A note regarding COVID-19
Clute
Planetarium Show
Feb. 7, 14, 21, 28
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.
Mckinney
Second Saturday Bird Walks
Feb. 11
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.
New Braunfels
Love the Run You're With
Feb. 11
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.
Game Day 5K and Tailgate Party
Feb. 12
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.
Surfside Beach
Marathon
Feb. 18
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.
Huntsville
Experience a Day in the Life of a CCC Enrollee
Feb. 18
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.
South Padre Island
Surfin' Sunday Lessons
Feb. 21-Sept. 30
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.
Port Aransas
Whooping Crane Festival
Feb. 23-26
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.
Austin
ATX Open
Feb. 27-March 5
Westwood Country Club, 3808 W. 35th St.
The ATX Open is Austin's only professional tour-level tennis tournament, bringing world-class women athletes and thrilling tennis action to the capital of Texas. The WTA 250 tournament celebrates its inaugural event at Austin's Westwood Country Club, which is being transformed to include a 1,700-seat stadium court. The tournament is the first of nine U.S.-based events on the 2023 WTA calendar and is being broadcast to a worldwide audience. A global field of WTA stars including 2022 Australian Open finalist Danielle Collins and 2017 US Open champion Sloane Stephens are scheduled to compete in the 32-player singles and 16-team doubles draws.
Fredericksburg
Enchanted Rock 45th Birthday Celebration
March 2
Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, 18 miles north on Ranch Road 965
March 2 marks 45 years since Enchanted Rock became a State Natural Area, and this is one of the many 100-anniversary celebrations for Texas State Parks this year. Guarantee entry by reserving a free day pass up to one month before this special event. Proposed festivities include a fair-type event with area volunteers and interpreters showcasing different activities including backyard bass fishing, birding, skins and skulls, water colour, atlatl, etc.
Burleson
Wicked Wine Run DFW
March 4
Lost Oak Winery, 8010 CR 802
Part race, part wine festival, all fun. Race through the vines and trails of the beautiful Lost Oak Winery. Your wine-fueled night out features a live DJ, local food trucks, vendors, games, and a wine festival.
San Marcos
Middleton Brewing 5K Beer Run
March 4
Middleton Brewing, 101 Oakwood Loop
Do you love craft beer and exercise? Then this is a great run for you. The Middleton Brewing 5k Beer Run starts and finishes at Middleton Brewing Company and runs the rural streets of Oakwood Loop near the brewery. End with a tasting, finisher glass, and shirt.
Rockport
Whooping Crane Strut
March 4
Rockport Beach, 210 Seabreeze Drive
Held at Rockport Beach, the Whooping Crane Strut includes a 2-mile walk and 5K and 10K runs. The walk remains on the beach while the run continues to Austin and Water streets.
Boerne
A Day at the Farm and Farmers Market
March 4-May 27
Historic Herff Farm, 33 Herff Road
The Farmers Market at the Herff Farm is an open-air farmers market open every Saturday morning on the historic Herff Farm. Hike the trails, shop in the open air, get gardening inspiration, take classes on growing your food, help the Cibolo Center for Conservation maintain the land through volunteer service projects, or get new recipe ideas.
New Braunfels
Kinderschuhe 5K Run and Walk
March 4
Gruene Historic District, 1601 Hunter Road
The proceeds for this 5K run and walk help Communities In Schools purchase shoes for low-income school children. The event is open to participants of all ages.
Clute
Planetarium Show
March 7, 14, 21, 24, 28
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.
Mckinney
Second Saturday Bird Walk
March 11
Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary, 1 Nature Place
These 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. Prairie, woodland, and wetland habitats are included in these walks.
Plano
Spring Into Color 5K and 10K Relay
March 11
Oak Point Recreation Center, 6000 Jupiter Road
Run into spring with a 5K through Oak Point Nature Preserve. This is the first race being held in conjunction with the community garage sale and spring festival. The 10K relay also takes off through Oak Point Nature Preserve and helps build camaraderie. Teams consist of two people: participants switch off after the first leg of the race and their partner finishes the last 3.1-mile loop.
Olmito
Resaca Adventure Day
March 11
Resaca de la Palma State Park, 1000 New Carmen Ave., off State Highway 281 or Farm-to-Market Road 1732
Walk through a history of Texas State Parks and enjoy the park with arts and crafts, food, and a 5K Legacy Run to honor the 100 years of Texas State Parks.
Livingston
Frontier Day
March 11
Lake Livingston State Park, 300 State Park Road 65
At this special Frontier Day, programs focus on the lives of the pioneers who explored and settled in Texas, with topics ranging from dutch oven cooking to primitive fire-starting methods to products of the pine industry.
Huntsville
Spring Break Recreation
March 13-17
Huntsville State Park, 565 Park Road 40 West
Celebrate spring break in the outdoors at Huntsville State Park, with five days of fishing, geocaching, bird watching, hiking, campfires, and other activities. Whether you are an avid outdoor recreationalist or wanting to try something for the first time, this week is your opportunity.
Jefferson
St. Patrick's Day Express Train
March 15
Historic Jefferson Railway, 400 E. Austin St.
Celebrate the holiday aboard the St. Patrick’s Day Express. The historic depot is decked out in green, and the train ride includes a stop at the Diamond Don Gator Pit for alligator feeding (weather permitting).
