Houston Botanic Garden, 1 Botanic Lane

The Chinese lantern festival, with larger-than-life installations that showcase the beauty of nature and celebrate the promise of the Lunar New Year, returns with all-new displays and interactive elements.

hbg.org/series/radiant-nature

Texas Trust CU Theatre Outdoor Grounds, 1001 Texas Trust Way

Follow a young Peruvian boy’s adventure to the Magical Forest. Walk through the wonderland to see Koda’s dreams through the luminous art installations. Try out foods and beverages at the Food Court, enjoy live cultural music and dance performances, and complete your visit looking for handcrafted treasures at the marketplace.

tianyuculture.us/dallas

Discovery Green, 1500 McKinney St.

Every winter, Discovery Green’s Kinder Lake transforms into Houston’s only outdoor ice-skating rink. Adults and children of all ages can glide beneath the glittering lights of downtown and enjoy a series of programming throughout the season—from themed music nights to discounted skate nights. The ice rink is open every day.

discoverygreen.com/ice

The Ice Rink, 2005 Lake Robbins Drive

Enjoy ice skating this holiday season at the indoor ice skating rink located in the heart of The Woodlands town center. The Woodlands Ice Rink is open seasonally from mid-November through mid-January.

visitthewoodlands.com/events/holiday/woodlands-ice-rink/

Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern, 105-B Sabine St.

Brighten up your winter with Cistern Illuminated, an immersive light and sound installation in the Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern. This annual tradition transforms the underground, decommissioned drinking water reservoir into a breathtaking spectacle, showcasing the Cistern’s repeating columns and their uncanny reflections on the surface of the water below. A unique and original soundscape follows the moving lights around the cavernous Cistern. On select dates, the Cistern Illuminated installation is accompanied by live choral performances.

buffalobayou.org/cistern-illuminated

Kuhlmann-King Museum, 402 E. Blanco Road

Twice a 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.

bahpsboerne.org

Discovery Green, 1500 McKinney St.

Slip, slide, twirl, and crash with Bumper Cars on Ice at Discovery Green. This timeless amusement ride gets an updated twist at Houston’s only outdoor ice skating rink. No license or experience needed to drive.

discoverygreen.com/ice

Various locations

Port Aransas has been Texas’ premier beach destination for generations. Now you’re invited to take a break from the sand and surf to dive into the island’s unique local culture with Restaurant Week. There’s no ticket purchase necessary, simply select the prix-fixe menus that catch your eye and enjoy all the delicious dishes this island has to offer.

portaransas.org/restaurant-week

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

Plano ISD Robinson Fine Arts Center, 1800 Alma Drive

The new year starts off with a bang when the Grammy-nominated percussion ensemble Tambuco joins the orchestra for “The Beat Goes On.” The orchestra also performs “Shine Time,” a commissioned world premiere from the young composer Quinn Mason.

events.visitplano.com/event/the-beat-goes-on

Midtown Houston, 1200 Holman St.

Consisting of more than 100 culturally diverse performance groups from across the nation, the MLK Grande Parade in Midtown Houston is one of the largest single-day multicultural events in the country.

mlkgrandeparade.org

Robert A. “Bob” Bowers Civic Center , 3401 Cultural Center Drive

The Martin Luther King Jr. Support Group of Southeast Texas hosts a day of awards, speakers, and entertainment to honor King and his civil rights works.

visitportarthurtx.com

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

Various locations, 1311 Chestnut St.

Explore Cajun culture and Mardi Gras traditions at this cultural exchange event, embracing the spirit and heritage of Evangeline Parish, Louisiana, right in Bastrop. There’s a Mardi Gras ball, parade, live music, and kids’ activities.

bastroptxmardigras.com

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

Welcome Mardi Gras season with an evening of fun, food and drinks, live entertainment, dancing, costumes, and the crowning of the 2025 Mardi Gras King and Queen.

mardigrasupriver.com

Various locations

Spend an evening shopping for last-minute Valentine’s Day gifts at local boutiques while enjoying chocolate treats at all participating places. The Shop Around continues through the weekend with fun deals and specials throughout town.

portaransas.org/events/shop-around/chocolate-crawl/

Main Plaza, 115 N. Main Ave.

