23 Festivals in TEXAS (Exciting, Ceremonial, and Fun)
Did you know that Texas is home to one of the most diverse populations in the nation?
In addition to its diverse population, The Lone Star State also boasts various geographical landmarks.
This unique blend of people and landscape has resulted in a variety of festivals and events, making the state one of the hottest tourist destinations in the country.
The celebrations and festivals mirror the indigene’s traditions and core values of community and friendship that can be traced as far back as the Native settlers that lived on these lands.
More interestingly, these festivals run at different periods and all year long.
So whatever time you find yourself in Texas, you will surely be in for a treat.
Continue reading to learn more about these exciting festivals!
And by the way, you may also want to check out the best Attractions in Texas.
Festivals in Austin, Texas
1. Austin Food And Wine Festival (Annual Culinary Extravaganza)
This three-day event typically happens towards the end of the year in November and has been around for 11 years.
Every year, the event features different signature meals from renowned chefs all over.
The festival presents mini-food events, from the Wurst Weekend Kickoff to the Chef demo and Fire pit.
For instance, you can begin with the “Rock your taco,” where you sample tacos from different chefs and bite your favorite.
You can also be a part of the “Firepit,” where you show off your grilling skills.
Tickets are available on the website, and if you wish, you may get a ticket for a select number of days.
If you’re in for all these mouth-watering dishes, now’s a good time to get your tickets before they’re sold out.
Address: Auditorium Shores, 900 W. Riverside Dr., Austin, TX.
2. Austin Film Festival (Celebrating Creative Arts)
As a large city with a sprawling creative community, the Austin film festival is one to look out for.
This film festival is one of the biggest film festivals in the country.
The event features different creatives from across the country to present up-and-coming creatives with the opportunity to come to the limelight.
Whether you are a screenwriter, playwright, podcaster, filmmaker, or game writer, the film festival has a place for you.
While the event typically happens between October and November, you can get ahead by applying to the Film and Screenplay competition or the Script and Film Competition, amongst others.
Asides from the competitions, you can volunteer as a reader for the scriptwriting competition, where you gain useful experience vetting scripts.
Most importantly, you can apply to its membership program and summer camps
Address: Downtown Austin, TX (Venues are subject to change annually)
3. Austin Symphony H-E-B July 4th Concert & Fireworks (Patriotic Music & Fireworks)
Have you ever considered the fantastic combination of a live concert, food, drinks, and fireworks?
That’s what the fourth of July fireworks and symphony means, literally.
This event marks one of the biggest Independence Day celebrations for Austinites as they enjoy patriotic music, amongst other things.
As the name implies, this festival occurs every year on the fourth of July at the Auditorium Shores, Downtown Austin.
Asides from the food and drinks, you can shop for souvenirs and art and craft from local vendors at the site while waiting for the mind-blowing fireworks.
If you are far from the venue, you can also watch the event from Pfluger Pedestrian Bridge or the congress bridge.
July is definitely a good time to have fun outdoors; what are you waiting for?
Address: Downtown Austin at Vic Mathias Shores and the Long Centre (600 W. Riverside Dr., Austin).
Also see our article on Christmas in Texas.
Festivals in Brownsville, Texas
1. Latin jazz festival (Global Jazz Showcase)
Inaugurated in 1997 and the oldest of its kind, the Latin jazz festival has long celebrated the indigenous culture and music of the people of Brownsville.
The organizers pull award-winning performers from around the globe who headlines each day of the event every year.
Additionally, there are instrumentalists, such as vocalists, saxophonists, trumpeters, and trombonists, who grace the event.
While the festival focuses heavily on Latin jazz, there are additional activities such as personal performances, free clinics, and master classes aimed at developing new acts and music students from across the country.
The event typically spans two days and allows you to purchase tickets for either or both days.
If you want to enjoy good old jazz in all its glory, you should be headed to Brownsville in October.