Palestine
Dogwood Trails Celebration
March 17-April 2
Davey Dogwood Park and surrounding Forest Trails, 825 W. Spring St.
Enjoy the delicate beauty of the dogwood trees in Davey Dogwood Park the last two weeks in March and first week in April. Activities are scheduled each weekend to compliment the celebration, including a festival the first weekend. Stop at Palestine Visitor Center for venues and maps.
visitpalestine.com/p/things-to-do/84th-annualbrdogwood-trails-celebration
Fairy Garden Trail
March 17-April 30
Davey Dogwood Park, 4205 N. Link St.
There is so much more to explore in Davey Dogwood Park this spring—the 5.5 miles of driving trails provide beautiful views, but park the car and step onto the trails and see how many of the hidden fairy gardens you can find.
Sugar Land
Banana Ball World Tour
March 17
Constellation Field, 1 Stadium Drive
The Savannah Bananas have grown in popularity as the “World Famous Baseball Circus” and have been featured on ESPN and CNN and in the "Wall Street Journal" and "Sports Illustrated," along with a documentary-style series called “Bananaland,” available on ESPN+. They’ll be playing the Party Animals, a team created by the Bananas to compete at a high level while also participating in the circus-style presentation.
milb.com/sugar-land/news/savannah-bananas-coming-to-constellation-field-in-2023
Boerne
Music in the Cave: Spring Equinox
March 18
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. Some of this concert is performed in total darkness, illuminated by periods of flickering candlelight, providing a visually rich setting and mesmerizing listening environment.
Palestine
Dogwood Lunch Train
March 18-25
Texas State Railroad Palestine Depot, 789 Park Road 70
Passengers aboard Texas State Railroad’s Dogwood Lunch Train get to savor the flavor and sights of East Texas with a delicious meal at the Rusk Rail Depot and a front row seat to the Dogwood Days springtime show during the journey. The luminous white dogwoods and pink redbud blooms light up the East Texas woods as the radiant blossoms and Piney Woods scenery pass by the window.
Lake Jackson
Bird Banding
March 18, April 15, May 20
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.
Bend
White Bass Run at the Bend
March 18
Colorado Bend State Park, 1201 Colorado Park Road
For generations, families have come to cast their lines for white bass during their spawning run. Find out what the "lure" is all about. A fly-fishing station with demonstrations helps visitors learn the art of fly casting, how to choose a fly, fly tying, and how to read the river to catch white bass. Both kids and adults can learn basic fishing skills before hitting the water and discover how this species differs from others in Texas rivers and streams. A 1-mile Tot Trot is also available for children 12 years and younger.
San Angelo
Texas State Parks 100-Year Celebration
March 18
San Angelo State Park, 362 S. FM 2288
Come to the park and celebrate the 100-year anniversary of Texas State Parks. Events and activities include archery, wildlife viewing, birding, a guided hike, longhorn and bison viewing, canoes for paddling on the lake, fishing with a ranger, biking on the trails, and horseback riding.
Whitney
Play Day at Lake Whitney State Park
March 18
Lake Whitney State Park, 433 FM 1244
Throughout the day, enjoy special programs, scavenger hunts, nature walks, and other fun activities for all ages.
Stargazing at Lake Whitney State Park
March 18
Lake Whitney State Park, 433 FM 1244
Register for an evening in the park where guests can explore the galaxy by star maps and telescope. Celebrate parks with retired National Park Ranger Larry Smith as he guides you through the planets, moon, and stars with fascinating facts.
Del Rio
Texas State Parks Centennial Dark Skies Celebration
March 18
Devils River State Natural Area, 21715 Dolan Creek Road
Celebrate the dark skies of Devils River State Natural Area in partnership with the Devils River Conservancy and partnering astronomical associations. The event is held at the recently established Dark Sky Viewing Area within the headquarters complex.
Spring Branch
Sporting Clay Shoot
March 23
Good Bull Ranch, 8415 FM 311
Test your clay shooting skills on the 15-station course at Good Bull Ranch, which has been designed for outdoor enjoyment. Proceeds from the shoot benefit the Chamber's Program of Work.
Bandera
Thunder in the Hill Country
March 23-26
Mansfield Park, 2886 SH 16 North
Come celebrate the 21st annual Thunder in the Hill Country, an event held at Bandera’s Mansfield Park that consists of tent camping, a poker run, vendors, food, field events, music all day Friday and Saturday, a bike show, tattoo contest, and other activities.
Toyahvale
Starry Skies of Balmorhea
March 23
Balmorhea State Park, 9207 SH 17
Balmorhea State Park partners with McDonald Observatory to host a nighttime constellation education event, where guests float in the pool while looking up and learning about the stars and galaxy.
Llano
Earth Art Fest
March 24-26
Grenwelge Park, 199 E. Haynie St.
More than 6,000 people come out each year to the banks of the Llano River for Llano Earth Art Fest—home of the World Rock Stacking Championships. Try your hand at stacking rocks to create beautiful rock art in and along the Llano River. For kids there are activities such as face painting, a fashion circus, and rock painting. Adults can enjoy live music, a cold beer, workshops, viewing and creating art, or just relaxing in the sun.
Fredericksburg
Wanderlust 13.1, 10K, and 5K
March 25
Marketplatz Square, 126 W. Main St.
