Mansfield Park, 2886 SH 16 North

Biker Rallies of Texas' Rumble on the River celebrates its 20th anniversary. This three-day event held at Bandera's Mansfield Park consists of tent camping, a poker run, vendors, food, field events, music all day Friday and Saturday, a bike show, biker games, and a tattoo contest.

bikerralliesoftexas.com

Devil's Bowl Speedway, 1711 Lawson Road

This unique D-shaped track makes sure everyone has a great view of the fast-paced, NASCAR-style action. Guests that purchase a Pit Pass can sit right in the center of the track during the races and can take pictures with the drivers.

visitmesquitetx.com/events/2019/devils-bowl-speedway

Love Creek Apple Orchard, 14024 SH 16 North

The pumpkin patch is open Saturday through Monday (closed Oct. 31). Admission includes pumpkin painting, an apple orchard tour, farm animals, games, a hayride, hay maze, storytelling, scarecrow building, and sing-alongs. Don’t forget to play an instrument in the Great Hill Country Symphony and enjoy tree ripened apples, an old-fashioned sweet cider press, and apple goodies.

lovecreekorchards.com

Pipe Creek Tree Farm, 805 Phil's Road

Open weekends, this event features a haystack, hop ball, scarecrow dressing, visiting with farm animals, a large sandbox, rubber duck races, pumpkin painting, photo ops, and strolling through 6,000 Christmas trees.

pipecreekpumpkinpatch.com

Mesquite Arena, 1818 Rodeo Drive

Watch young bullriders, ages 4-18, from across the world compete for a grand prize and exclusive title of World Champion Mini Bull Rider.

visitmesquitetx.com

Port Aransas Marina, 301 JC Barr Blvd.

The Harvest Moon Regatta is a sailing race that has been hosted by Lakewood Yacht Club every year since 1987. The offshore race begins in Galveston and ends with a party in Port Aransas. Whether you are new to offshore sailing, a seasoned cruiser, or a serious racer, Harvest Moon has something for you.

harvestmoonregatta.com/home

Epic Waters Indoor Waterpark, 2970 Epic Place

Epic Waters Indoor Waterpark is hosting the Flow Tour National Championship. Not only is this annual competition held at Epic Waters, but the waterpark is taking the event to a whole new level by turning it into a festival. The Flow Tour National Championship gives FlowRider competitors the chance to show off their skills in front of an eager, energized crowd, and the chance to win the $10,000 grand prize. The festival has live music, carnival games, immersive activities, tasty cuisine, delicious beverages, and door prizes.

epicwatersgp.com

South Texas Botanical Gardens and Nature Center, 8545 S. Staples St.

Spend a casual, relaxing evening with cocktails, food stations, and music as you stroll through floral exhibits under moonlight. The evening benefits South Texas Botanical Gardens and Nature Center's educational programming.

stxbot.org

Texas Motorplex , 7500 SH 287 West

NHRA Fall Nationals event action is packed with racing, concerts, special events, and other entertainment.

texasmotorplex.com

Downtown Jefferson

Come for bikes, bands, and beer all weekend long. Centering around historic Auntie Skinners Riverboat Club, this event has bike games, a live auction, live music, a bike show, and a raffle for a brand new 2021 motorcycle. Sponsored by the Phoenix Organization of Jefferson and Brothers Keepers Motorcycle Club, the event benefits Percy R. Johnson Burn Foundation and Camp I'm Still Me.

easttexasburnrun.com

Downtown Corsicana, 301 S. Beaton St.

It's a battle on the bricks. The 1-mile, eight-corner criterium course is renowned for its historical brick streets—a victory on Beaton Street is no small achievement. The course is extremely spectator friendly with a planned vendor market and plenty of dining and shopping opportunities for all.

visitcorsicana.com

Historic Onion Shed , 154 S. Main St.

