Although the kids are back in school, there are still plenty of events, activities and festivals happening across Texas in September. From cook-offs to triathlons to music festivals, there is something happening practically every weekend of the month in the Lone Star State.
For over three decades, Labor Day weekend has seen over 100 teams descend on the tiny Hill Country town of Brady for the World Championship BBQ Goat Cook-off, a truly Texan event.
Every year West, Texas - located just north of Waco - hosts its "Westfest," which is one of the largest Czech Polka fests in the state. The event is held over the first weekend in September and features polka bands, dancing, Miss Westfest contest, parade, baking contests, fun run, horseshoes, arts & crafts and more.
Unlike any other boat show in the Houston area, the South West International Boat Show is an open invitation to manufacturers, dealers, brokers and charter companies to participate in a truly international, in-water, boat show.
Beginning in Bastrop and finishing in Columbus, the Colorado River 100 Canoe Marathon attracts paddlers and adventure racers from across the country.
A South Padre Island Labor Day Weekend tradition, the Ruff Rider Regatta is an 'around the Island' catamaran race. Registration is set for Friday, with racing taking place Saturday and Sunday.
The Houston Hot Sauce Festival is the Bayou City's showcase event for any type of sauce with a little "kick" in it, including hot sauce, salsa, barbecue sauce, Bloody Mary mix and more.
Once again the tiny town of Luckenbach, made nationally famous by a Willie Nelson song, will be hosting its Labor Day Celebration. And, as usual, there will be plenty of good live music to go with the festivities.
An annual event for nearly three decades, Lakehills' Medina Lake Cajun Festival features music, dancing, a gumbo cookoff and more.
Held on an annual basis in Nacogdoches for over two decades, the Do Dat Barbecue Cook-off features some of the best barbecue in East Texas, as well as an auction, games, live music and more.
Running for 24 days through late-September and early-October, the State Fair of Texas is the largest fair and stock show in the state. During the nearly month long event, everything from live music to carnival rides and good eats to art shows are offered. Of course, the highlight of the Fair is the annual Texas-Oklahoma football game.