UT Tyler Cowan Center, 3900 University Blvd., FAC 1120

Doris Kearns Goodwin is a world-renowned presidential historian, public speaker, and Pulitzer Prize-winning, New York Times No. 1 best-selling author. Goodwin's career as a presidential historian and author was inspired when, as a 24-year-old graduate student at Harvard, she was selected to join the White House Fellows, one of America's most prestigious programs for leadership and public service. Goodwin worked with President Lyndon Baines Johnson in the White House and later assisted him in the writing of his memoirs.

cowancenter.org

Museum of South Texas History, 200 N. Closner Blvd.

The Museum of South Texas History presents Heritage and History Days 2023, a celebration of the heritage and history of South Texas and northeastern Mexico.

mosthistory.org/events

City by the Sea Museum, 401 Commerce St.

The Palacios Community Coalition presents local speakers to show contributions made and being made by the African American community of Palacios. Local speakers talk about their contributions, and tours may be provided upon request.

palacioschamber.com

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

Load up the kids, grab your canvas bags and head to Varner-Hogg State Historic Site for a day of shopping and supporting local small business owners. Plus, there's free admission to the site during market hours.

visitvarnerhoggplantation.com

Huntsville State Park, 565 Park Road 40 W.

Take an interactive tour through the life of the Civilian Conservation Corps. Read about the corps' formation, get hands-on with their tools and uniforms, visit the camp store to shop the benefits of being an enrollee, and hear from members of the corps themselves, though their newsletter, as you stand in Ravens Lodge and look out at Lake Raven that they helped create.

tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/huntsville

Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site, 23400 Park Road 12

Celebrate 187 years of Texas independence at the place where Texas became Texas. The 1830s Republic of Texas era comes to life with historic interpreters, craftsmen, music, and artillery firing.

wheretexasbecametexas.org

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

Celebrate the contributions of the buffalo soldiers to West Texas and the military frontier with displays, living history, and special talks. 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

Annie Riggs Museum , 301 S. Main St.

The Annie Riggs Memorial Museum welcomes children for exhibits and special presentations on the history of Pecos County and the state of Texas.

annieriggsmuseum.org

Gruene Historic District, 1601 Hunter Road

To celebrate the 187th anniversary of Texas independence, Gruene Historic District is throwing a Texas-size celebration with special offers and live music.

gruenetexas.com

Gibbs-Powell House and Oakwood Cemetery, 1228 11th St. and Ninth Street between Sam Houston Memorial Drive and Ryan's Ferry Road

Celebrate Texas Independence Day and Sam Houston's birthday in historic Huntsville. The day features a coffee reception at the Gibbs-Powell House at the Walker County Museum, and a gravesite ceremony honoring "the father of Texas" at Oakwood Cemetery; plus, music, speakers, the "baptized Texan" ceremony for new residents (register online to be included), and a luncheon hosted by the Walker County Historical Commission.

huntsvilletexas.com

Temple Railroad and Heritage Museum, 315 W. Avenue B

Quanah Parker played an important role in the narrative of indigenous people in Texas. Learn about Texas history, the Comanche Tribe, and have fun with crafts and activities after visiting the new exhibition, "Quanah Parker: One Man, Two Worlds."

templeparks.com

On Saturdays, find free cowboy fun in downtown Bandera with activities that can include a chuckwagon storyteller, hopping on a saddle-broke longhorn, or a ride in a horse-drawn wagon for a tour of Bandera. Gunfighter reenactment shows take place twice a day.

banderabusiness.com

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

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

ljhistory.org

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.

banderafiberandarts.com

Amarillo Civic Center Grand Plaza, 401 S. Buchanan St.

At the longest-running Western merchandise show and auction in America, visitors and vendors buy, sell, and trade all types of Western items including but not limited to spurs; saddles; chaps; Native American beadwork, baskets, and rugs; antique firearms; gun leather goods; hitched horsehair items; ranch décor; old photos; and fine contemporary pieces.

amarillociviccenter.com

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.

banderafiberandarts.com

Deadhorse Creek, 248 FM 1133

Head back in time to the early 1800s where re-enactors dress in period costumes and demonstrate activities that were common during this era. Many vendors are available.

facebook.com/southwesternrendezvous

Burton Railroad Depot and Museum, 507 N. Railroad St.

