32 Festivals in TEXAS (Carnival, Entertainment & Theatre)

Texas tops the celebration of its cowboy heritage each year with many of the world's largest and most famous rodeo events. It also hosts several festivals for its large Hispanic population and hosts one of America's leading music festivals, the South by Southwest event, south of Austin. Most special events are held during the pleasant seasons of winter, spring, and fall, capped by October's Dallas State Fair, the country's largest event of its kind.

These festivals are always done Texas-style, which means big attractions and several days, but Texas holidays also include national celebrations like Independence Day and Veterans Day. The expansive Lone Star State looms large on the southern border of the USA; its landscape is very varied as it is vast, with its sandy shores, sun-drenched pine forests, and rocky plains.

But it's also part of a world full of man-made attractions, and a huge number of festivals take place each year, including everything from craft beer celebrations to art festivals, plus all the rodeo shows you might expect.

Here's our list of the best 34 Festivals in TEXAS's Big Cities to check out.

Festivals in Austin, Texas

South by Southwest Festival

One of the world's largest annual festivals, South by Southwest, is an inclusive celebration of the three major creative arts – film, music, and comedy – focusing on the developing ability of digital and interactive technologies to bring these methods to life. Artists, industry professionals, and fans from around the world descend on Austin for the event, which has grown from just one night into a 10-day vortex of events and activities designed to highlight both emerging and established talent in the creative fields.

Address: 1400 Lavaca St, Austin.

Out of Bounds Comedy Festival

Anyone who attended the first edition of Out of Bounds in 2002 will be amazed at how it has evolved - and it should come as no surprise that the beloved miniature golf tournament remains on the schedule.

Today it has grown into a truly international event, boasting over 500 performers and 130 shows over 7 days, 6 places. Comedy talent from all over the world comes here every year to perform acts, sketch shows, podcasts, and stand-up with a strong focus on local talent.

Address: 2900 W Anderson Ln. Austin, TX 78757.

Austin City Limits Music Festival

Firmly established as one of the largest music festivals, Austin City Limits spans two long weekends named after prestigious TV series and features international names old and new every year. From small and intimate to stadium-sized, the stages at Austin's Zilker Park feature all popular genres. Along with the glittering lineup of live music acts, there is also an art market and a large food court.

Address: Zilker Park. Austin, TX.

Levitation

Founded in 2008 as the Austin Psych Fest, this independent event sparked a movement that inspired the creation of similar events around the world. After being named LEVITATION in honour of Austin's rock pioneers, 13th Floor Elevators returns to downtown Austin in 2018 as a touring, intimate, and community show showcasing the world-renowned music scene. Today, various Red River District and East Side venues and art venues in Austin have turned into 4 days of music and entertainment.

Address: 4612 Burleson Rd Ste I, Austin, Texas, 78744.

Texas Book Festival

You are never too young when it comes to enjoying books. Statistics show that the more books the house has, the better the lives of children there. Every year, the Texas Book Festival plays a vital role in educating young and old with this two-day celebration of literature. The event features a variety of readings, panels, and book signings, along with cooking, live music, local food trucks, children's activities, and more.

Address: 1023 Springdale Rd, Austin, TX 78721, USA.

Festivals in Dallas, Texas

North Texas Irish Festival

Imagine yourself Celebrating the rich music and cultural heritage of Irish and other Celtic influences throughout the United States. The North Texas Irish Festival has attracted thousands of music lovers for more than three decades. Indeed, famous bands such as Jigsaw and The Irish Rogues can mark their roots directly in the inaugural edition of the festival held in 1983. There's also loads of food and drink to experience while you tap your toes to the music.

Address: 7324 Gaston Avenue, #124-382. Dallas, TX, 75214.

Animefest

In recent decades, Anime, the art form of anime animation, has become a full-fledged cultural phenomenon with interest. In Dallas, the stratospheric growth is celebrated at AnimeFest, where visitors can learn about Anime, meet professional and passionate Anime artists as well as fans, attend workshops, listen to panel discussions, browse hundreds of merchandise, and generally enjoy Immerse themselves in a fun event. - And often counter-intuitive - artistic genre.

