Festivals 2009
- Last week in January
Citrus Fiesta
Mission Texas
Citrus Fiesta costume show and parade. 100,000 attend.
512-585-9724 - February
Mardis Gras
Galveston, Texas
409-763-4311
200,000 visitors annually. Seven parades over two weekends. - February 26, 27 and 28, 2010
Texas Cowboy Poetry Gathering
Alpine, Texas
On the campus of Sul Ross State University in Alpine, Texas
915-837-8191 - February
Washington’s Birthday Celebration
Laredo, Texas
Since 1898. Over 20 events and two parades. 250,000 attend annually. - First weekend in March
Fulton Oysterfest
Fulton Harbor
Fulton, Texas
50,000 attend annually. Food, arts & crafts, entertainment, and dancing.
800-242-0071 - First Saturday in March
General Granbury’s Birthday and Bean cook-off
Granbury, Texas
Arts and crafts, bean-eating contests, outhouse races, parade.
817-573-5548 - March 12 -21, 2010
South by Southwest Music Conference and Festival (SXSW)The first South by Southwest Music Conference and Festival (SXSW) was held in 1987 in Austin, Texas. Despite the fact that Austin was not a Top 20 major market at the time, the background and character of the city made it a perfect location for the conference. Austin was considered a fairly cosmopolitan town for its size because of the University of Texas, which draws people from all over the world. As home to the state government and Texas Legislature it has also always been a popular party town, with a reputation that goes back to the 19th century when numerous nightspots and bars were populated by General Custer’s troops after the Civil War. These nightspots are located in the same areas where the 6th Street and 4th Street club and bar scenes now exist. - Second weekend in March
Sweetwater Jaycees Rattlesnake Roundup
Sweetwater, Texas
Annual event for over 30 years. Attracts 35,000 visitors annually. This is the original and largest of the rattlesnake roundups. 15,000 pounds of rattlesnake and plenty of other activities.
The weekend will officially kick off on Thursday, March 12, 2009 with our Rattlesnake Review Parade through downtown Sweetwater. That evening, you can join us for the Miss Snake Charmer Pageant held in the Sweetwater Municipal Auditorium at 7:00 p.m. The doors will open at 8:00 a.m. Friday March 13, 2009 for the 51st Annual Sweetwater Jaycees World’s Largest Rattlesnake Round-Up with snakes being weighed in at 7:00 a.m. that morning at the Nolan County Coliseum. Catch one of our snake handling demonstrations while you are here and don’t forget to try some deep-fried
915-235-5488 - April 04 – May 25, 2009
Scarborough Renaissance Festival
Watch shows on 21 stages, find one-of-a-kind merchandise, enjoy games and rides, and sample a multinational variety of foods. Open Saturdays and Sundays, plus Memorial Day. 2511 FM 66.
Website: /http://www.scarboroughrenfest.com
Phone: 972-938-3247 - April 09 – April 11, 2010
Poteet Strawberry FestivalPoteet, Texas, USA
The Poteet Strawberry Festival® is one of the oldest, most popular events in the state and is recognized as the largest agricultural festival in Texas as well as one of the most exciting, dynamic festivals in the Greater Southwest. The 100 acre site, which is located on Hwy. 16, 20 minutes south of San Antonio, offers free parking, clean public restrooms, handicapped accessibility, complete RV facilities, and tent covered activities during the fun filled Festival Weekend. - April 16-19 – Fort Worth
MAIN Street. Artfest
Regarded as one of the nation’s premiere festivals, MAIN ST. features over 200 juried artists, 400 musical & cultural performances, children’s area, spectacular food & fun. Celebrating its 24th Anniversary!
(817) 336-2787. - Fiesta, San Antonio
San Antonio, Texas
210-227-5191
10 day citywide festival third and fourth weekends in April.
Celebrates Texas’ victory over Santa Ana at San Jacinto in 1836 which resulted in Texas independence from Mexico. This is a world class Fiesta featuring parades, concerts and band festivals; art exhibitions, flower and fashion shows; musical productions, balls and street dancing; coronation of King Antonio and the Pilgrimage to the Alamo. - First weekend in May
The National Polka Festival
Ennis, Texas
Everyone come help us celebrate forty three wonderful years of Czech Heritage Festivities. Held annually on Memorial Day Weekend, the National Polka Festival® offers an abundance of activities to be enjoyed by the entire family in a small city atmosphere.
214-875-2625 - May 01 – May 03, 2009
Fort Worth
Mayfest
Features food, arts & crafts and live performances. Trinity Park.
