Isla Tours, 33256 State Park Road 100

All aboard the Murphy’s Law for a 1.5-hour dolphin watch and eco tour. Cruise along the lower Laguna Madre on the 67-foot, double-decker boat, which is specially designed to allow guests to have an optimum viewing experience while on the water.

islatours.com

Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary, 1 Nature Place

Experience the ecology, geology, flora, and fauna of the Heard Sanctuary. Led by trained guides, your group spends 45-60 minutes hiking the unique landscape.

heardmuseum.org/other-programs/#trail

Historic Herff Farm, 33 Herff Road

Find what you need at this market open every Saturday, whether you want to hike the trails, shop in the open air, get gardening inspiration, take classes on growing food, volunteer at the Cibolo Center for Conservation, or get new recipe ideas.

cibolo.org/locations/farmersmarket

Cibolo Center for Conservation, 140 City Park Road

Hit the trails at sunset and discover the various creatures that call the Cibolo home. Family Night Hikes are great ways for children and families to explore the center and see what lives in the park in the dark.

cibolo.org/night-hikes

Davis Mountains Preserve , State Highway 118 North (about 10 miles past McDonald Observatory)

The Nature Conservancy’s Davis Mountains Preserve—home to Mount Livermore and Baldy Peak—is closed to the public for research and conservation-related management activities throughout the majority of the year. However, the preserve opens for camping, hiking, biking, equestrian, picnics, photography, birding, and other outdoor activities on select weekends throughout the year. All are invited, no reservation required.

nature.org/en-us/get-involved/how-to-help/events/tx-davis-mountains-open-days

Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary, 1 Nature Place

Visitors have the opportunity to explore larger-than-life animatronic insects and arachnids, strategically positioned along the nature trails of the Heard. This unique exhibit offers a compelling conservation experience designed to deepen the understanding of these fascinating creatures and their vital roles in the ecosystem.

heardmuseum.org/bugs-live

Davey Dogwood Park, 900 N. Link St.

Explore hidden fairy gardens amidst the scenic trails in Davey Dogwood Park. Wander the path to see magical tiny abodes, handmade by creative designers far and wide. The first half of the mile-long trail is paved for ADA accessibility, with an unpaved loop that is suitable for scooters and strollers.

visitpalestine.com/p/things-to-do/festivals--parades/fairy-garden-trails

Ennis Welcome Center , 201 NW Main St.

Ennis is home to the official Texas Bluebonnet Trail and was designated the official Bluebonnet City of Texas. In April, Ennis showcases over 40 miles of mapped driving trails sponsored by the Ennis Garden Club. These trails are the oldest such trails known in the state, and tens of thousands of visitors make the short trek to view this wonderful wildflower show.

bluebonnettrail.org

Center for the Arts and Sciences, 400 College Blvd.

This show (check for dates throughout the month) 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

Pfluger Park, 515 City Park Road

Spend your Friday nights this spring at Music in the Park, an annual outdoor concert series that showcases a variety of live bands on select Friday nights. There’s no admission charge, so bring lawn chairs, furry friends, blankets, and picnic baskets for a free evening of music, entertainment, and relaxation. Performers include Texas Bad Cats, Fun Gus and the Shrooms, and Departure ATX.

pflugervilletx.gov/554/music-in-the-park

Quintana Neotropical Bird Sanctuary, 814 N. Lamar St.

Spring is peak migration time, so the Gulf Coast Bird Observatory hosts Spring Fling for four weeks. Volunteers and staff are available each day to help identify the migrating and resident birds as well as keep a daily list going.

gcbo.org

Houston Polo Club, 8552 Memorial Drive

Experience a world-class polo match, player parade, live music, expert announcing, traditional champagne divot stomp at halftime, and special trophy presentation. The onsite concession is serving a delicious Argentine/Brazilian-inspired menu and a premium bar menu.

Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary, 1 Nature Place

Over 220 birds species have been observed at the Heard and 61 species have been documented nesting here. Third Thursday Bird Walks are intended to help beginning and intermediate birders with bird spotting and identification techniques. There are also plenty of opportunities provided for participants to ask questions from experienced birders. This program is offered monthly.

heardmuseum.org/birding

Lone Star Park, 1000 Lone Star Parkway

A good time you can bet on. Watch the horses race past you at this beautiful major league sports entertainment attraction.

lonestarpark.com

McDonald Observatory, 3640 Dark Sky Drive

Join McDonald Observatory in celebrating far West Texas’s famous dark skies with special talks, tours, star parties, and other activities. Events are held at McDonald Observatory and locations throughout Alpine, Marfa, and surrounding communities.

mcdonaldobservatory.org

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

Spotlighting South Texas’ peak spring migration in one of the country’s busiest flyways is the Birdiest Festival in America. The festival features birding field trips, presentations, workshops, bird walks, and educational programs by Jonathan Wood of The Raptor Project.

birdiestfestival.org

The Club at Carlton Woods, One Carlton Woods Drive

The best players on the LPGA Tour compete in the first major golf championship of the year, held on the Jack Nicklaus Signature Course at The Club at Carlton Woods. The defending champion is world No. 1 Nelly Korda.

thechevronchampionship.com

Port Aransas Beach, Between beach mile markers 9 and 13.

See amazing feats of sand art and architecture as master sculptors from all over the world come to Port Aransas to make pure magic from the sand. This is the largest master sand-sculpting competition in the United States.

texassandfest.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

Linden City Square, 100 E. Houston St.

The 55th annual tricity festival celebrates the wildflowers that grow between the northeast Texas towns of Linden, Avinger, and Hughes Springs. Festivities, which vary by town, include art, quilt, flower, and car shows; hot dog eating contests; bingo; parades; and live performances.

wildflowertrailsoftexas.org

Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary, 1 Nature Place

The Heard is home to many different frog species and the team wants to share them with you. Start with fun frog facts, a guide on frog sounds, and instructions on how to look and listen for frogs. Then, get out on the trails and find those frogs.

heardmuseum.org/night-hikes

Cornerstone Christian School, 400 Elm St.

Tackle a 5K, one-mile fun run, and the Tot Trot. Everyone in the family can participate.

Alpine Visitor Center, 106 N. Third St.

Celebrate International Dark Sky Week at the heart of the Greater Big Bend International Dark Sky Reserve. There are demonstrations and family activities at the Alpine Farmers Market, followed by afternoon presentations and a Star Party at Alpine’s Kokernot Park with experts from McDonald Observatory.

visitalpinetx.com/dark-skies

San Bernard National Wildlife Refuge, 2547 County Road 316

Children can enjoy activities like archery, fishing for catfish, a BB gun range, bug sweeping, microscopes, touch tanks, and reptiles. Adults and children can both enjoy the “Birds of Prey” show by EarthQuest as well as the butterfly encounter tents. Qualified naturalists give tours of the refuge by marsh buggy or wagon, while guided walking tours are available to Bobcat Woods and to the largest Texas Live Oak.

migrationcelebration.com

Neblett Park, 508 16th St.

Partake in a 5K run/walk benefiting Tex Randall, Canyon’s cowboy statue that stands 47 feet tall, constructed off of Route 60. All proceeds go to the maintenance of the statue.

canyonmainstreet.org

Grandscape, 5752 Grandscape Blvd.

Happening in communities across the country, including in North Texas, Walk to Cure Arthritis is a fun way to get moving while raising awareness and money for better treatments and a cure. Connect with arthritis warriors and caregivers in your community.

walktocurearthritis.org/northtexas

Lakeline Park, 1510 Alexis Drive

Join Autism Society of Texas to support the Texas autism community at the 17th annual Texas Autism Walk. The event includes a resource fair, family-friendly activities, and music. Walk with the group at Lakeline Park in Cedar Park or participate virtually from anywhere.

runsignup.com/race/tx/cedarpark/texasautismwalk

Ellis County Rural Heritage Farm Inc., 130 Cunningham Meadows Road

Bring the family for a Sunday afternoon in the country. Enjoy free wildflower walks, interactive exhibits, and demonstrations about the wildlife, birds, flowers, plants, and trees native to the rich Blackland Prairie of Texas.

ruralheritagefarm.org

Marble Falls Mustang Stadium, 2101 Mustang Drive

Like running or walking? Love donuts? This race is for you. Join in for the annual DoNot Stop Half Marathon and 5K/10K—a donut-themed event that is perfect for the whole family. There is a donut waiting for you at the finish line.

eventvesta.com/events/97137/t/tickets

Amistad National Recreation Area, 10477 US 90

This unique Texas birding experience connects birders with landowners. In 2025, the Birding the Border Festival returns to Del Rio where visitors have opportunities to birdwatch on private and restricted-access properties to find all kinds of bird species.

wildlife.tamu.edu/birding/birding-the-border-2025

Lake Corpus Christi State Park, 23194 Park Road 25

Enjoy fun activities, guided walks to learn about the park’s native plants, educational booths, and a native plant sale.

