| | 2007/2008 Annual Events
January |  | | | Chevron Houston Marathon (Jan. 13, 2008)
This annual 26.2, 13.1 and 3.1 mile run, which begins and ends at downtown’s George R. Brown Convention Center, has steadily grown to attract more than 18,000 entrants from around the world and 200,000 spectators. (713) 957-3453
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|  | | | Martin Luther King Jr. Grande Parade (Jan. 21, 2008)
The annual parade celebrating the civil rights leader marches through the heart of Houston. This year’s parade, with more than 300,000 spectators in attendance, begins at 10 a.m. and features 30 Award Winning Marching Bands from around the nation and 15 floats. Voted No. 1 parade in Houston by the Houston Press. (713) 953-1633 |
 Mardi Gras! Galveston (Jan. 25-Feb. 5 2008)
Mardi Gras was publicly observed on Galveston Island as early as 1867 but was discontinued during World War II. The Island’s celebration was resurrected in 1985 and since then has delighted hundreds of thousands of revelers. (888) 425-4753
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| February |  | | | World’s Championship Bar-B-Que Contest (Feb. 28-March 1) The World’s Championship Bar-B-Que Contest is three days of cooking, competition, eating and dancing. The sweet aroma drifts over the Houston metropolis, drawing crowds like bees to honey. Trophies are awarded to teams preparing the best dish in each category (brisket, chicken, pork and spare ribs) as well as an overall winner. (832) 667-1000 |
March
 | | | Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo
(March 3-22, 2008) Rodeo time is a tradition in Houston, and the three-week extravaganza at Reliant Park consumes the city. The kickoff for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is the Rodeo Parade, after trail riders ride into town and set up camp in Memorial Park. All 20 championship rodeo competitions are concluded with entertainment by music superstars. (832) 667-1000 or (713) 629-3700 |
 | | | Azalea Trail (March 7-9, 2008) One of the surest signs of spring in Houston is the annual Azalea Trail. Houstonians and visitors view the spectacular gardens at Bayou Bend and Rienzi and visit River Oaks' exquisite private homes and admire their breathtaking gardens. (713) 523-2483 |
 | | | 36th Annual Buffalo Bayou Regatta
(March 8, 2008) The Buffalo Bayou Regatta is the largest canoe and kayak race in Texas. Close to 200 vessels are expected to hit the waters in downtown Houston. (713) 752-0314 |
 | | | Bayou City Art Festival (March 28-30, 2008) The Bayou City Art Festival at Memorial Park kicks off spring as Houston’s premier outdoor fine art event. More than 300 national artists are juried and invited to show and sell their original art at this event. (713) 521-0133 |
 | | | Shell Houston Open (March 31-April 6, 2008) Played for the third time at Redstone Golf Club’s new Tournament Course, 156 of the world’s best golfers compete in the Shell Houston Open in pursuit of the $5 million-plus purse. The Houston Golf Association has been conducting PGA Tour events since 1946, making Houston’s tournament the tenth oldest. (281) 454-7000 |
April
 | | | H-E-B Children's Festival (April 5-6, 2008)
Houston’s official family celebration is held annually in downtown Houston. Benefiting Child Advocates, Inc., the event offers a dazzling smorgasbord of exciting activities, including six entertainment stages, more than 350 games and ten Family Adventure Areas. (713) 522-9723 |
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 | | | 15th Annual Japan Festival (April 5-6, 2008)
This annual event in Hermann Park’s beautiful Japanese Garden draws more than 20,000 people. The Japan Festival celebrates the rich cultural heritage of Japan with two stages showcasing music, traditional and folk dance and martial arts, as well as demonstrations of Ikebana flower arrangement, tea ceremony, origami and bonsai. (713) 963-0121 |
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May
| | | 42nd Annual WorldFest: Houston International Film Festival (April 11-20, 2008)
WorldFest brings a blend of feature films, shorts, screenplays, TV commercials, music videos and documentaries to viewers throughout the area. Founded in 1968, past winners include Steven Spielberg, Oliver Stone, George Lucas and David Lynch—all early in their careers. (713) 965-9955
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 | | | Houston International Festival (April 19-20, 26-27, 2008) One of the largest presenters of World Music on the planet, iFest offers music from exotic places for the price of a movie ticket. This annual celebration of different cultures shrinks the world down to a few prime blocks in downtown Houston, featuring food from around the world and international arts markets including one-of-a-kind juried arts. The culture of a different country is spotlighted each year. Africa will be featured in 2008.
