Please Note: Event dates were correct at the time of compilation and are subject to change. Please confirm dates in advance by using the contact information listed or by contacting the local chamber of commerce or convention and visitors bureau.
Provided by TravelTex.com and Texas Tourism


JANUARY

6—ARLINGTON: AT&T Cotton Bowl Classic Postseason college football game at Cowboys Stadium.
www.attcottonbowl.com
817/892-5000 or 888/792-BOWL

13-15—FRISCO: Winter Games of Texas Patterned after the Olympic Games and the U.S. Olympic Sports
Festivals, the Winter Games of Texas provide a forum for competition among Texas' Olympic hopefuls,
amateur and recreational athletes.
www.taaf.com

877/463-7472

13-FEB. 4—FORT WORTH: Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo Established in 1896, this popular event
attracts nearly 1 million people from around the world to the Will Rogers Memorial Center for the nation's
oldest livestock show and daily performances of the world's original indoor rodeo.
www.fwssr.com
817/877-2420

14-28—MISSION: Texas Citrus Fiesta This celebration of the Rio Grande Valley's winter bounty features
the Product Costume Show, coronation of King Citrus and Queen Citrianna, the Parade of Oranges, a carnival,
cook-offs and more.
www.texascitrusfiesta.net
956/585-9724

19-FEB. 19—LAREDO: Washington’s Birthday Celebration Thousands enjoy this monthlong celebration,
founded in 1898, which is the largest celebration of its kind in the United States. Includes parades, a carnival,
air show, fireworks, live concerts, Jalapeno Festival, the International Bridge Ceremony and more. The main
weekend for events is Feb. 17-19. Visit website or call for specific dates, times and locations.
www.wbcalaredo.org
956/722-0589

21—PORT ARTHUR: Gulf Coast Music Hall of Fame Show Includes a concert and induction ceremony
into the Gulf Coast Music Hall of Fame. Bob Bowers Civic Center.
www.portarthurtexas.com
800/235-7822

28—EMORY: Eagle Fest Bus and barge tours take visitors to see the majestic bald eagles in their natural
habitat. Also enjoy live raptor exhibits, flight demonstrations, music, arts and crafts, and food vendors. Eagle
Fest headquarters is at Rains High S chool, 1759 W. U.S. 69.
www.eaglefest.ezweb123.com
903/473-3913


FEBRUARY

9-26—SAN ANTONIO: San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo Enjoy star-studded concerts, carnival,
livestock centers and professional rodeo performances. AT&T Center.
www.sarodeo.com

10-21—GALVESTON: Mardi Gras Galveston The island celebrates its 101st Mardi Gras with spectacular
parades, elaborate masked balls, flamboyant costumes and live entertainment. Historic downtown.
www.mardigrasgalveston.com
409/797-5143
888-425-4753

14-24—SAN ANGELO: San Angelo Stock Show and Rodeo Features PRCA rodeo action, carnival, parade,
live entertainment and more. San Angelo Coliseum.
www.sanangelorodeo.com
325/653-7785

16-19—PORT ARTHUR: Mardi Gras Southeast Features headliner bands, parades, carnival rides, arts
and crafts, strolling entertainment and more. Downtown, along Procter Street.
www.mardigras.portarthur.com
409/721-8717

17-19—JEFFERSON: Mardi Gras Upriver Celebrate Mardi Gras at this festival that recalls the days when
steamboats came up the river to Port Jefferson from New Orleans. Includes parades and live entertainment.
www.mardigrasupriver.com
903/796-4378

19-26—BROWNSVILLE: Charro Days Fiesta In its 75th year, this festival celebrates the spirit of the
cultures of Texas and Mexico. Events include street dances, live music, carnival, an illuminated night parade,
golf tournament and more. Various locations.
www.charrodaysfiesta.com
956/542-4245

24-26—ALPINE: 25th Annual Texas Cowboy Poetry Gathering This is the second largest cowboy poetry
gathering in the country, second only to that of Elko, Nevada. Celebrate the oral traditions of the American
cowboy with poetry, music, chuck wagon breakfasts and more. Sul Ross State University.
www.cowboy-poetry.org
800/561-3712

28-MARCH 18—HOUSTON: Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Features a parade kick-off, rodeo
action, livestock shows, the Cinch RodeoHouston S uper Shootout, the Rodeo Uncorked! International Wine
Competition, headliner concerts, sheep-dog trials, trail rides and more. Reliant Park.
www.rodeohouston.com
832/667-1000


MARCH

1-4—HIDALGO: Borderfest This festival celebrates the culture, food, art and entertainment of a different
country every year. Includes live music, parades, carnival, pageants, car shows, strolling acts and more. (2010
event was March 4-7)
www.borderfest.org
956/843-2286

1-4—FULTON: Oysterfest This salute to the oyster industry features plenty of food, oyster eating and
shucking contests, entertainment, arts and crafts, and a carnival. Fulton Navigation Park.
http://fultonoysterfest.org
361/463-9955