The Chaparral Trail is a converted railroad that has quickly become a reclaimed multi-use trail spanning more than 35 miles and beginning in the quaint city of Farmersville. Race this fast course over paved and crushed-stone trail, across bridges, and along prairies and farmland. This is an out and back course under a canopy of trees with beautiful country views. Distances are 5K, 10K, half marathon, full marathon, and 50K.

ultraexpeditions.com/oktoberfest-trail-run-festival

Northshore Park, 2505 Lake Woodlands Drive

The 10 for Texas is a 10-mile USA Track and Field sanctioned event held annually in The Woodlands each September. In conjunction with the 10-mile course are a 3.1 Armadillo Run 5K and a One 4 Texas Kids' Fun Run.

visitthewoodlands.com/10fortexas

Palacios Recreation Center, 2401 Perryman Ave.

Partake in a golf scramble and enjoy a delicious shrimp dinner with entertainment for all.

stanthonypalacios.org

Frank W. Mayborn Civic and Convention Center, 3301 N. Third St.

Interested in rock hounding and working with gems and minerals? This two-day show presents vendors with a variety of gems, minerals, rocks, beads, and jewelry for purchase. There are free activities for children, displays of rock collections for viewing, silent auctions of rocks and minerals, grand prize drawings, and rock hounds to provide information about the hobby. Food vendors are on site.

dfarhie.wixsite.com/tcgms

Wildseed Farms, 100 Legacy Drive

Celebrate the monarch butterfly migration at this "Tag and Release" program, with fun and educational activities for the whole family.

wildseedfarms.com

Garnett Field at McNiel Junior High, 4712 Barnett Road

Bring the family out to unite for a common cause and raise funds for The Arc of Wichita County and Play for All Community Playground at the 2022 Wichita Falls Buddy Walk. Whether you have Down syndrome, know someone who does, or just want to show your support, take the first step and donate or register today. Enjoy bounce houses, food trucks, music, prizes, carnival games, raffle drawings, and other activities.

ds-stride.org/wichitafallsbuddywalk

Gulf Coast Bird Observatory, 299 SH 332 West

Gulf Coast Bird Observatory presents an evening of art, wine, and nature to benefit the birds. The event features an auction of some of the nature art that the organization has collected over the past two years from donors and talented artists. The live and silent auctions offer a variety of pieces, including paintings, drawings, and photographs highlighting the beauty of Texas nature. To pair with the evening, wine and hors d'oeuvres are served to guests serenaded with live guitar music. The forested grounds are lit by torchlight, making the setting perfect for an evening on the bayou.

gcbo.org/connect/eveningonthebayou

Cibolo Center for Conservation, 140 City Park Road

Join naturalist Jasmine Torrez and explore the Cibolo Center for Conservation to discover various living organisms that call the Cibolo home.

cibolo.org/calendar

John L. Kuykendall Event Center and Arena, 2200 W. RR 152

The bulls are back in town! See bull riders try and hold on to the backs of rowdy bulls for eight seconds.

llanopbr.com

Barrow Brewing Company, 108 Royal St.

Bicycles, craft beer, and an Oktoberfest celebration in the rolling hills of Central Texas make for a perfect day. The bicycle ride has routes from 10 to 50 miles. The ride starts and ends at Barrow Brewing Company where each participant is treated to a pint and a pretzel at the finish line.

barrowbrewing.com

Pecan Bottoms (Cameron Park), University Parks Drive

Do you have what it takes to conquer an Ironman? Begin your journey on the beautiful and tranquil Brazos River, traverse the Texas countryside on your 112-mile bike ride, and let the city's energy propel you on your 26.2-mile run, which crosses the finish line at the newly-restored and historic Waco suspension bridge.

ironman.com/im-waco

Horseshoe Bend Cellars Vineyard and Winery, 3399 Peterson Road South

Bring friends and besties to get into shape and run the Wicked Wine Run, a wine-fueled night out with great music, food trucks, games, a 5K run and 1K wine tasting walk, and a wine festival.

wickedwinerun.com/locations/texas-wichita-falls

Seguin Events Complex, 950 S. Austin St.

Outdoor hunting and fishing exhibits provide education on protecting, preserving, and enjoying wildlife and fish.

buckfever.org

Stewart Creek Park, 3700 Sparks Road

Runners of all skill levels are invited to race along the beautiful shores of Lewisville Lake. Participants enjoy a gently undulating, crushed granite trail in a tranquil and natural setting that promises a memorable race experience for all. All proceeds go to support cancer awareness.

thecolonyhalf.com

South Texas Botanical Gardens and Nature Center, 8545 S. Staples St.