Website: http://www.fortworthgov.org
Phone: 817-332-1055 - May 09, 2009
Brew B Q
Austin, Texas
Beer and BBQ sampling, beer games, contest, Back Yard BBQ Challenge, Pie Eating Contest, BBQ Sauce wrestling, BBQ Documentary Films, Over 100 Beers, Over 20 BBQ Restaurants,a carnival, arts & crafts, beer games like washers, quarters, darts, horse shoes, coaster flipping, empty can toss, keg toss, beer trivia, pint chug, home brew contest, and much more. Two stages, one with major national act, one with October Fest bands and entertainers. - May 08 – May 10, 2009
Taste Addison
Addison, Texas, USA
Please make note of the dates for the most eagerly anticipated annual festival in North Texas – Taste Addison at beautiful Addison Circle Park. In addition to sampling fabulous fare from nearly 60 Addison restaurants, guests come from across the Southwest to enjoy the non-stop, world class musical entertainment by national, local and regional acts performing a variety of music to suit everyone. Plus, there are carnival rides, midway games, arts and crafts, wine tastings, and chef demonstrations. Since this is Mothers Day weekend, Taste Addison is a great place to treat Mom - May 15 -May 17, 2009
Wildflower Arts and Music FestivalAward-winning eclectic arts and music festival in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area
Estimated attendees-70000 - May 16 – May 17, 2009
Highland Scottish Games & Celtic FestivalHouston, Texas, USA
Celtic Festival featuring traditional Scottish Highland Games including solo piping & drumming & pipe band, highland dancing & heavy athletic competitions. Entertainment stages featuring celtic music, food, drink & merchandise vendors and childrens games. Sheepdog demonstrations, highland cattle & rescue dogs on show. Clans & societies represented. Workshops in Geneology & Robert Burns. Opening & prize giving parades. Proceeds benefit Texas Childrens Hospital and HHGA scholarship fund - May 15 -May 17, 2009
Pasadena Strawberry Festival
Pasadena, Texas
36th Annual, Family Fun, Mud Volleyball,Cookoff,World’s Largest Strawberry Shortcake, Music,Childrens are
Estimated attendees-56000 - May 15 -May 16, 2009
Festival on the Concho
3rd annual, Petting zoo, bounce houses, face painting, general store, childrens entertainment stage, rock
Estimated attendees-1000 - May 15 -May 17, 2009
Deutschen Pfest
Pflugerville, Texas
34th Annual Deutschen Pfest Dale Watson, Rotel and the Hot Tomatoes, Bustamoovalators, Carolyn Wonderland
Estimated attendees-30000
512-990-6101 - May 16 -May 17, 2009
Scottish Highland Games
Houston, Texas
Enjoy the sights, sounds and foods of Scotland. Highland dancing, pipe bands.
Estimated attendees-4000 - May 16, 2009
La Vernia, Texas
Parade, Carnival, Volleyball, Helicopter Rides, Arts & Crafts, Live Auction, Lions Club sponsors
Estimated attendees-10000 - May 16 -May 17, 2009
Battle of Temple Junction
Temple, Texas
Come and watch history come alive on the battlegrounds in the North Temple Industrial Park!
Estimated attendees-2000
254-298-5900 - May 21 -June 07, 2009
Folk Festival
Kerrville, Texas
Over 100 songwriters and their bands. Concerts, arts & crafts, kids concerts, food vendors and camping.
Estimated attendees-2500
830-257-3600 - May 22 – May 24, 2009
Artfest
Dallas, Texas, USA
In 2009, ARTFEST ® celebrates its 40th Anniversary! Known as one of the premier Fine Arts shows & festivals in the nation, integrating fine art, kids arts, performance arts, music and fun activities for all. At ARTFEST ®, you find everything from one of a kind paintings, to sculptures; wood works to jewelry; masonry to yard art – there is something for art lovers of all ages, tastes and budgets. - May 22 -May 23, 2009
Crawfish Festival
Fredericksburg, Texas
Louisiana styled music, food, arts, crafts, Gumbo Cook-off, and fun children’s area
Estimated attendees-5000
830-997-8515 - May 22 -May 24, 2009
Lone Star Stampede
Conroe, Texas
Texas State Championship BBQ Cook off, Carnival, 3 Bands Nightly, Equine Events
Estimated attendees-45000
281-413-5961 - May 23 -May 25, 2009
Texas Arts & Crafts Fair
Kerrville, Texas
Juried fine arts & crafts show with food, music, art demos, children’s area and family entertainment.
Estimated attendees-18000
830-896-5711 - May 23, 2009
Center Fly-In
Center, Texas
6th Annual Airplane rides for 8-17 years olds, plane & helicopter displays, Balloon rides, glow & more.