Celebrate Texas history and honor former and current Texas Rangers. The afternoon is full of fun and includes tasty food, demonstrations by the Old West Rangers and the Legends of the Texas Rangers, kids' activities, mule-driven buggy rides, and folk demonstrations such as blacksmithing and chuckwagon cooking. All proceeds go to restoring the Mt. Zion Historical Chapel.

burtonheritagesociety.org/celebrate

Kuhlmann-King Museum, 402 E. Blanco Road

Every second and fourth Saturday of the month, the Kuhlmann-King house gives the public the opportunity to step back in time to see what a historic Boerne home looked like "way back when." Monthly events and themes vary.

facebook.com/kuhlmannkinghouse

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

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

ljhistory.org

Surfside Beach City Hall, 1304 Monument Drive

One of the longest-lasting and most fun traditions held at Surfside Beach, this annual event includes a parade where part of the route goes down the beach, and there are plenty of free beads and candy thrown from the floats. In addition to the parade, there are costume contests, a social, fundraisers, and a reenactment of the Battle of Fort Velasco.

beachblarney.com

Lake Livingston State Park, 300 State Park Road 65

At this special Frontier Day, programs focus on the lives of the pioneers who explored and settled in Texas, with topics ranging from dutch oven cooking to primitive fire-starting methods to products of the pine industry.

tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/lake-livingston

Sugar Land Heritage Museum and Visitor Center, 198 Kempner St.

This monthly historic walking tour takes visitors back to the time when Sugar Land was a company town, with virtually all enterprises managed by the Imperial Sugar Company or its affiliate, Sugarland Industries. Tours start at the museum.

slheritage.org

Pioneer Museum, 325 W. Main St.

The musuem grounds are full of family fun with living history demonstrations that include tomahawk throwing, cornhusk doll-making, chuckwagon cooking, butter churning, pioneer laundry, frontier songs, and games.

pioneermuseum.org

Temple Beth-El, 208 S. 15th St.

In 2008, Corsicana dedicated March 17th as Babbette Samuels Day. She was very involved in the restoration of Temple Beth-El and the Jewish community in Corsicana. The Temple hosts an event honoring the late Mrs. Samuels for all her contributions to the Jewish community. It's free to the public with light bites and refreshments. A video presentation and remarks by guest speakers are part of the program.

corsicana175years.com

Freeport Historical Museum, 311 E. Park Ave.

Dinosaur George returns to the Freeport Historical Museum, bringing real artifacts and over 150 exhibit pieces of prehistoric life to the coastal community.

facebook.com/events/1810410192657452/

Various locations

Step into some of Palestine's historic churches and see beautiful windows and glasswork. Partipating churches on the tour include Sacred Heart Catholic, St. Phillip's Episcopal Church, First Christian Church, and First Presbyterian.

visitpalestine.com

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

Load up the kids, grab your canvas bags, and head to Varner-Hogg State Historic Site for a day of shopping and supporting local small business owners. Plus, there's free admission to the site during market hours.

visitvarnerhoggplantation.com

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.

oldpalmusic.com

The Menil Collection, 1533 Sul Ross St.

This exhibition explores the influential curatorial vision of Walter Hopps, the Menil Collection’s founding director, as well as his distinctive approach to exhibition making and appreciation for a variety of 20th-century art movements. The show features drawings, paintings, photography, and sculpture, ranging from the 1930s to the early 2000s.

menil.org

Palestine Municipal Airport, 1278 CR 421

At this fair, you can find arts, crafts, antiques, military items, and collectibles, as well as take plane rides, visit a gun show, and enjoy a cookoff.

whippfarmproductions.com

Adjacent to Old Baylor Park, 11300 Old Baylor College Road

Over three weekends every spring, the Independence Historical Society opens their early Texas homes for free to the public. When the Texas bluebonnets are at their best, visit the 1820s Coles Cabin, the 1830s Dogtrot Log House, and a one-room schoolhouse. During the weekends, artisans demonstrate early Texas crafts and music. The early Texas homes are located next to Old Baylor Park in historic Independence.

ihstexas1836.com

Pecan Grove Park West, 3200 Canyon Creek Drive

Buckle your kilt and join the fun at the sixth annual Sherman Celtic Festival and Highland Games with Celtic dancing, the Viking Village, Scottish clans, cultural exhibitors, and food and beverages.

shermancelticfest.com

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.

texasforeverfest.com

Hill Country State Natural Area, 10600 Bandera Creek Road

Celebrate ranching life by visiting with exhibitors, making crafts, playing games, and viewing demonstrations. Stop by to learn about and experience some of the many facets of ranching history and culture.

tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/hill-country

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.

texaspackardmeet.org

Heritage Farmstead Museum, 1900 W. 15th St.