Learn how to create your own tiny tree from Corpus Christi Bonsai Club’s Betty Whitt and Linda May. Discover techniques to create these living works of art providing years of solace and relaxation, as well as a conversation piece for your patio.

stxbot.org

Martha's Ranch, Twin Canyons, 7631 Hayworth Highway

Created for participants of all skill levels, the events take place separately, allowing attendees to participate in multiple formats. Spartan events focus on sport and athleticism, pushing the bodies and minds of competitors to the limit across miles of unforgiving terrain. Held at a new venue for Spartan in 2022, this course includes rugged terrain that challenge you, no matter your fitness level.

visitgranbury.com/spartan

Opal Lawrence Historical Park, 701 E. Kearney Road

Fall is the time to plant Texas bluebonnet seeds. Head to Opal Lawrence Historical Park to stomp some seeds into the ground for next spring.

visitmesquitetx.com

Kerrville-Schreiner Park, 2385 Bandera Highway

The largest mountain bike festival in Texas appeals to families as well as a wide variety of outdoor adventure participants, with several events to choose from.

kerrvillemountainbikefestival.com

Atlanta Area Chamber of Commerce, 210 E. Hiram St.

It's time to glow up with the annual 5K Glow Run and the Monster Mile kids' costume fun run.

atlantatexaschamber.com

Various locations

Recognized as one of the top film festivals in the country, this cinematic event shines the spotlight on both top-billed films and indies alike.

austinfilmfestival.com

South Bay, South Bay Boulevard and Fourth Street

Quiet country roads offer water views and a flat and friendly ride. Relax at a shrimp boil afterwards. Proceeds benefit Palacios hike and bike trails and tourist information.

active.com

Badu Park, 300 Legion Drive

Bring your carved pumpkins and enjoy the evening float and glow as you see lots of carved and lit pumpkins gliding across the Llano River. Witches, fairies, pirates, and mermaids are welcome, as costumes are encouraged.

llanochamber.org

True Grit Ranch, 6810 Old Granbury Road

Tough Mudder hosts a 10-mile, 25-obstacle classic event, along with a 5K with 13 obstacles. There are also kids' events, featuring age-specific distances and obstacles designed for ages 5 to 12.

visitgranbury.com/mudder

Port Aransas Fisherman's Wharf, 900 Tarpon St.

Ten teams compete for their share of a $100,000 purse. Teams are only allowed to weigh two fish in the 20- to 28-inch slot per day rather than the standard five-fish limit for B.A.S.S. events. The contest features a mix of championship-caliber professional redfish teams along with five all-star teams featuring Bassmaster pro anglers paired with redfish pros.

portaransas.org/event/bassmaster-redfish-cup/2462

Cibolo Center for Conservation, 140 City Park Road

Join naturalist Jasmine Torrez and explore the Cibolo Center for Conservation to discover various living organisms that call the Cibolo home.

cibolo.org/calendar

Beach Lodge , 2016 On the Beach Drive

If you love all things ocean-centric, this is the race for you. The course is run entirely on sand along the Gulf of Mexico. You choose your challenge–hard-packed sand near the water or softer sand near the road. Enjoy the sun and the sound of waves as you persevere through the wind. After your race, hang on the beach, have an ice-cold drink and food from The Beach Lodge, or enjoy some shopping in town. Distances include 5K, 10K, half marathon, marathon, 50k, and 50 miles.

ultraexpeditions.com/barrier-island-ultra

Harlingen Convention Center, 701 Harlingen Heights Drive

Experience field trips, seminars, a raptor show, kids’ activities, and free family fun. The Rio Grande Valley sees more than 20 specialty birds, including Altamira orioles, aplomado falcons, green jays, and great kiskadees.

rgvbf.org

Town East Mall, 2063 Town East Mall

This 5K kicks off the holiday season with holiday fun and color. Each participant is a blank canvas at the starting line and is transformed into a colorful collage during the race.

