Annual Events

Winterfest
Pearland - 17 mi/27 km from Downtown Houston

Winterfest features snow tubing, inflatables, games, petting zoo, rock climbing and more.

Surfside Beach Marathon
Brazosport - 65 mi/105 km from Downtown Houston

The Surfside Beach Marathon is the only marathon and half marathon in the U.S. run entirely on a beach. The race starts as the sun rises over the water and follows the public beach to San Luis Pass, then returns. The entire course is on the firm, smooth sand that is great for running.

Go Texan Parade
Conroe - 40 mi/64 km from Downtown Houston

Inspire Film Festival
The Woodlands - 30 mi/48 km from Downtown Houston

The Inspire Film Festival in The Woodlands is the first film festival of its kind, a four-day cinematic event dedicated to entertaining and inspiring audiences with films and stories that motivate audiences and provide them with exclusive access to filmmakers, special guests and performances that celebrate the human spirit.

Jail Break Run 1/2 Marathon
Baytown- 25 mi/40 km from Downtown Houston

The Jail Break Run ½ marathon is one of the few events that allows runners to trek their way to the top of the 2.6 mile Fred Hartman cable-stayed bridge. With a 5K, ½ marathon walk, ½ marathon run, and the new ½ marathon ruck there's different races for all runners. 

Lone Star Throwdown
Conroe - 40 mi/64 km from Downtown Houston

Every February the custom car and truck show season is kicked off with the Lone Star Throwdown in Conroe. With over 2,000 custom vehicles and 10,000 spectators over a full three day weekend, the event has become one of the largest of its kind in the state.

Mardi Gras! Galveston
Galveston - 51 mi/82 km from Downtown Houston

The third largest Mardi Gras celebration in the country, Mardi Gras! Galveston, returns in February with masked balls, balcony parties, parades and concerts.

Yachty Gras Grand Night Parade
Bay Area Houston - 31 mi/50 km from Downtown Houston

Yachty Gras is America's largest Mardi Gras boat parade. It begins in the Clear Lake Channel and passes by the Kemah Boardwalk throwing beads to revelers along the way. Check out lavishly decorated boats and cheer for the most enthusiastic krewes. 

Mardi Gras of Southeast Texas
Port Arthur - 90 mi/145 km from Downtown Houston

Catch beads from lighted parades and immerse your family in Cajun culture with incredible concerts, a carnival and all of your favorite foods as the Port Arthur goes purple, gold and green at the Mardi Gras of Southeast Texas.

Taste of the Triangle
Beaumont - 85 mi/137 km from Downtown Houston

Taste of the Triangle offers small bites of restaurants throughout Southeast Texas. From appetizers to desserts, Taste of the Triangle gives you the chance to sample numerous dishes from all over the area.

Seabrook Lucky Trails Marathon
Bay Area Houston - 31 mi/50 km from Downtown Houston

Races are held on the Seabrook nature trails surrounded by a diverse habitat of both fresh and salt marsh, the coastline of the Galveston Bay, wetlands, and wild-life and bird sanctuaries.

Honky Tonk Chili Challenge
Tomball - 34 mi/55 km from Downtown Houston

It's a whole afternoon of spicy Texas-style chili and old-style honky tonk much at Tomball's historic downtown depot. This CASI sanctioned cook-off features award winning cooks from across Texas. Vendors, kids zone and more!

Southeast Texas State Fair
Beaumont - 85 mi/137 km from Downtown Houston

The YMBL South Texas State Fair & Rodeo brings thousands of visitors to Beaumont each spring to experience food, entertainment, and carnival rides. The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) showcases the country's top cowboys and cowgirls at the YMBL Championship Rodeo while locals present their masterpieces at the School Art, Quilt and Photo Show.

Alvin Music Festival & Cook-Off
Alvin - 30mi/48 km from Downtown Houston
March 22-23, 2019

Alvin Music Festival is a two-day festival including a IBCA Cook-of, live music, food trucks, kids area, a corn-hole tournament on Saturday, and much more!

