Rock stacking at the Llano Earth Art Fest. Photo by Kai Drachenberg
Heritage Festival
Nederland: March 12-17
A celebration of Dutch heritage with a carnival, fun run, chili cookoff, crafts market, washer tournament, treasure hunt, entertainment in Tex Ritter Park, and the famous Cuisine Walk.
Spring at the Silos
Waco: March 14-16
In celebration of the arrival of spring, Magnolia Market (of HGTV’s Fixer Upper fame) features a free vendor fair, additional food trucks, and no shortage of florals. Magnolia matriarch Joanna Gaines will also be launching her new children’s book, We Are the Gardeners.
LEAF: Llano Earth Art Fest
Llano: March 15-18
Held on the banks of the Llano River in Grenwelge Park—one block from Llano’s historic downtown—the festival is an interactive experience for young and old alike. Watch internationally renowned artists defy gravity with amazingly balanced rock sculptures. Listen to great musicians fill the park with song. Try your hand at rock balancing or see if you’ve got what it takes to compete in the World Rock Stacking Championship. For kids there are plenty of activities, including a climbing wall, face painting, and more. Adults can take part in workshops, view and create art, or just relax in the sun.
Goliad County Fair and PRCA Rodeo
Goliad: March 15-17
This county fair and rodeo is produced by Stace Smith, who produces more PRCA rodeos than any other stock contractor in the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association. Smith Pro Rodeos is not only committed to providing top livestock, but also producing a one-of-a-kind rodeo experience.
Wild Hog Explosion
Bandera: March 16
Wild hogs are brought in for an action-packed day at Mansfield Park. Teams of two enter the ring, catch a hog, and race to the finish line. This fun-filled day includes vendor booths, arts and crafts, cookoffs, and music. Proceeds benefit the Kronkosky Library of Bandera County.
Texas Ranger Day
Burton: March 16
Which famous Texas Ranger lived and died in Burton, Texas? Discover Burton’s unique history at this event hosted by the Burton Heritage Society. Celebrate Burton’s history with the Annie Maud Avis Memorial Fajita and Bean cook-off and experience Texas Ranger Camp life in the 1880s, live action folk life demonstrations, crafts, and tours of the Railroad Depot, as well as Burton Farmer’s Cotton Gin Tours. The event will have DJ music by the Kountry Chick. All proceeds are used to restore the Mt. Zion Historical Chapel.
Rising Stars and Legends of Texas
Conroe: Through March 16
The event kicks off its third year with a weeklong celebration of the arts and culture. It brings the community a smorgasbord of fine art offerings, from painting, sculpture, and poetry, to theater and music, culminating with a performance by a Texas legend on March 16. This exciting weeklong event is hosted by the Greater Conroe Arts Alliance.
Celebrate Texas!
Fredericksburg: March 16
Feel history come to life at the Texas Rangers Heritage Center with The Old Chisholm Trail Show, the Traditional American Indian Society, Tales of the Texas Rangers, and more.
Texas Food Truck Showdown. Photo courtesy City of Waco
The Texas Food Truck Showdown
Waco: March 16
The fifth annual competition hosts food trucks from across the state. Thousands of foodies gather together in Heritage Square to taste the best that Texas food trucks have to offer.
Luckenbach Mud Dauber Festival and Chili Cookoff
Fredericksburg: March 16
Head to legendary Luckenbach Texas and feel the heat at this open chili cookoff and music festival named in honor of that pesky wasp.
Kids Fest
Grand Prairie: March 16
Enjoy fun, educational shows at the Big Red Patio in Trader’s Village along with carnival rides, great food, and 3,200 vendors.
Hill Country Comicon
New Braunfels: March 16-17
The event promotes fun, art, literacy, and imagination through comics and pop culture. Embrace your nerdiness at this family-friendly, comic convention. It features comic books, toys, cards, games, artwork, cosplay, apparel, guest creators, and celebrities. Break out your capes, helmets, light sabers, and wands, and gather for a fun weekend in the lovely Hill Country.
The Young Irelanders—St. Patrick’s Day Celebration
Richardson: March 17
Each year the Irish Cultural Academy brings together some of its finest exponents of Irish traditional music, song, and dance as part of one sensational group known as The Young Irelanders. These performers are still in their 20s and are unique among their peers, in that they are all-world and Irish national champions in their disciplines.
The Chieftains in Concert
Tyler: March 16
As the band most recognized for reinventing traditional Irish music on a contemporary and international scale, six-time Grammy winners The Chieftains have been making music together for over 50 years. Their ability to transcend musical boundaries has notably hailed them as one of the most renowned and revered musical groups to this day. The opening act for this concert is Switchback, who play Americana and Celtic tunes.
