking a horse-drawn wagon tour of Bandera, and listening to live Western music.

banderabusiness.com

Rattlesnake Ridge, 126 SH 16 South

On Saturdays, see the Bandera Cattle Company Gunfighters reenact 1800s gunfights twice a day at Rattlesnake Ridge, located behind the Bandera Visitors Center.

facebook.com/banderagunfighters

Fulton Mansion State Historic Site, 317 Fulton Beach Road

Explore a Victorian Christmas with tours inside a seasonally decorated Fulton Mansion. This night of fun also includes crafts, hot chocolate, pictures with Santa, and a special reading of “The Night Before Christmas.”

thc.texas.gov/historic-sites/fulton-mansion

Kreische Brewery and Monument Hill State Historic Sites, 414 State Loop 92

Join Kreische Brewery and Monument Hill State Historic Sites this holiday season for the annual Trail of Lights. Explore themed German-Texan holiday displays, enjoy Victorian-era Christmas décor in the Kreische House, and visit on festival nights for live entertainment, crafts, and visits with Santa.

friendsofkbmh.org/trailoflights

Various locations , 200 E. Main St.

Tour some of the beautiful homes and structures of Nacogdoches during the holiday season. Tickets become available in November at the Visitors Center (200 E. Main St.) or during the event at any of the homes.

visitnacogdoches.org/p/things-to-do/events/annual-events

Various locations

Immerse yourself in the historic holiday tradition of the year and celebrate the spirit of the season, as seen through the lens of architectural marvels. Decorated with unique holiday styles for each home, tour a variety of different architectural styles and learn about what it’s like to live, work, and play in these historic homes.

historicwaxahachie.com

Kemp Center for the Arts, 1300 Lamar St.

Celebrating the artistry and history of the American traditional tattoo, the Sacred Art exhibit features 100 paintings by tattoo artists from across the United States. Each artist creates their unique interpretation of one of the most iconic symbols found in tattooing: the sacred heart.

artscouncilwf.org/exhibits/sacredart2024

Varner-Hogg Plantation State Historical Site, 1702 N. 13th. St.

Staff members at the Varner-Hogg Plantation State Historic Site explain the history of wassail, a drink traditionally made from cider and spices and served during the Christmas season. You can even try a sample during your visit.

visitvarnerhoggplantation.com

Pioneer Museum, 325 W. Main St.

The Pioneer Museum brings living history to the museum and the historic jail on the first Saturday of every month. Living history interpreters are on the museum grounds and at the historic jail two blocks from the Pioneer Museum.

pioneermuseum.org/event-details/living-history-interpreters-2024-10-05-10-00

Abner Jackson Plantation Site, Farm-to-Market Road 2004 near State Highway 332

Visit the historic archeological site once owned by Maj. Abner Jackson, the namesake of the city of Lake Jackson. Formerly a prosperous sugar plantation, the site was destroyed by the same hurricane that devastated Galveston in 1900. Discover the sugar-making process of the 1840s and how convict labor replaced slave labor during the 1870s.

ljhistory.org

Rattlesnake Ridge, 126 SH 16 South

On Saturdays, see the Bandera Cattle Company Gunfighters reenact 1800s gunfights twice a day at Rattlesnake Ridge, located behind the Bandera Visitors Center.

facebook.com/banderagunfighters

Briscoe Western Art Museum, 210 W. Market St.

Families are invited to join the Briscoe to explore different cultural celebrations in the Southwest. See how cultures makes each region uniquely different.

briscoemuseum.org

Varner-Hogg Plantation State Historical Site, 1702 N. 13th.

Learn about Judah Smith, an enslaved woman who was the plantation cook and a medicinal herb expert who used herbs and teas to treat other enslaved people. During the event, you can try the different types of herbal teas and remedies used by the enslaved people.

visitvarnerhoggplantation.com

Briscoe Western Art Museum, 210 W. Market St.

The Briscoe Western Art Museum’s Native Film Series showcases a selection of films that feature original and diverse indigenous stories. Get a deeper look into life in the Southwest in conjunction with the latest exhibit, “Storytellers: Narrative Art and the West.”

briscoemuseum.org

Various locations

Laredo hosts this party marking its 127th year. The celebration features more than 30 events over 44 days, including an air show, a carnival, pageants depicting the country’s early history, the two-day Jalapeño Festival, one of the country’s truly “international” parades, concerts, and fireworks.

wbcalaredo.org

Dickies Arena, 1911 Montgomery St.