Run a half marathon, 10K, or 5K through beautiful Fredericksburg in Hill Country. Half marathon runners get to tackle the famous Crabapple Road, which has great views and rolling hills in one large loop. All runners start at Marktplatz (Market Square) in the heart of Fredericksburg.
Burnet
Hill Country Lawn and Garden Show
March 25
Burnet County AgriLife Auditorium, 607 N. Vandeveer St.
A day filled with all things gardening and horticulture brings spring life to Burnet. Shop for plants of all kinds including native species, vegetables, and flowers. Artisans offer their unique treasures, and there are kids' activities, food, and gardening demonstrations.
South Padre Island
SPI Triathlon
March 25
Parrot Eyes, 5801 Padre Blvd.
The South Padre Island Triathlon offers a course for the seasoned veteran or the first-timer, with both Olympic and sprint distance courses. The race features an open-water swim and a bike course up the South Padre Island strip. After the scenic bike course, participants head south on the strip for the run portion that loops back to Parrot Eyes. The transition area location is accessible for friends and family to cheer on their favorite triathletes and loved ones.
The Colony
Mother and Son Adventure Day
March 25
Lion's Club Park, 4800 Nash Drive
Enjoy a day exclusively designed for moms and sons. Prepare for adventure, fun, and excitement as you explore all things outdoors. Moms and sons test their skills at archery, fishing, horseshoes and many other camping/outdoor activities.
Kerrville
Disc Golf Tournament
March 25
Kerrville-Schreiner Park, 2385 Bandera Hwy.
Kerrville Parks and Recreation Department and Schreiner University are collaborating on a competitive morning for the community. All 18 holes of disc golf are played and everyone is responsible for keeping another person's score as well as their own.
Lake Jackson
Sweating for Sweets 1K
March 25
MacLean Park, 93 Lake Road
Build your own ice cream sundae during this 1K event. Stations are located every 250 meters where participants can collect favorite ice cream toppings. At the end of the course, finish your sundae and enjoy eating it. Runners are encouraged to dress up, with awards handed out for the best individual, couple, and family costumes.
Nature Day and Public Youth Fishing
March 25
Sea Center Texas, 302 Medical Drive
Participate in catch-and-release fishing, pet live reptiles, and watch the Birds of Prey show at this nature day event.
Brew on the Bayou
March 25
Gulf Coast Bird Observatory, 299 SH 332 West
Sample and enjoy specialty brews from local breweries as well as wines. Listen to live music, grab a bite to eat from local food trucks, and check out the items in the silent auction. The wooded grounds at the Gulf Coast Bird Observatory, lit by torchlight, make it a perfect spot to enjoy the brews, food, and music.
Spring Branch
Pollinators and Parks
March 25
Guadalupe River State Park, 3350 Park Road 31
Celebrate 100 years of state parks in Texas with a special version of the annual Monarch and Friends Pollinator Fiesta. Join the celebration as the monarchs return from Mexico. Monarchs, along with other pollinators, are an integral part of the interactions that take place in nature and symbolize the importance of increased awareness of the smallest creatures and their relationships.
Bandera
Ranching Heritage Day
March 25
Hill Country State Natural Area, 10600 Bandera Creek Road
Celebrate ranching life by visiting with exhibitors, making crafts, playing games, and viewing demonstrations. Stop by to learn about and experience some of the many facets of ranching history and culture.
Valley View
Spring Fling: 100-Year Celebration
March 25
Ray Roberts Lake State Park, Johnson Branch Unit, 100 PW 4153
Come get back outside and celebrate all things spring with ranger-led crafts, activities, and field games.
Mineral Wells
Pedal, Paddle, and Trek
March 25
Lake Mineral Wells State Park and Trailway, 100 Park Road 71
This event, hosted by the Friends of Lake Mineral Wells State Park and Trailway, includes guided hikes, bike rides, and horseback rides on various trails in the park and along the trailway. Walk, paddle, or cycle through the Cross Timbers eco-region of Texas.
Sugar Land
Astros-Space Cowboys Exhibition Game
March 27
Constellation Field, 1 Stadium Drive
The Space Cowboys host the Houston Astros for an exhibition game at Constellation Field, which is the Astros' first-ever appearance in Sugar Land.
milb.com/sugar-land/news/space-cowboys-to-host-astros-for-exhibition-at-constellation-field
Lake Jackson
"Rising Tide: the Crossroads Project"
March 28
The Clarion , 500 College Drive
"Rising Tide: the Crossroads Project" is a riveting theater piece on global sustainability. Grounded in science, elevated by art, igniting response, the program features climate physicist and communicator Dr. Robert Davies; the Fry Street Quartet; and works from painter Rebecca Allan, environmental photographer Garth Lenz, and American composer Laura Kaminsky. The project blends emotion, information, and high-production-value graphics.
Longview
Spring Concert Series: Roots in the Gardens
March 30; April 6, 13, 20, 27
Longview Arboretum and Nature Center, 706 W. Cotton St.
Bring a lawn chair or blanket to the Longview Arboretum and Nature Center's spring concert series, held in the gardens on Thursday evenings. The lineup this year features bands playing a mix of music, from classic rock to blues to Motown. The bands include Galaxy, the Usual Suspects, Flashbacks, Probable Cause Band, and Tuxedo Cats.
Kerrville
Concerts by the River
March 31, April 28
Louise Hays Park, 202 Thompson Drive
Pack your lawn chairs and picnic blankets and come out to the park to enjoy free concerts along the banks of the beautiful Guadalupe River.
