Popular Festivals in Texas

Fiesta San Antonio – San Antonio

Fiesta San Antonio started in 1891 as a one-parade event to honor the memory of the heroes of the Alamo and the Battle of San Jacinto. That historic commemoration still takes place, but for more than a century, Fiesta® has grown into a celebration of San Antonio’s rich and diverse cultures and today is one of this nation’s premier festivals with an economic impact of more than $340 million. Funds raised by official Fiesta® events provide services to San Antonio citizens throughout the year.

Held Annually in April

 

Texas Musical – Canyon

The TEXAS Outdoor Musical is a vibrant, family-friendly show that celebrates the history and heritage of the Texas Panhandle. The musical is held outdoors.

Held during the summer

 

Viva! El Paso – El Paso

Viva! El Paso is an annually performed musical which celebrates El Paso 's cultural history through dance, drama, narration and songs. It has been running almost continually since 1978 and was updated with a new script and music in 2016. The musical play is performed outdoors in the McKelligon Canyon amphitheater.

Held during the summer from late June until early August

 

SXSW – Austin

South by Southwest is an essential destination for global professionals, the annual March event features sessions, music and comedy showcases, film and television screenings, world-class exhibitions, professional development and networking opportunities, tech competitions, awards ceremonies, and much more. SXSW proves that the most unexpected discoveries happen when diverse topics and people come together.

 

Houston Livestock Show – Houston

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is the largest livestock exhibition and rodeo in the world. It promotes agriculture, educates and entertains the public, supports Texas youth, and showcases Western heritage. The annual event draws more than 2 million fans to experience rodeo action, major musical acts, and an enormous carnival midway.

Held Annually in March

 

Texas Sand Festival – Port Aransas

Texas SandFest, held annually in Port A, is the largest native-sand sculpture competition in the USA. What began as a small local competition in 1997 has grown into an internationally recognized three-day family event that draws renowned sand sculptors and tens of thousands of visitors from around the world each year to Port Aransas.

Held Annually in Mid-April

 

The State Fair of Texas – Dallas

The State Fair of Texas is an annual state fair held in Dallas at historic Fair Park. It has taken place every year since 1886 except for varying periods during World War I and World War II as well as 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The fair usually begins the last Friday in September and ends 24 days later. The State Fair of Texas celebrates all things Texan by promoting agriculture, education, and community involvement through quality entertainment in a family-friendly environment. It aims to embody all aspects of Lone Star culture.

Held Annually in October

 

Wurstfest – New Braunfels

Wurstfest is a 10-day festival in New Braunfels, Texas, celebrating German heritage and featuring sausages, beer, music, dancing, and carnival rides.

Held Annually in November

Original Terlingua Championship Chili Cookoff – Terlingua

The Original Terlingua International Championship Chili Cook-off is a legendary event held annually in Terlingua, Texas. It started in 1967 to settle a dispute between two chili enthusiasts, Frank X. Tolbert and H. Allen Smith, over who made the best chili. This cook-off has grown into a major event, attracting thousands of chili lovers and cooks from around the world.

Held Annually in November