facebook.com/amazingsantacolor5k

Historic Main Street

Just when you thought the Christmas Capital of Texas couldn’t get any bigger, the Grapevine Convention and Visitors Bureau offers an all new attraction for the 2022 holiday season, a 4,500-square-foot outdoor ice-skating rink on Historic Main Street. The rink stays open for 52 days and adds to the list of more than 1,400 attractions and events Grapevine hosts over 40 days during the holiday season.

grapevinetexasusa.com/christmas-capital-of-texas

Moody Gardens, 1 Hope Boulevard

Part of Holiday in the Gardens, come see 2 million pounds of colorful ice carved into shapes of sea creatures in a chilled structure (parkas provided). Other holiday festivities include the Festival of Lights Trail, Arctic Slide, train ride, and ice skating rink.

moodygardens.org

Downtown , Whetstone Square

Watch a Hallmark movie come to life as you stroll through downtown Marshall. The festival has an outdoor ice skating rink, vintage carousel, train, and a collection of tiny houses making up Santa's Village. Additional weekly special events are enjoyed by residents and visors alike, though the 1901 historic Harrison County Courthouse, adorned in millions of white lights, remains the crown jewel.

tx-marshall.civicplus.com/483/Wonderland-of-Lights-2022

Gruene Historic District

Start your Thanksgiving day with the 14th annual 5K run/walk through Gruene Historic District. Kids under 12 years old have a blast chasing a turkey mascot for a quarter mile. Races begin and end in front of Gruene Hall and benefit local charities, including the Comal County Sheriff's Green Santa Program and the New Braunfels Police Department Blue Santa Program.

holidaysingruene.com

Van Horn Convention Center, 1801 W. Broadway

This is an annual desert mule deer hunting tournament.

vanhorntexas.org

Marktplatz, 100 block of West Main Street

This annual seasonal outdoor ice skating rink benefits the Heritage School, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, and the Boys and Girls Club of Fredericksburg.

heritageschool.org/eisbahn

South Texas Botanical Gardens and Nature Center, 8545 S. Staples St.

Celebrate the joys of the season featuring environmental artist Shelia Rogers' latest recycling exhibit, "Eco Christmas Tree," an 18-foot-tiered, lit-from-within, holiday masterpiece created from recycled green plastic bottles collected by the community. The traditional Holly-Days 20-foot lighted fir tree once again adorns the Rose Garden, with smaller-themed trees and lighted displays throughout the Gardens. The event also offers hayrides, cocoa, cider, s'mores over fire pits, Santa, and other festivities.

stxbot.org

Heritage Farmstead Museum, 1900 W. 15th St.

For one month, Heritage Farmstead Museum is bedazzled with more than 1 million twinkling holiday lights and filled with animated yuletide displays. The outdoor event features a quarter-mile trail showcasing light creations and animated displays. Guests also enjoy a 20-foot Christmas tree, refreshments such as hot cocoa and make-your-own s’mores, and a chance for the youngest guests to visit with Santa.

heritagefarmstead.org

Amarillo Civic Center Complex, 401 S. Buchanan St.

Find about 500 exhibitors showcasing agricultural products, services, and technologiesis at one of the nation’s largest indoor farm and ranch shows. 

ideaggroup.com/amarillo

Amarillo Botanical Gardens, 1400 Streit Drive

Christmas in the Gardens readies you for the holiday season with a stroll through the Amarillo Botanical Garden’s glowing foliage.

amarillobotanicalgardens.org/events

Lone Star Park, 1000 Lone Star Parkway

On Thursday through Saturday, head to the racetrack to see horses race past you during the quarter-horse season.

lonestarpark.com

Freeport Municipal Park

Enjoy holiday festivities on the banks of the Old Brazos River including a special appearance from Santa Claus and a lighted boat parade.

freeport.tx.us

Downtown Corsicana, 301 S. Beaton St.