Estimated attendees-600
936-598-3351 - June 5 thru August 18, 2009
TEXAS Musical Drama
Canyon, Texas
A LONE HORSEMAN, carrying the flag of the great state of Texas appears atop a 600 foot cliff, signaling the beginning of the most spectacular outdoor musical drama in the world. With
a burst of fireworks and a moving swell of the music, the horseman gallops away. Suddenly, a cast of more than 60 actors, singers and dancers takes the stage to kick off the show that millions of fans from all around the world have come to see. Only a state as big as Texas could host a show as big as TEXAS!
806-655-2181 - June 05 -June 06, 2009
Arts Festival
Mansfield, Texas
Live music, food, artists showcasing jewelry, pottery, paintings, glass, metal, leather, more
Estimated attendees-3000
817-842-1051 - June 05 -June 07, 2009
AlleyFest
Longview, Texas
3 day arts and crafts festival including Food Fest, Music Fest, Kids Fest and Alley Run
Estimated attendees-20000
903-237-4000 - June 11 -June 14, 2009
Republic of Texas Biker Rally
Austin, Texas
Motorcycle rally with major concerts, most major bike builders around the country, camping, tours, poker
Estimated attendees-150000
512-441-9015 - June 12-13 2009
Bluegrass Festival
Overton, Texas
Performing bluegrass bands, workshops,arts and crafts.
903-834-3171 - Second Saturday in June
Noonday Onion Festival
Noonday (Tyler), Texas
Onions sweeter than Vidalia, Georgia, or Walla Walla, Washington.
903-592-1661 - June 19 -June 20, 2009
Steak and Grape Festival
Bryan, Texas
Steak cookoff, live entertainment and wine tasting!
Estimated attendees-10000
979-209-5120 - June 19 -June 21, 2009
Boerne Berges Fest
Boerne, Texas
Celebrating German Heritage in the Texas Hill Country
Estimated attendees-20000 - June 19 -June 20, 2009
Spring Fest
Cleburne, Texas
20th Art crafts Kids fun BBQ cook off Pet paradeTalent show Dessert bake off Tractors Motorcycles Jeeps
Estimated attendees-12000
254-854-2917 - June 19 -June 20, 2009
Enrichment Festival & Cook-Off
2nd Annual with Sanctioned BBQ Cook-Off Competition, family friendly and a ton of things for the kids
Estimated attendees-1500
325-480-2308 - June 19 -June 21, 2009
Summer Balloon Classic
Waxahachie, Texas
DFW Summer Balloon Classic, An Aviation Extravaganza
Estimated attendees-40000
469-644-4576 - June. Last 2 weeks
Fandangle Musical Production
Shackelford County
The Fort Griffin Fandangle is the oldest outdoor in the state of Texas. The musical takes place at an outdoor theater, called The Prairie Theatre, in Albany, Texas. Created by the late Robert Nail in 1938, the Fandangle has grown to a cast of over 400 and celebrates the founding of Albany. The show is attended by over 10,000 people each year. It is performed annually on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings of the last two weeks in June. - June 25 -28 2009
Pasadena Strawberry Festival
Pasadena, Texas
36th Annual, Family Fun, Mud Volleyball,Cookoff,World’s Largest Strawberry Shortcake, Music,Childrens are
Estimated attendees-56000
281-991-9500 - Last weekend in June
Watermelon Thump
Luling, Texas
35,000 attend. The Guiness Book of World Record seed spitting contest is held here. The current record is just under sixty nine feet.
512-875-3214 - July 3, 2009
Addison Kaboom TownJuly 4th Family Fun Fest
Temple, Texas
This annual Independence Day celebration includes activities for the entire family!
Estimated attendees-3000
254-298-5401 - Held on July 4…sometimes
Willie Nelson’s 4th of July Birthday Party
You never know who you might see there. - July 4th
Texas Cowboy Reunion
Stanford, Texas
This is the real thing, no city cowboys here. In fact, no boys here.
915-773-3614 - July 04, 2009
Independence Day Celebration
Tenaha, Texas
There will be patriotic and gospel singing program, and large fireworks display.
Estimated attendees-1000
936-248-3841 - July 04, 2009
Frontier Days
Timpson, Texas
Live demonstrations, folklore, entertainment, arts & crafts, parade, pageant, rides and more.
