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Houston Annual Events

No matter what time of year you're visiting Houston, there are plentyof events to make your trip unforgettable. Discover community events such as art fairs, cultural festivals and markets in unique venues.

Curiousabout when your favorite event is taking place? Search our event calendar by the type of event for a complete listing. If you've already scheduled your Houston excursion, see what events will be happening by searching our calendar of events. With so many awesome events throughout the year, there's always something special happening in Houston, Texas! 

Jump to Month: 

January • February • March • April • May • June  • July August • September • October • November • December

January 

Chevron Houston Marathon

Martin Luther King Jr. Grande Parade (Jan. 14, 2012)
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.  (713) 953-1633. 

Chevron Houston Marathon (Jan. 15, 2012)
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. 

February 

Mardi Gras! Galveston, (Feb. 10-21, 2012)
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.

World’s Championship Bar-B-Que Contest, (Feb. 23-25, 2012)
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

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™, (Feb. 28-March 18, 2012)
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.

Azalea Trail, (March 9-11, 2012)
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.

Buffalo Bayou Regatta, (March 10, 2012)
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 Memorial Park, (March 23-25, 2012)
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.

Shell Houston Open Golf Tournament, (March 26-April 1, 2012)
Played at Redstone Golf Club’s 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.

Houston Children's Festival, (March 31-April 1, 2012)
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. (281) 363-0900.

Japan Festival, (March 31st-April 1, 2012)
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.

April 

A food vendor holds a gyro at the annual Houston International Festival

WorldFest: Houston International Film Festival, (April 13-22, 2012)
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.

Houston International Festival, (April 21-22 & 28-29, 2012)
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. (713) 654-8808.

 

May 

12th Houston Dragon Boat Festival, (May 5, 2012)
The Texas Dragon Boat Association, in collaboration with Buffalo Bayou Partnership, presents its 12th Annual Houston Dragon Boat Festival. The festival will showcase 30 teams competing along the banks of Buffalo Bayou at Allen's Landing, and will feature Asian cuisine, music, arts and crafts, and cultural performances for the whole family. (281) 381-7154.

Art Car Parade

 

Art Car Parade, (May 12, 2012)
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 18-20, 2012)
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, 2012)
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.

Pride Houston, (June 23, 2012)
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

Freedom Over Texas

Freedom Over Texas Festival, (July 4, 2012)
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.

Star Spangled Salute, (July 4, 2012)
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.

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, (July 12-29, 2012)
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 14, 2012)
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 (Aug. 3-12)
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.

August 

Houston International Jazz Festival, (Aug. 3-5, 2012)
Big names in jazz convene in downtown Houston for some of the hottest music of the summer.  (713) 839-7000.

Theater District Day, (Aug. 26, 2012)
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) 658-8938.

September 

Museum District Day

Fiestas Patrias, (Sept. 15, 2012)
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.

Museum District Day, (Sept. 15, 2012)
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.

 

RE/MAX Ballunar Liftoff Festival, (Sept. 28-30, 2012)
Take part in the 19th anniversary of this mega 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.

October 

Ghost Walks, (Sept. 28-Nov. 4, 2012) every Thursday - Sunday
Ghostly guides lead you on a two-hour walking and METRORail tour past haunted sites in Houston’s Downtown Historic District.  (713) 222-9255.

Texas Renaissance Festival, (Weekends Oct. 6-Nov. 25, 2012)
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.

Chicano Festival, date TBD
The 33rd 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.

The Original Greek Festival, (Oct. 4-7, 2012)
Celebrate the 45th 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.

Bayou City Art Festival Downtown, (Oct. 13-14, 2012)
The 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.

Annual Turkish Festival, (Oct. 11-14, 2012)
Celebrate the Annual Turkish Festival at Jones Plaza downtown. Sample authentic Turkish food, wine, coffee, dancing and fun for the entire family.

Festa Italiana, (Oct. 11-14, 2012)
Houston’s Annual Italian Festival on the campus of St. Thomas University features authentic Italian food, wine, music, dancing, arts and crafts and entertainment for all ages. (713) 524-422.

Wings Over Houston Airshow, (Oct. 27-28, 2012)
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.

Texian Market Days, (Oct. 27, 2012)
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, (Oct. 27-28, 2012)
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.

November

International Quilt Festival

International Quilt Festival, (Nov. 1-4, 2012)
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.

The Nutcracker Market, (Nov. 8-11, 2012)
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.

Annual Children's Festival, (Nov. 10, 2012)
The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion is transformed into a giant playground and educational wonderland for the Annual Children’s Festival.  In addition to performances by professional entertainers, local community groups display their talents on the side stage. (281) 363-3300.

Texas Championship Native American Pow Wow, (Nov. 10-11, 2012)
More than 100 Native Americans from across the U.S. compete in two 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.

Annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Service, (Nov. 15, 2012)
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.

H-E-B Holiday Parade, (Nov. 22, 2012)
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. 22, 2012)
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.

 

The Nutcracker

The Nutcracker, (Nov. 23-25 and Dec. 1-30, 2012)
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.

Home for the Holidays, (Nov. 10-Dec. 25, 2012)
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.

A Christmas Carol—A Ghost Story of Christmas, dates TBD
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. 713-228-9341.

Festival of Lights

Festival of Lights, (Nov. 10, 2012 - Jan. 1, 2013)
The holiday magic glistens at the 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.

December

The Mayor's Official Downtown Houston Holiday Celebration, (Nov. 30, 2012)
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. 832-393-0868.

Dickens on the Strand, (Dec. 3-4, 2012)
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.

Annual Candlelight Tour in the Park, (Dec. 7-8, 2012)
The historic homes clustered in downtown’s Sam Houston Park open their doors for the Heritage Society’s 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, (Dec. 8, 2012)
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.

Fiesta Guadalupana, (Dec. 12, 2012)
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.