On Friday, join in for a pep rally to kick off Heritage Bowl weekend. On Saturday, the Heritage Bowl, an annual Division II, post-season collegiate football game takes place. Established in 2017, the game is played each year the first Saturday in December. The two participating teams consist of schools competing in the Lone Star Conference, Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletic Association, and/or the Great American Conference.

visitcorsicana.com

Keller Town Hall/Bear Creek Trail, 1100 Bear Creek Parkway

Grab your jingle bells, Santa hats, Rudolph noses, and headlamps, and join along for a great time with your friends. This event is coupled with the Keller HollyDays featuring the city Christmas tree lighting, Holly Jolly Light Parade, and holiday laser show. Hang your finisher medal from your neck or on the Christmas tree. The Santa Scurry medals always double as an ornament.

santascurry.com

Stephen C. Beachy Central Park, 1000 Krenek Tap Road

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas in College Station. Bring the family or your friends and take an old-fashioned hayride, then stay for cookies, hot cocoa, live entertainment, real snow slides, photos with Santa, and a children's train.

cstx.gov/christmas

Various locations

Follow the trail of lights and greenery downtown to explore the 11th annual Festival of Trees. Each tree is decorated by a local nonprofit organization. Find the locations by downloading the Visit Palestine app in Google Play or the Apple Store and choose Tours at the top right. From there, you can choose the Christmas Light Tour.

visitpalestine.com/events/2020/11th-annual-festival-of-trees

Crockett County Fair Park Convention Center, 1303 Ave. AA

This community-wide appreciation banquet for hunters helps raise money for local civic organizations and the West Texas Rehab. Proceeds are raised through ticket sales for door prizes and admission fees. Door prizes include guns and $10,000 in Cabela's gift cards.

ozona.com/events-calendar

Palestine Chamber of Commerce, 401 W. Main St.

This Palestine tradition, organized by the local YMCA, is a festive fun run through downtown that gets the whole family into the spirit of the season. Wear your favorite holiday costume. The 5K is a USA Track and Field-certified course that utilizes chip timing. It is also a fundraiser for Palestine YMCA youth and senior scholarships.

palestineymca.org

Louise Hays Park, 202 Thompson Drive

Join the Kerrville Parks and Recreation Department for its annual holiday 5K. Get the family together and dress up as Santa, elves, "Whoville" residents, or other Christmas characters for an enjoyable way to celebrate the season.

kerrvilletx.gov

Center for the Arts and Sciences, 400 College Blvd.

This show features a 30-foot dome equipped with a Spitz Star Ball projector that reproduces the night sky, along with a variety of other high-tech equipment to give visitors a close-up feel of comets, exploding stars, and black holes.

brazosportcenter.com

Corpus Christi Gun Club, 2832 FM 763

Do you enjoy the great outdoors? Particularly when combined with a little fun and competition? If so, make plans to seize the day at the Portland Chamber of Commerce's One in the Chamber Clays Tournament. Participants compete against one another to see who can shoot the most clay targets with a shotgun.

business.portlandtx.org/events/details/3rd-annual-one-in-the-chamber-clays-tournament-presented-by-corpus-christi-medical-center-12036

Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary, 1 Nature Place

Holidays at the Heard brings the beauty of the holiday season into nature. Bundle up your family, get out of the house, and experience this unique family-friendly holiday evening event in North Texas.

heardmuseum.org

Spicewood Vineyards, 1419 CR 409

Partake in a holiday fitness tradition for adventurous runners and walkers. The Spicewood Vineyards Half Marathon, 10K, and 5K takes you past rolling vineyards and along country roads, then rewards you with a souvenir wine glass, post-race wine tasting and meal, all at a beautiful, award-winning winery in the Texas Hill Country. All finishers get medals. Dress up for a chance to win wine awards in the holiday costume contest.

runintexas.com/spicewood

Jefferson Visitor Center, 305 E. Austin St.