2-4—DALLAS: North Texas Irish Festival The festival is one of the largest Celtic cultural events in the
nation and features many of the top Irish musicians and dancers in the world, plus a variety of cultural
presentations on eight stages. Now in its 30th year, the festival's theme for 2012 is "Harps and Fiddles."
www.ntif.org
214/821-4173

3-4—WASHINGTON: Texas Independence Day Celebration This event celebrates the 176th anniversary
of the historic March 2, 1836 meeting that produced the documents that declared Texas independent from
Mexico and gave rise to the Republic of Texas. Features costumed re-enactors, period craft demonstrations,
military encampments and Texas tunes. Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site.
www.birthplaceoftexas.com
888/273-6426
936/878-2214

3-4—SAN ANTONIO: “Remembering the Alamo” Weekend Through dramatic re-enactments,
experience the final two days of the Alamo before it fell to Mexican General Santa Anna’s army. Includes
cannon and drill demonstrations, costumed re-enactors, marches, music, pioneer craft demonstrations and
more. Alamo Plaza.
www.sanantoniolivinghistory.org/Events.html
210/273-1730

9-11—SWEETWATER: World’s Largest Rattlesnake Roundup Includes snake-handling demonstrations,
weigh-ins of snakes, cook-offs, beard contest, Miss Snake Charmer Pageant, carnival, dance, and a show of
coins, guns and knives. Don't forget to try the deep-fried rattlesnake meat. Nolan County Coliseum at Newman
Park.
www.rattlesnakeroundup.net
325/235-5488

9-18—AUSTIN: South by Southwest Noted filmmakers, musicians and multimedia artists from around the
world converge to showcase music, film and interactive media during this internationally recognized event.
Austin Convention Center and more than 50 venues.
www.sxsw.com
512/467-7979

9-18—MERCEDES: Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show This event dates to 1940 and is one of the largest
in South Texas. 1000 N. Texas Ave.
www.rgvlivestockshow.com
E-mail: info@rgvlivestockshow.com

9-24—AUSTIN: Star of Texas Fair and Rodeo PCRA competitors hit the arena, and area students exhibit
prize livestock. Also includes headliner concerts, a carnival, barbecue cook-off, pig races and other special
events. Travis County Exposition Center.
www.rodeoaustin.com
512/919-3000

15-17—DUBLIN: St. Patrick's Festival Includes a traditional stew cook-off, parade, Highland games, live
entertainment, pageants, carnival and more. Dublin City Park. (2011 event was March 17-19)
www.dublintxchamber.com/st_pat_info.htm
254/445-3422

23-APRIL 7—WOODVILLE: Tyler County Dogwood Festival Celebrates local heritage and the blooming
of the region’s dogwood trees with a parade, pageant, rodeo, 5K fun run, fireworks, Festival of the Arts,
Western Weekend and more.
www.tylercountydogwoodfestival.org
409/283-2272 or 800/323-0389 E-mail: dogwood_festival@yahoo.com

24-25—GOLIAD: Goliad Massacre Re-enactment On S aturday, wander the tents at this re-creation of the
occupation of the fort by Colonel Fannin and the Goliad Massacre, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Candlelight tours will be
conducted 7-9 p.m. Saturday evening. The next day, the massacre re-enactment begins at 10 a.m., with a
memorial service and pilgrimage to the Fannin Memorial afterward. Presidio La Bahia National Historic
Landmark.
www.presidiolabahia.org

361/645-3752

24-25—WESLACO: Texas Onion Fest Celebrates the development of the world-famous Texas 1015 Onion.
Includes cooking contests, music, strolling entertainers, rides, dances, pageant, car shows, arts and crafts, games
and more. Weslaco City Park, 300 S. Airport Drive.
www.weslaco.com/OnionFest
956/968-2102 E-mail: chamber@weslaco.com or onionfest@weslaco.com


APRIL

7-MAY 28—WAXAHACHIE: Scarborough Renaissance Festival View a variety of performances, visit
more than 200 shops, enjoy games and rides, and sample foods with Renaissance flair. Open Saturdays and
Sundays, plus Memorial Day. Off I-35E. at Exit 399 and Exit 399-A.
www.scarboroughrenfest.com
972/938-3247

13-15—POTEET: Strawberry Festival Includes strawberry judging and auction, concerts with nationally
known country-western and Tejano stars, a parade, fireworks, the Taste of Texas Food Show, carnival, dancers,
gunslingers, clowns, puppets, various contests and rodeo performances. Strawberry Festival Grounds, 9199
Hwy. 16.
www.strawberryfestival.com
888/742-8144 or 888/742-8144

13-15—BURNET: Bluebonnet Festival Enjoy this festival in the Texas Hill Country as the state flower, the
bluebonnet, is in full bloom. Downtown Square. (2010 dates were April 9-11)
http://bluebonnetfestival.org

14-15—CHAPPELL HILL: Official Bluebonnet Festival of Texas Features vendor booths, food, live
entertainment and music in the heart of bluebonnet country.
www.chappellhillmuseum.org/festivals.htm