txmn.org/st/event/vs-spring-fling-a-celebration-of-native-plants-lake-corpus-christi-sp

Prestwick Elementary School, 3101 Stonefield

Birds, planes, and kites, oh my! The Up, Up, and Away! Festival of Flight lifts off for another year of entertainment in the sky. Bring the family out for interactive activities such as kite flying and demonstrations, music, birding demonstrations, and paper airplane making. There’s also giveaways, rides, and food trucks.

thecolonytx.gov/837/up-up-away-festival-of-flight

St. John Lutheran Church festival grounds, 210 Hickory Road

This springtime festival promotes and educates the public about honey bees and the nature that surrounds them. Enjoy vendors selling local honey and bee-related crafts. There are also workshops and clinics, local bee keeping clubs, native plant sales, educational groups, and food and drink, including honey beer.

tinyurl.com/4accw2nd

Center for the Arts and Sciences, 400 College Blvd.

This show (check for dates throughout the month) 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

Memorial Pool, 3251 Copper Ave.

This all-female event offers in-person and virtual options: a super sprint triathlon, a sprint triathlon, a bike-run, a run/walk, and two- and three-person relay teams.

mightymujertriathlon.com/elpaso

Hillsboro Downtown District

Every Saturday night, families can enjoy a weekly outdoor concert series with varying music genres in the heart of downtown Hillsboro, with views of the courthouse.

hillsborotx.org

South Padre Island Convention Center , 7355 Padre Blvd.

Anglers compete to nab the largest red drum, trout, and flounder at one of the biggest and best boat owner’s fishing tournaments on the Gulf Coast.

sopadre.com/events

Clayton’s Beach Bar and Grill, 6900 Padre Blvd.

Conquer the 5K course covering challenging obstacles on the sun-drenched beaches of South Padre Island. Afterwards, there’s a Texas-sized beach party at Clayton’s Beach Bar.

sopadre.com/events

Downtown , 1721 S. Tyler St.

The half-marathon whisks runners through scenic downtown, historic Oliver Eakle and Wolflin neighborhoods, past parks, and through central Amarillo.

hopeandhealingplace.org/half-marathon

Fly It! Port A, 405 W. Ave. G

Fly It Port A hosts this open kite fly on the beach. BYOK (Bring Your Own Kite) and help decorate the sky or simply come watch the show. Flyers start setting up around 10 a.m. near beach marker 13 and fly all day weather permitting. There may even be night kites.

portaransas.org

Red Tail Pavilion, 2801 E. Spring Creek Parkway

Participants can walk, jog, or run at this eighth annual race benefiting local first responders. This event is for all fitness levels and features a route through Oak Point Park and nature preserve.

events.visitplano.com/event/shoots-and-ladders-5k-10k

Cibolo Center for Conservation, 140 City Park Road

Moondance is a longstanding monthly outdoor concert series at the Cibolo beginning in May and running through October. Grab lawn chairs, coolers, and friends, and come enjoy live music from local bands under the oak trees.

cibolo.org/moondance

Cowtown Coliseum, 121 E. Exchange Ave.

Ride For Redemption is the second phase of the PBR World Finals, determining the final five spots of the 25-rider field that competes at the PBR World Championship. The on-the-dirt action inside Cowtown Coliseum is accompanied by a myriad of can’t-miss programming throughout the Fort Worth Stockyards, including the Stockyards Stampede.

pbrworldfinals.com

Luling Foundation Farm, 523 N. Mulberry St.

Luling Foundation Farm is an agriculture demonstration farm established in 1927 to teach diversity in agriculture and improve the lives of farm and ranch families in Caldwell, Gonzales, and Guadalupe counties. The 97th annual field day is a full day of agriculture education offered free of charge.

lulingfoundation.org

Draughon-Miller Central Texas Regional Airport, 7720 Airport Road

Experience a day full of supersonic-speed jets, gravity-defying aerobatics, parachutists, and exciting ground displays. On Friday, there is an evening air show, live music, and a drone show.

ctxaf.com

Louise Hays Park, 202 Thompson Drive

Pack up your lawn chairs and picnic blankets and come out to Louise Hays Park to enjoy an evening of jams and delicious food from local food vendors along the banks of the beautiful Guadalupe River.

kerrvilletx.gov

Fulton Convention Center, 402 N. Fulton Beach Road

This is the largest one-day female angler fishing tournament in the country. Women from all over Texas and across the country come together for a fun-filled weekend with live bands, vendor booths, and educational outreach.