The annual Eggstravaganza features egg hunts and more than 7,500 eggs filled with candy and prizes for children ages 10 and under. Guests of all ages delight in the joys of spring on the Blackland Prairie. There are wagon rides, tours of the historic Farrell Wilson home, and a visit from the Easter Bunny. Class is in session in the one-room schoolhouse, and visitors dabble in many other hands-on activities. Make sure you stop by the newly restored lambing barn to see the baby lambs.

heritagefarmstead.org

Texas State Railroad Palestine Depot, 789 Park Road 70

Unplug for a tradition that merges comfort and adventure for the whole family. Relaxed seating, thoughtful décor and responsive attendants add to the ambiance of the scenic journey afforded travelers a century ago. The trip includes food and adult beverage service and historic narration on a rail journey that whisks you back into another century.

texasstaterailroad.net

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

This fun spring event is for the history buff, avid ghost hunter, and anyone with an interest in the unexplained and things that go bump in the night. There are special guest speakers, authors, vendors, book signings, galleries, night-time tours, and investigations.

visitjeffersontexas.com/jefferson-texas-events

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.

galvestonsteampunk.com

Fort Belknap, 114 Fort Circle

Historic Fort Belknap hosts its seventh annual Crawfish and Cannons event featuring a crawfish boil, a live cannon fire, children's activities, vendors, armadillo races, and live music. The Goodnight Loving 5K, 10K, and half marathon takes place in the morning.

crawfishandcannons.com

LBJ State Park and Historic Site, 199 State Park Road 52

Learn about German Easter traditions including friendship cards, homemade egg dyes, grass baskets, and lamb cake.

tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/lyndon-b-johnson

Frontier Times Museum, 510 13th St.

In keeping with the pioneering spirit of its founder, J. Marvin Hunter Sr., the Frontier Times Museum has established the Heroes Hall of Honor to recognize the contributions of individuals who, through their leadership, creativity, example, and hard work, keep the pioneer spirit alive. Each year, the museum inducts its honorees at an annual induction ceremony.

frontiertimesmuseum.org

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.

tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/mckinney-falls

South Llano River State Park, 1927 Park Road 73

Help the park celebrate this area of the Hill Country and Walter Buck Jr., the gentleman who donated the land to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Along with an open house at the new headquarters, the event features various activities revolving around angora goats and wool, Model T's, and history.

tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/south-llano-river

Fort Concho National Historic Landmark, 630 South Oakes

Held on the historic Fort Concho Parade Grounds, this three-day competition features riding and horsemanship skills that reflect the drills and training of the U.S. Cavalry in the 1800s.

fortconcho.com

Diamond B Ranch, 11589 FM 321

The race takes place every year during the celebration of Texas' independence. This unique Western event welcomes visitors to come early and bring their horses, mules, and wagons. Enjoy the many activities or just set back and watch. On-site camping is available starting April 14.

1836chuckwagonrace.com

Fort Concho National Historic Landmark, 630 South Oakes

This morning event starts with the Lions Club Pancake Breakfast, followed by ongoing entertainment, living history, demonstrations, exhibits, and displays reflecting the region's pioneer, military, agricultural, and ranching heritage.

fortconcho.com

Opal Lawrence Historical Park, 711 E. Kearney St.

Bring the pups out for a special day of activities for pets and their people. Enjoy dog-friendly tours of the historic park.

historicmesquite.org

Mission Tejas State Park, 19343 SH 21 East

This annual event provide visitors a variety of educational experiences and activities to experience 19th-century Texas pioneer life in the area around what is today Mission Tejas State Park.

tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/mission-tejas

Alvin National Oak Park, 118 S. Magnolia St.

The 49th annual Frontier Day, presented by the Alvin Rotary Club, features the popular Frontier Day Parade through the old downtown area of Alvin. The Alvin Rotary Club Gunfighters perform their popular shootout twice during the day, and nearby are children's rides, food concessions, carnival activities, arts and crafts vendors, and an antique car and bike show. Proceeds support scholarships and other charitable activities in the Alvin area.

alvinrotary.org/sitepage/frontier-day

Goose Island State Park, 202 S. Palmetto St.

Goose Island Extravaganza is an open house event for the public to come and experience what Goose Island has to offer. Activities include fishing, archery, kayaking, a star party, demonstrations, and food. Find educational program stations set up around the park, and enjoy bass fishing, geocaching, living history programs, outdoor skills such as archery, dutch oven cooking, fishing, and touch tank aquatic programs.

tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/goose-island

Various locations, 231 S. Fifth Ave.