Shop for new and antique guns, knives, knife-sharpening equipment, ammunition, gun parts, archery equipment, reloading equipment and supplies, scopes, and holsters. There's a rifle giveaway, courtesy of J and N Motorsports.

tandkpromotions.com

Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary, 1 Nature Place

On the second Saturday of the month, take a bird walk intended to help beginning and intermediate birders with bird spotting and identification techniques. There are also plenty of opportunities for participants to ask questions from experienced birders. Prairie, woodland, and wetland habitats are included in these walks.

heardmuseum.org

Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary, 1 Nature Place

During Zip Line Days, visitors can climb a 23-foot-tall tree to a zip line platform, then proceed to a 487-foot-long zip line.

heardmuseum.org

Gruene Historic District, 1281 Gruene Road

Registration for the 30th annual run/walk begins early. This 5K run/walk and Kids' K event benefits St. Jude's Ranch for Children. Awards are given to the top male and female finishers, the top male and female masters, the top three finishers in each age group, and the top three wheelchair athletes.

athleteguild.com

Surfside Beach Main Entrance

Watch the sky fill up with the lit-up kites of the Surfside Flyers Kite Club. The fourth annual event is fun for all ages.

surfsidetx.org

Cave Without a Name Throne Room, 325 Kreutzberg Road

Slaid Cleaves writes songs about people who live an unglamorous reality, working dead-end jobs and running out of money. With an eye for the beauty in everyday life, he tells their stories, bringing a bit of empathy to their uncaring world.

cavewithoutaname.com

Railyard Park, 455 S. College St.

This holiday 5K race and fun run comes complete with Santa suits.

ymcadallas.org

Surfside Beach Pedestrian Beach

Watch a group of Santas catch waves and hang 10 at this fifth annual holiday event.

surfsidetx.org

Gulf Coast Bird Observatory, 299 SH 332 West

Watch volunteers collect baseline data on bird populations at the sanctuary. The banding station is an excellent opportunity to see birds up close and to learn all the birds of the Brazosport area.

gcbo.org

Tyler State Park, 789 Park Road 16

“Try” new skills for a new year. Visitors can sign up for guided hikes through the forest, mountain biking through pine savannah, and try out kayaking on a spring-fed lake.

tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/tyler

Center for the Arts and Sciences, 400 College Blvd.

This show features a 30-foot dome equipped with a Spitz Star Ball projector that reproduces the night sky, along with a variety of other high-tech equipment to give visitors a close-up feel of comets, exploding stars, and black holes.

brazosportcenter.com

Hill Country State Natural Area, 10600 Bandera Creek Road

Endurance runners of different levels participate in this race weekend with 25K, 50K, and 100K events and a 1-mile youth race. The 100K is a standlone race on Saturday with a 24-25 hour cutoff. The 50K and 25K start Sunday morning and end Sunday night the latest.

tejastrails.com/bandera

Ray Roberts Lake State Park, Johnson Branch Unit, 100 PW 4153

Help celebrate 100 years of fishing in Texas State Parks. Bring your child to the Kid Fish pond and create memorable moments while fishing for freshly stocked rainbow trout. Rangers are there to help kids fish and are giving away prizes.

tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/ray-roberts-lake

Monahans Sandhills State Park, 2500 I-20

Keep those New Year's resolutions going with a 5K, 10K, and 1-mile health walk.

active.com/monahans-tx/running/distance-running-races/monahans-sandhills-resolution-run-2023

Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary, 1 Nature Place

On the second Saturday of the month, take a bird walk intended to help beginning and intermediate birders with bird spotting and identification techniques. There are also plenty of opportunities for participants to ask questions from experienced birders. Prairie, woodland, and wetland habitats are included in these walks.

heardmuseum.org

Granbury City Beach, 505 E. Pearl St.

Kick off the new year by jumping into the frigid waters of Lake Granbury. Prizes are awarded for Best Costume, Oldest Participant, Furthest Travelled, Best Team Costumes, and Best Couples Costume.

visitgranbury.com/goosebumpjump

South Texas Botanical Gardens and Nature Center, 8545 S. Staples St.