Witness one of the most authentic western lifestyle experiences anywhere—since 1896. The event offers 23 days of rodeo action with the Best of the West Ranch Rodeo, Best of Mexico Celebración, Cowboys of Color Rodeo, Bulls Night Out Extreme Bull Riding, Texas Champions Challenge, and the FWSSR PRORODEO Tournament. There are also the livestock and horse shows, kids’ activities and exhibits, live music, carnival midway, shopping, and food.

fwssr.com

Levi Jordan Plantation State Historic Site, 10510 FM 524

Photographs are important for studying history and for telling your family’s story. Learn how to digitally preserve your family photos with nothing but your smartphone and discover how your photographs can be used for genealogy research in this hands-on workshop.

visitlevijordanplantation.com

Aransas County Community Center, Rockport Cultural Arts District

“Crossroads” is part of Museum on Main Street, a collaboration between the Smithsonian Institution and state humanities councils nationwide that seeks to create opportunities for underserved rural communities across the country to reflect on their history, culture, and people by showcasing their cultural heritage assets. Other cities taking part in Texas are Bandera, Brenham, Buffalo Gap, Clifton, San Augustine, and San Elizario.

museumonmainstreet.org

Asia Times Square, 2625 W. Pioneer Parkway

Asia Times Square hosts its 17th annual Lunar New Year celebration for the Year of the Dragon. Enjoy food and merch vendors, live entertainment, daily lion dances, and a firecracker event on the final weekend.

asiatimessquare.com

Abner Jackson Plantation Site, Farm-to-Market Road 2004 near State Highway 332

Visit the historic archeological site once owned by Maj. Abner Jackson, the namesake of the city of Lake Jackson. Formerly a prosperous sugar plantation, the site was destroyed by the same hurricane that devastated Galveston in 1900. Discover the sugar-making process of the 1840s and how convict labor replaced slave labor during the 1870s.

ljhistory.org

Levi Jordan Plantation State Historic Site, 10510 FM 524

State historic site’s staff members teach about the enslaved people and sharecroppers who lived here during the plantation and post-emancipation eras and the archaeology history associated with them.

visitlevijordanplantation.com

Rattlesnake Ridge, 126 SH 16 South

On Saturdays, see the Bandera Cattle Company Gunfighters reenact 1800s gunfights twice a day at Rattlesnake Ridge, located behind the Bandera Visitors Center.

facebook.com/banderagunfighters

Varner-Hogg Plantation State Historical Site, 1702 N. 13th St.

On a guided tour, hear oral histories from those who lived at the Varner-Hogg Plantation throughout its history. Discover why oral histories are crucial to understanding this site’s story and learn how to conduct your own oral histories using tools you already have.

visitvarnerhoggplantation.com

Sul Ross State University, 400 N. Harrison St.

Poets, musicians, songwriters, and wordsmiths come together for this eclectic event celebrating the oral traditions of the working cowboy. This year’s event commemorates 39 years of cowboy poetry in Alpine, with a range of both free and ticketed performances.

lonestarcowboypoetry.com

Historic Strand District, 2302 Strand St.

Texas’ largest Mardi Gras celebrates its 114th iteration with more than 20 parades and concerts and over 3 million beads. Witness the Guinness World Record-breaking Funky Uptown Umbrella Brigade, run in the Jolly Jester Jaunt 5K, and dance to live performances.

mardigrasgalveston.com

Varner-Hogg Plantation State Historical Site, 1702 N. 13th St.

Learn about the people who lived at the plantation at different times throughout the site’s history. The tour includes information about the enslaved people’s skills and the accomplishments of cowboys like Hal Fields.

visitvarnerhoggplantation.com

Fort Concho National Historic Landmark, 630 S. Oakes St.

Celebrate the contributions of the buffalo soldiers to West Texas and the military frontier. Buffalo soldiers were Black soldiers who mainly served on the Western frontier after the Civil War. Their duties included helping with westward expansion, building roads and infrastructure, and guarding the U.S. mail.

fortconcho.com

Various locations

First conceived in 1937 by local business leaders, the event commemorates the Mexican heritage of the area on both sides of the Rio Grande and is named in honor of the dashing Mexican gentleman cowboy. Festivities include parades, a carnival, a costume ball, and the the Sombrero Festival.

charrodaysfiesta.com