Arts & Eats Fest
Baytown- 25 mi/40 km from Downtown Houston

The Arts & Eats Fest is the perfect marriage of food trucks, art, and music!  Food Trucks will line the Baytown Town Square while the Mambo Jazz Kings take the stage for a day of dancing and singing familiar pop/rock tunes. 

Walker County Fair & Rodeo
Huntsville - 70 mi/113 km from Downtown Houston

This family friendly 9-day event showcases agricultural and livestock products and services, craft items, food and beverages, free music & attractions, and family oriented games making an outstanding summer experience.

German Festival
Tomball - 34 mi/55 km from Downtown Houston

Music/street festival celebrating German heritage with music, food, dance, biergarten, family fun, and children's games the last weekend in March every year in downtown Tomball. You do not need to be German to attend, you just have to be ready  to have a lot of fun! 

Paws in the Park
Pearland - 17 mi/27 km from Downtown Houston

This event kicks off with the H-E-B Pet & Owner Fun Run and continues throughout the day with stage demonstrations, pet exhibitors, food vendors, pet adoptions and more.

The Grand Children's Festival
Galveston - 51 mi/82 km from Downtown Houston

Presented by The Grand 1894 Opera House, The Grand Kids Festival is recognized as one of the Gulf Coast region's premier family spring events and is designed as an avenue to introduce children and their families to the arts.

FeatherFest
Galveston - 51 mi/82 km from Downtown Houston

Don't miss one of the largest birding festivals in Texas, and one of the few with a dedicated nature photography track. 

Annual Tour de Braz BP MS 150 Recommended Ride
Alvin - 30 mi/48 km from Downtown Houston

Hop on your bike and ride along with us. The ride is non-competitive and includes five different routes: 10, 34, 50, 65, or 100 miles.

Food Truck Fest
Brazosport - 65 mi/105 km from Downtown Houston

Dig in to some of the area's favorite meals on wheels at this family friendly festival!

Easter Eggstravaganza
Deer Park - 18 mi/29 km from Downtown Houston

Meet the Easter Bunny and join in on the festivities at the Easter Eggstravaganza. With games and festivities for all ages, the Eggstravaganza will be the most egg-cellent event this spring. 

The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival
The Woodlands - 30 mi/48 km from Downtown Houston

The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival is ranked one of the top fine arts festivals in the Nation, featuring 225 extraordinary artists representing a broad range of styles and mediums alongside art workshops for all ages, culinary demonstrations, live music performances, craft beer tents and more.

Cajun Fest
Port Arthur - 90 mi/145 km from Downtown Houston

This year fans of Cajun flavors and sounds will sing a little and dance a lot to live music at the Carl A. Parker Multipurpose Center in Port Arthur. The Cajuns from Louisiana crossed the border to call Southeast Texas home and shared their music, crawfish and gumbo with us. The Southeast Texas Arts Council hosts this annual event, set for April 20, 2019 this year.

NHRA Spring Nationals
Baytown- 25 mi/40 km from Downtown Houston

The NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series powers to Houston Raceway Park for the 32^nd annual NHRA Spring Nationals on April 12-14, giving the huge Texas fan base an early-season glimpse of high-powered 10,000-horsepower, 330-mph action.

Nurture Nature Fest
Baytown- 25 mi/40 km from Downtown Houston

Baytown’s annual Nurture Nature Festival is full of nature fun for the whole family.  The Festival will include kayaking, fishing, inflatables, food trucks and more.

The 45th Annual Frontier Days
Alvin - 30 mi/48 km from Downtown Houston

The Annual Frontier Days is a two day event filled with shows and activities from the popular Frontier Day Parade through the old downtown area of Alvin to a family fun Carnival which runs concurrent with Arts, Crafts & Collectibles Festival and the Antique and Collectible Car and Bike Show.