Address: Sheraton Dallas Hotel 400 N. Olive Street Dallas, Texas 75201

Lights All Night Festival

Texas offers plenty of opportunities to celebrate New Year's Eve in style - but there's only one place for dance music fans, and it's lit up all night. Divide the room into four stages, including the 360 ° Disco Galaxy Stage, which fills the space with sensational stars; this event is famous for its spectacular light installations. Along with epic music and arresting visuals, the festival also features a fascinating digital art gallery and a fun game room.

Address: 2200 N Stemmons Fwy, Dallas, TX 75207.

Festivals in Kerrville, Texas

Kerrville Renaissance Festival

Taking place in the beautiful and bucolic setting of the Texas Hill Country, the KR or Kerrville Renaissance Festival is a mesmeric, family-friendly experience that transports visitors to a land of unforgettable fantasy and joy. The array of entertainment includes Viking exhibits and magical escapes enthralling with artwork, playful games, delicious food, and shops filled with quality handmade products, not to mention live musical acts performing on multiple stages.

Address: 3785 TX-27, Kerrville, TX 78028, USA.

Kerrville Folk Festival

Kerrville Folk Festival is a magical, transformative experience. What does it contain? Some about love, music that speaks to the heart, and some about their world. Participants come from forty states and some foreign countries. Upon arrival, everybody is greeted with "Welcome Home" to a simpler, softer, and more melodic song of life. The songwriters were booked to play, and many former performers returned just to practice. Sometimes you can recognize the artist on stage as if you were listening to music in a nightclub one night - this is the place.

Address: 3876 Medina Hwy, Kerrville, Tx. 78028.

Festivals in Laredo, Texas

Washington's Birthday Celebrations

First held in Laredo in 1898, the nearly month-long event celebrates the birthday of our founding father, George Washington, who was the first-ever president of the United States. The leading celebration of its kind anywhere in the country, it includes a variety of festivals and activities that attract nearly half a million attendees each year.

Highlights include the Society of Martha Washington Colonial Pageant and Ball, a bicolour parade, a carnival, fireworks, an airshow, live concerts, and a citywide prom during which the Laredo Elite dress in colonial attire for the occasion.

Address: 1819 Hillside Rd, Laredo, TX 78041, USA.

Laredo Birding Festival

Hundreds of native and migratory bird species call Laredo home, making it an excellent destination for bird enthusiasts. For the ultimate birding experience, attend the Laredo Birding Festival, which features field trips, film screenings, special seminars, and workshops to help you get the most out of your birding experience. The event was held at the La Posada Hotel in early February, the peak birding season in Laredo and Webb County.

Address: 5928, 1000 Zaragoza St, Laredo, TX 78040.

Festivals in Brownsville Texas

Charro Days Festival

First conceived in 1937, this annual festival honours the area's Mexican culture and legacy on both sides of the Rio Grande and is known in honour of "charro"—a term historically given to Mexican cowboys for swashbuckling. The festival offers street parties, live music, parades, dances, races, bullfights, rodeos, concerts, children's rides, traditional Mexican cuisine, and grand balls while residents and visitors dress up for the occasion—costumes of Mexico.

Address: 455 E Elizabeth St, Brownsville, TX 78520, USA.

Spring Break Jam Festival

Spring Break Jam is a custom car, truck, and music festival held in South Padre Island, Texas. The event provides an opportunity for car, truck, and motorcycle enthusiasts to showcase their vehicles. If they have a bike, they can register for our event. All year makes and models are accepted! They also have added a Tattoo Show to our event, which is included in your registration and ticket purchase. You will also have the chance to be "tattooed" by some of the finest tattoo artists in Texas.

Address: 7355 Padre Blvd South Padre Island, Texas 78597.

Festivals in Huntsville

Prison City Film Festival

Inspired by Huntsville's town of numerous prisons, this activity-packed film festival features a diverse mix of documentary screenings, including full-length films, music, trailers, shorts, presentations, Q&As, open discussions, networking reception, events, and more. The grand finale of the event comes in the form of an awards ceremony, where movies from various categories go head-to-head for the coveted baubles.

Address: 1023 12th Street, Huntsville, TX 77340.

Folklife Festival

The Folklife Festival features experts, artists, and presenters who will share their knowledge of the traditions, skills, and arts and crafts of our region from the 1800s and early 1900s. Listening to traditional music and watching demonstrators show you how our ancestors worked, lived, and created art.

