Friday night football, lively rodeos, and mouthwatering barbeque are cherished customs in the great state of Texas. In nearly every town or city, you can typically discover these activities happening at different times throughout the year.
If you’re in Texas and looking to dive into some of its distinctive customs, you’ve found the perfect spot to discover more. Explore nine towns that promise to showcase the rich tapestry of cultural events in Texas. Discover all the details about these happenings and find out when and where you can join in the fun in this wonderful state.
Burnet – Blue Bonnet Festival
Bluebonnets are a vibrant blue variety of wildflowers that flourishes across much of Texas. Due to its abundant natural presence throughout the state, numerous towns in Texas celebrate their own festivals dedicated to bluebonnets, typically occurring in late April when the blooms are at their peak.
Burnet, a charming town with a population of approximately 6,500, located just northwest of Austin, is among the locations hosting a festival that honors the beloved plant. Burnet’s celebration stands out due to its impressive 40-year history, and its proximity to the Austin metro area certainly contributes to the large crowds it attracts. The appeal attracts a diverse range of vendors and entertainment options. Get ready for a celebration filled with delicious treats, vibrant performances, festive parades, fun activities for kids, and refreshing drink options for the grown-ups.
Salado – Christmas in October
For many, the holiday season is eagerly anticipated. It seems that a significant number of residents are based in Salado, central Texas, allowing for early Christmas celebrations in October.
Happening in the middle of October, this festive occasion resembles a typical holiday celebration, complete with decorations, vendor stalls offering a variety of arts, crafts, food, and beverages, as well as fundraising efforts for community charities.
Located conveniently between Waco and Austin, Salado offers a distinctive tradition that makes it an ideal stop this year for anyone journeying between these two major cities. Be sure to explore one of the nearby parks, such as Chalk Ridge Falls, and witness the vibrant transformation of the leaves as autumn unfolds beautifully during this time of year.
Weslaco – Texas Onion Fest
Weslaco, a quaint town located close to the Mexican border and just a few hours south of Corpus Christi, is renowned for its onions—especially a specific variety. The Texas 1015 onion is recognized for its delightful sweetness and, importantly, for holding the title of the official state vegetable of Texas.
Mark your calendars for the upcoming celebration of this delightful onion variety at the Texas Onion Fest, set to take place in March 2025. Don’t miss the exciting onion-eating contest and the informative demonstrations on cooking the 1015 onion. Be sure to take a break and visit one of the numerous local food vendors that will be present.
Brenham – Blue Bell Ice Cream
Texas experiences intense heat during the summer months. What could be more refreshing than indulging in some delightful ice cream to beat the heat? Blue Bell Creameries, located in Brenham, Texas, has been delighting Texans and customers throughout the southwest since 1907, making it a must-visit destination on your travels across the state.
In Brenham, visitors can explore the main headquarters’ visitor center to discover the rich history of this company and don’t forget to enjoy a scoop of their renowned ice cream at the parlor during your visit. A wide array of flavors and varieties of the icy delight awaits, ranging from sugar-free selections to unique seasonal creations and more.
Poteet – Poteet Strawberry Festival
Texas boasts an impressive array of fertile farmland, making it a prime source for fresh and plentiful produce. The town of Poteet proudly hosts an annual celebration dedicated to one of its key agricultural exports, strawberries, which has been a cherished tradition for over 70 years. Taking place in early April, this event is conveniently located just south of San Antonio and attracts more than 100,000 visitors annually.
Experience the delight of locally harvested strawberries for more than three days, available fresh or transformed into a variety of exquisite dishes. The event attracts numerous enthusiastic attendees eager to catch their beloved country and folk performers across the various stages available.
Marfa – Marfa Lights Festival
The enigmatic Marfa lights are a curious and somewhat eerie occurrence found in the vast deserts near the west Texas town of Marfa. For decades, individuals have reported witnessing mysterious lights, frequently appearing as orbs that seem to dance in the distance. The phenomenon has sparked a variety of theories, from the supernatural to the mundane, including everything from spectral beings and extraterrestrial visitors to simple reflections from passing vehicles on the road. Nonetheless, spending time in the desert from one of the viewpoints near Marfa has turned into a cherished custom.
The annual festival honors the famous Marfa lights. This exciting event has been a staple for almost four decades, showcasing a variety of bands, delicious food vendors, and a vibrant parade filled with beautifully crafted floats.
Port Aransas – Texas SandFest
Experience the biggest celebration of sand in the country at SandFest, taking place every April in the charming Gulf Coast town of Port Aransas. This charming small town, nestled on Mustang Island just west of Corpus Christi, boasts beautiful and unspoiled beaches, making it an ideal spot for sun-seekers at any time of the year.
SandFest features an unmissable sand sculpting competition, attracting top talent from across the globe. Stay tuned to discover which of the incredibly intricate sand sculptures will claim the coveted first place! This event features live music, shopping, food vendors, and a variety of activities suitable for the whole family.
Rockport – Rockport Art Fest
Rockport, Texas, a charming small town along the Gulf of Mexico, boasts a wonderful tradition with its celebrated Art Festival. This renowned celebration of the arts in Texas has been a summer highlight since 1969, attracting artists from across the country each year.
With more than 100 artists on display, attendees can explore and buy from a diverse selection of vendors, showcasing everything from paintings and photography to sculptures and various crafts. Exciting performances and unique activities for kids will be featured, along with a themed art showcase for those interested in acquiring a distinctive and valuable piece.
Huntsville – Prison City Film Festival
This extended film festival competes with some of the larger cinematic events typically seen in major cities such as Houston. Experience a selection of extraordinary films, ranging from short to feature-length, and engage with the talented individuals who brought them to life.
What’s the story behind the name “Prison City”? Huntsville, the site of the upcoming festival in late February, is notable for its impressive array of 7 correctional facilities, featuring the historic Texas State Penitentiary at Huntsville, which has been operational since 1849. This film festival may not directly relate to the region’s historical context, but its name playfully nods to the past, and as the founders suggest, it just has a nice ring to it.
Conclusion
Texas stands out as the largest state in the contiguous United States, bringing with it a rich tapestry of traditions, festivals, and distinctive cultural characteristics. The Lone Star State boasts a rich tapestry of traditions, from regional delights such as Tex-Mex and Texas-style BBQ to unique events like sculpting competitions and the celebration of specialty onions, catering to a wide array of tastes and interests.