Texas Festivals & Fairs January - June 2008
Please note that prices, dates, telephone numbers and hours are subject to change. Please call ahead before making plans. Last updated: June 24, 2008 .

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JANUARY

January 6, 2008 - FAIR - Harlingen: Jackson Street Market Days. An old fashioned open-air street fair with antiques, crafts, sidewalk sales, produce cart, and food vendors. Part of Jackson Street is blocked off for this event. Sponsored by the Harlingen Downtown Merchants Association. Time: 9am - 4pm. Cost: Free. Location: Jackson Street in downtown Harlingen. Region: Texas Gulf Coast. Average attendance: under 50,000. For more information, call (956) 423-4933. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held monthly, 1st Saturday.

January 23 - February 24, 2008 - FESTIVAL - Laredo: Washington's Birthday Celebration. One of the biggest and oldest celebrations of the first president's birthday. Celebrating since 1898. This event is a unique mixture of a Mexican fiesta and a Fourth of July celebration - an opportunity for everyone to experience 29 events in 25 fun-filled days in pleasant Laredo, TX. Activities include parades, pageants, street parties in Laredo and Nuevo Laredo, concerts, carnival, children's Fun Fest, fireworks, Jalapeno Festival and more. Call for times and costs. Location: Around the city of Laredo. Region: South Texas Plains. Average attendance: under 50,000. For more information, call 956-722-0589 or visit www.wbcalaredo.org. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually around George Washington's Birthday.

January 25-27, 2008 - FESTIVAL - Laredo: 6th Annual Laredo International Sister Cities Festival. Laredo's twenty sister cities from around the world include cities from Mexico, Spain, China, Taiwan, Argentina and Australia. In celebration of Laredo's unique relationship with these international siblings, the City of Laredo invites the world to partake in the International Sister Cities Festival. The festival features an EXPO with products for sale and displays from each of the participating cities. Exotic flowers, embroidered textiles, wrought iron, wood furniture, silver jewelry and more will be available for purchase. Time: 10am. Cost: FREE. Location: 2400 San Bernardo, Laredo. Region: South Texas Plains. Average attendance: under 50,000. For more information, call 800-361-3360 or visit www.laredosistercities.com. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually, last weekend in January.

January 25 - February 5, 2008 - FESTIVAL - Galveston: Mardi Gras Galveston. The largest Mardi Gras celebration in Texas has more than 75 events including: an awesome entertainment district, colorful parades and processions, elaborate balls and parties, plus exciting exhibits and sporting events. This pre-Lenten celebration draws an estimated 500,000 revelers to beautiful Galveston Island each year. Contact the Galveston Island Convention & Visitors Bureau for more information at 888-425-4753 or call 409-797-5164, visit www.mardigrasgalveston.com, or come by our Visitors Center at 2428 Seawall Boulevard. Region: Texas Gulf Coast. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually.

January 31 - February 3, 2008 - FESTIVAL - Port Arthur: Mardi Gras of Southeast Texas. This four-day event brings to Southeast Texas seven exciting parades, magnificent costumes, Mardi Gras floats, concerts, street entertainment, arts and crafts, ethnic and carnival food concessions, KidZone, fireworks, street dances, carnival rides and games, souvenirs, ongoing activities, Mardi Gras beauty pageant, treasure hunt and more. Advance discount tickets available prior to event at area businesses. Handicapped parking available. Time & cost details at www.portarthur.com/mardigras. Event Location: 600 block of Procter Street, Downtown Port Arthur, Texas. Region: Texas Gulf Coast. Phone number for more information: 409-721-8717. Held annually.

February

(January 31) thru February 3, 2008 - FESTIVAL - Port Arthur: Mardi Gras of Southeast Texas. This four-day event brings to Southeast Texas seven exciting parades, magnificent costumes, Mardi Gras floats, concerts, street entertainment, arts and crafts, ethnic and carnival food concessions, KidZone, fireworks, street dances, carnival rides and games, souvenirs, ongoing activities, Mardi Gras beauty pageant, treasure hunt and more. Advance discount tickets available prior to event at area businesses. Handicapped parking available. Time & cost details at www.portarthur.com/mardigras. Event Location: 600 block of Procter Street, Downtown Port Arthur, Texas. Region: Texas Gulf Coast. Phone number for more information: 409-721-8717. Held annually.