Corpus Christi
Big Bloom Mega Plant Sale
April 1
South Texas Botanical Gardens and Nature Center, 8545 S. Staples St.
Bring your plant wagon and load up on hundreds of plants of all kinds. There's also specialty vendors, reptile shows, butterfly releases, food trucks, and a Kids' Zone.
Cleburne
The Mammoth Race
April 1
Cleburne State Park, 5800 Park Road 21
Choose from 5K, 10K, 15K, and 30K run options and race through beautiful Cleburne State Park. All participants receive a race shirt and a finisher's medal.
Fredericksburg
Wildflower Celebration
April 1-16
Wildseed Farms, 100 Legacy Drive
Enjoy viewing and snapping photos of the wildflower fields in full bloom along with two butterfly gardens.
Kerrville
Solar Eclipse Kickoff
April 1
Butt-Holdworth Memorial Library, 505 Water St.
Butt-Holdworth Memorial Library hosts this party that includes an indoor planetarium show, music, and guest speaker. This event celebrates the upcoming Oct. 14, 2023 annular eclipse and the April 8, 2024 total solar eclipse.
Surfside Beach
Wings Over Surfside
April 1
Bird and Butterfly Trail, 418 Parkview Road
Celebrate spring bird migration and the wonders of birds in Bird City Surfside. With 400 species of birds in the area, this event provides visitors with an opportunity to learn more through educational speakers, vendors, and fellow birders.
Sulphur Springs
Festival of the Fish
April 1
Cooper Lake State Park, Doctors Creek Unit, 1690 FM 3505
Enjoy visiting the park and participating in several come-and-go programs during this celebration of fish. Try your hand at casting a line and catching a fish or two and earn your First Fish Certificate. Learn fish anatomy and other species-specific information during a hands-on painting activity. Learn to tie and attach tackle to your line, plus other angler education programs.
Gonzales
100 Years, 100 Species
April 1
Palmetto State Park, 78 Park Road 11 South
This event centers around teaching visitors about the wide variety of species in the park. Staff and volunteers are stationed around the park and lead tours (including some in Spanish) helping identify species and teaching about iNaturalist and other ways to identify. The event includes 24-hour personal or group challenges to identify 100 species of flora and fauna found in the park.
Somerville
Get Hooked on the Outdoors
April 1
Lake Somerville State Park, Nails Creek Unit, 14222 Park Road 57
This new spring fishing event incorporates multiple styles of fishing. Come learn to fly fish with the park partners at Good Fly, experience creek fishing from a kayak, or take a child fishing for the first time in the stocked family fishing pond. All ages and experience levels welcome.
Cooper
Festival of the Fish
April 1
Cooper Lake State Park, Doctors Creek Unit, 95 Park Road 8154
Try your hand at casting a line and catching a fish or two. This event offers angler education programs, a big fish contest, arts and crafts featuring Gyotaku (a Japanese method of fish printing/painting), presentations, and other activities.
Clute
Planetarium Show
April 4, 11, 18, 25, 28
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.
Elgin
Music in the Park
April 7-May 26
Downtown , 114 Central Ave.
Every Friday in April and May, the Friends of Elgin Parks hosts this live-music series featuring a different band in historic downtown Elgin's Veterans Memorial Park. Bring friends and family, beverages, snacks, and a blanket or lawn chair. Elgin Parks and Recreation also offers games for children.
Austin
Austin Falls Ultra
April 8
McKinney Falls State Park, 5808 McKinney Falls Pkwy.
Within the naturally rugged trails of Texas Hill Country, navigate a technical single-track trail protected by lush green foliage and diverse scenery. Rolling and winding through the course, dodge roots and rocks, ascend and descend hills, and run across wooden bridges. Be prepared for a possible water crossing of the falls (dependent on rain). After the race, have fun jumping off cliffs in the cool, refreshing pools of Onion Creek.
Newcastle
Goodnight-Loving Run
April 8
Fort Belknap, 114 Fort Circle
The Goodnight-Loving 5K, 10K, and half marathon is an out-and-back run from the entrance gate of Fort Belknap, the historic birthplace of the Goodnight-Loving Cattle Trail.
Mckinney
Second Saturday Bird Walk
April 8
Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary, 1 Nature Place
These 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. Prairie, woodland, and wetland habitats are included in these walks.
Kerrville
Blooms and Barrels Plant Sale
April 8
Kerr County Hill Country Youth Event Center, 3785 SH 27
Shop for native and adapted ornamental plants, herbs, vegetables, 55-gallon rain barrels, and items at "The Garden Shed" resale shop.
Quintana
Spring Fling
April 8-May 7
Quintana Bird Sanctuary, 814 N. Lamar St.
Spring is peak migration time so the Gulf Coast Bird Observatory hosts Spring Fling at the Quintana Neotropic Bird Sanctuary. For four weeks, volunteers and staff are available each day to help identify the migrants as well as resident birds and keep a daily list going.
Grand Prairie
Live Thoroughbred Racing
April 13-July 4
Lone Star Park, 1000 Lone Star Parkway
Catch the fun and excitement of world-class thoroughbred horse racing on the weekend.