Address: 1836 Sam Houston Avenue Huntsville, TX, US 77340.

Festivals in Houston, Texas

Houston Kosher Chili Cookoff

The largest kosher food festival in Houston, the Houston Kosher Chili Cookoff attracts thousands of visitors who come to celebrate the fellowship of the city's vast Jewish community with a fun day of food, live entertainment, contests, and family-friendly activities—at the same time, raising funds for local non-profit Jewish organizations. Highlights of the main event each year include a moonwalk, climbing wall, balloon performers, jalape?o-eating contest, and raffle.

Address: 6575 W Loop S #500, Bellaire, TX 77401.

Japanese Festival of Houston

The Houston Japan Festival is held annually for 2 days in May and celebrates Japanese art, culture, food, and music with vendors, workshops, and live entertainment. You can browse dozens of stalls where vendors display everything from Japanese calligraphy to handmade fans and kimonos. You can participate in Japanese music and dance performances, immerse yourself in the stunning surroundings and learn about the traditions of these ancient people.

You will learn about bonsai carving, origami, ink painting, and performance art. You will enjoy traditional Japanese cuisine, learn the ancient art of block printing, and see beautiful Ikebana flower arrangements. Start it all off with a romantic Japanese tea ceremony in downtown Houston at Hermann Park.

Address: 4543 Post Oak Pl Dr #220, Houston, TX 77027.

Festivals in Denton, Texas

Texas Storytelling Festival

Stories full of humour, honesty, and heart take centre stage at this annual festival, whose modus operandi is to entertain, inspire and appreciate the places you've dreamed of. Today the event continues to grow, drawing visitors and participants from Texas and beyond while hosting educational and engaging workshops on how to tell stories.

The 38th edition of the festival will be hosted in 2023, allowing you to listen to these stories from the comfort of your living room. Hear ghost stories, Texas stories, lying contests, holy stories, story slams, and more. In addition, you can attend workshops to hone your storytelling skills.

Address: 214 W Hickory St, 2nd floor, Denton, TX 76201.

Denton Black Film Festival

Built around cinematography, this festival features music, technology exhibitions, spoken word/poetry, art, and more. This festival is about African American people, their unique culture, and their achievements in the film and entertainment industry.

Address: PO Box 1217 Denton, Texas 76202.

Festivals in San Antonio, Texas

San Antonio Folk Dance Festival

This long-running, family-oriented, intergenerational festival consists of three days of workshops, including education sessions, dance parties, and tickets to the event's flagship concert performance. Activities for youth and adults immerse visitors in the love and advocacy of folk dance, where one can gain a new appreciation for other cultures.

As for the concerts, they usually showcase up to 14 different cultures through live music, showcasing the talent and energy of special guests in addition to local performing folk dance groups.

Address: 2809 Broadway, San Antonio, TX 78209.

Memorial Day Artisan River Walk Show

Haven for art lovers, this event showcases beautiful handmade artwork. These include handicrafts, jewellery, clothing, decorative arts, and fine arts. Walk along the banks of the San Antonio River Cruise and enjoy the view while you shop. Learn about sales from friendly salespeople.

You don't want to miss anything here, from finding something you want to buy for yourself or as a gift. By the end of the event, you will have a new appreciation for art.

Address: 602 E Commerce St, San Antonio, TX 78205.

Festivals in Port Aransas, Texas

Texas Sand Fest

The largest event anywhere in the United States, Texas SandFest is an internationally recognized three-day family festival that attracts thousands of visitors to Port Aransas and some of the world's most inventive sculptors. Mustang Island is off the coast of Texas. Along with the amazing sand sculptures, there is plenty of food, live music, and kids' activities for jewellery, arts and crafts, clothing, tools, souvenirs, and more.

Address: PO Box 1076 Port Aransas, TX 78373.

Whooping Crane Festival

And your glasses and checklist are ready! The coast is the only place in the United States where you can see the last natural population of Whooping Cranes up close, and Port Aransas celebrates this natural wonder with an annual festival honouring these majestic birds. In addition, an impressive array of wintering migratory birds visits the marshes and the Texas coast of Mustang Island. Bird tours by land and sea are highlights, along with festival speakers, photography workshops, and more.