babesonthebay.com

AT&T Stadium, 1 AT&T Way

The PBR World Finals, bull riding’s crown jewel, were reimagined in 2024, debuting an exciting new three-stage format, making the battle for the World Championship-coveted gold buckle and accompanying $1 million bonus more dramatic and competitive than ever.

pbrworldfinals.com

Clifton Chamber of Commerce, 115 N. Avenue D

The Bosque Tour de Norway is the second leg of the European Tour of Texas Challenge. It is popular among cyclists for its burning climbs, gorgeous panoramic views, and unique cultural experiences of Clifton and the historic Norse area of Bosque County.

cliftontexas.org

Gulf Coast Bird Observatory, 299 SH 332 West

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

gcbo.org

Theatre Under The Stars, 800 Bagby St.

For its final show of the Season, Theatre Under The Stars presents Lin Manuel Miranda’s first exhilarating musical, “In The Heights.” Enter the vibrant New York City neighborhood Washington Heights, a place where the coffee from the corner bodega is light and sweet, the windows are always open, and the breeze carries the rhythm of three generations of music. It’s here that a bodega owner named Usnavi and his friends dream, hope, and work for a bright future.

TUTS.org

Salmon Lake Park, 247 Salmon Lake Road

For the 28th year, gospel bluegrass bands gather for this Memorial Day weekend celebration at Salmon Lake Park. Bluegrass gospel artists perform uplifting songs at this beloved East Texas outdoor music festival.

slpbluegrass.com

Mayor Vera Calvin Plaza, 141 W. Renfro St.

Enjoy concerts on the lawn of Burleson’s 1-acre public plaza in Old Town. BYOB and lawn chair, and relax while listening to great music.

facebook.com/burlesonparksandrecreation/events

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

Cave Without a Name Throne Room, 325 Kreutzberg Road

Woodland Winds create a vibrant soundscape with an expanded repertoire beyond the standard quartet pieces, including popular and seasonal music.

cavewithoutaname.com

Texas Maritime Museum, 1202 Navigation Circle

Indulge with the perfect blend of wine, music, and festivities at the 28th annual festival, hosted at the Texas Maritime Museum grounds and featuring more than 75 wines, live music, and local cuisine.

rockportwinefest.com

Lady Bird Lake, Downtown, 1200 W. Cesar Chavez St.

All levels of athletes from top-ranked professionals to first-time triathletes compete in this triathlon, which includes the USA Paratriathlon National Championship. The race begins with a swim in Lady Bird Lake, and then the bike course takes athletes right to the heart of downtown Austin and directly into the Texas capitol. The race concludes with a run through Butler Park and the Palmer Events Center before the finish and post-race party at Auditorium Shores.

captextri.com

Farmers Market, 201 N. Chestnut St.

The Summer Sounds concert series is a free event held the last Friday of May, June, and July. This event has been around for over 15 years and offers attendees a fun outdoor concert experience.

gainesvillecofc.com

Winston Patrick McGregor Park , 1628 W. Henderson St.

Cleburne’s Plaza Theatre Company and the Cleburne Chamber of Commerce present Shakespeare in the Park. This year the show is “The Comedy of Errors,” about the misadventures of two sets of twins. Come out and watch under the big Texas sky at Winston Patrick McGregor Park. Gates open at 6 p.m.

cleburneshakes.org

JP Luby Beach, Intersection of Beach Access Road 5 and Eliff Road

Runners across the nation gear up to conquer one of the largest relay marathons in the country, which boasts annual participation of more than 2,000 teams. Participants begin the six-leg race on the sands of North Padre Island, make their way through Naval Air Station Corpus Christi, and end along scenic Shoreline Drive at McCaughan Park. Beach to Bay proudly honors the men and women serving in the military.

beachtobayrelay.com

Major Hope Corral, 749 Old Medina Highway

Join Bandera Historical Rides for a cowboy breakfast and a Sunday morning horseback ride.

banderahistoricalrides.com

Sam Houston Park, 4101 Line Ave.

Enjoy free live music at Sam Houston Park every Tuesday. The series is presented by Amarillo Parks and Recreation.

heritagesociety.org/sam-houston-park

Flying L Ranch and Resort, 675 Flying L Drive

Available Tuesdays through Saturdays, visitors can sit by the campfire and roast marshmallows while enjoying entertainment by a cowboy under the Texas stars. Also, enjoy wagon rides to feed the deer, visit Ghost Town, or watch the running of the horses.

flyingl.com

Center for the Arts and Sciences, 400 College Blvd.