Opry on the Square
Pearland - 17 mi/27 km from Downtown Houston

Pearland Opry On The Square celebrates the time honored Saturday night Texas Opry tradition showcasing live, traditional country music. The free event follows the same format as the Grand Ole Opry’s multi-performer platform backed by a stellar band and features a variety of performers and entertainment.

International Arts Festival
Sugar Land - 22 mi/35 km from Downtown Houston

Calling all world travelers! This month-long international event celebrates the diversity of cultures within the community and features dozens of local organizations that showcase unique and vibrant heritages from all around the world.

Memorial Hermann IRONMAN Texas North American Championship
The Woodlands - 30 mi/48 km from Downtown Houston

The Memorial Hermann IRONMAN Texas North American Championship begins with a 2.4-mile swim in Lake Woodlands before a 112-mile bike course through the scenic, rolling farmland of east Texas, ends with a 26.2-mile run and concludes with a spectacular finish on Waterway Avenue.

Migration Celebration
Brazosport - 65 mi/105 km from Downtown Houston

The Migration Celebration is held during peak bird migration season at the San Bernard National Wildlife Refuge. The two-day event includes several free activities for children including: archery, fishing, BB gun range, bug sweeping, microscopes, touch tanks and reptiles.

Keels and Wheels Concours D'Elegance
Bay Area Houston - 31 mi/50 km from Downtown Houston

This annual event features 200 classic cars and 100 wooden boats and attracts enthusiasts from around the world.

The Rails & Tails Mudbug Festival
Tomball - 34 mi/55 km from Downtown Houston

Celebrate tasty crawfish through music, food and fun at Tomball’s historic downtown Depot. 

Maypole Festival
Beaumont - 85 mi/137 km from Downtown Houston

Held annually on the second Saturday in May, the Beaumont Maypole Festival is a blessing of the crops and celebration of the arts for young and old alike. Stroll through 23 acres of green serenity found within the Beaumont Botanical Gardens and shop local art and food vendors.

Sam Houston Folk Festival
Huntsville - 70 mi/113 km from Downtown Houston

The Sam Houston Memorial Museum in Huntsville is transformed into a bustling Texas frontier settlement where you can watch historical reenactments and demonstrators, or stroll the actual land where Sam and Margaret Houston lived.

Memorial Day Ceremony
Sugar Land - 22 mi/35 km from Downtown Houston

The City of Sugar Land will honor the brave men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces for their selfless service by hosting its 10th Annual Memorial Day Ceremony.

Garden Fest
Port Arthur - 90 mi/145 km from Downtown Houston

Buu Mon Buddhist Temple’s Garden Fest is a family- and photo-friendly celebration of colorful blooms. Towering bamboo, lotus blossoms and citrus plants are part of the landscape while koi ponds and Buddha statues dot the grounds. Vendors and cultural programs are part of the festival, so join in for a memorable celebration!

Texas Outlaw Challenge
Bay Area Houston - 31 mi/50 km from Downtown Houston

This annual event is in its 12th year and features a car show, time trials and a charity poker run. 

Baytown's 2-Day Independence Celebration
Baytown- 25 mi/40 km from Downtown Houston

Say “Happy Birthday America” at Baytown’s free, 2-day Independence Celebration! On July 3rd, popular classic rock bands will take the stage and on July 4th, country superstars will perform, followed by a 20 minute fireworks extravaganza!

Fourth Fest
Deer Park - 18 mi/29 km from Downtown Houston

Full-scale fireworks show, concerts and family fun in Deer Park!

July 4th Celebration & Street Festival
Tomball - 34 mi/55 km from Downtown Houston

Tomball is shutting the street down for a Texas sized July 4th street festival complete with live music, a kid's zone, eats, and the city’s famous fireworks extravaganza at dark.

