The Grace Museum, 102 Cypress St.

This exhibition highlights the history of the Texas and Pacific Railway in Abilene through several artifacts from the museum’s permanent collection. See the impact of the railroad on the growth of the city and the people who built the tracks and buildings, worked for the railway, and utilized the train’s services. 

thegracemuseum.org

El Paso Museum of Art, 1 Arts Festival Plaza

Tom Lea was one of the most prolific Southwestern artists of the 20th century. This exhibit features landscapes, portraits, and mural studies that highlight the correspondence between artists to tell the story of a tightly knit creative community, which made El Paso a central point for rich cultural exchange. Along with Lea, artists include Manuel Acosta, Lois Denton, Freemont Ellis, Leola Freeman, Carl Hertzog, Peter Hurd, Ada Miller, Audley Dean Nicols, Urbici Soler, and Henriette Wyeth. A gallery tour with Adair Margo, founder of the Tom Lea Institute, takes place on Oct. 10.

tomlea.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

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

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

tablerock.org, 841 N. Main St.

Embark on a journey to the finest wineries in central Texas. Drive routes that were operated by western stagecoaches until the 1880s. More than just a group of wineries, this trail is a nod to the history of the region and a shared spirit of adventure.

stagecoachtxwinetrail.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

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

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

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

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

The Barnhill Center at Historic Simon Theatre, 111 W. Main St.

To kick-off the 100th anniversary year, this grand event includes “A Century of Simon” history exhibit, a Model A car display by Brazos Valley Model A Club, and a showing of “The Merry Widow,” the first movie ever shown at the Simon. All activities are free of charge.

thebarnhillcenter.com/events

Carver Branch Library, 3350 E. Commerce St.

A bus tour explores the Black history of San Antonio with a special focus on iconic leader Martin Luther King Jr. Discover the significant sites and landmarks related to Dr. King that played a crucial role in the Civil Rights Movement. This in-person event provides you with a deeper understanding of the history and legacy of Dr. King and his impact on the community.

eventvesta.com/events/91407/t/tickets

Mineshaft Saloon at Magic Time Machine, 900 I-410 Loop Northeast

Join a night of stories, experiences, and investigations into the Dogman phenomenon with Josh Turner, host of the popular show “Paranormal Round Table.” From the Land of the Lakes to Texas and beyond, stories of frightening encounters with a supernatural being known as Dogman have been in local legends for generations. What is this mysterious creature, and what can we learn from these terrifying accounts?

symposiumofthestrange.com/tickets/

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

Central Park, 201 S. Austin St.

This event, sponsored by the Daughters of the Republic of Texas and city of Seguin Parks and Recreation Department, celebrates 189 years since the signing of the Texas Declaration of Independence.

visitseguin.com

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

Western Trail Heritage Park, 415 Main St.

Enjoy free cowboy fun on Main Street in downtown Bandera. Activities can include chuckwagon storyteller, rides on a saddle-broke longhorn, and horse-drawn wagon tours of the town. At Western Trail Heritage Park, see reenactments from the Western Trail Gunfighters at 10 a.m. and noon.

banderacowboycapital.com

Abner Jackson Plantation Site, FM 2004 near State Highway 332, behind Target

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 on this monthly tour.

ljhistory.org

Heritage Village, 157 PR 6000

Don’t miss this program of history, music, and a toast with Texas spring water with a black powder rifle salute. Texans gather to share in this special reflection on history.

heritage-village.org

The Sheep Walk Ranch, 5305 SH 173 North

Texas Wool Week started as a one-week retreat for friends and has transformed into celebration of Texas wool, mohair, and alpaca with a working-farm experience offering fiber and arts vendors, day-trip adventures, and demonstrations. The festival is the capstone of the week with musical entertainment, food trucks, and a barbecue cookoff.

banderafiberandarts.com

Hotel Emma at Pearl, 136 E. Grayson St.

The James Beard Foundation’s Taste America brings together chefs, special guests, and diners from across the country to celebrate the local, independent restaurants at the heart of our communities.

jamesbeard.org/events/taste-america-san-antonio-4

Fort Clark Springs, 152 McClernand Road

Living historians, musicians, presentations, and interactive experiences bring history to life at one of the most historic military forts in the nation. Visitors experience a glimpse of life in Southwest Texas across centuries, featuring camels, cannon fires, reenactments, and displays.

fortclarkdays.org

Freeport Historical Museum, 311 E. Park Ave.