979/836-6033 or 979/277-1122 E-mail: chmuseum@chappellhillmuseum.org

14-15—Booming ‘N’ Blooming: Attwater’s Prairie Chicken Festival Enjoy guided van tours to view one
of North America's most endangered birds on their "booming grounds," bird walking tours and native plant
walking tours. Attwater Prairie Chicken National Wildlife Refuge.
www.fws.gov/southwest/refuges/texas/attwater/index.html
979/234-3021
E-mail: FW2_RW_AttwaterPrairieChicken@fws.gov

19-29—SAN ANTONIO: Fiesta San Antonio Includes exciting carnivals, spectacular sports, fantastic
fireworks, lively entertainment, ethnic feasts, art exhibits and parades that glide down San Antonio's River Walk
and downtown streets. More than 100 unique events, each produced by a nonprofit organization that gives
back to this vibrant city, satisfy every taste and interest.
www.fiesta-sa.org
210/227-5191E-mail: fiesta@fiesta-sa.org

19-MAY 6—CORPUS CHRISTI: Buc Days Includes a trail ride, PRCA rodeo, carnival, music, mariachi and
folklorico competitions, the Las Doñas De La Corte coronation pageant, illuminated night parade and more.
Corpus Christi Bayfront.
www.bucdays.com
19-22—DRIFTWOOD: Old Settler’s Music Festival Dozens of acts on several stages deliver one of the
best roots-music festival experiences in the United States. Salt Lick Pavilion and Camp Ben McCulloch, FM
1826 southwest of Austin in Driftwood.
www.oldsettlersmusicfest.orgE-mail: info@mcguckinpr.com

20-22—PORT ARANSAS: Texas SandFest This event is the largest Master Sand S culpting Competition in
the U.S. and the qualifying event for the world championships. Also includes free sand-sculpting lessons,
amateur and professional contests, live entertainment, vendors and more.
www.texassandfest.com
E-mail: texassandfest@yahoo.com

21-22—ENNIS: Bluebonnet Trails Festival This event pays tribute to the Texas state flower with guided
and self-paced tours. Bus tours available by advance reservation. Sponsored by the Ennis Garden Club. Maps
and other information available at the downtown Ennis Garden Club Headquarter Tent or the Ennis Visitor
Center.
www.visitennis.org
972/878-4748 or 888/366-4748E-mail: ennis4u@swbell.net

21-22 AND 28-29—HOUSTON: Houston International Festival Downtown is filled with ethnic food
booths, arts and crafts, kiosks, interesting exhibits and 1,800 performers. This year’s festival spotlights
Argentina.
www.ifest.org
713/654-8808

25-28— FORT STOCKTON: Big Bend Open-Road Race Enthusiasts call this one of the most exciting
open-road races in the world. The event draws racers from around the U.S. to match their skills against the 118
miles of twists, turns and elevation changes. The route follows Highway 285 from Fort Stockton to Sanderson
and back.
www.bborr.com
432/336-3331 ext. 238

26-29—HALLETTSVILLE: Texas State Championship Fiddlers Frolic and Songwriters Serenade
Founded in 1871, this contest attracts some of the best fiddlers in the United States and around the globe. Also
enjoy a carnival, arts and crafts, horseshoe and washer contests, cook-offs and the Texas Fiddlers Hall of Fame.
Knights of Columbus Hall, 321 U.S. 77.
www.fiddlersfrolics.com or www.hallettsville.com
361/798-2311 or 361/798-9105

27-29—MUENSTER: Germanfest Celebrate the unique German Heritage of this North Texas community
with music, food, a fun run, bike rally, contests and more.
www.germanfest.net
940/759-2227

27-28—HUNTSVILLE: General Sam Houston Folk Festival Celebrates Texas History and the life of
Gen. Sam Houston. Includes life-skill demonstrations, authentic 19th-century dress, continuous entertainment
and hands-on activities. Sam Houston Memorial Museum. (2011 event was April 29-May 1)
www.samhoustonfolkfestival.org

936/294-1832

BASTROP: Yesterfest Includes music, vendors and entertainment in celebration of Bastrop's culture and
heritage. Old Town Bastrop. (2011 event was April 30)
www.bastropdba.com/yesterfest.html
512/321-6600 E-mail: information@bastropdba.com

MAY

3-6—JEFFERSON: Historic Home Tours and Spring Festival Tour four of Jefferson's most beautiful
and historic homes adorned with fresh flowers and period antiques. Docents dressed in Victorian attire lead
guests through the homes and reveal the history of each. Includes a colorful parade, twilight garden tours, the
Diamond Bessie Murder Trial play, and a Civil War re-enactment.
www.visitjeffersontexas.com
903-665-3733


4-5—BRENHAM: Maifest This German festival features colorful parades, spectacular pageants, food, crafts
and exhibits. Enjoy polkas, waltzes and country music. Downtown Brenham.
www.maifest.org
979/836-3339 or 888/273-6426

4-6—ARLINGTON: Texas Scottish Festival and Highland Games Hosts a Highland dance
championship, athletic competitions, Scottish food and ale, fiddlers, children’s activities, Ceilidh and
more. Maverick Stadium, University of Texas at Arlington.