Celebration of Freedom
Pearland - 17 mi/27 km from Downtown Houston

Join us as we celebrate the country's birthday. A military salute will begin the evening’s entertainment followed by the National Anthem on the H-E-B Entertainment Stage. At sundown, enjoy a spectacular fireworks display unleashed by Westside Veterinary Hospital.

Independence Day
Beaumont - 85 mi/137 km from Downtown Houston

Celebrate Independence Day with fireworks, live music and a symphony performance in downtown Beaumont!

Great Texas Mosquito Festival
Brazosport - 65 mi/105 km from Downtown Houston

At the Great Texas Mosquito Festival, Willie-Man-Chew greets visitors from near and far to enjoy three fun filled days of entertainment, a carnival, food, contests, and family fun.

33rd Annual AIA Sandcastle Competition
Galveston - 51 mi/82 km from Downtown Houston

Watch for yourself as spectacular art displays made out of sand come to life in this annual festival with over 60 participating teams battling to win the distinction of best sandcastle. 

GroovFest 
Tomball - 34 mi/55 km from Downtown Houston

A spectacular all VW car show and a free concert with the Beatles tribute band, the FAB5! Once again, the show will be held at the historic Tomball City Railroad Depot.

Cat Show
Deer Park - 18 mi/29 km from Downtown Houston

There will be face painting, mascot entertainment, educational rings, homecooked BBQ, and an awesome raffle!

Celebration Seabrook
Bay Area Houston - 31 mi/50 km from Downtown Houston

Enjoy a stacked music lineup plus an extensive kid zone and food truck line up. 

Grito Fest
Baytown- 25 mi/40 km from Downtown Houston

The music is always hot, hot, hot at Grito Fest and this year is no different. The festival kicks off at 4:30 pm and the music doesn’t stop until 10 pm. Bring a blanket or folding chairs, pick your perfect spot on the large park grounds, and get ready to enjoy a music-filled fall evening. 

Conroe Cajun Catfish Festival
Conroe - 40 mi/64 km from Downtown Houston

The Conroe Cajun Catfish Festival  features non-stop live music with local, regional and national performers on two stages, food vendors offering festival and Cajun favorites, arts & crafts vendors, a professional carnival, assorted community and educational exhibits, an annual Catfish Pageant and more. 

Dogtober Fest
Beaumont - 85 mi/137 km from Downtown Houston

Each year, families and their favorite canines gather together on the 2nd Saturday in October to enjoy great food, music and furry fun for Beaumont Main Street's Dogtober Fest! Included in the festivities are a Strut Your Mutt Competition, PAW Readings, Puppy Kissing Booth, PAW-traitures and other dog-themed activities. 

The Freight Train Food Truck Festival
Tomball - 34 mi/55 km from Downtown Houston

More than 30 of Houston’s favorite rolling gourmet kitchens, live music, vendors, kids zone and more come together throughout the downtown Depot Plaza for the Freight Train Food Truck Festival. 

Lone Star Rally
Galveston - 51 mi/82 km from Downtown Houston

Thousands of motorcycles roar their way up The Strand in a thunderous parade showcasing the hottest custom paint and coolest aftermarket accessories.

Fair on the Square
Huntsville - 70 mi/113 km from Downtown Houston

This is Huntsville’s largest fair offering jewelry, home décor, apparel, a kid’s corner, food court and so much more.

The Conroe CBR Bull Mania
Conroe - 40 mi/64 km from Downtown Houston

​Championship Bull Riding competition qualifying riders to the grand finale in Cheyenne, WY.

Scare on the Square
Huntsville - 70 mi/113 km from Downtown Houston

The festival features carnival themed games that are fun for all ages! There are a variety of booth activities, free food and more! If that is not enough for you, dress in your best Halloween costume to be entered into the costume contest in four different age groups. 

Halloween Town
Sugar Land - 22 mi/35 km from Downtown Houston

Sugar Land will be transformed into a family friendly place for fun-filled entertainment for the fall season!  This event is free and open to the public.