Dinosaur George returns to the museum with his traveling museum of real artifacts and over 150 exhibit pieces of prehistoric life.

freeportmuseum.com

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

The National Museum of the Pacific War is included on the Tom Lea Trail mobile website. To celebrate, watch the docudrama “Uncommon Valor,” filmed at the museum. Adair Margo, founder and author of “Tom Lea: An Oral History,” delves into the remarkable meeting between Admiral Nimitz and Tom Lea at Pearl Harbor.

tomlea.com/events

Old Jail Museum, 208 E. San Antonio Ave.

Take a tour of the Kendall County Historic Jail, which was constructed in 1887 and served for a century as the county jail. The Friends of the Kendall County Historic Jail have restored the space, bringing it back to life as a one-of-a-kind museum of Kendall County history. 

facebook.com/kchistoricjail

Kuhlmann-King Museum, 402 E. Blanco Road

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.

bahpsboerne.org

Bandera Natural History and Art Museum, 267 Old San Antonio Road

The museum offers activities—in the past ranging from presentations about artifacts to petting zoos—that the whole family can enjoy during spring break.

banderanhm.org

Nolan County Coliseum, 200 Coliseum Drive

Since 1958, the Sweetwater Jaycees World’s Largest Rattlesnake Roundup has been hosted annually, now with a rattlesnake parade, carnival, the Miss Snake Charmer Pageant, a gun and knife show, and snake weighing and measuring.

rattlesnakeroundup.net

Granbury Square, 201 E. Pearl St.

With craft food and shopping vendors, fun activities, live music, and free cake and ice cream, Founder’s Day offers festivities for the entire family. Texas musical acts hit the stage on the historic Granbury Square, while cook teams compete in categories like best beans, ribs, and brisket. There’s also a street dance and the hilarious outhouse race.

granburysquare.com

Burton Farmers Gin, 307 N. Main St.

Celebrate Burton’s Texas Ranger history. Experience 1880s Texas Ranger camp life and displays, and see demonstrations by the Legends of the Texas Rangers and McNelly’s Rangers. Tour the Railroad Depot and Burton Farmers Gin.

burtonheritagesociety.org

Surfside Beach City Hall, 1304 Monument Drive

One of the oldest events held at Surfside Beach, the parade features a route that 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

Traders Village, 2602 Mayfield Road

Come out and enjoy delicious food, shopping, and carnival rides.

tradersvillage.com/grand-prairie

Goodman Museum, 624 N. Broadway Ave.

Each spring Tyler celebrates the season with more than 10 miles of residential gardens and historic homesites covered with azaleas, tulips, wisteria, dogwood, and other flowers. This annual spring event has been described as a floral wonderland and a photographer’s paradise.

visittyler.com

Oakwood Cemetery, Palace Avenue at Oakwood Street

Take a tour through this historic cemetery. A guide leads guests to six gravesites, and historians in period costume bring that person to life, telling you their personal story.

oakwoodcemeterytyler.com

Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park, 432 Lady Bird Drive

Featuring a wide variety of some of the finest Native American artifacts from Texas and the United States, the show items include arrowheads, pottery, beads, cases, and books.

hillcountryindianartifacts.com

Henrietta Center, 405 N. Sixth St.

Hear James Clement, a sixth-generation member of the King Ranch family, rancher, and former Horse Division manager talk about the ranch’s famous horses. Afterward, get a guided tour of the Henrietta Memorial Center and Museum.

tomlea.com/events/tours

Haggard Park, 901 E. 15th St.

Come celebrate the food, music, and people of Texas. Enjoy live music, entertainment, activities, food, drinks, and vendors all influenced by Texas’ spirit and diverse culture.

events.visitplano.com/event/texas-forever-fest-2025

Frontier Times Museum, 510 13th St.

The Frontier Times Museum presents this jamboree on the fourth Sunday of each month. The event includes live music, storytelling, and fun for all ages.

frontiertimesmuseum.org

Hotel Paso Del Norte,, 10 Henry Trost Court

Did you know the Mexican Revolution was planned in El Paso? Join along in exploring the Mexican Revolution and see firsthand some of the most critical sites for Pancho Villa and his revolutionaries. Admission is free.

tomlea.com/events/tours

Various locations, Pollard Neighborhood

Each spring during the Azalea Trail, see inside some of Tyler’s landmark houses as you stroll through the city’s first historic district. A candlelight garden party and tour kicks off the annual weekend (held at 3117 Dinah Lane in the Pollard Neighborhood). Enjoy hors d’oeuvres, libations, live music, a photo booth, and a tour of a 1955 International Ranch style home. The next day features tours of midcentury homes including a 1949 International Ranch, a 1952 Colonial Revival Ranch, and a 1955 Colonial Revival Ranch. Some of the homes are residential designs by noted architects E. Davis Wilcox and Carl Gregory.

historictyler.org/htot

The Barnhill Center at Historic Simon Theatre, 111 W. Main St.