www.texasscottishfestival.com
800/363-7268

4-6—SAN MARCOS: Viva! Cinco de Mayo and State Menudo Cook-off Includes music, a parade, state
championship menudo cook-off, folklorico dancers and pageant. On the grounds of the Hays County Civic
Center.
www.vivacincodemayo.org
512/395-5332

10-12—ABILENE: Western Heritage Classic Preserves the heritage of the ranch cowboy. Features a
parade, ranch rodeo, world’s largest bit and spur show, Western art, nightly dances and much more. Taylor
County Expo Center.
www.westernheritageclassic.com
325/677-4376

18-20—PASADENA: Strawberry Festival Known as the "Home of the World's Largest Strawberry
Shortcake," this event offers a wide variety of food, arts and crafts, activities and entertainment. Parade is on
May 12, with the main festival running May 18-20. Pasadena Convention Center and Fairgrounds, 7603 Red
Bluff Road.
www.strawberryfest.org
281/991-9500E-mail: linda@strawberryfest.org or bert@strawberryfest.org

21-27—FORT WORTH: Crowne Plaza Invitational This golf tournament, held annually at the Colonial
Country Club since 1946, is the longest-running event on the PGA tour that’s still being held at its original site.
www.crowneplazainvitational.com
817/927-4299 or 817/840-2219E-mail: info@colonialfw.com

24-JUNE 10—KERRVILLE: Kerrville Folk Festival This Texas Hill Country based international
songwriter's festival features more than 100 songwriters and their bands. Includes concerts, arts and crafts,
kids’ concerts, food and camping. Quiet Valley Ranch.
www.kerrvillefolkfestival.com
830/257-3600

25-27—ENNIS: National Polka Festival Features authentic cuisine, sounds and costumes of Czech and
Slovak heritage, parade, live bands, and arts and crafts. Downtown Ennis and Czech Halls.
www.nationalpolkafestival.com
972/878-4748E-mail: ennis4u@swbell.net
25-27—KERRVILLE: Texas State Arts and Crafts Fair Features arts and crafts, music, food and fun for
the entire family, including a children's activity area. Occurs during the Kerrville Folk Festival (May 24-June
10). River Star Arts and Events Center, 4000 Riverside Drive.
www.tacef.org
830/896-5711 E-mail: fair@tacef.org


JUNE

1-AUG. 31—CANYON: Texas Musical Drama Enjoy an evening of music, dance and entertainment
provided by 80 professional performers every Tuesday through Sunday night during the summer. Dinner,
catered by the Big Texan Steak Ranch, can be purchased before the show. Pioneer Amphitheatre at Palo Duro
Canyon State Park.
www.texas-show.com
806/655-2181

8-10—ARANSAS PASS: Shrimporee The largest shrimp festival in Texas offers live entertainment and
dancing all weekend, culinary events, carnival rides and a parade. Johnson Community Park.
www.aransaspass.org/Shrimporee.cfm

361/758-2750

8-10—SAN ANTONIO: Texas Folklife Festival The signature event of UTSA’s Institute of Texan Cultures
features performances, special events and food representing dozens of ethnic groups. UTSA's Institute of
Texan Cultures, 801 E. Durango Blvd.
www.texasfolklifefestival.org
210/458-2224

11-13—CRYSTAL BEACH: Texas Crab Festival Includes food and craft booths along with live
entertainment, contests and a carnival. Gregory Park.
www.bolivarchamber.org
409/684-5940

11-13—LONGVIEW: AlleyFest Celebrate the arts with vendors at Alley Art, plus the Alley Run 5K and 10K,
children’s activities and live music. Downtown Longview.
www.alleyfest.org
903/237-4040E-mail: downtown@longviewtx.com

21-23, 28-30—ALBANY: Fort Griffin Fandangle With singing, dancing, colorful costumes and stage sets,
this outdoor musical re-creates the history of West Texas. Enjoy barbecue on the courthouse lawn at 5 p.m.
and a calliope concert each evening before the show. Begins at 8:30 p.m. or dusk. Prairie Theater.
www.fortgriffinfandangle.org
325/762-3838

28-JULY 1—LULING: Watermelon Thump Includes a parade, continuous live entertainment, world
championship seed-spitting contest, carnival and arts and crafts. Downtown Luling.
www.watermelonthump.com
830/875-3214 ext. 2E-mail: jamie@watermelonthump.com

YOAKUM: Tom Tom Festival Honors Yoakum’s tomato industry, which was predominant in the area in the
late ‘20s -early ‘30s. Includes live music, carnival, parade, rodeo, cook-offs, games, pageants, dachshund races
and more. (Dates for 2011 were June 3-4.)
www.yoakumareachamber.com/pages/tomtomfestival.html
361/293-2309 E-mail: info@yoakumareachamber.com

LOCKHART: Chisholm Trail Roundup Enjoy the golf tournament, parade, carnival, music, and barbecue
and chili cook-off. (Date for 2011 were June 8-11.)
www.chisholmtrailroundup.com or www.lockhartchamber.com
512/398-2818

CROCKETT: World Champion Fiddlers Festival Join some of the best fiddlers anywhere as they compete
for the World Championship title. (Date in 2011 was June 11.)
www.crockettareachamber.org
936/544-2359