Karnack
Caddo Homecoming
April 14
Caddo Lake State Park, 245 Park Road 2
Walk into yesteryear at Caddo Lake State Park, which celebrates 30 years of good conservation with the Caddo Lake Institute. Try your hand at canoeing, fishing, and other park activities. Decorate your campsite with a retro theme, attend an outdoor movie, and enjoy music and dancing like it's 1923, when the Texas State Parks system was founded.
Waco
Texas Sports Hall of Fame Induction Banquet
April 15
Base at Extraco Event Center, 4401 Bosque Blvd.
Presented by Texas Farm Bureau Insurance, the Texas Sports Hall of Fame Induction Banquet honors newly elected inductees for the Class of 2022, including Robert Brazile, Jose Cruz, Scott Drew, Carlette Guidry-Falkquay, Priest Holmes, Adrian Peterson, Cynthia Potter, and Michael Strahan.
South Padre Island
Texas State Surfing Championship
April 15-16
Isla Blanca Park, 33174 State Park Road 100
The Texas Gulf Surfing Association is a family-oriented organization that specializes in grassroots surfing events that are healthy and fun while still placing emphasis on maintaining academic excellence, good sportsmanship, and environmental awareness. See surfers battle the waves for the top spot in this surfing competition.
Kerrville
Spring Native Plant Sale
April 15
Riverside Nature Center, 150 Francisco Lemos St.
Come browse and shop for native plants that have been selected to thrive in the Texas climate and soil, along with other gardening-related items.
Corpus Christi
Explore the Shore
April 15
Mustang Island State Park, 9394 SH 361
A wide array of educational events take place throughout the day. Try fishing with a ranger, kayaking, beach walks, wildlife touch tanks and discussions, and other fun activities that highlight all of the recreational opportunities the park can provide as well as provide education on the important habitat and ecosystems of the park.
Austin
McKinney Falls Fest
April 15
McKinney Falls State Park, 5808 McKinney Falls Parkway
Come out to the park for a fun day full of guided hikes, live music, food trucks, and activity booths, plus park staff open a time capsule buried in the park in 1975. Discover the treasures that were left behind and witness the preparation of the next time capsule for McKinney Falls State Park to be opened in 2073.
Junction
100 Years at South Llano River
April 15
South Llano River State Park, 1927 Park Road 73
Help the park celebrate this area of the Hill Country and Walter Buck Jr., the gentleman who donated the land to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Along with an open house at the new headquarters, the event features various activities revolving around angora goats and wool, Model T's, and history.
Glen Rose
Spring Wing Ding
April 15
Dinosaur Valley State Park, 1629 Park Road 59
At this annual celebration, activities are focused around everything winged and migratory. Families have the chance to make bird houses and feeders, see monarch butterflies in various stages of development, and enjoy nature walks and hikes.
Bonham
100 Years State Park Celebration
April 15
Bonham State Park, 1363 State Park 24
To celebrate 100 years of Texas State Parks, Bonham State Park is hosting various natural and cultural table talks and activities for all to enjoy, ranging from programs about fossils to a Bois 'd Arc Trail Civilian Conservation Corps hike to fishing for backyard bass.
Tatum
Bait and Boats
April 15
Martin Creek Lake State Park, 9515 County Road 2181D
Start your morning off by attending a Fishing 101 course to learn the basics of fishing. Test your new skills on the water by participating in the fishing derby, with prizes given out in a variety of categories. Wrap up the day on the water, as park rangers guide a group paddle in kayaks and canoes around the island.
Pilot Point
Greenfest on the Greenbelt
April 15
Ray Roberts Lake State Park, Isle du Bois Unit, 100 PW 4137
Greenfest includes a 5K, a 1-mile fun run, and a family expo-style event with exhibit booths, vendors, and activities centered around health, wellness, and outdoor recreation.
San Angelo
Regional Cavalry Competition
April 20
Fort Concho National Historic Landmark, 630 South Oakes
Held on the historic Fort Concho Parade Grounds, this three-day competition features riding and horsemanship skills that reflect the drills and training of the U.S. Cavalry in the 1800s.
Dale
Old Settler's Music Festival
April 20-23
At the 36th annual Old Settler's Music Festival, enjoy four days of Americana/roots music, camping, jamming, and family fun in beautiful Dale (just outside of Austin). Yolo, the Wood Brothers, Shovels and Rope, and Shinyribs are just a few of the acts scheduled to perform.
Galveston
FeatherFest and Nature Photo Festival
April 20-23
Various locations
Bird lovers are invited to experience one of the largest birding festivals in Texas and the only one with a dedicated nature photography track. The 21st annual event features field trips, workshops, and other special events on Galveston Island.
Corsicana
Bike Race
April 21-22
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.
South Padre Island
Texas Beach Ultimate Festival
April 22-23
Isla Blanca Park, 33174 State Park Road 100
Ultimate is an exciting, non-contact team sport played by thousands the world over. It mixes the best features of sports such as soccer, basketball, American football, and netball into a simple yet fascinating game.
Waco
Silo District Marathon
April 22
Magnolia Market and Downtown Waco , 601 Webster Ave.
The fourth annual Silo District Marathon weekend has a race for everyone, including the USA Track and Field-certified, Boston Marathon-qualifying marathon. Whether you are running for a cause or testing your own limits, Waco is the place to be all weekend.
goallevents.com/e/silo-district-marathon-2023-E200022938860543
The Colony
Coach Cox's Kids Chase
April 22
Stewart Creek Park, 3700 Sparks Road
Children ages 9 and under compete in a half-mile race, while kids ages 10-12 run the full 1-mile course. All participants receive a ribbon, goody bag, and T-shirt.