Since 1923, Texas A&M band students have kept alive that big band beat, featuring the sounds of Tommy Dorsey, Glenn Miller, and others like them. This group gets no academic credit for their time, but they do get the pleasure of playing great music.

thebarnhillcenter.com/events

Presidio La Bahia State Historic Site, 217 Loop 71

The 39th annual event features a reenactment of the battle of Coleto Creek, which took place 10 miles east of Presidio La Bahia when Col. Fannin’s command was ordered to retreat and join with the main body of Texas troops under Gen. Sam Houston. Visitors can walk through reenactor camps, visit other historic sites, and wander the grounds of Presidio La Bahia. Saturday offers a nighttime candlelight tour.

thc.texas.gov/events/39th-annual-goliad-massacre-and-living-history-program

Badu Park, 300 Legion Drive

Every year since 2005, chuckwagon enthusiasts have gathered on the banks of the Llano River and gone back in time to an era when the West was settled. Each wagon cooks and serves a meal of using traditional cooking methods from that era, wear traditional dress, and experience traditional neighborly fun as they compete for prizes in a number of categories.

llanochuckwagoncookoff.com

Scarborough Renaissance Festival, 2511 FM 66

Discover a 16th century English village celebrating the visit of King Henry VIII and Queen Katherine Parr, their royal court, and other guests. Visitors can enjoy full combat jousting, birds of prey exhibitions, the Mermaid Lagoon, nonstop Renaissance entertainment, an artisans’ marketplace, demonstrations, children’s knighting ceremonies, human chess matches, the Grande Parade, and themed weekends with interactive activities.

srfestival.com

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

Western Trail Heritage Park, 415 Main St.

Enjoy free cowboy fun on Main Street in downtown Bandera. Activities can include chuckwagon storyteller, rides on a saddle-broke longhorn, and horse-drawn wagon tours of the town. At Western Trail Heritage Park, see reenactments from the Western Trail Gunfighters at 10 a.m. and noon.

banderacowboycapital.com

Red Horse Saloon, 2440 SH 16 North

The Red Horse Saloon hosts the second annual Bandera Music Festival, an event that celebrates the Cowboy Capital of Texas’ music heritage—past, present, and future.

facebook.com/redhorsebandera

Abner Jackson Plantation Site, FM 2004 near State Highway 332, behind Target

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 on this monthly tour.

ljhistory.org

Jefferson Convention and Visitor 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.

jeffersonghostwalk.com

Temple Railroad and Heritage Musuem , 315 W. Avenue B

Widely recognized as a pioneer of photography in the 20th century, Bob Willoughby was the first outside photographer invited by studios to take photos on film sets. “Backstage Hollywood” captivates audiences as they learn about the impact this photographer had in developing the genre of celebrity portraiture.

templeparks.com

Amarillo National Center, 3301 SE 10th Ave.

The competition brings skilled blacksmiths from around the globe to compete in forging, shaping, and crafting metalwork masterpieces. This intense competition highlights artistry and craftsmanship, celebrating the tradition and skill of blacksmithing at its finest.

worldchampionshipblacksmiths.com

Amarillo National Center, 3301 SE 10th Ave.

The rodeo showcases authentic ranching skills, with teams from across the region competing in events like bronc riding, cattle sorting, and branding. This high-energy event celebrates the rugged heritage and traditions of West Texas ranch life.

wtranchrodeo.com

Heritage Village, 1370 Church Hill Drive

This annual event is focused on the early Texans and heritage of the area. There are living historians who have demonstrations of how these pioneers lived. There is also candle making, wind and water demonstrations, clay molding, brick making, woodworking, a blacksmith’s shop, broom shop, cabin living, a petting zoo, and live music. Food trucks and vendors are on site, and wine and beer for sale.

Downtown, 205 W. Goodwin Ave.

A Victoria tradition, step through the doors of history as you tour around five of Victoria’s most historic homes and buildings.

victoriapreservation.com

Freeport Historical Museum, 311 E. Park Ave.