EAST BERNARD: Kolache-Klobase Festival Features Czech music, food, arts and crafts, children’s
activities, and of course, plenty of kolaches. Riverside Hall. (Date in 2011 was June 11.)

www.kkfest.com
979/335-7907

JACKSONVILLE: Tomato Fest This event includes a tomato eating contest, salsa contest, live
entertainment, auction, arts and crafts, food, sports events, antique car show and more. Downtown
Jacksonville. (Date in 2011 was June 11.)
www.jacksonvilletexas.com
903/586-2217 or 800-376-2217



JULY

14—WEATHERFORD: Parker County Peach Festival Features live entertainment, vendors with
handmade arts and crafts and food, bike ride, peach cobbler and other peachy treats, children’s activities and
more. Historic Downtown.
www.peachfestivaltx.com or www.visitweatherford.com
888/594-3801

24-29—LONGVIEW: Great Texas Balloon Race Features the U.S. Nationals and BTBR Festival and
Competition in the “Balloon Capital of Texas.” Spectators can enjoy balloon glows and lights, live concerts, a
children’s area and vendors.
www.greattexasballoonrace.com
903/753-3281

26-28—CLUTE: Great Texas Mosquito Festival Features live concerts, a barbecue and fajita cook-off,
horseshoe pitching tournament, washer pitching contest, mosquito-calling contest, Mosquito Chase 5K Run,
arts and crafts and more. Clute Municipal Park.
www.mosquitofestival.com
800/371-2971 or 979/265-8392

LAMPASAS: Spring Ho Festival Celebrates the heritage of the community with an old-fashioned family
festival that includes a parade, pageant, talent contest, fishing derby, carnival, arts and crafts, barbecue cook-off,
dancing, 10K and 1-mile runs, pet parade and more. Downtown. (Dates for 2011 were July 4-10)
www.springho.com
512/556-5301

PECOS: Night In Old Pecos and Cantaloupe Festival The streets are blocked off downtown with a variety
of vendors, activities and live music. (Date in 2011 was July 23.)
www.pecostx.com/pgs/events.php
432/445-2406



AUGUST

2-4—DALHART: XIT Rodeo and Reunion This event originally started as a gathering of cowboys and their
families who lived and worked on what was once the largest fenced ranch in the world. Since 1937, it has been
open to the public and became a local tradition featuring PRCA rodeo action, live music and dancing, a parade,
contests, pageants, and free barbecue, pork chops and watermelon. Rita Blanca Coliseum and Festival
Grounds.
www.xit-rodeo.com
806/244-5646

25—WICHITA FALLS: Hotter ‘N Hell Hundred Includes a consumer show, criterium races, cycling road
races, endurance ride and Wee-Chi-Tah 10K and Half-Marathon Trail Runs.
www.hh100.org
940/322-3223

FREDERICKSBURG: Gillespie County Fair Generally includes live pari-mutuel horse racing, livestock
exhibits, carnival and midway, agricultural and home skills exhibits, variety of vendors, arts and crafts,
professional entertainment nightly and more. Gillespie County Fairgrounds, 530 Fair Drive. (Dates for 2011
were Aug. 25-28.)
www.gillespiefair.com/fair.htm
830/997-2359

SOUTH PADRE ISLAND: Texas International Fishing Tournament Held for more than 70 years, this
event creates an atmosphere of friendly fishing competition and wholesome family fun. (Dates for 2011 were
Aug. 3-7.)
www.tift.org
956/943-8438



SEPTEMBER

1-2—BOYS RANCH: Cal Farley’s Boys Ranch Rodeo In addition to highlighting the skills of the Cal
Farley boys and girls ages 5 to 18, the rodeo serves as the annual homecoming for Cal Farley's alumni each
Labor Day weekend.
www.calfarley.org
806/372-2341 or 800/687-3722

1-2—WEST: Westfest This annual Czech polka festival is held each Labor Day weekend. Includes a parade,
pageant, S unday polka Mass, cultural music and dance, Kolache Fun Run, taroky contest, horseshoes, tractor
pull and more. West Fair Grounds.
www.westfest.com
254/826-5058
E-mail: info@westfest.com

1-3—ALPINE: Big Bend Balloon Bash Be a part of the viewing crowd or lend a hand to help balloon crews
as colorful balloons soar early each morning above Alpine and dance across the Davis Mountains. On S unday
evening is the Fire Glow and Concert at Alpine's Buck Stadium, featuring the balloon pilots as they "play" their
burners in a fun and memorable outdoor concert.
www.bigbendballoonbash.com
432/837-7486
flyinghigh@bigbendballoonbash.com

3—WACO: Labor Day Open House at Homestead Heritage Traditional Craft Village (Formerly known
as the Sorghum Festival) S ee craftspeople demonstrate traditional crafts such as making pottery and baskets,
blacksmithing, spinning, weaving, quilting and more. Also includes make-and-take craft projects, sustainability
seminars, music, hayrides and homemade food. Homestead Heritage at Brazos de Dios, 608 Dry Creek Road.
www.homesteadheritage.com
254/754-9600
E-mail: info@homesteadheritage.com