Estimated attendees-1500
936-254-2603 - July 04, 2009
Lake Cities 4th of July
Lake Dallas, Texas
Free kid acitivites, parade, food, live music from 1100 Springs, fireworks display
Estimated attendees-5000
940-497-2226 - July 04, 2009
Fourth of July Celebration
Roscoe, Texas
Food, kids area, crafts, fireworks, live entertainment all day, with major texas headliner band at night,
Estimated attendees-4000
325-514-8404 - July 04, 2009
July 4th Celebration
Lake Dallas, Texas
Food, art and craft vendors, kid’s activities, live music, contests, fireworks spectacular
Estimated attendees-5000
940-497-2226 - July 10 -July 11, 2009
What-A-Melon Festival
Center, Texas
Arts & crafts, food booths, live entertainment, watermelon growing contest, Carnival rides and more.
Estimated attendees-4000
936-598-9400 - July 10 – July 12, 2009
Taste of Dallas
Dallas, Texas, USA
Approximately 300,000 visitors converge on the historical streets of the West End District to enjoy summer fun and the ‘TASTE’ of Dallas against the beautiful skyline of downtown. The West End is a nationally recognized entertainment district and major tourism anchor for the City of Dallas, attracting an estimated seven million visitors annually. The district hosts more than 100 restaurants, clubs and retail and specialty shops. - July 17 -July 18, 2009
Night in Old Fredericksburg
Fredericksburg, Texas
46th Annual, German food & drink, German & Texas music 2 stages, arts, crafts, kids area, hist. exhibits
Estimated attendees-6500
830-997-8515 - Third weekend in July
Black-Eyed Pea Jamboree
Athens, Texas
Black-eyed pea capitol of the world. The festival includes cook-off and bike tour.
903-675-5181 - July 23 -July 25, 2009
Great Texas Mosquito Festival
29th Annual, Entertainment nightly, Arts & Crafts, Food, Carnival and many events.
Estimated attendees-18000
800-371-2971 - July 24 -July 26, 2009
Gourmet Chili Pepper and Salsa Fest
Fredericksburg, Texas
Spice It Up! Entertainment, Hot Air Balloons, Wildflower & pepper fields, Butterfly Haus, Food Court
Estimated attendees-3000
830-997-8515 - First weekend in August
Cantaloupe Festival
Pecos, Texas
This is a celebration of the world famous Pecos cantaloupe harvest.
915-445-2400 - Aug 09, 2009
Ice Cream Festival
Austin, Texas
3rd Annual, 20 Ice Cream Vendors, childrens music, juggling, carnival,
Estimated attendees-15000
512-441-9015 - August 22, 2008 – August 22, 2009
BATFEST
Austin, Texas, USA
One of the world’s largest urban bat colonies living in the heart of downtown – Under the Congress Avenue Bridge! Every night during the summer months, millions of these amazing creatures emerge from under the bridge and fly off into the night. Every day at dusk, thousands of visitors flock to the site to witness this miracle of nature. Roadway Productions has teamed up with leading Bat experts, Bat Conservation International, to host a celebration of this extraordinary event – BATFEST! This first-class family event showcases unique arts & crafts. Other activities include educational displays, children’s activities and games, food and beverage concessions, live music, local celebrities, and street performers. An extensive advertising campaign including television, radio, newspaper, and internet promote BATFEST. Estimated attendance exceeds 50,000 for the festival weekend - Third weekend in August
Taylor International Barbecue Cookoff
Murphy Park
Taylor, Texas
512-352-6364 - Labor Day
Marfa Lights Festival
Marfa, Texas
Celebration and discussions of the mysterious Marfa Lights. Street dance and live entertainment.
915-729-4942 - September
World Champion Hopkins County Stew Contest
Sulphur Springs, Texas
The stew is worth the trip.
903-885-6515 - Sept 04 -Sept 06, 2009
Summertime Blues
Freeport, Texas
Blues music, motorcycle rally, Blues BrothersTribute band, triathlon, food, kids area, fireworks, parade,
Estimated attendees-5000
979-871-0114 - Sept 10 -Sept 13, 2009
National Cowboy Symposium
Lubbock, Texas
Celebrates & preserves western heritage & cowboy culture.
Estimated attendees-15000
806-798-7825 - September 11 – September 13, 2009
Anahuac, Texas, USA
Come join over 20,000 people at Historic Fort Anahuac Park, on the banks of the Trinity River, for this years 2009 Texas Gatorfest. This unique festival combines the American Alligator, family entertainment and good old fashioned Texas two-stepping fun! A celebration of the alligator and its wetlands habitat, this family oriented festival has something for everyone. Fun for one and all including the Great Texas Alligator Roundup * Airboat rides, adult and kiddie carnival rides, petting zoo, arts & crafts, Texas Artisans, food booths, Gatorfest Beer Garden, Gator Poker Run, Gator Bike Tour, Alligator Education Tent - Sept 11 -Sept 13, 2009
Texas Gun And Guitar Show
Hillsboro, Texas
New & Vintage Guns and Guitars, Knives, Jewelry, Hunting gear, Militaria, Live Music & special guests
Estimated attendees-5000
254-580-9780 - Sept 19 -Sept 20, 2009
Waterfest at Willow Grove
Lake Dallas, Texas
National Jetski Competition, free wakeboarding lessons, free kids activites, food, live entertainment
Estimated attendees-3000
940-497-2226 - Sept 26, 2009
Western Day Festival
Lewisville, Texas
Western based event that is designed to showcase Lewisville’s rich history.