Selena Quintanilla lived in Lake Jackson, but she was born at the Freeport Community Hospital. Learn more about Freeport in the 1970s, and the historic hospital that many Brazosport residents call their birthplace.

freeportmuseum.com

Various locations

Fiesta San Antonio started in 1891 as a one-parade event to honor the memory of the heroes of the Alamo and the Battle of San Jacinto. Today, Fiesta is one of this nation’s premier festivals, with more than 100 local nonprofit organizations orchestrating festivities and raising funds that support the community throughout the year.

fiestasanantonio.org

Downtown, 103 W. Seventh St.

This is the 26th year that the Red Poppy Capital Of Texas has hosted this festival to celebrate the history and beauty of the city’s poppy season. Taking place in and around the historic town square, the festival features live music and arts performances, handcrafted works from local artisans, a classic car show, food, and family-friendly activities. The parade takes place Saturday morning and passes through the town square.

visit.georgetown.org/events/red_poppy_festival/index.php

Texas Cotton Gin Museum, 307 N. Main St.

Step back in time at the 36th annual Burton Cotton Gin Festival. There’s a parade, music, contests, games, arts and crafts, food and drink, and an antique tractor pull and engine show, plus classic cars on display. There are scheduled tours of the cotton gin, and a bale of cotton is ginned for a demonstration.

texascottonginmuseum.org

Koenig Park, 1700 San Jacinto St.

Watch the Alsatian Dancers of Texas perform lively folk dances. Look up your Alsatian ancestry. Taste Alsatian cooking made with local recipes, including fresh parisa (a cured raw meat dish with cheese, peppers, onions, and spices) and Alsatian wines and beer. Castroville was founded in 1844 and is known as the “Little Alsace of Texas” and still boasts the largest population of Alsatian descendants in the nation.

Various locations

Preservation Austin’s annual event takes guests on a one-of-a-kind, specially curated tour of iconic historic places that speak to Austin’s expansive history.

preservationaustin.org/programs/homes-tour

Downtown, 530 W. Main St.

Experience the Wild West boomtown that Denison embodied during its founding in the late 19th and early 20th centuries with activities for the whole family. Fun includes a petting zoo, free wagon rides, art displays, cultural and historical demonstrations, gunfight shows, live music and dance performances, and an antiques vendor fair.

facebook.com/docindenisontx

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

A pancake breakfast, living history demonstrations and displays, and programming celebrate the agricultural and ranching heritage of the Concho Valley.

fortconcho.com

Sam Houston Memorial Museum and Republic of Texas Presidential Library, 1836 Sam Houston Ave.

Step back in time for an event honoring Sam Houston and his times (1793-1863). Enjoy historical demonstrations, hands-on activities, and period music. Tour the homes the Houstons lived in while in Huntsville, gain access into the Steamboat House and the 19th-century cabins on the property.

samhoustonmemorialmuseum.com

Bellville Fruehling Saengerfest, 952 S. Tesch

Originating back to 1860, this local German singing festival has live bands and German choirs at historic Concordia Hall. There are fun activities for children and adults. This is a charitable fundraiser with barbecue chicken and sausage with sauerkraut.

bellvillelions.org

Frontier Times Museum, 510 13th St.

The Frontier Times Museum presents this jamboree on the fourth Sunday of each month. The event includes live music, storytelling, and fun for all ages.

frontiertimesmuseum.org

Bishop Arts Theatre, 215 S. Tyler St.

“A Dallas Hedda” is Bishop Arts Theatre Center’s playwright-in-residence Franky D. Gonzalez’s reimagining of Ibsen’s “Hedda Gabler,” which explored the psyche of a woman longing for freedom in a world that sought always to control her.

bishopartstheatre.org

Downtown

This weekend allows visitors the opportunity to “step back in time” and experience historic home tours, the “Diamond Bessie” murder trial play, twilight garden tours, a plant sale, craft fair sale, quilt exhibit, tours of Jay Gould’s private rail car, a parade, and other festivities unique to this event.

jefferson-pilgrimage.com

Fireman’s Park, 901 N. Park St.

Maifest, held the first weekend in May, celebrates Brenham’s German heritage with a lively parade, junior and senior coronations, and traditional German food, music, and drinks. As one of the oldest festival in Texas, Maifest has been held annually since 1881.

brenhammaifest.com

Bastrop Museum and Visitor Center, 904 Main St.