5-7—FREDERICKSBURG: Oktoberfest Celebrate the state’s German heritage with entertainment, German
food and music, arts and crafts, children’s area and more. Downtown at the Marktplatz.
www.oktoberfestinfbg.com
830/997-4810E-mail: creative@ktc.com

7-9—GRAND PRAIRIE: National Championship Powwow This event, marking its 50th anniversary in
2012, features colorful tribal dance contests, arts and crafts, cultural heritage demonstrations, teepees and food.
Traders Village, 2602 Mayfield Road.
www.tradersvillage.com
972/647-2331

13-16—ROCKPORT/FULTON: HummerBird Celebration Celebrate the spectacular fall migration of the
Ruby-throated hummingbird through the area and enjoy informative and educational programs on these birds
and others. Includes vendors and more.
www.rockporthummingbird.com
361/729-6445

14-22—AMARILLO: Tri-State Fair This 89th-annual event includes a top-notch regional fair and PRCA
rodeo. Amarillo Tri-State Exposition Grounds.

806/376-7767
www.tristatefair.com
18-22—ABILENE: West Texas Book and Music Festival A week of workshops, demonstrations and
activities includes author presentations, a cookbook gala, music in the park, a gospel concert and hymnfest, the
Boots and Books luncheon and the Hall of Texas Authors.
www.abilenetx.com/apl/bookfest_general.html
325/676-6328

21-29—LUBBOCK: Panhandle South Plains Fair Filled with entertainment, a carnival and children’s
activities, petting zoo, livestock and agricultural contests, exhibits and vendors.
www.southplainsfair.com
806/763-2833E-mail: info@southplainsfair.com

21-30—TYLER: East Texas State Fair Includes entertainment, special attractions, contests, livestock show
and music. East Texas State Fairgrounds.
www.etstatefair.com
903/597-2501

23—SERBIN: Wendish Fest Celebrate and experience some of the unique heritage passed down from
Wendish settlers. Includes exhibitions, demonstrations, children's activities, dance performances, music and
contests. Grounds of the Texas Wendish Heritage Society Museum and St. Paul Lutheran Church picnic
grounds. Held every fourth Sunday in S eptember.
www.texaswendish.org
979/366-2441

28-OCT. 21—DALLAS: State Fair of Texas This 24-day annual event entices and excites the senses with a
menu of world-class entertainment, thrill rides, football matchups, and mouth-watering edibles. Fair Park.
www.bigtex.com
214/565-9931E-mail: pr@bigtex.com

MARFA: 25th Annual Marfa Lights Festival Celebrates the mysterious Marfa lights with a parade, food and
craft vendors, live music and street dances. (Dates in 2011 were Sept. 3-4.)
www.marfacc.com
432/729-4942

WINNIE: Texas Rice Festival Annual harvest celebration honors rice farming, which is a major economic
activity in this region of Southeast Texas. Includes live music, barbecue cook-off, parades, livestock show, rice
cooking contest, Cajun flavors and more. Winnie-Stowell Park. Usually held during the first weekend in
October.
www.texasricefestival.org
409/296-4404

BRADY: World Championship Barbecue Goat Cook-Off Entering its 39th year, this is the longest-running
goat cook-off in Texas. Also includes an arts-and-crafts fair, washer pitching tournament, and Goat Gallop 5K
Fun Run and Walk. Richards Park. (Dates for 2011 were S ept. 2-3.)
www.bradytx.com/pages/WorldChampionshipGoatCookOff1
325/597-3491E-mail: info@bradytx.com

GRAPEVINE: GrapeFest Sample award-winning Texas wines, take kids to the carnival midway, visit the
culinary pavilion, join in the grape stomp and enjoy six stages of live entertainment. (Dates for 2011 event were
Sept. 15-18.)
www.grapevinetexasusa.com/grapefest
800/457-6338



OCTOBER

5-7—GONZALES: Come and Take It Festival Commemorates the anniversary of the firing of the first
shot for Texas independence. A battle re-enactment is held each year at Gonzales Pioneer Village Living
History Center.
www.gonzalestexas.com
888/672-1095

5-13—WACO: Heart o' Texas Fair and Rodeo Includes rodeo events, livestock show, carnival, parade, live
music, Wiener Dog Nationals, children’s activities, talent competition and more.
www.hotfair.com
254/776-1660E-mail: melinda@hotfair.com

6-NOV. 25—PLANTERSVILLE: Texas Renaissance Festival The sights, sounds, tastes and beauty of the
16th century come alive for eight spectacular weekends. The days are capped with the Royal Fireworks held at
dusk above the festival’s lake.
www.texrenfest.com
800/458-3435E-mail: TRFinfo@texrenfest.com