Winter visitors and South Texans learn valuable and often unique lessons on South Texas horticulture and the environment from experts, while meeting new friends over a cup of coffee.

stxbot.org

Portland Community Center , 2000 Billy G Webb Drive

Compete in either a half marathon, 10K, or 5K through Portland. The races include a finisher's medal, shirt, and race bibs. Prizes and awards are given to top overall finishers of all three races. The races take place rain or shine.

business.portlandtx.org/events/details/2nd-annual-portland-half-13-1-10k-5k-presented-by-dawson-s-recycling-disposal-12457

Pioneer Pavilion at Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park, 432 Lady Bird Drive

The Fredericksburg Rockhounds hosts this 52nd annual gem and mineral show, where you can find artifacts, exhibits, demonstrations, jewelry, minerals, fossils, and collectors.

fredericksburgrockhounds.org

Meridian State Park, 173 Park Road 7

The rainbow trout is stocked in January, and a fly-fishing group from Dallas-Fort Worth comes to teach people how to fly fish. The event includes a tackle loaner program, fishing contest, and, moving into the evening, live music and a dance on the Civilian Conservation Corps veranda, wrapping up with a star party.

tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/meridian

Downtown Austin, 9700 Stonelake Blvd.

Run a mostly downhill course that takes you past some of Austin’s finest locations and finishes downtown near the Texas State Capitol. The 3M Half boasts one of the fastest half marathon courses in the country.

3mhalfmarathon.com

Lake Corpus Christi , 23194 Park Road 25

Kid Fish is an annual event hosted by Lake Corpus Christi State Park. The purpose of this single-day event is to expose local youth to the sport and enjoyment of fishing and provide them with the tools and knowledge for a future of responsible recreation and environmental stewardship.

tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/lake-corpus-christi

Lake Bob Sandlin State Park, 341 State Park Road 2117

Multiple generations of families have attended this event over the years. At the 33rd annual Kids Fish Day, thousands of rainbow trout are stocked, and the park provides all the gear needed. There are casting games for beginners, fish prep and cooking demonstrations, and giveaways. Rangers are on hand to guide fishers. There are two different sessions, one in the morning and one in the afternoon.

tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/lake-bob-sandlin

Sanders Cove at Pat Mayse Lake

The Texas Mountain Bike Racing Association hosts the Texas State Championship Series and the first mountain bike racing event of the spring series. There are races for all ages and abilities, and first-time racers can take a clinic on Saturday. The Kids Cup race on Saturday is for those 12 and under.

tmbra.org/wp

Tanger Outlets, 4015 I-35

Do you have what it takes to finish one of San Marcos' most challenging half marathons? The course is an endurance test with a mixture of challenging hills and flat stretches. The bonus? Bragging rights for completing the oldest half-marathon course in Texas.

scallywompus.com

Center for the Arts and Sciences, 400 College Blvd.

This show features a 30-foot dome equipped with a Spitz Star Ball projector that reproduces the night sky, along with a variety of other high-tech equipment to give visitors a close-up feel of comets, exploding stars, and black holes.

brazosportcenter.org

Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary, 1 Nature Place

On the second Saturday of the month, take a bird walk intended to help beginning and intermediate birders with bird spotting and identification techniques. There are also plenty of opportunities for participants to ask questions from experienced birders. Prairie, woodland, and wetland habitats are included in these walks.

heardmuseum.org

Gruene Historic District, near Gruene Hall, 1281 Gruene Road

Grab your spouse, friend, or furry loved one and come dressed as your favorite famous duo to the fourth annual Love the Run You’re With 5K presented by Comal ISD’s Comal Fit.

athleteguild.com

Rockin R River Rides, 1405 Gruene Road

Wear your favorite team jersey and earn a football trophy in your age group, then enjoy music, food, and a Texas-size tailgate party. A kids' 1K has been added this year. Later, head to Mozie's to watch the game.

athleteguild.com

Stahlman Park, 2211 Bluewater Highway

The Surfside Beach Marathon includes a marathon, half marathon, 5K, and kids' 1K. At the post-run party, runners can enjoy Texas barbecue, drinks, and games. Races start as the sun rises over the water and follow the public beach to San Luis Pass, then return. The entire course is on the firm, smooth sand.

surfsidebeachmarathon.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

DJ Lerma Pavilion, Isla Blanca Park, 33174 State Park Road 100

Every Sunday in front of the DJ Lerma Pavilion, patrons can learn to surf for free.

facebook.com/surfvive.org

Various locations

Each year since 1996, the Whooping Crane Festival has celebrated the annual return of the cranes to their wintering habitat at the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge. The event has renowned speakers, birding trips, boating trips, nature tours, photography workshops, and a trade show.

portaransas.org/whooping-crane-festival