This show (check for dates throughout the month) 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

Lucy Kidd-Key Park, 405 N. Rusk St.

Every Thursday night in June and July, artists come to play live music in downtown Sherman.

facebook.com/shermanhsn

John L. Kuykendall Events Center and Arena, 2200 RR 152

On the first full weekend of June, the Llano Open Pro Rodeo thrills the crowd with bronc bustin’, bull riding, barrel racing, and team roping.

llanochamber.org

Louise Hays Park, 202 Thompson Drive

Themes of magic, betrayal, revenge, and family are intertwined in one of the Bard’s most famous plays, featuring the wizard Prospero and his servants Caliban and Ariel. Pack a picnic, bring some lawn chairs, and enjoy Shakespeare under the stars.

caillouxperformingarts.com

Downtown, 608 Elm St.

With routes ranging from 6 to 76 miles, this ride takes you through southwestern Young County, including Graham, Olney, and historic Fort Belknap, with rolling hills, smooth roads, and some of the most beautiful scenery in Texas.

possumpedal.com

West Mesquite High School, 2500 Memorial Blvd.

With four distances to choose from (12, 24, 50, and 62 miles) and a new start venue, the Rodeo Road Bicycle Rally offers a challenge for every rider. After finishing the ride, enjoy lunch provided by Whataburger. The rally brings in 850+ riders of all ages from across Texas and other states.

runsignup.com/race/tx/mesquite/mesquiterotaryrodeoroadrally

Texas Motorplex, 7500 US 287

Drag racers meet up for the Division 4 competition, giving fans a thrilling week of high-speed fun.

texasmotorplex.com/event-schedule

Historic Herff Farm, 33 Herff Road

Find what you need at this market open every Saturday, whether you want to hike the trails, shop in the open air, get gardening inspiration, take classes on growing food, volunteer at the Cibolo Center for Conservation, or get new recipe ideas.

cibolo.org/locations/farmersmarket

Chandor Gardens, 711 W. Lee Ave.

Friends of Chandor Gardens present the fourth annual self-guided tour, where visitors embark on adventures to uncover what lies beyond the hedges, fences, and gates at seven hidden gem gardens. From tranquil oases to vibrant floral displays, each stop on the tour promises to inspire and delight.

chandorgardensfoundation.org

Jericho Gap, 5989 Highway 70

Lace up and hit the road for this 5K and 10K fun run. More than a race, it’s a journey through time on the iconic Jericho Gap on Historic Route 66 Texas. This race is part of the weeklong festival celebrating Texas’ stretch of Route 66.

findarace.com/us/events/run-the-gap

East Beach, 1923 Boddeker Road

On World Ocean Day, people around the blue planet celebrate and honor the ocean. The day features interactive exhibits, art contest, live music, and other festivities.

visitgalveston.com

Coleman Rodeo Grounds, 13152 SH 206

In 1936, Texas’ centennial year, the idea of an annual Coleman Rodeo arose when nine businessmen wanted to do something special to celebrate Texas’s 100th anniversary. Today, the rodeo continues on with a street parade, vendors, shopping, mutton busting, and rodeo events.

colemanrodeo.com

San Marcos River Park, 211 San Marcos Springs Drive

Considered the world’s toughest canoe race, the Texas Water Safari is a 260-mile-long canoe and kayak race from Spring Lake in San Marcos to the city of Seadrift on the Texas coastline. Come cheer the teams on at San Marcos riverside parks.

texaswatersafari.org

Fisherman’s Wharf, 900 Tarpon St.

This is the largest all-female fishing tournament on the Texas coast.

ladiespowderpuff.com

Historic Route 66 District , Southwest Sixth Avenue

Lace-up your sneakers and get ready to hit the pavement at the 5K run/walk taking place on the iconic Route 66 Mother Road.

visitamarillo.com/events/route-66

Cibolo Center for Conservation, 140 City Park Road

Moondance is a longstanding, beloved event at the Cibolo. Grab your lawn chairs and coolers, and come enjoy live music from local bands under the oak trees. This summer, offers new local bands and food trucks.

cibolo.org/moondance

Downtown, Commerce Street

Jacksonville becomes “Tomatoville.” The festival, marking its 41st anniversary this year, features tomato-eating, the world’s largest bowl of salsa, and bloody mary contests; fishing and dodgeball tournaments; a street dance, and many other tomato-centric events.

