There is plenty of wide-open spaces in Texas - and Texans love being outside. Virtually every month of the year is chocked full of events celebrating outdoor activities.
Attracting over 11,000 cyclists from across the country, the Hotter 'n Hell 100 is one of the most popular 100-mile cycle events in the nation.
An Olympic-style event, the TAAF Games of Texas include archery, badminton, baseball, bowling, boxing, disc golf, fencing, golf, gymnastics, lifeguard competition, racquetball, sand volleyball, soccer, softball, swimming, tennis, track and field, and wiffleball.
Held at Corpus' downtown marina, the Texas International Boat Show features both in-the-water and on-shore exhibits, as well as a variety of entertainment events and vendor booths.
Portland's annual Windfest is a weekend full of fun events such as a kidfish pond, chili cook-off, horseshoe tournament, washer tournament, 5k and 10k runs, parade, clowns, live entertainment and more.
Held each year in the Huntsville State Park, just north of Houston, the Sunmart Endurance Run features 50-mile and 50-k endurance runs and is one of the largest Ultra events in the country.
Each October, some of the world’s best sand sculptors head to South Padre Island for the annual Sand Castle Days, a weekend-long sand castle building extravaganza. What started as a tiny event two decades ago has since blossomed into one of the most prestigious sand art events in the United States.
The Texas Amateur Athletic Federation's Winter Games are held each January in Frisco, just outside of Dallas. Competition in cheerleading, volleyball, wrestling, soccer, swimming, gymnastics, ice hockey, flag football, figure skating, and basketball will take place during the weekend.
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.
Sand sculptors from all over the world make their way to Port Aransas each year for the annual Texas SandFest. The events includes sculpting contests for professionals and amateurs, food and live music.
Staged between Galveston and Port Aransas, the Harvest Moon Regatta is one of the largest port-to-port sailboat races in North America.
Although natural snow is a rarity in most of Texas, each November, cities around the state receive a man-made blizzard. Austin, Dallas and Houston are among the cities have a "snow day" as part of the Texas Snowfest.
Held in Ransom Canyon in the Texas Panhandle, the Ransom Canyon Triathlon includes a 500-meter lake swim, 30k bike race and a 5k run.
Clear Lake's Ballunar Liftoff Festival is the "Largest Hot Air Balloon Event in Texas" and features over 80 hot air balloon's, the world's largest hot air ballon, skydiving competitions, aerial demonstrations, games, music, food and more.
Beginning in Bastrop and finishing in Columbus, the Colorado River 100 Canoe Marathon attracts paddlers and adventure racers from across the country.
The Keep Austin Weird 5k offers both a certified and timed race as well as a "fun run." In addition to the 5k, the day also includes a music fest at Auditorium Shores.
Atracting over 1,500 riders each year, Cleburne's Goatneck 100K Bike Race has been named as one of the 100 best bike races in America. The event also ofers rides of 10 and 25 miles for those not quite ready for the full course.
Held each year on the Medina River, the Bandera RiverFest features kayak races, river rodeo, water games, kids' activities, arts & crafts, live music and more.