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 | | | Cinco de Mayo Celebration (May 4, 2008)
Held in honor of Mexico’s victory over invading French forces, this annual festival takes place at Miller Outdoor Theatre in Hermann Park. Festivities include a parade through downtown, mariachi bands, dancers and food. (713) 695-5980 |
|  | | | Asian Pacific Heritage Festival (May 3, 2008) This annual parade and festival is organized by the Asian/Pacific American Heritage Association, a nonprofit organization that promotes APA culture, heritage and awareness through celebration, events and educational outreach programs. (713) 784-1112 |
|  | | | Art Car Parade (May 10, 2008) More than 250,000 spectators line downtown’s streets to view this parade, which showcases Houston’s most outlandish folk art creations on wheels. The Fruit Mobile, a 1967 Ford station wagon, started the craze in 1986. Truly a sight to see, the parade is produced by the Orange Show Center for Visionary Art. (713) 926-6368 |
 | | | Pasadena Strawberry Festival (May 16-18, 2008) A barbecue cook-off, a beauty pageant, arts and crafts, live entertainment, teen battle of the bands and the world’s largest strawberry shortcake are all part of the Pasadena Strawberry Festival. (281) 991-9500 |
June  | | | Juneteenth Celebration (June 19, 2008) Juneteenth is a celebration of June 19, the day Texas learned of President Abraham Lincoln’s signing of the Emancipation Proclamation freeing all slaves. The event at Miller Outdoor Theatre in Hermann Park includes blues, gospel and jazz performers and a variety of smaller events aimed at raising awareness of African-American heritage. (713) 284-8350 |
 | | | Pride Houston (June 2008) The largest Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transsexual event in the Southwest takes place each year during the Houston Pride Parade where 1,000 participants entertain 150,000 spectators with an empowering blend of light, color and sound with beautiful floats, costumes and performances. (713) 529-6979 |
July
 | | | Chevy's Freedom Over Texas (July 4, 2008) Houston’s official July 4th celebration takes place in Eleanor Tinsley Park at Buffalo Bayou and features live entertainment, food booths and a world-famous fireworks display. (713) 522-9723 |
 | | | Star Spangled Salute (July 4, 2008)
The Houston Symphony continues its annual celebration at Hermann Park's Miller Outdoor Theatre. Festivities include fireworks accompanied by a dramatic 16-cannon salute. (713) 284-8350
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 | | | Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus
(July 2008) The Greatest Show on Earth is back every summer with a brand new show. Master clown Bello and his hilarious antics, plus Asian elephants, acrobats, Arabian horses and much more will delight audiences at Reliant Stadium. (832) 667-1400 |
 | | | ArtHouston (July 12, 2008)
Presented by the Houston Art Dealers Association, this is an evening artwalk with the participation of more than 30 art galleries. (713) 522-9116 |
 | | | Houston Shakespeare Festival
(July 2008) A tribute to the famous playwright with free performances throughout the month at Miller Outdoor Theatre in Hermann Park. (713) 284-8350 |
August
 | | | Museum District Day (August 2008) Museum District Day features fascinating exhibitions, hands-on activities, demonstrations and performances throughout the day. Sixteen participating museums waive their general admission fee to offer the community the opportunity to enjoy the district's diverse displays of art, science, nature and history. (713) 790-1020 |
 | | | RE/MAX Ballunar Liftoff Festival
(August 2008)
This annual ballooning event near Johnson Space Center involves a weekend of hot air ballooning, arts and crafts, live entertainment, sky-diving exhibitions and food.
(281) 488-7676
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 | | | Theater District Day (August 2008)
Enjoy backstage tours, ongoing live performances, set and costume displays and sneak previews of the upcoming seasons. The Theater District is home to eight performing arts organizations, which offer this free look behind the scenes each summer. (713) 223-4544 |
September
 | | | Fiestas Patrias (September 2008) One of the largest and most colorful community-sponsored parades in the Southwest celebrates Mexico’s independence from Spain. Colorfully clad dancers from area ballet folklorico troupes spin down the streets performing to festive Mexican music. The celebration culminates with the crowning of Miss Fiestas Patrias. (713) 926-2636 |
 | | | Ghost Walks (September-October 2008) Ghostly guides lead you on a two-hour walking and METRORail tour past haunted sites in Houston’s Downtown Historic District. (713) 222-9255 |
October
 | | | The Original Greek Festival (October 2008)
Celebrate the 41st annual Houston Greek Festival on the grounds of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral. Authentic Greek food, wine, dancing and artifacts are fun for the entire family. (713) 526-5377 |
 | | | Chicano Festival (October 2008) The 28th annual Chicano Festival celebrates the best of Chicano music featuring outstanding conjunto, Tejano, mariachi and big band artists at Miller Outdoor Theatre in Hermann Park.
(713) 284-8350 |
 | | | Texas Renaissance Festival (October-November 2008) Starting in October and continuing for eight themed weekends in Plantersville, the Texas Renaissance Festival recreates an English village of the 16th century. Magicians, jugglers, minstrels, troubadours and comedians perform on six stages. (281) 356-2178 |
 | | | Wings Over Houston Airshow (October 2008) This airshow takes off and lands at Houston’s Ellington Field. The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and the Navy’s Blue Angels have wowed onlookers in past years with aerial acrobatics, while aircraft from current Air Force and Navy inventories is on display. (281) 579-1942 |
 | | | Bayou City Art Festival (October 18-19, 2008) The 2008 fine juried art show in downtown’s Hermann Square and Tranquility Park, spans several blocks filled with paintings, sculptures, jewelry and music, plus great food, wine cafes, beer taverns and a kids zone. (713) 521-0133 |
 | | | Fiesta Italiana (October 2008) Houston’s 29th annual Italian Festival at the Houston Farm and Ranch Club features authentic Italian food, wine, music, dancing, arts and crafts and entertainment for all ages.