Address: UTB/TSC Arts Centre, Brownsville Latin Jazz Festival. 80 Fort Brown Brownsville, TX
2. Charro days festival (Mexican Cowboy Extravaganza)
Have you wondered where you can pull off the Mexican cowboy costume and maybe feel like one?
Then you should know about Charro day.
This long-standing event started as a plan to celebrate Charros (aka dashing gentlemen cowboys) in Mexican culture.
Since then, it has become one of the most prominent festivals in Brownsville.
A significant part of Charro days is the Sombrero festival – a three-day party in Washington Park featuring rides, kids and adult events, and an array of indigenous food.
The festival promises an exciting range of activities such as bullfights, concerts, parades, the Noche Mexicana, a grand ball, and much more.
Isn’t that a delight!
If you’re looking for a sign to travel to Brownsville in February for mind-blowing fun, this is it.
Address: 455 E Elizabeth St, Brownsville, TX
3. Zoofari (Zoo Fundraising Night)
The Glays Porter Zoo is one of the most prominent attractions in Brownsville and has existed for 46 years.
It’s only normal that it has its festival.
This festival doubles as a fundraising event where the money raised is used to start other related projects.
It is a one-night event with an array of events for kids and adults, such as live auctions and even more food and music.
Additionally, the ticket gives you access to the live and silent auctions, as well as the beer-tasting section.
The Zoofari is one for the books, as it gives you access to over 1,600 animals, some of which are endangered species.
If you are an animal lover, then you know that this event is definitely for you.
Address: 500 E Ringgold St, Brownsville, TX
Also see our article on Date ideas in Texas.
Festivals in Ennis, Texas
1. Ennis Freedom Fest (June Family Extravaganza)
If you would be in Ennis or anywhere close to Texas this June, you should clear up your calendar for this one.
The Ennis freedom festival is an event for every family member.
It includes all-around fun activities, the most prominent of which is the Red, White, and Bike parade, the most colorful bike parade through downtown Ennis.
Additionally, it features live music performances, rock climbing walls, paddle boats, and the bluebonnet market with vendors for food and drinks.
However, the highlight of this event is the rapturous fireworks with thematic elements, as the festival comes to a close after dark.
The event then ends with a party at the veterans’ memorial park
This free event also includes shuttle transfers and parking spaces.
It doesn’t get any better than this!
Address: Veteran’s Memorial Park. 2301 Ennis Pkwy, Ennis, TX 75119
2. Light of Ennis (Christmas Block Party)
Christmas is already one of the year’s most significant events, but you can make it even bigger and more exciting.
The light of Ennis festival doubles as a block party and a Christmas market event.
It happens annually within the first and second week in December.
This event runs all evening and features various events in different parts of town.
You can maximize this experience by researching the event schedule to determine what activity best appeals to you.
Some of the exciting events lined up include Christmas Bluebonnet Market on N Dallas Street, a train display, a band performance, and an open house.
There are also food trucks and vendors at the start of the festival.
Be sure to include the Lights of Ennis in your holiday calendar this year.
Address: Historic Downtown Ennis, Ennis, TX
3. Blues on Main (Celebrating Black Music)
If there’s one thing that the locals at Ennis know how to do, it is to have a good time.
The Blues on Main is an annual event that celebrates all forms of Black music and the unity that comes through music.
This event is similar to the Latin jazz festival and features performances from different artists in an open-air space.
If you’re a music lover looking to expand your range, Blue on Mains lets you listen to various local blues, jazz, and gospel music from local artists while browsing locally made products.
The festival also features pre-show music, a power-in-wellness health fair, and a bluebonnet market.
Safe to say that this is a perfect place to go with family as you enjoy the other side attractions such as food and drinks vendors.
Address: Historic Downtown Ennis, TX
Also see our article on Bachelor Party ideas in Texas.
Festivals In Georgetown, Texas
1. GTX Film Festival And Conference (Cinematic Cultural Experience)
The GTX Film Festival and conference is one to add to the list if you are a theatre fan.
