Texas is comprised of people from a wide array of backgrounds and cultures. One benefit of this rich cultural diversity is the vast amount of varied cultural heritage festivals held across the state each year.
Texas is comprised of people from a wide array of backgrounds and cultures. One benefit of this rich cultural diversity is the vast amount of varied cultural heritage festivals held across the state each year.
Because Texas was once part of Mexico, the state has a long-standing Mexican heritage and follows many Mexican traditions, including celebrating the popular Mexican holiday Cinco de Mayo. Although many people believe this is strictly a border-region phenomenon, towns across the state hold festivals to celebrate Mexico’s most famous military victory.
Texas has a rich German heritage, which explains the numerous Oktoberfest events across the Lone Star State. Anyone who enjoys German food, drink and music will certainly want to make plans to attend one of these events.
Harlingen's Riofest is an annual celebration of art, music, food and culture of Deep South Texas. Artists from across the United States and Mexico cover the 40-acre festival with original artwork. Additionally, there are plenty of activities for the kids as well as live entertainment for everyone.
In Mexico, the end of October marks a time-honored celebration known as “Day of the Dead.” Over time, the tradition has crept into the Mexican-influenced Texas border region. In fact, several towns across Deep South Texas now host their own version of the Day of the Dead celebration. One of the more unique events takes place in the historic South Texas seaport of Port Isabel.
The Texas border town of Hidalgo celebrates its border heritage each spring with their annual Borderfest. The event includes live music, an art show, dancing, a parade and more.
Staged each February since 1938, Brownsville's Charro Days is a weeklong, traditional Mexican “pachanga,” with parades, dances and a variety of fun events for the entire family.
The first Saturday of November each year sees the small town of George West host its annual Storyfest, which features a variety of storytellers offering renditions of folklore, cowboy tales, fables, legend and lore.
Having held for over a decade, the Austin Celtic Festival has grown to include over 200 artists, musicians, actors and storytellers.
For over 10 years, the annual Nine Flags Festival in Nacogdoches has celebrated the rich history and culture of Texas' oldest town.
The Lancaster OktoberFest offers something for everyone - a Preview Party with seated dinner on Friday night, children activities and open celebration on Saturday, Bavarian dance performances, live music, authentic German cuisine, root beer on tap, custom-brewed beer plus many Oktoberfest favorites imported from Germany, arts and crafts vendors, and more.
Held at San Antonio's Beethoven Halle und Garten, Oktoberfest is a traditional German celebration with a full compliment of food, music, drink, dance and entertainment.
A traditional German Oktoberfest in Texas' most famous German settlement - Fredricksburg. The Fredricksburg Oktoberfest offers plenty of authentic German food, music, artisans and entertainment.
Held on the Southlake Town Square, Oktoberfest is a family oriented event with plenty of activities for adults and kids alike, including the crowd pleasing Weiner Dog Race.
Taking visitors back to the time of folklore and magic, the Enchanted Forest Renaissance Faire features plays, skits, music, dances, duels, craftsmen, merchants and more.
Galveston isn't the only Texas coastal community with Mardi Gras festivities. Just up the coast in Port Arthur - near the Louisiana border - is the Southeast Texas Mardi Gras. Featuring parades, concerts, street entertainment, carnival rides, fireworks and more, Port Arthur's Southeast Texas Mardi Gras Weekend is always fun for the whole family.
Fiesta San Antonio is a massive festival featuring over 100 different events. Some of the most popular are the 10k and kids' runs, Fiesta Oyster Bake, Fiesta Mariachi Mass, Roundball Ruckus, arts fair, carnival and A Night in Old San Antonio.
Claiming the title of "Largest Celtic Event in the Southwest," the North Texas Irish Festival is a three-day celebration featuring music, folk dancers, storytelling and educational programs.
Featuring a colorful Czech parade, live music, arts & crafts, a horseshoe tournament, traditional Czech foods, dancing and a 5k run, Ennis' annual National Polka Festival is the largest Czech heritage festival in the United States.
Sponsored by the Institute of Texan Cultures, San Antonio's Texas Folklife Festival is an annual celebration of the diverse cultures that combine to make Texas unique. The festival features live music, costume, arts & crafts, and more.
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.
An annual event for nearly three decades, Lakehills' Medina Lake Cajun Festival features music, dancing, a gumbo cookoff and more.
For more than a three decades, the Houston Italian Festival has celebrated Italian heritage, culture and romance. The festival features live entertainment, bocce ball, a grape stomp, pasta eating contest, food and more.
Held in Bowie, the town named for the legendary Texas figure, Jim Bowie Days showcases a rodeo, bass fishing tournament, Indian artifacts show, antique car show, pet parade and more.
Held each year in Waxahachie, Scarborough Faire is a step back in time. This festival features full-combat jousting, falconry exhibitions, artisan demonstrations, costumed performers in 16th century garb, live entertainment and more.
Staged by the San Antonio Charro Association, Charreada is a Mexican rodeo competition featuring traditional dress, events and music.
Held at Maverick Stadium on the campus of UT-Arlington, the Texas Scottish Festival and Highland Games features dancing, athletic competitions, bagpipe band contests, dog show, fiddle and harp competitions, ethnic foods, Celtic art and more.
The first Saturday of November each year sees the small town of George West host its annual Storyfest, which features a variety of storytellers offering renditions of folklore, cowboy tales, fables, legend and lore.
Held each year in Houston, the Bayou City Cajun Fest includes plenty of Cajun cuisine, live music, entertainment and more.
Waco's Viking Fest celebrates Nordic culture and culture and includes food, music and a riverboat trip.
Irving's Heritage Festival, a free, family-oriented event, celebrates the history of Irving and promotes the Irving Heritage District and downtown business district.
The Nederland Heritage Festival is one of the largest free festivals in the state. An annual event since 1973, the Nederland Heritage Festival features a carnival, pageants, golf and softball tournaments, a fun run, chili cook-off, craft show, live music and more.
One of the largest Carnaval-style celebrations held in the United States, Austin's Carnaval Brasileiro celebrates all things Brazil - dancing, dress, food and more.
Held annually for nearly half a century, Yorktown's Western Days Festival features live music, parades, a carnival, mechanical bull contest, car show and more. And, there's no admission fee!