Sherman
Texoma Earth Day Festival
April 22
Municipal Grounds, 405 N. Rusk St.
The Texoma Earth Day Festival offers a family-friendly event with something for everyone. Come for entertainment, education, food, and fun.
Lake Jackson
Kids Reel Big Fish Event
April 22
Sea Center Texas, 302 Medical Drive
Pack your sunscreen, hat, lawn chair, and fishing gear and come out for a couple hours of catch-and-release fishing at a marine fish hatchery and visitor education center. This event is available to guests 16 years old and younger accompanied by an adult. Anglers must bring their own gear and bait with barb-less hooks.
Marfa
Airstrip Astronomy
April 22
Big Bend Ranch State Park Complex Interior District, 1900 Sauceda Ranch Road
Enjoy stargazing, astrophotography, and an astronomy-based oral history at the Sauceda Airstrip. Participants can view the night sky through the lens of telescopes by amateur astronomers, and learn the basics of night sky photography, all accompanied by an educational narrative through space and time. The evening winds down at the South Leyva campground, with limited camping on the airstrip.
San Antonio
Water Fest
April 22
Government Canyon State Natural Area, 12861 Galm Road
Come see how water has shaped the past, present, and future of San Antonio’s largest natural area and the role it plays in helping protect our most precious resource. Learn tips and techniques on how each of us can be part of shaping and protecting the next 100 years of reliable, fresh water.
Johnson City
Celebration Under the Stars
April 22
Pedernales Falls State Park, 2585 Park Road 6026
To celebrate 100 years of State Parks, visit Pedernales Falls State Park and enjoy the benefits the night brings to natural areas, with stargazing and other nighttime activities like a camping demonstration, nocturnal wildlife table, and nighttime sensory-testing station. Night sky-friendly lighting is also demonstrated.
Grapeland
Folk Festival
April 22
Mission Tejas State Park, 19343 SH 21 East
This annual event provide visitors a variety of educational experiences and activities to experience 19th-century Texas pioneer life in the area around what is today Mission Tejas State Park.
Lumberton
Village Creek Fun Day
April 22
Village Creek State Park, 8854 Park Road 74
Camp with a ranger, practice yoga, go for a bike ride or paddling adventure, learn dutch oven cooking, participate in craft activities, and get camping 101 how-to tips at this event.
Corpus Christi
Birdiest Festival in America
April 26-30
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 optional guided birding field trips to regional birding hot spots, shorebird/wading bird sites, and private ranches. Plus, "The Raptor Project" presentations, a vendor trade show, and an artisan show.
Rockport
Goose Island Extravaganza
April 28
Goose Island State Park, 202 S. Palmetto St.
Goose Island Extravaganza is an open house event for the public to come and experience what Goose Island has to offer. Activities include fishing, archery, kayaking, a star party, demonstrations, and food. Find educational program stations set up around the park, and enjoy bass fishing, geocaching, living history programs, outdoor skills such as archery, dutch oven cooking, fishing, and touch tank aquatic programs.
Fishing for Wishes Tournament
April 29
Fulton Convention Center, 402 N. Fulton Beach Road
The tournament's location is in a world-renowned area known for saltwater tournaments. Fishing categories include Heaviest Redfish, Trout, Flounder, and Stringer. Side pots consist of Most Spots on a Redfish, Blackjack Trout, and Texas Slam. Don't forget about Calcutta. There is a Kids Pier Fishing Tournament and Make-A-Wish Kids Fishing Tournament, plus a live auction, drop ticket raffle, and giveaways.
friendsforwishes.org/events/fishing-for-wishes-fishing-tournament/
Kite Festival
April 29-30
Rockport Festival Grounds , Adjacent to the Beach Park
A free family event, the Kite Festival provides the opportunity to view, make, and fly kites. An exotic array of kites are on display, along with demonstrations by professional kite pilots. There are children's arts and crafts booths, including one for making their own kites, vendors, and food trucks.
Ingram
Stonehenge II Celtic Festival and Highland Games
April 29
Hill Country Arts Foundation, 120 Point Theatre Road
Learn about Celtic culture while enjoying the festivities that include vendors, clans, music, food, the annual Highland Games, and dancing. The event takes place on the grounds of the Hill Country Arts Foundation which include a replica of Stonehenge that was created by the late Al Shepperd and Doug Hill more than 20 years ago.
Brazoria
Migration Celebration
April 29-30
San Bernard National Wildlife Refuge, 2547 County Road 306
Tour the refuge on a marsh buggy. Free activities for children include archery, fishing for catfish, a BB gun range, bug sweeping, microscopes, touch tanks, and reptiles. Adults and children can both enjoy the popular "Birds of Prey" show by EarthQuest as well as the butterfly encounter tents. Refuge tours given by qualified naturalists can be enjoyed by marsh buggy or wagon. Guided walking tours to Bobcat Woods and to the largest Texas Live Oak are also available.
Surfside Beach
Old Guy Surf Reunion
April 29
Stahlman Park, 2211 Bluewater Highway
Join Texas surfers as they remember and honor those who have gone before them. The event includes vendors, food trucks, a paddle-out, and a nighttime bonfire.