jacksonvilletexas.com/tomato-fest

Masters Gymnasium, Elder Street

The Rangerette Summer Dance Camp offers young dancers the chance to train with the world-famous Kilgore College Rangerettes, learning precise dance moves.

rangerette.com/events/rangerette-summer-dance-camp-2022

The Star, One Cowboys Way

The Women’s National Football Conference presents the IX Cup Championship Weekend. The weekend includes an All-Pro showdown, a flag football tournament, and the main event—the IX Cup Championship game, taking place on June 21st.

wnfcfootball.com

Virginia Weaver Park, 631 Somerset Drive

Kids ages 6 to 15 can participate in the Triathlon or Splash and Dash, while adults can try the Tri Wave, which includes a 200-meter pool swim, 5-mile bike ride, and 2K run. There’s also the High School Wave, open to teens ages 16 and 17, which is the same as the Tri Wave.

cedarhillkidstri.com

Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary, 1 Nature Place

This family-friendly event promises an evening filled with exploration, discovery, and fun activities for all ages. Kids can become citizen scientists, finding and identifying as many insect species as possible within the sanctuary, and participate in a moth event, where they watch as moths gather around special lights set up to attract them.

heardmuseum.org/bugathon

Oak Point Park Special Events Field, 2801 E. Spring Creek Parkway

Held at Oak Point Nature Preserve, the event features certified 10K and 5K courses, convenient parking, and an after-race party. Stick around for the awards ceremony, kids activities, a sponsor village with lots of goodies, ice-cold beer, and watermelon.

runproject.org/events/melon-dash-race

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 about the birds of the Brazosport area.

gcbo.org

Oak Point Recreation Center, 6000 Jupiter Road

Held every June to bring awareness to the importance of learning how to swim, this fun-filled event is held at Oak Point Recreation Center Pool and every participant (6 and older) receives a free lesson, certificate, and a chance to be a part of the Guinness World Record for the largest swimming lesson.

wlsl.org

Tri-County Golf Club at the Vineyards, 125 PR 940

Join along for the annual Teague Chamber Golf Tournament. It’s a full day of fun with door prizes, swag bags, and lunch.

fairfieldtexaschamber.com

Julia C. Butridge Gallery, Dougherty Arts Center, 1110 Barton Springs Road

Artist Rebecca Pugh takes inspiration from her surroundings in Texas including landscapes along rural highways in a solo exhibition titled “Fences and Fields.” In her recent paintings, the artist abstracts ranch fences, cattle, horses, and regional wildflowers into geometric shapes of color.

austintexas.gov/department/julia-c-butridge-gallery

Hill Country Youth Event Center, 3785 SH 27

Athletes engage in amateur mixed martial arts and kickboxing competitions.

tapology.com

Don Strange Events, 103 Welfare Road

Ready for a Texas-size challenge? Saddle up for a ride across some of the most beautiful terrain in Texas. Known for steep hills, epic views, and friendly faces, the Tour de Boerne is the fastest-growing charity bike ride in the Lone Star State.

tourdeboerne.com

Red Tail Pavilion, 2801 E. Spring Creek Parkway

Participate in this run and post-race party that helps kids with cancer in the Dallas-Fort Worth.

runsignup.com/Race/TX/Plano/WOKCRunfortheKids

Dunbar Park, 803 FM 2004

Get out on Oyster Creek for some kayak and canoe fun. Teams compete to be one of the first 20 boats to retrieve eight different rubber ducks that are corralled along the creek, and bring them back to the starting point in order to win a prize.

visitbrazosport.com

Lone Star Park, 1000 Lone Star Parkway

Celebrate the Fourth of July at the racetrack. After the last race, stay to enjoy the 20-minute firework show, choreographed to music.

lonestarpark.com

Waxahachie Sports Complex and Downtown , 151 Broadhead Road and 100 W. Main St.

Designated the Crape Myrtle Capital of Texas, Waxahachie celebrates with this festival and parade. Enjoy a concert followed by a fireworks show with patriotic music (simulcast on the radio) choreographed to the show. The parade takes place downtown on the Fourth of July.

waxahachiecvb.com

Athens Municipal Airport, 1875 Airport Road

The second annual Thunder Over East Texas Air Show has high-speed aerial performances, including a crowd-favorite demonstration by MiG pilot Randy Ball, the only jet demo pilot—military or civilian—granted both a day and night unlimited aerobatic rating in jet fighters by the FAA.

ccveteransfoundation.org/thunder-over-east-texas-airshow

Main Plaza, 100 N. Main St.