12-14—AUSTIN: Austin City Limits Music Festival More than 130 local and nationally known music acts
perform on eight stages during this three-day music festival.
www.aclfestival.com
12-14—CUERO: Turkeyfest This event highlights the town’s history as a major turkey production center
with the Great Gobbler Gallop, a race between turkeys from Cuero and a town in Minnesota in which the
winning turkey takes home the title of “Turkey Capital of the World” to its hometown for the year. The event
also features a grand parade, carnival, family entertainment, live music, an IBCA barbecue cook-off, antique
tractor pull, eating contests, arts and crafts, petting zoo and more. Held on the second weekend in October.
Cuero City Park.
www.turkeyfest.org
361/275-2112E-mail: cueroturkeyfest@hotmail.com

18-20—TYLER: Texas Rose Festival Offers enchanting ceremonial events — the queen coronation, rose
show, queen’s tea and the rose parade — and thousands of roses in gardens and displayed in artful
arrangements. Tyler Rose Garden Center and citywide.
www.texasrosefestival.com or www.visittyler.com
903/597-3130E-mail: info@texasrosefestival.com

27-28—AUSTIN: Texas Book Festival Includes readings, panels, children’s area, book signings and
exhibitors. Texas State Capitol and surrounding venues.
www.texasbookfestival.org
512/477-4055E-mail: bookfest@texasbookfestival.org

ROCKPORT: Seafair S ea-themed festival features live entertainment, vendors, gumbo cook-off, seafood
cooking classes and demonstrations, carnival, education about the coast, parade and more. (Dates for 2011
event were Oct. 7-9).
www.rockportseafair.com
361/729-6445

COOPER: Delta County Chiggerfest This festival, which celebrates the end of chigger season in East Texas,
includes a 5K run/walk, pancake breakfast, live entertainment, pageants, arts and crafts competition, a shoebox
float contest, kids’ activities and more. (Date for 2011 event was Oct. 15.)
www.deltacounty.org
903/395-4314

GILMER: East Texas Yamboree This festival, an annual event since 1935, is named for the area’s history as
a producer of yams. Events include a carnival, queen coronation pageant, livestock show and sale, barn dance,
parades, exhibits and contests. (Dates for 2011 were Oct. 19-22.)
www.yamboree.com
903/843-2413

FLATONIA: Czhilispiel Pronounced “chili spill,” this 40th annual event features exciting cook-off
competitions for “czhili” and barbecue, arts and crafts, food vendors, live entertainment, pageant, a 5K
run/walk, carnival, car show and more.
http://flatoniachamber.com/czhili
361/865-3920

SEGUIN: Pecan Fest Heritage Days Includes live entertainment, tours of the world’s largest nutcracker
collection, pecan treats, a conjunto festival, arts and crafts, a golf tournament, bike ride, baking contest, pet
parade, street dance and more. (Dates for 2011 event were Oct. 28-30.)
www.seguingonuts.com or www.visitseguin.com
800/580-7322

ELGIN: Hogeye Festival Ham it up at this family-friendly festival in the Sausage Capital of Texas, which
features fun, food, and plenty of pig puns. Events include a barbecue pork cook-off, live music, the Road Hog
Car Show, In a Pig’s Eye Dart Contest, the crowning of King Hog or Queen Sowpreme, a children’s costumed
pet parade, the Hogalicious Dessert Contest and the Pearls Before Swine Art Show. (Date for 2011 event was
Oct. 22.)
www.hogeyefestival.com or www.elgintx.com
512/281-5724



NOVEMBER

1-3—TERLINGUA: Terlingua International Championship Chili Cook-off/Terlingua International
Chili Championship For more than 40 years, cooks and chili lovers from around the globe have made the
pilgrimage to this West Texas town for these two events that offer the ultimate chili experience. Includes
entertainment and dancing. Held annually on the first Saturday in November.
www.chili.org and www.abowlofred.com
888/227-4468 or 817/653-0988

2-11—NEW BRAUNFELS: Wurstfest Offers a unique celebration rich in German culture and full of Texas
fun. Enjoy great music, special events and, of course, plenty of sausage and other food. Wurstfest Grounds.
www.wurstfest.com
800/221-4369 or 830/625-9167E-mail: info@wurstfest.com

4—PORT ISABEL: World Championship Shrimp Cook-Off Dozens of contestants compete for the
World Champion title. Includes kids’ activities, live music, vendors and more. Held the first S unday in
November.
www.portisabel.org
956/943-2262E-mail: director@portisabel.org

8-11—CRYSTAL CITY: Spinach Festival This South Texas city celebrates its history as the nation’s leading
producer of spinach with live music, a parade, spinach cook-off, pageant, carnival, and more. Held on the
second weekend in November.
http://ccspinachfest.com
830/374 3161

10—HENDERSON: Heritage Syrup Festival Commemorates the original fall festival of syrup making. On
the Depot Museum grounds, ribbon-cane syrup is made using old-time equipment. Includes demonstrations,
music and arts and crafts. Held the second S aturday in November.
www.depotmuseum.com
E-mail: sweaver@depotmuseum.com

23—SAN ANTONIO: Holiday River Parade and Lighting Ceremony On the Friday after Thanksgiving,
the switch is thrown and thousands of twinkling lights form a magical canopy over San Antonio’s River Walk.
This kicks off the Paseo del Rio Holiday Festivities. The spectacular one-hour parade features illuminated floats
with celebrities, bands and lavishly-costumed participants. Begins at 7 p.m. Along the River Walk.
www.thesanantonioriverwalk.com
210/227-4262