This festival features film submissions from across the region and for different categories.
Some of the multiple submissions will be selected and aired at the festival.
While the event runs for an entire day, you can maximize the experience by checking the schedule and selecting the movie viewings you want, whether documentaries, short movies, or narrative films.
Aside from this, you can participate in other activities, such as shopping and dining at Georgetown Square.
More excitingly, the event ticket includes a free beer and a taco bar.
You can get the festival ticket weeks before the event from the festival’s website or social media platforms.
If you’re looking for an interesting way to experience culture through movies, you should sign up for the GTX Film Festival and Conference.
Address: City Lights. 420 Wolf Ranch Parkway.Georgetown, TX
2. Trick or Treat Trail (October Halloween Extravaganza)
Yes, Georgetown’s Trick or Treat trail festival is what it sounds like.
Every October, children come out to fill their bags with sweets and goodies as they trick or treat.
This event is one of the biggest highlights in October as it coincides with Halloween.
Different vendors can sign up to set up booths and share candies while promoting their businesses.
There are other side attractions available for free.
Some of them include photo booths, carnival games, and food trucks.
If you’re in for more fun, you can wait till dark for a movie screening at the legacy pavilion.
What better way to get into the Halloween spirit than to get in your costume and sign up for a trick-or-treat event?
Be sure to show up with friends and family in the spookiest outfit possible.
Address: San Gabriel Park. 445 E Morrow St Georgetown, TX 78626
3. Fiesta Georgetown (Latino Heritage Celebration)
Nothing screams adventure and excitement like a fiesta in Georgetown.
This event is primarily to celebrate the history and cultural heritage of the indigenous Latino community through different mediums.
Every year, visitors and indigenes come from across the country to mark this event in a celebration involving dance, music, art, and food.
The one-day festival features live band performances and other side attractions, such as a pinata contest.
Additionally, other communities and organizations such as the Texas Legal Services, Boys and Girls Club of Georgetown, Georgetown Health Foundation, and Georgetown Chamber of Commerce will be in attendance.
If you’re looking forward to outdoor enjoyment for the whole family in summer, then this is it.
It’s undoubtedly an excellent opportunity to get to know the locals of Georgetown.
Address: City Center, Forest & 9th Street, Georgetown, TX
4. Annual Boo Bash On The Square (Halloween Fun For All)
The annual boo bash on the Square is one of the major events in October for children and adults.
It heralds Halloween and allows children and adults to dress up in costumes and have fun at the town square.
On the eve of Halloween, residents dress up in different characters as they go trick-or-treating in Georgetown Square.
It also allows locals and visitors to enjoy the finest dining and shopping experience.
Other side attractions include face paintings, food, drink, local dance, event performances, music by a DJ, and dancers.
Additionally, you can bring out your pets and participate in the dog costume contest.
The event happens every year on the 30th of October and is free for all.
If you want to have fun on the eve of Halloween, visit the annual boo bash.
Address: 116 W. 8th St, Ste. 207. Georgetown, TX 78626
Also see our article on Fun things to do in Texas.
Festivals in Houston, Texas
1. Japanese Festival of Houston (Celebrating Japanese Culture)
How do you experience Japanese art and culture without going to Japan?
That’s right, find your way down to Houston, Texas, in May.
The two days event allows locals and visitors to enjoy the finest of Japanese culture through performance art, Japanese cuisine, art, music, and live entertainment.
You also experience and learn about indigenous activities such as the famous Japanese tea ceremony ink-drawing, block printing, Ikebana flower arrangements, origami making, martial art, and bonsai trimming.
While the event is free, there are different vendors for food, drinks, and souvenirs.
A major highlight of the Japanese festival of Houston is when people wear Japanese outfits and cosplay popular Japanese movies or anime characters.
So what are you waiting for?
Now’s as good a time to experience Japanese culture firsthand.
