Travel

Top 11 March Festivals and Events in Texas

By Danno Wise, About.com Guide

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.

3. Borderfest

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

11. Corpus Christi Festival of the Arts

A three-day celebration of visual and performing arts, the Corpus Christi Festival of the Arts has quickly become of favorite annual event for residents and visitors alike.