Celebrate Texas’ biggest wedding of the year. Main Plaza Conservancy and Historic Bexar County Courthouse invites visitgors to celebrate the nuptials of hundreds of couples arriving for midnight Valentine’s Day weddings. This annual event includes a pre-ceremony reception on Main Plaza with wedding vendors, live music, and special giveaways for the newlyweds. At midnight the crowd gathers on the historic courthouse steps to witness the mass wedding that welcomes couples from all over the state.

mainplaza.org

Lamar Volunteer Fire Department, 302 Bois D’Arc Lamar Peninsula

At this annual festival, visitors can enjoy food, live entertainment, a parade, and other festivities on the Lamar Peninsula. The event benefits the Lamar Volunteer Fire Department.

lamardigras.com

Old Mercantile, North of the railroad tracks on North Main Street

This West Texas tradition, celebrating its 13th year, is a throwback celebration that combines live music, small town vibes, and good old-fashioned surprises. Held in a refurbished mercantile store from the early 1900s, situated next to a rodeo corral, the venue alone adds its own charm and mystique to the annual celebration.

valentineinvalentinetx.com

11th Street Cowboy Bar, 307 11th St

Join the fun at the 11th Street Cowboy Bar for three days of a Mardi Gras celebration that include Cajun food and live zydeco music. And enjoy all the colorful floats and parade entries as they travel down Bandera’s Main Street.

11thstreetcowboybar.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

Downtown, 104 E. Kleberg Ave.

Enjoy downtown Kingsville in a whole new way by sipping and shopping the whole way through. Main Street small businesses are open through the evening and visiting vendors line the street.

facebook.com/events/785234210376739

Downtown , 825 W. Spring St.

Discover the joyous spirit of Mardi Gras with a Texas twist in downtown Palestine. The parade features lively music, dazzling floats, and a festive atmosphere buzzing with excitement and family fun.

visitpalestine.com

The Event Centre Downtown, 700 Crockett St.

Experience the ultimate celebration of community and culture at Mardi Gras Southeast Texas. There’s fun for all, including parades, concerts, arts and crafts, food vendors, a carnival, and street entertainment.

mardigrastx.com

Downtown

The 36th annual event, themed Rock ‘n’ Roll on the River, offers all-day festivities including children’s activities, a carnival, food trucks, arts and craft vendors, a parade, and plenty of costumes, free beads, T-shirts, king cake, and crayfish.

mardigrasupriver.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

Traders Village, 2602 Mayfield Road

Enjoy live zydeco music, stilt walkers, beads, mask decorating for the kids, food trucks, beignets, and, of course, plenty of crawfish.

tradersvillage.com/grand-prairie

Luling Mainstreet, 421 E. Davis St.

What started out as a cookoff with some music and a few vendors has grown into a full-blown Cajun street festival with live zydeco music all day, arts and crafts vendors, a great assortment of food vendors, a beverage garden, and activities for kids. The crawfish races are also a huge hit and a must-see attraction.

lulingmainstreet.com/#events

Downtown

Founded in 1938, the official St. Patrick’s Day celebration for the state of Texas includes a parade that travels down Main Street, the annual Donegal Beard contest, the Miss Irish Rose pageant, a carnival, and many other festivities.

shamrockstpatricks.com

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

Various locations, 100 Block of Main Street

The Fredericksburg Parks and Recreation Department has a surprise waiting for you at the city’s playgrounds—Marktplatz, Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park, and Old Fair Park. There are green coins hidden around these playgrounds, and if you’re lucky enough to find one, you’re in for a treat.

fbgtx.org

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

Cave Without a Name Throne Room, 325 Kreutzberg Road

Enjoy an evening of contemporary acoustic music, soaring vocal harmonies, and a percussive tribal, world-beat vibe performed on an unusual mix of ancient and modern instruments, all focused on the theme of the spring equinox as a time of rebirth and renewed energy.

cavewithoutaname.com

The Hill Country Mile, 100 N. Main St.

Hippity-hop down historic Main Street in search of hidden Easter eggs. Bring the kids to search for eggs and the Easter egg cutouts provided by participating businesses, which also have Egg Hunt Trail cards that list the locations of the eggs around town.

ci.boerne.tx.us/631/easter-egg-hunt

Sea Center Texas, 302 Medical Drive

Children can participate in catch-and-release fishing, pet live reptiles, watch the Birds of Prey show, and enjoy other nature-themed activities.

tpwd.texas.gov/fishing/sea-center-texas/

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

Whitehead Memorial Museum, 1308 S. Main St.

Enjoy all-you-can-eat crawfish, shrimp, and catfish, plus plenty of beer and live entertainment at the 24th annual festival.

whiteheadmuseum.org

Strawberry Festival grounds, 9199 SH 16 North

Held annually in April, the festival features concerts with nationally known Western and Tejano music stars, regional bands, gunslingers, a carnival, various contests, and rodeo performances. Located in the heart of the Artesian Belt, Poteet is recognized as the Strawberry Capital of Texas.

strawberryfestival.com

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

Hear a joyful Easter concert with tight family harmonies on bluegrass, blues, folk, country, and gospel sounds. Performers are Grand Ole Opry members, in the Gospel Music Hall of Fame, and winners of nine Dove Awards.

thebarnhillcenter.com/events

Pilot Point Historic Square, 107 W. Main St.