(713) 524-0516 or (713) 524-4222 |
 | | | Asian-American Festival (October 2008) Families will enjoy Asian music, dancing and demonstrations of other Asian arts, as well as cultural exhibits and children’s activities. (713) 861-8270 |
 | | | Texian Market Days (October 2008) At the George Ranch Historical Park, more than 200 costumed interpreters bring to life all that is Texas, complete with children’s activities, an antique tractor show and a parade. Guests can indulge in a one-of-a-kind celebration of our great state’s history. (281) 343-0218 |
 | | | Day of the Dead Festival (October 2008) Dia de los Muertos is a traditional holiday that honors and celebrates the lives of family and friends who have died. The event includes traditional celebrations and Dia de los Muertos arts and crafts. (713) 802-9370 |
 | | | International Quilt Festival (Oct. 29-Nov. 2, 2008) More than 1,000 antique and contemporary quilts, original cloth dolls and wearable art are on display at the George R. Brown Convention Center. There are hundreds of booths to shop for quilts, supplies and crafts, as well as classes from beginner to expert levels. (713) 781-6864 |
November  | | | The Nutcracker Market (November 2008) Houston Ballet Guild’s Nutcracker Market has become an annual tradition to kick off the holiday season. This shopping extravaganza, held at Reliant Center, features holiday decorations, food, clothing, jewelry and even furniture. (713) 535-3231 |
 | | | 13th Annual Children's Festival (November 2008)
The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion is transformed into a giant playground and educational wonderland for the 13th Annual Children’s Festival. In addition to performances by professional entertainers, local community groups display their talents on the side stage. (281) 363-3300 |
 | | | 18th Annual Texas Championship Native American Pow Wow (November 2008) More than 100 Native Americans from across the U.S. compete in tow days of traditional singing and dancing. Indian food, a teepee village, demonstrations, story telling and education exhibits are all a part of this event. More than 125 booths contain authentic Native American arts and crafts. |
 | | | Annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Service
(November 2008) Established nearly 20 years ago, this event at the Rothko Chapel is free and open to the general public with representatives from ten participating religions.
(713) 524-9839 |
 | | | Festival of Lights (November 2008)
Festive sights and sounds fill Moody Gardens during Festival of Lights, one of the largest presentations of Christmas lights in southeast Texas. Guests journey through Moody Gardens to Santa’s Workshop, a gingerbread house, an outdoor ice rink, a giant poinsettia tree and many more places reminiscent of the holiday season. (800) 582-4673 |
 | | | A Christmas Carol—A Ghost Story of Christmas (November 2008) The Alley Theatre’s amusing and musical rendition of A Christmas Carol — A Ghost Story of Christmas is revisits the meaning of Christmas with Ebenezer Scrooge and classic characters like Tiny Tim as Scrooge embarks on a wild nighttime journey through re-imagined scenic designs, spectacular costumes and original music. (713) 228-8421 |
 | | | H-E-B Holiday Parade (Nov. 27, 2008) The holiday spirit hits Houston every Thanksgiving morning when this parade begins winding through downtown. This lavish parade is nationally televised and features sensational floats, uniformed marching bands and the season’s first glimpse of Santa Claus. (713) 654-8808 |
 | | | Uptown Holiday Lighting (Nov. 27, 2008) On Thanksgiving evening, thousands of Houstonians and out-of-town guests gather along Post Oak Boulevard for the 22nd annual Uptown Holiday Lighting. This fun-filled family event kicks off the holiday season with more than a half-million twinkling lights, a sparkling electric light parade, an exciting holiday stage show and a special appearance by Santa Claus. An incredible explosion of fireworks lights up the Houston skies and music fills the air during the dramatic finale. (713) 621-2011 |
 | | | The Nutcracker (November-December 2008) Houston Ballet’s timeless and dreamy production of the classic holiday tale The Nutcracker joins Clara as she marvels at the Christmas tree, flying cooks, the Sugar Plum Fairy and Prince dancing, and her unforgettable journey in the Kingdom of Sweets – a place children will dream about for years to come. (713) 523-6300 |
 | | | Dickens on the Strand (November-December 2008) What started more than 20 years ago as a potluck supper has blossomed into one of Galveston Island’s most famous annual events. Costumed characters, unique vendors, glittering parades and continuous entertainment make this celebration the best of times. (409) 765-7834 |
December
 | | | 45th Annual Candlelight Tour in the Park
(December 2008) The historic homes clustered in downtown’s Sam Houston Park open their doors for the Heritage Society’s 45th Annual Holiday Candlelight Tour in the Park. Centuries-old seasonal decorations and costumed carolers take revelers back in time to celebrate the season. (713) 655-1912 |
 | | | Christmas Boat Lane Parade (December 2008) The lighted boat parade on Clear Lake has become a holiday tradition on the Gulf Coast. Some 200 extravagantly decorated boats sail around the lake and up in the channel to Galveston Bay. (281) 488-7676 |
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