Address: Hermann Park, 6001 Fannin St, Houston, TX 77030, USA
2. Bayou City Art Festival (Celebration of Visual Arts)
Tickets for the Bayou city art festival quickly sell out before the event for a reason.
In addition to being one of the biggest art festivals in the region, the event features the biggest and best artists, including sculptors, painters, sketch artists, dancers, and musicians.
As an art student or lover, you get the chance to interact and network with different artists while promoting your craft.
The festival spans an entire weekend, with different events on the schedule for all three days.
Additionally, you can watch live performances, attend workshops, patronize art vendors, and attend literature readings.
Interestingly, there are different classes of individual and group tickets.
Better still, the event holds twice a year – in spring and fall.
So whatever your budget, schedule, or crowd size, the Bayou city art festival is one for you.
Address: 7026 Old Katy Rd #221, Houston, TX 77024, USA
3. Martin Luther King Grande Parade (Annual Civil Rights Celebration)
This popular parade holds at the beginning of every year and honors the late civil rights activist and leader Martin Luther King Jr.
The grand parade carries a political undertone as it raises awareness for harmony and racial equality in response to the struggle against racism and discrimination.
Despite its strong message, the parade offers fun activities such as music and dancing as it weaves through the city’s center, mid, and Downtown.
Another significant activity during this festival is the tree-planting process in Kendleton, reminiscent of the emancipation in the city following the civil war.
The parade spans a few days with activities for the entire family.
If you love parades and are looking for a fun way to tour the city, you should attend the mother of all parades in Texas
Address: San Jacinto Street & Elgin Street, Midtown Houston, Texas 77002, USA
4. Houston Italian Festival (Italian Cultural Showcase)
Like the Japanese festival of Houston, the Houston Italian festival presents an opportunity to experience Italian culture while away from Italy.
Every three days in October, the city opens its doors to natives and tourists to enjoy the best Italian culture within its borders.
In addition to the wide array of Italian cuisine, music, and wine, you can learn the language or brush up on your Italian at the cultural education stage.
While there are several activities during this festival, you can move to the different stages to experience them at different times.
So, whether it is the melodic sound of Italian music or the aroma of burritos and pizza wafting through your nose, there’s so much to look forward to at the Houston Italian festival.
Address: 1101 Milford St, Houston, TX 77006, USA
Also see our article on Museums in Texas.
Festivals in Fort Worth, Texas
1. Main St. Fort Worth Arts Festival (Visual Artists & Live Music)
Creatives, art enthusiasts, and spectators come Downtown to experience a dizzying blend of art, music, culture, and entertainment at the nation’s third-largest fine arts festival—the Main ST. Fort Worth Arts Festival.
It is a free-to-attend event that showcases local and national visual artists, musicians, and exciting arts and crafts activities for the whole family.
In addition to art and music, you also get an exceptional culinary experience with various dishes from local and national chefs.
The four-day celebration in April promises numerous live performances from juried artists all over and activities for persons of all ages.
Aside from signing up to attend this event, you can subscribe to the Friends of the Festival membership program or sign up to volunteer.
So what are you waiting for?
Grab your sunscreen and prepare for the time of your life at this festival.
Address: Downtown Fort Worth
2. Fort Worth’s Bass Performance (Symphony & Orchestra Events)
As a music lover, Fort Worth’s bass performance should definitely be on your to-do list for the year.
Here’s why
Fort Worth’s bass performance is one of the oldest and most prestigious events in Fort Worth.
This event takes place in the Bass performance hall, which permanently hosts popular events such as the Cliburn concerts, the Texas ballet theater, the Fort Worth symphony orchestra, and the van Cliburn international piano competition.
The bass performance hall hosts different events all year round, and you can book any through the official website.
Asides from that, there are learning opportunities through the master classes, student matinees, summer camps, and virtual programming for all intending students.
Whether you are a connoisseur or a student, the fort’s bass performance is a great place to begin your journey into symphonies and orchestra.