HARLINGEN: Rio Grande Valley Birding Festival Join bird and nature lovers from around the world for
field trips, seminars, keynote lectures, workshops and more. (Dates for 2011 event were Nov. 9-13.)
www.rgvbirdfest.com
800/531-7346

AMARILLO: WRCA World Championship Ranch Rodeo Working ranch cowboys from across the United
States and Canada. (Dates for 2011 event were Nov. 10-13.)
www.wrca.org
806/374-9722 E-mail: mandy@wrca.org

SALADO: Scottish Gathering of the Clans and Highland Games Features genealogy workshop, piping
contest, drumming contest, highland dance contest, athletic games, clan tents, Scottish vendors, tug-o-war and
more. Salado Civic Center Grounds. (Dates for 2011 event were Nov. 11-13.)
www.ctam-salado.org
254/947-5232 E-mail: office@ctam-salado.org

NACOGDOCHES: Nine Flags Festival The Oldest Town in Texas celebrates the holidays and pays
homage to its rich history under six nations’ flags and three rebellion flags from attempts to create a Republic
of Texas. Includes the Tour de Nac cycling event, Wassail Fest, Santa’s Depot, parades, live entertainment,
holiday shopping, “An Old Fashioned Christmas” at Millard’s Crossing Historic Village, holiday light displays
and more. (Dates for 2011 event were Nov. 17-Dec. 10.)
www.nineflagsfestival.com
888/OLDEST-TOWN


DECEMBER

1—DALLAS: Children’s Parade Join Santa in downtown Dallas every year on the first Saturday of December
to share in the cherished holiday tradition. Downtown Dallas.
www.childrens.com/paradeE-mail: laurie.holloway@childrens.com or krystal.morris@childrens.com

7-9—SAN ANGELO: Christmas at Old Fort Concho Features three full days of Christmas cheer with
living history, entertainment, shopping, arts and crafts and children’s events. Fort Concho National Historic
Landmark.
www.fortconcho.com
325/481-2646 E-mail: events@fortconcho.com

GOLIAD: Christmas in Goliad This festive event begins with a lighted parade featuring a living nativity. The
next day, enjoy arts and crafts vendors on the courthouse square, live performances, authors’ book-signings
and cowboy poetry, museum tours, and Las Posadas at dusk at the Presidio La Bahia. (Dates for 2011 were
Dec. 2-3.)
www.goliadcc.org
361/645-8767

GALVESTON: Dickens on the Strand Bobbies, Beefeaters and the Queen herself are on hand for this
holiday festival that recreates the Victorian-era London of Charles Dickens. Includes Victorian bed races,
costume contests, parades, children's events and live entertainment. (Dates for 2011 were Dec. 3-4.)
www.dickensonthestrand.org
409/765-7834

SAN ANTONIO: Fiesta de las Luminarias Experience the holiday serenity of the River Walk while
strolling along the lush banks of the San Antonio River guided by more than 6,000 luminarias. Warmly glowing
candles in sand-filled bags line the walkways to symbolically mark the “lighting of the way” for the Holy
Family. Begins at dusk Fridays through Sundays. (Dates for 2011 were Dec. 2-18.)
www.thesanantonioriverwalk.com
210/227-4262

LUBBOCK: Candlelight at the Ranch Experience pioneer yuletide celebrations as they took place on the
open prairie more than 100 years ago with period-dressed volunteers re-enacting holiday preparations. National
Ranching Heritage Center, 3121 Fourth St. (Dates for 2011 event were Dec. 9-10.)
www.depts.ttu.edu/ranchhc
806/742-0498

RICHMOND: Campfire Christmas Experience the beauty of the holiday season with guided tours of the
1830s Jones Stock Farm and 1890s Davis Mansion decorated in the spirit of the season. Wrap up the evening’s
festivities with singing and storytelling around the campfire with George Ranch cowboys. Reservations are
required. George Ranch Historical Park, 10215 F.M. 762. (Dates for 2011 event were Dec. 9-10, 16-17.)
www.georgeranch.org
281/343-0218 E-mail: education@georgeranch.org

JOHNSON CITY: A Timeless Christmas in Johnson City: Celebrate both a 1920s Christmas at President
Johnson's Boyhood Home and an 1860s Christmas at the log cabin of the president's grandparents. The two
sites are connected by a short, lighted trail. (Date for 2011 event was Dec. 10.)
www.nps.gov/lyjo

ANSON: Texas Cowboys’ Christmas Ball This event is a re-enactment of the original 1885 Ball that
honored area cowboys, their ladies and families. Enjoy traditional western music, dancing, refreshments and a
visit from Santa on Saturday. The rules of the original 1885 ball remain in effect: Ladies are required to wear
dresses on the dance floor; Gentlemen are required to check in hats, guns and spurs; and no drinking, fighting,
cussing or spitting is allowed. Historic Pioneer Hall. (Dates for 2011 event were Dec. 20-22.)
www.ansoncowboyschristmasball.com
325-537-2589 or 325-823-2159