San Antonio
Siesta Half Marathon 10K and 5K
April 30
Mission County Park, 6030 Padre Drive
Starting in Mission Country Park, this out-and-back course gives you a chance to see your biggest competitors as they try to close in on you or you try to close in on them. The finish is the after party with a Fiesta San Antonio theme. The entire race is on the River Walk.
Clute
Planetarium Show
May 2, 9, 16, 23, 26, 30
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.
Jefferson
Historical Pilgrimage: Home Tours of Jefferson
May 4-7
Various locations
Four of Jefferson's finest historical homes and featured gardens open their doors for tours. Docents dressed in period attire help provide information about the homes.
Lumberton
Full Moon Night Trek
May 5
Village Creek State Park, 8854 Park Road 74
Join this ranger-led hike for a chance to see the unseen and learn how nocturnal creatures communicate and what effect the moon can have on natural cycles of plants and animals. This hike explores the sights and sounds of the night, illuminated by the Flower Full Moon of May, and how the ecosystems have changed over the last 100 years. Explore nocturnal creatures with black lights and listen to their languages with amplifying devices.
Graham
Hidden Hills Ultra
May 6
Greagg Ranch
Located near the banks of scenic Possum Kingdom Lake lies a 4,000 acre private ranch that serves as the backdrop for the Hidden Hills Ultra. Settled by one of the original families to the area, this unique ranch hosts lake views, mountains, cedar and oak forests, and rocky terrain. You'll run almost entirely on ranch roads. The loop course follows a route made up of rock, dirt, and rolling terrain. Distances are 5K, 10K, 13.1 miles, 26.2 miles, and 50 miles.
The Colony
Up, Up, and Away: Festival of Flight
May 6
Prestwick STEM Academy, 3101 Stonefield
Celebrating all forms of flight, the Up, Up, and Away: Festival of Flight is presented by The Tribute Lakeside Golf and Resort community and the city of The Colony. The festival features kite flying and demonstrations, music, birding demonstrations, paper airplane making, food, and fun. Bring the entire family to this all-ages celebration.
Corsicana
Derby Days
May 6
The Palace Theatre, 112 W. Sixth Ave.
As a fundraiser for the Palace Theatre, Derby Days features entertainment, food, drinks, dress, and of course, derby racing.
Burnet
Fun For All
May 6
Inks Lake State Park, 3630 Park Road 4 West
Spend a fun-filled and all-inclusive day with a variety of programs modified for accessibility needs. Adaptive events include water recreation, fishing, adaptive programs, and perhaps archery.
Needville
Brazos Bend Expo
May 6
Brazos Bend State Park, 21901 FM 762
Brazos Bend State Park invites the community and visitors to spend the day at this expo-style event. Nonprofit organizations, respresentatives from other Texas State Parks around the region, rehabilitation groups, local sports teams, archelogy organizations, and other civic-minded entities are on hand to provide information about their causes. Food trucks are on-site throughout the day.
Quitaque
Experience Caprock
May 6
Caprock Canyons State Park and Trailway , 850 Caprock Canyon Road
This event highlights some of the experiences and resources of Caprock Canyons State Park, especially for first-time park users. Join experts familiar with the park in activities such as beginner hikes, beginner fishing clinics, how to visit a park safely and responsibly with presentations titled “Leave No Trace,” “Bison Etiquette,” and “Heat Safety,” and guided ranger vehicle tours. The event ends under the dark skies with a star party.
South Padre Island
Shallow Sport Fishing Tournamnet
May 12-13
South Padre Island Convention Center, 7355 Padre Blvd.
Fish one of the biggest and best boat owner's fishing tournaments on the Gulf Coast.
Boerne
Art Waddle
May 12-13
Hill Country Mile, Main Street
The 11th annual Boerne Art Waddle is located along the Cibolo Creek Trail, creating a relaxed, fun setting with the attributes of a major fine art event.
South Padre Island
5K Kemp's Krawl
May 13
Holiday Inn Resort, 100 Padre Blvd.
Runners, walkers, and everyone in between is invited to traverse the beach to raise money, with all proceeds going directly to the conservation and care of the Texas coast's precious sea turtles. Starting at the Holiday Inn Resort, this unique community event enables participants to experience the coastal beauty of South Padre Island up close and personal. There are three race categories: timed 5K, non-timed 5K, and a virtual option. Finishers receive a T-shirt and medal.
Fredericksburg
Texas Flower Country Women's 5K and 10K Run/Walk
May 13
Wildseed Farms, 100 Legacy Drive
Run or walk through the flower fields and vineyards of Wildseed Farms. Then, enjoy the beautiful setting and champagne, craft beer, food, massages, live music, and the boutiques of Wildseed Farms. Your entry also includes a race T-shirt and custom finisher medal.
Mesquite
Preservation Month Porch Party
May 13
Opal Lawrence Historical Park, 711 E. Kearney St.
Celebrate National Historic Preservation Month with Historic Mesquite, Inc. during a fun evening on the grounds of the historic park.
Brownwood
Lake Brownwood Bash
May 13
Lake Brownwood State Park, 200 State Highway Park Road 15
Enjoy a day of learning and fun at Lake Brownwood. Come explore the park and learn about its history, nature, wildlife, and recreational activities, including archery and catch-and-release fishing.