Explore the fascinating history of the legendary law enforcement agency, the Texas Rangers. This exhibit presents a timeline of their storied past, showcasing key events and figures that have shaped their legacy.

bastropcountyhistoricalsociety.com/event-details-registration/texas-ranger-exhibit

The Jeffersonian Institute , 120 E. Austin St.

The 25th annual Civil War reenactment in historic Jefferson, features two full-scale battles, period encampments throughout the historic district, student living history demonstrations, a grand ball, a ladies tea, secret codes of the underground railroad, period sutlers, and the Illumination event at Oakwood Cemetery.

battleforjefferson.com

Old Settlers Association, 3300 E. Palm Valley Blvd.

Visitors are able to dip candles, churn butter, make corn husk dolls and rag balls, and wander through reenactment camps and chuckwagon areas. There is live music, pioneer games, historic house tours, and a fully stocked general store.

williamsonmuseum.org

Various locations, 400 E. Hopkins St.

Step inside some of San Marcos’ most gorgeous homes at the Heritage Home Tour. The event features self-guided tours of some of San Marcos’ historic homes and culturally significant sites. Docents are stationed around the homes ready to let you in on the history, secrets, and architectural delights found in each home.

heritagesanmarcos.org/heritage-home-tour.html

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

Western Trail Heritage Park, 415 Main St.

Enjoy free cowboy fun on Main Street in downtown Bandera. Activities can include chuckwagon storyteller, rides on a saddle-broke longhorn, and horse-drawn wagon tours of the town. At Western Trail Heritage Park, see reenactments from the Western Trail Gunfighters at 10 a.m. and noon.

banderacowboycapital.com

Abner Jackson Plantation Site, FM 2004 near State Highway 332, behind Target

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 on this monthly tour.

ljhistory.org

Haggard Park, 901 E. 15th St.

Celebrating Asian American Heritage Foundation hosts its annual Asian American heritage festival, showcasing the rich cultures of Asia through numerous cultural demonstrations, performances, and vendors.

asianamericanheritage.org

Brown Plaza, Cantu Street

Enjoy the holiday Cinco de Mayo on the border with a festival of music, culture, and celebration.

facebook.com/brownplazaofdelrio

Traders Village, 2602 Mayfield Road

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with live music, dancing, festivities, traditional food, and family fun.

tradersvillage.com/grand-prairie

Temple Railroad and Heritage Musuem , 315 W. Avenue B

Join the museum for the annual celebration of the Transcontinental Railroad. Whether you are a train enthusiast or just interested in a little slice of American history, National Train Day has something to spark every interest.

templeparks.com

Downtown , 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, and the Philippines. 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.

visitgarlandtx.com/asian-american-heritage-festival

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. The day is full of entertainment, community booths, family activities, living history demonstrations, special tours, and food and drink.

bluffschuetzenfest.org

Downtown, 302 N. Dallas St.

The National Polka Festival is an annual event that celebrates polka music and culture. The festival features live polka performances, traditional dances, and authentic Czech food. There is no admission fee to the downtown part of the festival.

nationalpolkafestival.com

Bastrop Museum and Visitor Center, 904 Main St.

Journey back in time with a vibrant four-day celebration of Bastrop’s rich heritage, where history comes alive with an exciting lineup of events and activities for all ages including live performances, historical reenactments, local vendors, and music that transports you to the past.

bastropcountyhistoricalsociety.com/yesterfest

Flying L Ranch and Resort, 675 Flying L Drive

Enjoy a barbecue dinner with all the fixins’, live country music, dancing, and other Western entertainment.

flyingl.com

Freeport Historical Museum, 311 E. Park Ave.

At this exhibition, visitors can stand inside enormous shark jaws, see life-size models of different sharks, and learn about Freeport’s historic fishing industry.

freeportmuseum.com

Frontier Times Museum, 510 13th St.

The Frontier Times Museum presents this jamboree on the fourth Sunday of each month. The event includes live music, storytelling, and fun for all ages.

frontiertimesmuseum.org

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

Fort Concho National Historic Landmark invites visitors to attend this program that honors the nation’s military members who made the ultimate sacrifice. There is a flag raising, living history artillery salutes, and a talk by a local veteran.

fortconcho.com

Old Federal Courthouse Building , 511 E. San Antonio Ave.

Take a tour through the heart of downtown El Paso, unveiling stories behind artistic treasures. Learn the history behind sculptures, buildings, and murals, and compare the different art styles between old and new artwork.

tomlea.com/events/tours