Take a self-driving tour of notable and historical sites in Palo Pinto County. Land owners open their gates to areas typically not accessible. Sites include the recently renovated Crazy Hotel and Old Rock Schoolhouse in Mineral Wells, Texas; Worth Scout Ranch, and Lovers Retreat.

palopintohistory.com

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.

hcaf.com

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.

jeffersonpilgrimage.com

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.

diamondbessieplay.com

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.

ozona.com/events-calendar

Heritage Country Church Auditorium, 9929 Lark Trail

The goal of the Salado Cowboy Poetry and Music Gathering is to bring together a group of poets and musicians who are doing their parts to preserve the culture and heritage of the American West. This gathering gives these performers an opportunity to share their talent. These men and women are now, or have been in the past, a part of the working cowboy environment.

saladocowboypoetry.org

Downtown and Cypress River Ranch

Experience full-scale reenactments of a Civil War battle on the Big Cypress Bayou, complete with infantry, cavalry, and artillery. Over three days, there are three different battle reenactments and a downtown skirmish on Saturday morning.

battleforjefferson.com

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.

battleforjefferson.com

Pioneer Museum, 325 W. Main St.

Fredericksburg honors the month of its founding and the birth month of its founder, John O. Meusebach. The celebration includes a wreath-laying ceremony at the Vereins Kirche and free admission to the Pioneer Museum, which has living history demonstrations taking place all day.

pioneermuseum.org

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.

visitplano.com/event/plano-asiafest-2023

Freeport Historical Museum, 311 E. Park Ave.

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo in historic downtown Freeport with food trucks and live entertainment.

freeport.tx.us/page/historical_museum

Various locations

Organized by the Galveston Historical Foundation, this annual event gives the public a chance to tour the insides of private residences not normally open to the public.

galvestonhistory.org

Asian American Resource Center, 8401 Cameron Road

The Asian American Resource Center hosts its annual signature event, CelebrASIA, in honor of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. A celebration of Asian Pacific American culture, the festival includes performance groups, musicians, food vendors, and hands-on activities.

austintexas.gov/department/asian-american-resource-center

Opal Lawrence Historical Park, 711 E. Kearney St.

Celebrate National Historic Preservation Month with Historic Mesquite, Inc. during a fun evening on the grounds of the historic park.

historicmesquite.org

Colorado Bend State Park, 1201 Colorado Park Road

Cedar Choppers lived in tents and lean-to’s in their hardscrabble Hill Country life. See how they lived and worked, and get your hands on the tools they used to harvest the tallest cedars (ashe junipers) in Texas to make a living. Learn how the Scholten Brother’s Cedar Tap Railroad came from the town of Lometa to the Cedar Chopper Camp in Bend and its importance in the Cedar Choppers’ work. Be sure to stop by the dutch oven cooking presentation for some backcountry cooking and goodies.

tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/colorado-bend

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.

visitjeffersontexas.com/jefferson-texas-events

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.

asiatimessquare.com

Fort Concho National Historic Landmark, 630 South Oakes

This daylong celebration honors the nation's military with military history displays and artillery salutes.

fortconcho.com

Blanco State Park, 101 Park Road 23

Celebrate the historical, cultural, and natural heritage of the park and surrounding area. The event features multiple informational and activity stations throughout the park and programs and activities such as "The History of Blanco State Park and the Civilian Conservation Corps" and "Animals in Blanco State Park," plus a wildlife viewing station, fishing, and kayaking.

tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/blanco

Texas State Railroad Palestine Depot, 789 Park Road 70

This four-hour round-trip train adventure departing from Palestine, with an hour layover at the Rusk depot, takes passengers on a journey through the impressive Piney Woods and 135 years of history. Unplug for a tradition that merges comfort and adventure for the whole family. Relaxed seating, thoughtful décor and friendly, responsive attendants add to the ambiance of the scenic journey afforded travelers a century ago.

texasstaterailroad.net

Flying L Ranch and Resort, 675 Flying L Drive

Fill up on a barbecue dinner with all the fixings. The event includes live country music and dancing, Western entertainment, and other festivities.

flyingl.com

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.

tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/copper-breaks

Traders Village, 2602 Mayfield Road

Enjoy live music featuring Tejano artists from around the state, all-ages entertainment, food, and carnival rides.

tradersvillage.com/grand-prairie

National Museum of the Pacific War, 340 E. Main St.

At this event hosted at the National Museum of the Pacific War, visitors can remember those who gave their lives for the freedoms enjoyed today. The event includes guest speakers, music, and a wreath-laying ceremony.

pacificwarmuseum.org

Sugar Land Memorial Park, 15300 University Blvd.

Each Memorial Day, Sugar Land invites the community and visitors to pay tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving the country.

sugarlandtx.gov/437/special-events