Wear red, white, and blue, and bring a flag to show your pride. Each runner receives a T-shirt and finisher medal at the end of the race. Food, drinks, music, aid stations, and timing are all be included.

runsignup.com/Race/TX/Boerne/flagrun5k

The Texas Pool, 901 Springbrook Drive

Celebrate America’s birthday with a party at the Texas Pool. There’s food and a treats truck, barbecue grills and picnic areas, and a snack bar. Coolers with food and nonalcoholic beverages are welcome.

texaspool.org

Freeport Municipal Park, 421 N. Brazosport Blvd.

Since 1947, anglers have been drawn to this fishing tournament each year in the hopes of catching the biggest redfish, barracuda, or any other offshore or inshore fish. There’s also lots of games, food, live entertainment, dances, arts and crafts, and a fireworks display on Saturday night.

fishinfiesta.com

Dunbar Park, 803 FM 2004

Participate in a 4-mile run through the neighborhoods of Lake Jackson along Oyster Creek. This is a USATF-certified course.

theljfat.com/firecracker-4

In-Sync Exotics Wildlife Rescue and Educational Center, 3430 Skyview Drive

Watch the cats enjoy yummy watermelons. Some of them play with them, soak them in their tubs, and some even eat them. Donations are encouraged.

weblink.donorperfect.com/melontoss

Barrington Plantation State Historic Site, 23400 Park Road 12

Wear some old clothes and help paint the house fence with whitewash, then head over to the barn to help clear the clutter that builds over the busy crop season.

wheretexasbecametexas.org

Gillespie County Fair Grounds, 530 Fair Drive

Come out during the summer season for four big weekends of exciting live pari-mutuel horse racing at the Gillespie County Fair Grounds’ Class 3 track.

gillespiefair.com

Major Hope Corral, 749 Old Medina Highway

Join Bandera Historical Rides for a cowboy breakfast and a Sunday morning horseback ride.

banderahistoricalrides.com

Main Plaza, 100 N. Main St.

The group of volunteer musicians plays a wide range of music that people of all ages can enjoy. Enjoy a patriotic concert in the park.

ci.boerne.tx.us/1104/concerts-in-the-park

Museum of Western Art, 1550 Bandera Highway

Wildlife photographer Rachel Spencer’s work celebrates the wonders of the planet’s wildlife one frame at a time.

museumofwesternart.com

Civic Center , 710 W. Ave. A

The oldest fishing tournament on the Texas coast is sponsored by Port Aransas Boatmen Inc., an organization with an equally long and illustrious history. The tournament attracts hundreds of families and individual anglers to Port Aransas to fish, compete, and have fun.

deepsearoundup.org

South Padre Island Convention and Visitors Bureau, 7355 Padre Blvd.

Anglers compete in an exciting bay tournament, with a portion of proceeds going to Make-A-Wish of the Rio Grande Valley.

visitsouthpadreisland.com

Lampasas Middle School, 902 S. Broad St.

This year marks the Toughest 10K in Texas’ 45th year. Runners travel nationwide to attend this hilly race held during the annual Lampasas Spring Ho Festival because of the challenge the course provides. The race also features a 5K and a 1-Mile Fun Run, as people of all ages are encouraged to come out and participate.

lampasaschamber.org

Cedar Hill State Park, 1570 FM 1370

The Open Water Swim Challenge and Aquathlon offers multiple racing options, whether you are new to multi-sport or an experienced triathlete. Multiple distances and combinations are offered so everyone can find their spot.

owschallenge.com

Virginia’s On The Bay, 815 Trout St.

This tournament pioneered the concept of a video-release format, with points awarded for blue marlin, white marlin, and sailfish. All fish in those divisions are released. Targeted meat fish brought to the dock for weigh-in are dorado, wahoo, tuna, and swordfish.

billfishpachanga.com

Patrick Heath Public Library Amphitheater, 451 N. Main St.

Bring your lawn chairs or blankets and enjoy an evening under the trees on the back lawn at the library. Each show features a different artist.

ci.boerne.tx.us/2295/library

Love Civic Center, 2025 S. Collegiate Drive

The Tour de Paris began in 1984 with just a few enthusiastic cyclists. Since then, it has become a community favorite that boasts over 1,700 cyclists and volunteers. Routes are tailored to riders of all skill levels, with routes of 14 and 24 miles off road on the Northeast Texas Trail, and then 22-, 35-, 57-, 68-, and 80-mile county routes.

visitparistexas.com/41-annual-tour-de-paris-bicycle-rally

City Hall , 201 N. Buffalo St.