Halloween Carnival
Deer Park - 18 mi/29 km from Downtown Houston

The Parks and Recreation Department event feature games, carnival rides and food, cake walks, a Pumpkin Town for kids and a costume competition.

Gulf Coast International Dragon Boat Regatta
Sugar Land - 22 mi/35 km from Downtown Houston

Dragon boat teams race throughout this 2-day event while colorful cultural performances and exhibits take place on shore in Sugar Land. 

Opry on the Square
Pearland - 17 mi/27 km from Downtown Houston

Pearland Opry On The Square celebrates the time honored Saturday night Texas Opry tradition showcasing live, traditional country music. The free event follows the same format as the Grand Ole Opry’s multi-performer platform backed by a stellar band and features a variety of performers and entertainment.

Festival of Lights
Brazosport - 65 mi/105 km from Downtown Houston

Kick-off the holiday season with this carnival, games, parade, snow and more! 

City Christmas Tree Lighting
Tomball - 34 mi/55 km from Downtown Houston

More than 30 of Houston’s favorite rolling gourmet kitchens, live music, vendors, kids zone and more come together throughout the downtown Depot Plaza for the Freight Train Food Truck Festival. 

Dickens on the Strand
Galveston - 51 mi/82 km from Downtown Houston

The annual holiday street festival, based on 19th-century Victorian London, features parades, non-stop entertainment on six stages, strolling carolers, roving musicians, bagpipers, jugglers and a host of other entertainers. 

Winter Wonder Island
Galveston - 51 mi/82 km from Downtown Houston

There’s a reason we like to call Galveston the “Winter Wonder Island” of Texas. It offers more than 50 days of magical activities from November through January. 

Main Street Market
Beaumont - 85 mi/137 km from Downtown Houston

The Main Street Market of Beaumont is a three-day, one-stop holiday shopping extravaganza featuring unique merchandise from more than 100 carefully selected vendors from Texas and across the country. Shop for clothing, gourmet foods, children’s items, jewelry and more during the market. Listen to live entertainment and expect a visit from someone special.

Christmas Tree Lighting
Sugar Land - 22 mi/35 km from Downtown Houston

The steps of City Hall light up with holiday cheer and entertainment as Mr. and Mrs. Claus bring their holiday magic to Sugar Land Town Square. 

Holiday in the Park
Bay Area Houston - 31 mi/50 km from Downtown Houston

Join in on this annual celebration by dressing up as your favorite holiday characters and watching the parade march by.

Huntsville for the Holidays
Huntsville - 70 mi/113 km from Downtown Houston

Start your holiday season off right, in holly jolly Huntsville, Texas! Bring your family and friends as we host Huntsville for the Holidays, featuring the annual Christmas Fair. The Downtown Christmas Fair features vendors, crafts for the kids, face painting, bounce houses, real snow, pictures with Santa Claus, train rides and much more. 

Hometown Christmas Festival
Pearland - 17 mi/27 km from Downtown Houston

Feel the Christmas spirit come alive at the Hometown Christmas Festival. The traditional lighting of the City’s Christmas tree and a special visit from Santa Claus begins at 7 p.m. 

Reindeer Park
Deer Park - 18 mi/29 km from Downtown Houston

In Deer Park, a gigantic Christmas tree, visits from Santa, shopping, musical guests and more await at Reindeer Park!

German Christmas Market
Tomball - 34 mi/55 km from Downtown Houston

Do as the Germans do and celebrate Christmas with plenty of food, beer, and wine, as well as live music on four stages, a petting zoo, and a holiday market featuring more than 200 vendors with antiques, arts and crafts, souvenirs, and more.

Annual Christmas Boat Lane Parade presented by the Cities of Kemah, League City, Nassau Bay and Clear Lake Shores
Bay Area Houston - 31 mi/50 km from Downtown Houston

Every year over 100 festively decorated boats of all sizes parade around Clear Lake and through the Clear Lake Channel in front of the Kemah Boardwalk.