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Free Festivals in Texas

Top Annual Events and Festivals With Free Admission

By , About.com Guide

Texas is full of great annual events and festivals. And, best of all, many of these events offer free admission, allowing visitors to have a big time for little expense.

1. Texas Book Festival

Held at the State Capitol in Austin, the annual Texas Book Festival features over 200 authors, as well as exhibitors, live music, food, a children's area and more.

2. Czhilispiel

Based in the Czech settlement of Flatonia, Czhilispiel has been held annually for over 30 years, drawing some of the best chili and bbq cook-off teams from across the state. It’s designation as a CASI endorsed event ensures top competitors will be there, it’s Czech Fest atmosphere ensures the whole family will have fun. Best of all, two of the three days of Czhilispiel - Friday and Sunday - offer free admission.

3. First Night Austin

Austin has a reputation for being a ‘different kind of town.’ True to its unique nature, Austin stages a one-of-a-kind event every year to ring in the New Year. First Night Austin transforms downtown Austin into a seemingly endless string of art displays, musical performances and entertainment.

4. Chuy's Christmas Parade

Why wait 'til December for a Christmas Parade when you can attend Chuy's Christmas Parade in Austin during November? This unique Christmas parade raises money for "Operation Blue," which provides toys to needy children in the Austin area.

5. Cottonwood Art Festival

Held in Cottonwood Park in Richardson, just outside of Dallas, the Cottonwood Art Festival is an outdoor art festival featuring over 200 artists from across the United States, England, and Canada, as well as live music, including country, rock, jazz, blues, swing and folk.

6. Main Street Arts Festival

Fort Worth's Mainstreet Arts Festival features over 200 artists displaying and selling their wares. The festival also features live music, street performers, food vendors and family activities.

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