Address: 403 W. Cotter Ave. Port Aransas, Texas 78373.

Festivals in Rockport, Texas

Rockport Art Festival

Artists from all over America present their work in analogue and digital form at this beautiful visual arts event. Since 1969, the festival around Aransas Bay on the Texas Gulf Coast has made Rockport the ultimate July 4th weekend destination with quality artists, live music, children's activity tents, and more.

Address: 204 South Austin Street, Rockport, Tx, 78382.

Fulton Oysterfest

Fulton Oysterfest is an annual event in Fulton, Texas, sponsored by the Fulton Volunteer Fire Department. Oysterfest features carnival rides, games, food, oyster eating contests, live music, unique vendor booths, and more. This year's festival will feature a fireworks display on the waterfront near Fulton Harbor. This year marks the 44th annual event.

Held March 2-5, 2023, at Fulton Harbor Park. The bubbles are flowing this year at the Fulton Volunteer Fire Department's Oysterfest, where everyone in town comes together to celebrate our community's history while supporting a worthy cause. This may not be your typical small-town event - it grew into something bigger than anyone could have planned or imagined, but it still manages to keep the local festival vibe going!

Address: Fulton Festival Grounds Fulton Beach Park, N Casterline Dr Fulton, TX 78358.

Festivals in Gonzales, Texas

Float Fest

For the first time in 2014, Float Fest has become a must-attend event for tube, camper, and live music enthusiasts. The two-day summer event, held in a beautiful private mansion surrounded by the Guadalupe River, features great musical acts spanning genres from indie-pop and electro to hip-hop and progressive rock—the sun in and out of the water and great camping in the shade of nature.

Attendees can bring their swimming suits to enjoy a Texan day in the summer. You are invited to bring your floats and wade up the two-mile river at your leisure.

Address: 1 CR 197, GONZALES, TX 78629.

Annual Winterfest Historic Homes Tour

Gonzales is full of beautiful historic homes, and one of the best ways to see them is by taking a trip to the annual Historic Homes Winterfest. The tour takes you from one 19th or early 20th-century home to another, offering a perfect way to see how Gonzales looked 100 years ago. This tour is offered for two days in early December.

Address: 833 Mitchell Street, Gonzales, Texas.

Festivals in Burnet, Texas

UTOPiAfest

Spectacular performances and breathtaking West Texas Hill Country sunsets await audiences at the famous Texas music festival. This family-friendly event, held in a beautiful setting in a natural amphitheatre, has become popular as an antidote to multi-stage festivals, which often favour quantity over quality. Featuring a range of creative artists beyond the mainstream, there's every taste of music from bluegrass to R&B and soul, and in addition to music, there's swimming, cycling, hiking, yoga, workshops, disc golf, and a silent disco.

Address: 105 Co Rd 114, Burnet, TX 78611.

Bluebonnet festival

Always held the second weekend in April, the Bluebonnet Festival attracts 35,000 people to Burnet, Texas, each year. Activities are added every year to make the festival fun for first-time visitors and repeat festival fans. Once you attend your first Bluebonnet Festival, you will be hooked. So plan to go out. Well-behaved dogs are welcome to enjoy.

Address: 101 N Pierce St, Burnet, TX 78611.

Festivals in Terlingua, Texas

Terlingua World Championship Chili Cookoff

Every year on the first Saturday of November, CASI holds its last celebration in Chilli. This granddaddy of all chilli cookoffs is organized at Rancho CASI de los Chisos in Terlingua, Texas. Rancho CASI is located on the north side of Highway 170, eleven miles from Butte and 7 miles east of Lajitas. CASI was the original host of the 1967 Terlingua Chile Championship and continues that tradition.

The four-day festival begins every year on the Wednesday before the big weekend and concludes on Saturday with the Terlingua International Chilli Championship. An epic tradition belongs in Texas.

Address: Mariposa Mine Rd, Terlingua, TX 79852.

Viva Terlingua Fest

Viva Terlingua Fest will bring together all the great local musicians, as well as Terlingua and Big Bend hometown acts and performers. In addition, there is a film festival and an exciting photography competition. You get thrilling entertainment and Memories that last a lifetime.

Address: PO Box 12428, Austin, Texas 78711.