(January 25) thru February 5, 2008 - FESTIVAL - Galveston: Mardi Gras Galveston. The largest Mardi Gras celebration in Texas has more than 75 events including: an awesome entertainment district, colorful parades and processions, elaborate balls and parties, plus exciting exhibits and sporting events. This pre-Lenten celebration draws an estimated 500,000 revelers to beautiful Galveston Island each year. Contact the Galveston Island Convention & Visitors Bureau for more information at 888-425-4753 or call 409-797-5164, visit www.mardigrasgalveston.com, or come by our Visitors Center at 2428 Seawall Boulevard. Region: Texas Gulf Coast. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually.

(January 23) thru February 24, 2008 - FESTIVAL - Laredo: Washington's Birthday Celebration. One of the biggest and oldest celebrations of the first president's birthday. Celebrating since 1898. This event is a unique mixture of a Mexican fiesta and a Fourth of July celebration - an opportunity for everyone to experience 29 events in 25 fun-filled days in pleasant Laredo, TX. Activities include parades, pageants, street parties in Laredo and Nuevo Laredo, concerts, carnival, children's Fun Fest, fireworks, Jalapeno Festival and more. Call for times and costs. Location: Around the city of Laredo. Region: South Texas Plains. Average attendance: under 50,000. For more information, call 956-722-0589 or visit www.wbcalaredo.org. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually around George Washington's Birthday.

February 1-3, 2008 - FESTIVAL - Beaumont: Mardi Gras on the Neches. Parades and activities for the entire family will begin in Downtown Beaumont. The new Mardi Gras festivities will be held in conjunction with Crockett Street's existing Mardi Gras celebrations. Time: Call. Cost: Call. Location: Crockett Street, Beaumont, TX 77701. Region: Texas Gulf Coast. Average attendance: under 50,000. For more information, call (409) 724-0450. Please mention this listing when inquiring.

February 1-3, 2008 - FESTIVAL - Jefferson: Mardi Gras Upriver. Let the good times roll as you celebrate the Purple, Green and Gold during this 3-day celebration. Doo Dah Parade, Grande Parade Children's Parade, live music, carnival, street vendors and much more. Fun for entire family. Time: Call. Cost: Call. Location: Downtown Jefferson. Region: Texas Piney Woods. Average attendance: 50,000-200,000. For more information, call (903) 665-3733 or visit www.mardigrasupriver.com. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Annual Event.

February 2, 2008 - FAIR - Harlingen: Jackson Street Market Days. An old fashioned open-air street fair with antiques, crafts, sidewalk sales, produce cart, and food vendors. Part of Jackson Street is blocked off for this event. Sponsored by the Harlingen Downtown Merchants Association. Time: 9am - 4pm. Cost: Free. Location: Jackson Street in downtown Harlingen. Region: Texas Gulf Coast. Average attendance: under 50,000. For more information, call (956) 423-4933. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held monthly, 1st Saturday.

February 5, 2008 - FESTIVAL - Lake Dallas: Mardi Gras Celebration. The event begins with a parade including 40+ decorative floats competing for a $1,000 prize. The parade ends at Lake Dallas City Hall with a New Orleans style party, great Cajun food, a kidzone complete with balloon sculpting, giant inflatable obstacle course and slide, pony rides, contests, and live entertainment. Time: 6pm-midnight. Cost: free. Location: 212 Main St., Lake Dallas, TX 75065. Region: Texas Prairies and Lakes. Average attendance: under 50,000. For more information, call 940-497-2226 x132 or visit www.lakedallas.com/calendar.html. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually on Fat Tuesday.

February 28 - March 2, 2008 - FESTIVAL - Brownsville: Charro Days Fiesta. Celebrated with a four day Latin Festival each year since 1938, complete with elaborate costuming, carnivals, parades, dances. A program of events is held in both Brownsville and its sister city, Matamoros, Mexico, which demonstrates the relationship between both countries. This is a spectacular and colorful event with spectators and participants dressing up in traditional Mexican costume. Admission is Free. Region: Texas Gulf Coast. For information call 956-542-4245. Held annually.