Address: 525 Commerce St, Fort Worth, TX 76102-5440
3. Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl (Military Tribute Football Game)
The Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl is an ESPN-sponsored game in honor of military personnel and veterans, their families, and the five branches of the armed forces.
In addition to the football game are the different awards such as the armed forces merit awards and the Great American patriot award.
This festival is unique as it inspires patriotism and appreciation for members of the armed forces.
The highlight of the bowl is the trophy made from steel and metal pulled from military combat and reserved for the winner.
Demonstrations from the diving team, on-field induction ceremonies, armed forces hardware showcasing, and awarding homes to injured warriors are some of the other attractions you enjoy.
The Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl is an excellent way to start the year if you find yourself in Fort Worth.
Address: Amon G. Carter Stadium in Fort Worth, Texas.
Also see our article on Aquariums in Texas.
Festivals in Galveston, Texas
1. Featherfest Birding And Nature Photography Festival (Nature Photography Extravaganza)
This annual nature photography and birding festival is excellent for birders and tourists who want to visit Galveston.
The four-day event is one of Texas’s most significant birding events and one of the few that offers a dedicated nature photography track.
It allows you to see birds in their natural habitat with the guidance of local experts.
The festival usually holds during the avian spring migration, allowing you to meet and interact with outdoor lovers and birders.
Featherfest also includes a birding and nature photo contest, popularly known as Featherfest PhotoFest.
The photo contest offers casual and professional nature photographers the opportunity to appreciate the spring migration through their lenses.
If you are one of the lucky winners of the contest, your winning photo will be published on the Feather Fest website.
Isn’t that so exciting?
You can also participate in other fun activities like birding and photography workshops.
Kids are also included, as Feather Fest offers a writing and art contest for Kids in Grades K-8.
Winners of the contest will receive exciting gifts ranging from a museum pass to gift cards.
Selected entries will also be displayed at FeatherFest headquarters and included in an online gallery.
Come experience the spring migration in Galveston like nowhere else!
Address: Galveston Railroad Museum, 2602 Santa Fe Place, Galveston, Texas.
2. Rosenberg Day (Library Celebration)
Enjoy everything library on Rosenberg Day!
The Rosenberg Library hosts this unique festival annually.
This library is the first and oldest running library in all of Texas.
Rosenberg Day is a free, family-friendly festival open to the general public.
It’s a fun-packed day with scheduled events and activities inside and outside the library.
The festival offers live music, a scavenger hunt in the library, food trucks, a petting zoo, face painting, and other fun activities.
You can purchase a retried piece of Rosenberg Library history at the furniture salvage sale.
The author’s festival gives you the perfect opportunity to meet and support local authors.
You also get the opportunity to win a $25 gift card by signing up for a new library card or checking out three items with your existing card.
Address: Rosenberg Library, 2310 Sealy, Galveston, TX
3. Galveston Island Shrimp Festival (Seafood-Centric Extravaganza)
Whether you are a born seafood lover or have acquired a taste for it, the Galveston Island Shrimp Festival is the perfect place for you.
This annual festival is a two-day event featuring different seafood-centric activities, including but not limited to a shrimp gumbo cook-off, Lil’ Shrimps parade, gumbo tasting, and the Shrimp Scamper 5k Fun Run.
Participating in the gumbo cook-off allows you to test your recipe against others.
Interestingly, you also stand a chance to win a $1,000 cash prize.
You can also enjoy a colorful parade and mini-concerts while downing a couple of drinks.
The Shrimp Festival also offers an exciting trade fair with different vendors offering various products.
From a cook-off competition to live performances and a kids’ section, the Galveston Island Shrimp Festival offers a range of activities for the whole family to enjoy!
Address: 23rd St. and Strand St. near Saengerfest Park, 2302 Strand St. Galveston, Texas
If you liked this article, you may also like to read about the best Outdoor Activities, Trampoline Parks, and Amusement Parks in Texas.
Looking beyond Texas? Check out our article on the best festivals in New York and Florida’s most interesting festivals.