Beat the heat with Canton Main Street’s free Splash Day. Cool off with the whole family with water slides, a shower from the Canton Fire Department, and free snow cones.

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 about the birds of the Brazosport area.

gcbo.org

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

At this celebration of the sport of fly fishing, visitors can see fly tying demonstrations and lessons, get casting instructions, learn kayak fishing tips, and shop for new gear.

northernlouisianaflyfishers.org

Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary, 1 Nature Place

Join along and celebrate National Moth Week at Magical Moth Night. Equipped with gentle light features to attract them, explore the hidden beauty of moths and other nocturnal creatures. Reservations required.

heardmuseum.org/magical-moth-night

South Padre Island Convention and Visitors Bureau, 7355 Padre Blvd.

Surrounded by the sparkling waters of the Laguna Madre Bay and Gulf of Mexico, Port Isabel and South Padre Island play host to Texas’ largest saltwater fishing tournament. Anglers compete in one of three divisions: bay, tarpon, and offshore.

visitsouthpadreisland.com

Major Hope Corral, 749 Old Medina Highway

Join Bandera Historical Rides for a cowboy breakfast and a Sunday morning horseback ride.

banderahistoricalrides.com

Cibolo Center for Conservation, 140 City Park Road

Take a hike on the trails at sunset and discover the various living organisms that call the Cibolo home. These family night hikes give families an opportunity to explore the center and see what lives in the park in the dark.

cibolo.org

Granbury Middle School, 2000 Crossland Drive

Tackle an unforgettable and scenic ride with signature climbs at Skulls Crossing, Mongo’s Mountain, and The Peak. The routes are clearly marked with great support and seven rest stops to keep you hydrated and fueled.

blazinsaddle75.com

Granbury Middle School , 2000 Crossland Road

Lace up your running shoes and join the Blazin’ Soles 5K, a new summer event that promises to be fast, fun, and full of energy. Whether you’re a seasoned runner chasing a personal best or a first-time participant looking to have a good time, the Blazin’ Soles 5K has something for everyone.

blazinsoles5k.com

Neches River, FM 1892

Canoeists and kayakers, young and old, expert and beginner all come out in large numbers for “the toughest little race in Texas.” It covers 22 miles of the scenic, largely uninhabited Neches River. Even for those who choose a leisurely paced race, it is a good opportunity to experience nature on the beautiful Neches River Trail.

necheswildernessrace.com

Center for the Arts and Sciences, 400 College Blvd.

This show (check for dates throughout the month) 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

Port Aransas Fisherman’s Wharf, 900 Tarpon St.

This tournament pioneered the concept of a video-release format with points awarded for blue marlin, white marlin, and sailfish. It is unique in that once you are registered in the tournament, you may depart from any Texas port. The Port Aransas weigh-in and awards allows fisherman easy access to the natural offshore structure and deep-water rigs for which this area is famous. 

txlegends.com

South Padre Island Convention and Visitors Bureau, 7355 Padre Blvd.

The first all-ladies tournament in Texas is divided into two divisions: bay and offshore fishing.

visitsouthpadreisland.com

Texas State Railroad, 789 Park Road 70

Traverse the tracks to the Rusk Depot, where you are treated to a Mexican-themed dinner served on the beautiful grounds by the lake. During dinner, a mariachi band provides music for dancing.

texasstaterailroad.net/events/fiesta-flyer-dinner-train

Cibolo Center for Conservation, 140 City Park Road

Hands-on, engaging, and fun for adults of all ages, these hikes are focused on nocturnal wildlife viewing, so hikers can expect longer hikes, unfamiliar trails, and spending time without the use of flashlights.

cibolo.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 about the birds of the Brazosport area.

gcbo.org

Moody Center, 2001 Robert Dedman Drive

An action-packed team bull riding competition features the most exciting 8 seconds in sports with some of the world’s best bull riders and the local Austin Gamblers bull riding team.

moodycenteratx.com/event/pbr-teams-series-2024-1

Scott Schreiner Municipal Golf Tournament, 1 Country Club Drive

Golfers from around the country and state compete in this annual 72-hole tournament, celebrating its 79th year.

hohkerr.com

Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary, 1 Nature Place

Experience this family-friendly event that features a safe environment for trick-or-treating along the eerie Dinosaurs Live! Live-Size Animatronic Dinosaurs trail. Enjoy an evening of fun activities including a presentation of a kid-friendly movie on the outdoor amphitheater stage and photo ops.

heardmuseum.org/halloween-at-the-heard/