February 28 - March 2, 2008 - FESTIVAL - Hidalgo: BorderFest. The largest music, culture and heritage celebration in South Texas, now in its 30th year. BorderFest is dedicated to the Rio Grande Valley, with its great diversity, and vast resources of talent, arts and crafts, food and color, and happy smiling faces. Time: 12 noon - 12 midnight. Cost: $6 and $8. Location: Dodge Arena and grounds SH 336 (10th Street). Region: South Texas Plains. Average attendance: 50,000 - 200,000. For more information, call 956 843-2734. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually.

February 29 - March 2, 2008 - FESTIVAL - Dallas: Annual North Texas Irish Festival. Join us for the largest Gathering of Irish in the Southwest. Top entertainers provide non-stop music and dance on multiple stages, music and dance exhibitions, workshops, craft demonstrations, wandering musicians, the Urchin Street children's area, traditional Irish food and drink, cultural displays, a Celtic artist competition, and much more. Time: Friday 6:00pm -11:00pm; Saturday 10:30am-11:00pm; Sunday 10:30am-8:30pm. Admission Cost: General Daily $15, 3-day ticket $30; Seniors & Students discount; handicapped and children under 12 are free. Location: Inside the Automobile and Centennial buildings and on the Esplanade, Fair Park, Dallas. Region: Texas Prairies and Lakes. For more information, call 214-821-4173 or visit www.ntif.org. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually, 1st weekend in March.

February 29 - March 15, 2008 - Fair - Austin: 71st Annual Star of Texas Fair and Rodeo. Fifteen days of "hoof pounding, heart throbbing" action including a 190 county livestock show, carnival, fairground acts, 13 rodeo performances, 14 concerts and much more. Cost: $5 to park, $3 to enter gate, Rodeo tickets serve as a gate pass. Location: Travis County Exposition and Heritage Center in Austin, Texas. Region: Texas Hill Country. For more information, call (512) 919-3000 or visit www.RodeoAustin.com. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually in March.

March

(February 28) thru March 2, 2008 - FESTIVAL - Brownsville: Charro Days Fiesta. Celebrated with a four day Latin Festival each year since 1938, complete with elaborate costuming, carnivals, parades, dances. A program of events is held in both Brownsville and its sister city, Matamoros, Mexico, which demonstrates the relationship between both countries. This is a spectacular and colorful event with spectators and participants dressing up in traditional Mexican costume. Admission is Free. Region: Texas Gulf Coast. For information call 956-542-4245. Held annually.

(February 29) thru March 2, 2008 - FESTIVAL - Dallas: Annual North Texas Irish Festival. Join us for the largest Gathering of Irish in the Southwest. Top entertainers provide non-stop music and dance on multiple stages, music and dance exhibitions, workshops, craft demonstrations, wandering musicians, the Urchin Street children's area, traditional Irish food and drink, cultural displays, a Celtic artist competition, and much more. Time: Friday 6:00pm -11:00pm; Saturday 10:30am-11:00pm; Sunday 10:30am-8:30pm. Admission Cost: General Daily $15, 3-day ticket $30; Seniors & Students discount; handicapped and children under 12 are free. Location: Inside the Automobile and Centennial buildings and on the Esplanade, Fair Park, Dallas. Region: Texas Prairies and Lakes. For more information, call 214-821-4173 or visit www.ntif.org. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually, 1st weekend in March.

(February 28) thru March 2, 2008 - FESTIVAL - Hidalgo: BorderFest. The largest music, culture and heritage celebration in South Texas, now in its 30th year. BorderFest is dedicated to the Rio Grande Valley, with its great diversity, and vast resources of talent, arts and crafts, food and color, and happy smiling faces. Time: 12 noon - 12 midnight. Cost: $6 and $8. Location: Dodge Arena and grounds SH 336 (10th Street). Region: South Texas Plains. Average attendance: 50,000 - 200,000. For more information, call 956 843-2734. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually.