Estimated attendees-20000
972-219-3712 - September 25-October 18, 2009
State Fair of Texas
Dallas, Texas
24 days in October
214-565-9931
The nation’s largest state fair with 3 million attending annually. Features top country and pop music acts as well as a Broadway Musical. Big Tex a 52 foot tall cowboy has been welcoming visitors to the fair since 1952. The nations tallest ferris wheel 212 feet tall, the Texas Star, is located in the midway area. - October, every weekend
Autumn Trails
Winnsboro, Texas
Trail ride with 3,000+ riders and more than a hundred wagons. Antique car show, parade, dance, and many other events.
903-342-3666 - October 2 weekends
Come Take It Days
210-672-6532 - Oct 01 -Oct 03, 2009
East Texas Poultry Festival
Center, Texas
33rd Arts & crafts, food booths, live entertainment, 3 day carnival, poultry judging & auction, more
Estimated attendees-13000
936-598-3682 - Oct 02 -Oct 04, 2009
Oktoberfest
Fredericksburg, Texas
German heritage with German music, food and drink..family favorite!
Estimated attendees-7000
830-997-8515 - Oct 03, 2009
Huntsville, Texas
Over 350 vendors display arts and crafts throughout the downtown square
Estimated attendees-12000
800-289-0389 - Oct 09 -Oct 11, 2009
Cuero Turkeyfest
Cuero, Texas
Music, Family Ent, Vendors, Carnival, Turkey Racing Wild West Show, Lumber Jack Show, Tractor Pulls
Estimated attendees-10000
361-275-2112 - Oct 09 -Oct 11, 2009
Cajun Catfish Festival
Conroe, Texas
Join Conroe for a 3-day event that includes live music, Cajun food, crafts, wine tasting and lots more!
Estimated attendees-40000
936-539-6009 - Oct 17, 2009
Peanut Festival
Whitesboro, Texas
Estimated attendees-25000
903-564-3331 - Mid October
Tyler Rose Festival
Tyler, Texas
Features world famous Tyler roses, queen’s coronation, parade, rose show, and tours. Thousands attend annually.
903-592-1661 - Third weekend in October
Texas Yamboree
Gilmer, Texas
A salute to the sweet potato since 1935. 100,000 attend.
903-586-2217 - 10-30 to 11-08, 2009
Wurstfest
New Braunfels, Texas
130,000+ visitors. Food, music, dancing, arts and crafts and much more.
800-221-4369 - First Saturday in November
TACCS, Terlingua Chili Society
Terlingua, Texas
The original chili cook-off started by Wick Fowler to prove Texas chili was king.
903-874-5601 - Nov 27 -Nov 28, 2009
Thanksgiving Invitational Art Show
Fredericksburg, Texas
Juried arts & crafts show in historic downtown. No Admission Fee.
Estimated attendees-5000
830-896-5711 - Mid November
Cajun Catfish Festival
On The Square
Conroe, Texas
713-868-3383 - December
Wonderland of Lights
Marshall, Texas
2.5 million lights. A Christmas must-see.
903-935-7868 - First weekend in December
Dickens on the Strand
Galveston, Texas
Pre-Christmas celebration featuring the world and times of Charles Dickens. Thousands of celebrants dress in turn-of-the-century outfits to enhance the mood. Jugglers, magicians, tightrope walkers and acrobats, choirs, dance troupes and tradition folk music abounds from six stages throughout The Strand National Historic Landmark District.
713-280-3907 - December 12th, 2009, “Second Saturday in December”
German Christmas Market “Weihnachtsmarkt Texas Style”
Tomball , Texas , Old Town near the historical Train Depot Plaza , 201 S. Elm
Free Admission and No Parking Fees
Vendors Welcome. For vendor application and information contact: Grady Martin, gradsand@yahoo.com, 281 379 6844.
Herzlich Willkommen! You do not have to be German to enjoy this festival.
Come and enjoy the family-friendly ambience – Gemütlichkeit – of this unique music/street festival and open air market along with antique shops, and the old town area.