Bring the kiddos to Old City Park for a madcap search of more than 6,000 Easter eggs and photo ops with the Easter Bunny. Then, head to the square for the Flower Festival, where local nurseries, landscapers, gardeners, and vendors are on hand selling plants and helping everyone get their home ready for spring.

pilotpointtx.gov/590/easter-egg-hunt---flower-festival

Grandview City Park, 501 S. Fifth St.

The annual Easter Eggstravaganza is a fun tradition with bounce houses, games, crafts, food trucks, the Easter Bunny, and an Easter egg hunt for children in 6th grade and younger.

cityofgrandview.org

The Athletic Club , 4100 Blair Oaks Drive

One of the most egg-citing events in The Colony is back. Let your kids gather eggs filled with candy and prizes, then stop by the entertainment zone to ride the giant slides and interact with animals in the petting zoo. Don’t forget to get your photo taken with Peter Rabbit and create an Easter-themed craft. Tickets are only required for the egg hunt portion of the event. All other activities are free of charge.

thecolonytx.gov/828/spring-eggstravaganza

Downtown , Beaton Street

Hop into springtime and embrace the festive spirit at this event that features free photos with the Easter Bunny.

visitcorsicana.com

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

Brazoria County’s largest Easter egg hunts offers games, snacks, activities, a vendor market, photos with the Easter Bunny, and thousands of eggs filled with candy or small toys to be found by children ages 12 years and under.

visitvarnerhoggplantation.com

Schreiner University, 2100 Memorial Blvd.

Experience the charm and hospitality of the Texas Hill Country for three days of the best riding Texas has to offer. The 52nd annual ride includes quiet, well-paved roads, fully stocked rest stops, and panoramic scenery. Routes are suitable for all categories of participants, from novices to experienced riders.

easterbiketour.com

Freestone County Courthouse, 118 E. Commerce St.

Visit the Easter Bunny, participate in the Easter egg hunt, get your face painted, and partake in games and arts and crafts.

fairfieldtexaschamber.com

The Salvation Army Kroc Center, 201 Holdsworth Drive

Bring an Easter basket for a family day of fun. The event is filled with bounce houses, face painting, a cake walk, pictures with the Easter Bunny, food vendors, games, and two hunts with over 25,000 candy-filled Easter eggs.

kerrvillekroc.org

The Ridge Marketplace, 13439 S. Ranch Road 783

This annual Easter egg hunt has over 12,000 eggs and a special guest appearance by the Easter Bunny, as well as a petting zoo, unicorn rides, games, arts and crafts, a mini cake walk, a balloon twister, cotton candy, and popcorn. Find the Golden Egg and win a special prize.

shopsattheridge.com

Flat Rock Lake Park, 3840 Riverside Drive

At this fun-filled community event, attendees can enjoy barbecue and other foods, games, rides for all ages, vendors, live music, an Easter egg hunt, an open car and bike show, and a visit from the Easter Bunny.

kerrvillechamber.biz

South Padre Island Entertainment District, 211 W. Whiting St.

Enjoy Easter by the bay and watch the night light up with a fireworks display.

sopadre.com/events

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

El Campo Lost Lagoon, 665 CR 451

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with three bands, a fajita cookoff, Best Margarita competition, and a jalapeño eating challenge. There are lots of family activities.

eclostlagoon.com

Van Horn City Park, Third and Austin streets

A full day of celebrating the culture and traditions of Mexico include food, mariachi bands, folklórico dancers, and local talent.

Downtown, 103 E. Murphy St.

Alpine’s Cinco de Mayo celebration is a local tradition featuring a themed downtown parade, music, dancing, a car show, and the popular “Gran Mercado” (Great Market) on historic Murphy Street.

Brown Plaza, Cantu Street

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

facebook.com/brownplazaofdelrio

Downtown, 302 N. Dallas St.

Cinco de Mayo brings culture and traditions to life in the heart of downtown Ennis. This annual celebration includes artists that have the community dancing and singing. Visitors can also expect ballet folklorico performances, authentic food selections, and local artisan vendors.

bluebonnettrail.org

Traders Village, 2602 Mayfield Road

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

tradersvillage.com/grand-prairie

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

Fort Concho National Historic Landmark hosts this Armed Forces Day event, with artillery salutes and special displays to honor the nation’s armed forces.

fortconcho.com

Bandera County Courthouse, 500 Main St.

The annual Memorial Day weekend parade travels down Main Street on Saturday. Head to the courthouse lawn to find arts and crafts vendors at the Stampede Market Days on Saturday and Sunday.

banderaprorodeo.org

South Padre Island Entertainment District, 211 W. Whiting St.

Celebrate Memorial Day weekend on South Padre Island with a fireworks display over the bay. For the best viewing spots, check out the restaurants and bars in the Entertainment District.

sopadre.com/events

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