(February 29) thru March 15, 2008 - Fair - Austin: 71st Annual Star of Texas Fair and Rodeo. Fifteen days of "hoof pounding, heart throbbing" action including a 190 county livestock show, carnival, fairground acts, 13 rodeo performances, 14 concerts and much more. Cost: $5 to park, $3 to enter gate, Rodeo tickets serve as a gate pass. Location: Travis County Exposition and Heritage Center in Austin, Texas. Region: Texas Hill Country. For more information, call (512) 919-3000 or visit www.RodeoAustin.com. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually in March.

March 1, 2008 - FAIR - Harlingen: Jackson Street Market Days. An old fashioned open-air street fair with antiques, crafts, sidewalk sales, produce cart, and food vendors. Part of Jackson Street is blocked off for this event. Sponsored by the Harlingen Downtown Merchants Association. Time: 9am - 4pm. Cost: Free. Location: Jackson Street in downtown Harlingen. Region: Texas Gulf Coast. Average attendance: under 50,000. For more information, call (956) 423-4933. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held monthly, 1st Saturday.

March 5-8, 2008 - FESTIVAL - EL Paso: Siglo De Oro Drama Festival. Annual festival that celebrates the literature and linguistic ties still shared by Spain and the border region of Mexico and the United States . The festival brings the best amateur and professional groups to the Chamizal stage, presenting works of the Spanish masters, both in English and Spanish. Participants come from as far away as Puerto Rico, Spain and Jerusalem. Location: Chamizal National Memorial Theatre, 800 S. San Marcial, El Paso. Region: Texas Big Bend Country. Admission: $5 general, $2 students, seniors and military. Call for exact times. For more information, call 915-532-7273, ext.106. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually.

March 6-9, 2008 - FESTIVAL - Fulton: 29th Annual Fulton Oysterfest. Oysterfest officials have been working with seafood sources along the Texas Gulf Coast to locate the freshest oysters and other seafood for this event. Oysterfest will also have live music, carnival, parade and an oyster eating contest. Proceeds benefit the Fulton Volunteer Fire Department. Time: call. Cost: $3 age 12 and older. Location: Fulton Harborfront. Region: Texas Gulf Coast. Average attendance: under 50,000. For more information, call 361-790-8362 or visit www.fulton-texas.org. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually, first weekend in March.

March 7-16, 2008 - FESTIVAL - Austin: South by Southwest Music Festival and Conference. Held in Austin each March, South By Southwest (SXSW) showcases hundreds of musical acts from around the globe on over sixty stages in downtown Austin. Time: See Website. Cost: call. Location: Registration, Panels, & Trade Show are at the Austin Convention Center (enter at 4th Street & Neches). Region: Texas Hill Country. Average attendance: 500,000-1 million. For more information, call 512-467-7979 or visit www.sxsw.com. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually in March.

March 8, 2008 - FESTIVAL - Brenham: Flower & Garden Show. Delightful outdoor show featuring plants, garden decor and accessories, gardening demonstrations, arts & crafts, farmer's market, festival food, children's activities, live music around the square, pet parade. Time: 10am-5pm. Cost: N/A. Location: Downtown around the square. Region: Texas Prairies and Lakes. Average attendance: under 50,000. For more information, call 979-836-3339. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually in March.

March 8-9, 2008 - FESTIVAL - Old Town Spring: Springfest-Wine, Art, and Food Festival - Texas Style. Located just 20 miles north of Houston, Old Town Spring invites you to its 10th Annual two-day celebration of Texas wineries and artists. A pleasant stroll around the town will acquaint you with Texas wineries offering tastings of some of their finest wines, talented Texas artists showing their original art and 150 unique shops in the historic railroad town. Cost: Parking - $3. Wine tasting - $20. Location: 403 Main Street, Spring, TX 77373. Region: Texas Gulf Coast. Average attendance: under 50,000. For more information, call 888-U-STOP-IN or visit www.oldtownspringtx.com. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually, mid-March.

