2008 ANNUAL CALENDAR OF 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 20,000 entrants from around the world and 200,000 spectators. (713) 957-3453 www.chevronhoustonmarathon.com
Martin Luther King Jr. Grande Parade (Jan. 21, 2008)
This annual parade celebrating the civil rights leader marches through the heart of Houston and draws more than 300,000 supporters from around the nation. Voted “Best Parade in Houston” (2006) by Houston Press. (713) 953-1633 www.mlkgrandeparade.org
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 become one of the most popular events along the Texas Gulf Coast. (888) 425-4753 www.mardigrasgalveston.com
February
World’s Championship Bar-B-Que Contest (Feb. 28-March 1, 2008)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 www.rodeohouston.com
March
Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™ (March 3-22, 2008)
Rodeo time has been a tradition in Houston since 1932, and the three-week extravaganza at Reliant Park continues to consume the city every spring. 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 www.rodeohouston.com
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 www.riveroaksgardenclub.org
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 www.buffalobayou.org
Bayou City Art Festival Memorial Park (March 28-30, 2008)
The Bayou City Art Festival at Memorial Park kicks off spring as Houston’s premier outdoor fine arts event. More than 300 national artists working in 19 artistic media are juried and invited to show and sell their original art at this event. (713) 521-0133 www.bayoucityartfestival.com
Shell Houston Open Golf Tournament (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 10th oldest. (281) 454-7000 www.shellhoustonopen.com
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 10 family adventure areas. (713) 522-9723 www.houstonchildrensfestival.com
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 www.jashouston.org
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 www.worldfest.org
Houston International Festival (April 19-20, 26-27, 2008)
More than one million people attend this annual multicultural celebration. Downtown will be filled with ethnic food booths, arts and crafts, kiosks, interesting exhibits and 1,800 various performers. The 2008 festival will spotlight Africa. (713) 654-8808 www.ifest.org
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
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
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 www.orangeshow.org
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 www.strawberryfest.org
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) 533-3276 www.milleroutdoortheatre.org
Pride Houston (June 28, 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 www.pridehouston.org
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) 247-3500 www.houstonspecialevents.org
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) 533-3276 www.milleroutdoortheatre.org
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 www.arthouston.com
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus (July 16-27, 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 www.ringling.com
August
Houston International Jazz Festival (Aug. 1-3, 2008)
Big names in jazz convene in downtown Houston for some of the hottest music of the summer. (713) 839-7000 www.jazzeducation.org
Houston Shakespeare Festival (Aug. 1-10, 2008)
A tribute to the famous playwright, the festival attracts more than 475,000 people to its free performances at Miller Outdoor Theatre throughout the month. (713) 743-2929 www.class.uh.edu/theatre/performances/hsf.html
Theater District Day (Aug. 24, 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 www.houstontheaterdistrict.org
September
Museum District Day (Sept. 20, 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) 715-1939 www.houstonmuseumdistrict.org
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 (Sept. 26-Nov. 1, 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 www.discoverhoustontours.com
October
Chicano Festival (Oct. 2-4, 2008)
The 29th 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) 533-3276 www.milleroutdoortheatre.com
The Original Greek Festival (Oct. 3-5, 2008)
Celebrate the 42nd 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 www.greekfestival.org
Texas Renaissance Festival (Oct. 4-Nov. 23, 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 www.texrenfest.com
Festa Italiana (Oct. 11-12, 2008)
Houston’s 30th 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) 524-4222 www.houstonitalianfestival.com
Asian-American Festival (Oct. 11-12, 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 www.asianfestivalhouston.com
Bayou City Art Festival Downtown (Oct. 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 www.bayoucityartfestival.com
Texian Market Days (Oct. 25, 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 www.georgeranch.org
Wings Over Houston Airshow (Oct. 25-26, 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. (713) 266-4492 www.wingsoverhouston.com
International Quilt Festival (Oct. 30-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 www.quilts.com
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 www.ballunarfestival.com
November
Day of the Dead Festival (Nov. 1-2, 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 www.meca-houston.org
Texas Championship Native American Pow Wow (Nov. 8-9, 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. (281) 890-5500 www.tradersvillage.com
The Nutcracker Market (Nov. 13-16, 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 www.nutcrackermarket.com
14th Annual Children's Festival (Nov. 15-16, 2008)
The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion is transformed into a giant playground and educational wonderland for the 14th Annual Children’s Festival. In addition to performances by professional entertainers, local community groups display their talents on the side stage. (281) 363-3300 www.woodlandscenter.org
Annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Service (Nov. 20, 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 www.rothkochapel.org
A Christmas Carol—A Ghost Story of Christmas (Nov. 26-Dec. 28, 2008)
The Alley Theatre’s amusing and musical rendition of A Christmas Carol - A Ghost Story of Christmas 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) 220-5700 www.alleytheatre.org
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 www.hebparade.com
Uptown Holiday Lighting (Nov. 27, 2008)
On Thanksgiving evening, thousands of Houstonians and out-of-town guests gather along Post Oak Boulevard for the 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 www.uptown-houston.com
The Nutcracker (Nov. 28-Dec. 28, 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) 227-2787 www.houstonballet.org
Home for the Holidays (November-December 2008)
Just north of Houston, Old Town Spring typifies the holiday spirit with brightly decorated streets and shops nestled in a collection of wonderful old houses. Carolers, street performers and beautiful artistry make this an event to attend. (281) 353-9310 www.oldtownspringtx.com
Festival of Lights (November-December 2008)
The holiday magic glistens at the Seventh Annual Moody Gardens Festival of Lights with more than a million lights and dozens of festive scenes. It’s a winter wonderland with holiday shopping, pictures with Santa, a gingerbread house and the area’s only outdoor ice rink. (800) 582-4673 www.moodygardens.com
December
Dickens on the Strand (Dec. 6-7, 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 www.dickensonthestrand.com
Fiesta Guadalupana (Dec. 12, 2008)
MECA’s annual celebration for the Feat of Our Lady of Guadalupe is based on a tradition that dates back to the 16th century in Mexico. Millions of Hispanics throughout the nation and the Americas gather on this day to honor La Virgen de Guadalupe. (713) 802-9370 www.meca-houston.org
Annual Candlelight Tour in the Park (Dec. 12-13, 2008)
The historic homes clustered in downtown’s Sam Houston Park open their doors for the Heritage Society’s 46th 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 www.heritagesociety.org
Christmas Boat Lane Parade (Dec.13, 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 www.clearlakearea.com
The Mayor's Official Downtown Houston Holiday Celebration (December 2008)
The mayor kicks off the holiday season with a celebration featuring fireworks, entertainment and choirs. The event culminates with the lighting of the tree outside City Hall. (713) 247-3500 www.houstonspecialevents.org
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