March marks the beginning of spring and is also the host month for dozens of spectacular festivals and events across Texas. From St. Patrick's Day celebrations to the Houston Livestock Show, there is really something for everyone in the Lone Star State during the month of March.
1. Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo
Houston Rodeo
The first three weeks of March in Houston mean the annual Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. This one-of-a-kind event features the second largest fair in North America, daily professional rodeo competitions, and some of the biggest names in music performing daily during the three week stretch.
2. Fulton Oysterfest
Held each year during the first weekend of March, Fulton's Oysterfest is a fun-filled event featuring dances, a carnival, games, food, and, of course, oyster eating contests. This year's event is set for March 5-8.3. Borderfest
March 5-8, Borderfest 2009 will be underway in the Texas border town of Hidalgo. An annual event for over three decades, Borderfest is the oldest cultural art and music festival in the Rio Grande Valley.4. North Texas Irish Festival
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. The event is held in Dallas' historic Fair Park. This year's event is slated for March 6-8.5. South by Southwest Music Festival and Conference
Held in Austin each March, South By Southwest (SXSW) is one of the top music festivals in the country. Event performers cover over 50 stages in downtown Austin. This year, SXSW will take place March 13-22.6. Sweetwater Rattlesnake Roundup
TPW
Held during the second weekend of March annually since 1958, Sweetwater's World's Largest Rattlesnake Roundup draws over 30,000 visitors from across the US and beyond.
7. Nederland Heritage Festival
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. This year's event will be held March 10-15.8. Shamrock St. Patrick's Day Festival
What else would you expect to celebrate in a town named Shamrock? The annual Shamrock St. Patrick's Day Festival has grown into a two-day event featuring parades, music, motorcycle rally, beauty pageant, craft show, carnival and more.9. Tyler Azalea Trail
Tyler CVB
From mid-March through mid-April, the city of Tyler, Texas is home to the Azalea and Spring Flower Trail, which includes tours of area homes and flower trails, a civil war re-enactment, square dancing, 10k run, arts & crafts, and much, much more. This year's trail starts on March 20 and ends April 5.
10. Jasper Azalea Festival
D Wise
The East Texas town of Jasper celebrates the blooming of the azaleas with an all-day festival around their historic downtown square. Activities include an arts & crafts show, quilt show, classic car show, live music, kiddie carnival, cake decorating contest and more.