Fort Davis
Mile-High Mountains Fest
May 13
Davis Mountains State Park, Indian Lodge, State Highway 118 North, Park Road 3
Guided hikes, educational booths, and kid-friendly activities take place throughout the park. Snap pics at selfie stations placed at photogenic vistas, participate in a scavenger hunt, and end the day with a ranger-led sunset program at the Skyline Drive Overlook.
Bend
A Day in the Life of a Cedar Chopper
May 13
Colorado Bend State Park, 1201 Colorado Park Road
Cedar Choppers lived in tents and lean-to’s in their hardscrabble Hill Country life. See how they lived and worked, and get your hands on the tools they used to harvest the tallest cedars (ashe junipers) in Texas to make a living. Learn how the Scholten Brother’s Cedar Tap Railroad came from the town of Lometa to the Cedar Chopper Camp in Bend and its importance in the Cedar Choppers’ work. Be sure to stop by the dutch oven cooking presentation for some backcountry cooking and goodies.
Fairfield
Centennial Kid Fish Derby
May 13
Fairfield Lake State Park, 123 State Park Road 64
Celebrate 100 years of Texas State Parks at this fish derby for kids. The day provides an outdoor educational opportunity for youngsters at Fairfield Lake.
Daingerfield
New Experiences, New Membories, A New You
May 13
Daingerfield State Park, 455 Park Road 17
At this brand new event at Daingerfield State Park, visitors can learn about a variety of Texas Parks and Wildlife resources and get ideas on how to enjoy nature and the world outdoors. Activities include fishing with a ranger, kayak and canoeing, and a program about the animals you might see in the park.
Fulton
Babes on the Bay
May 19-20
Fulton Harbor
Babes on the Bay is an all-women’s fishing tournament that has existed since 2000. The tournament is hosted by the CCA Texas Aransas Bay Chapter, based in Rockport. It was created to help educate women about the sport of saltwater fishing in a conservation-minded approach. The event includes cash pots, the Babes Shopping Mall, a food court, drinks, live music, and team shirts judging. The event kicks off at Fulton Park Fairgrounds.
Plano
Texas Mineral and Fossil Show
May 19-21
Plano Event Center, 2000 E. Spring Creek Parkway
Enjoy shopping from world-class mineral, gem, and fossil dealers and exhibitors, who display all varieties of rocks, minerals, fossils, polished stones, gemstone jewelry, and other natural treasures.
planoeventcenter.org/event/texas-mineral-fossil-plano-show-2023
Fort Worth
Tacos y Cerveza Trail Run
May 20
The Woodshed Smokehouse, 3201 Riverfront Drive
Run the beautiful and expansive Trinity Trails in Fort Worth. The flat and fast course traverses bridges overlooking the river and parks with groves of oak trees and double-track trail made of both pavement and dirt. Each registrant receives one beer and one street taco with a valid bib. Identification is required for beer.
South Padre Island
Jailbreak Beach Escape
May 20
Clayton's Beach Bar and Grill, 6900 Padre Blvd.
The Jailbreak Beach Escape has become a South Padre Island tradition. Each May, thousands of runners conquer the 5K course, covering 20 challenging obstacles on the sun-drenched beaches of South Padre before heading to Clayton’s Beach Bar for a Texas-sized beach party.
Monahans
Golf Tournament
May 20-21
Ward County Golf Course, 2028 SH 18 North
The Monahans Chamber of Commerce hosts this golf tournament held at the Ward County Golf Course. The tournament format is a three-person scramble.
Blanco
Blanco State Park Celebration
May 20
Blanco State Park, 101 Park Road 23
Celebrate the historical, cultural, and natural heritage of the park and surrounding area. The event features multiple informational and activity stations throughout the park and programs and activities such as "The History of Blanco State Park and the Civilian Conservation Corps" and "Animals in Blanco State Park," plus a wildlife viewing station, fishing, and kayaking.
Denison
Lure'ing You In
May 20
Eisenhower State Park, 50 Park Road 20
At this fishing expo, learn how to become a fishing expert. All experience levels and ages are welcome. New anglers can learn all about the world of fishing, and more experienced anglers can test their skills. Programming includes topics like how to filet a fish, how to fry fish on the campfire, and how to cast a line. There's also a photo booth and weight station for fish.
Frisco
Senior PGA Championship
May 24-28
Fields Ranch East at PGA Frisco, 3725 PGA Parkway
Beginning in 2023 with the 83rd KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship, PGA Frisco is slated to host six major championships over the next 12 years—including two PGA championships.
Palestine
Piney Woods Express Steam
May 26-29
Texas State Railroad Palestine Depot, 789 Park Road 70
This four-hour round-trip train adventure departing from Palestine, with an hour layover at the Rusk depot, takes passengers on a journey through the impressive Piney Woods and 135 years of history. Unplug for a tradition that merges comfort and adventure for the whole family. Relaxed seating, thoughtful décor and friendly, responsive attendants add to the ambiance of the scenic journey afforded travelers a century ago.
Quanah
Copper Breaks Day
May 27
Copper Breaks State Park, 777 Park Road 62
Copper Breaks Day has been a community event at the park for years, but has been on hiatus for some time. Now, to celebrate Texas State Parks centennial, the park is hosting a reimagining of that historic event. Enjoy family fun, educational programming, and booths from local organizations.
Teague
Putt Fore a Purpose
June 3
Tri-County Gold Club , 125 Private Road 940
The second annual Putt Fore a Purpose includes lunch, swag bags, cart rental, and cash prizes.