March 14 - April 6, 2008 - FESTIVAL - Tyler: Annual Azalea and Spring Flower Trail. Mile after mile of azaleas, dogwood trees and spring flowers that you have to see to believe. The breathtaking beauty of our Azalea and Spring Flower Trail has been praised by visitors as a floral wonderland and a photographer's paradise. We invite you to enjoy the vivid colors and sweet scents that only an East Texas Spring can provide. Time: dawn to dusk. Cost: free. Location: Tyler's Historic Azalea District. Region: Texas Piney Woods. Average attendance: under 250,000. For more information, call 1-800-235-5712. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually, starting the 3rd weekend in March.

March 15, 2008 - FAIR - Bandera: Annual Wild Hog Explosion. Event features team competition for all age levels in wild hog catching, pork rib cook-off, hog kissing contest, arts & crafts, carnival, piggy pictures. Also, an All Bike Rally with Hill Country Poker Run. Benefits Bandera County Kronkosky Library. Cost: Adults $5, Children $3, Military free. Location: Mansfield Park. Region: Texas Hill Country. Average attendance: under 50,000. For more information, call 830-796-4447. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually in March.

March 15, 2008 - FESTIVAL - Jasper: Annual Azalea Festival. Annual Event celebrating the colorful burst of springtime azaleas. Held on the beautiful Jasper County Courthouse Square. Enjoy all day entertainment, Arts invitational, Classic Car Show, Poetry Contest, Cake Decorating Contest, Arts & Crafts booths and more. Location: Historic Courthouse Square. Region: Texas Piney Woods. Average attendance: under 50,000. For more information, call 409-384-2762. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually, 3rd Saturday in March.

March 15-16, 2008 - FESTIVAL - Diboll: Tamale Festival. Weekend long event with live music, craft vendors indoor & outdoor, cooking contest, eating contest, kid's events. City sponsored annual event. 2007 is first year. Time: Varies with entertainment schedule. Cost: Free. Location: Lottie & Arthur Temple Civic Center Grounds 601 Dennis Street Diboll, Tx 75941 936-829-4888. Region: Texas Piney Woods. Average attendance: under 50,000. For more information, call 936-829-4888 or visit. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually, 2nd weekend AFTER first full week in March.

March 21-22, 2008 - FESTIVAL - Kerrville: Easter Fest on the Guadalupe/Chili & BBQ Classic. Friday evening's events include cook's party and street dance. Saturday is the chili and BBQ cookoff, Easter egg hunt, children's games. Music and vendors each day. Time: Fri 7pm-11 pm, Sat 10am - 7pm. Cost: admission free; vendors prices vary. Location: Flat Rock Lake County Park adjacent to the Guadalupe River. Region: Texas Hill Country. Average attendance: under 50,000. For more information, call (830)792-8094 or visit www.kerrvilletexascvb.com. Please mention this listing when inquiring.

March 22-23, 29-30, and April 5-6, 2008 - FESTIVAL - Palestine: Texas Dogwood Trails Celebration. Three weekends of fun as spring unfolds the beauty and mystery of the Dogwood tree. Enjoy the arts/crafts booths, BBQ Cookoff, parade, home show, train ride, tours through Davey Dogwood park, dinner theater, concerts and more. Time: various events each day at different times. Cost: various costs depending on event, some events are ticketed and some are free. Location: various locations around town. Region: Texas Prairies and Lakes. Average attendance: under 50,000. For more information, call 1-800-659-3484. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually, last two weekends of March & first weekend in April.

March 23-24, 2008 - FESTIVAL - Granbury: General Granbury's Birthday Celebration and Bean Cookoff. Bean & Rib Cookoff, Entertainment, Parade, Merchandise Vendors & Children's Area. Outhouse Races, Free Birthday Cake And Ice Cream. Time: Saturday 9am-6pm, Sunday 12pm-5pm. Cost: Free. Location: Historic Downtown Granbury Courthouse Square. Region: Texas Prairies and Lakes. Average attendance: under 50,000. For more information, call 817-573-5299 or visit www.hgma.com. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held Annually 3rd weekend in March - Rain or Shine.

March 27-29, 2008 - FESTIVAL - Temple: Temple College Jazz Festival. Nationally known jazz musicians will be featured as guest artists for the 17th annual Temple College Jazz Festival. Time: 8am-7:30pm. Cost: Adults: $15, Students: $5. Location: 2600 South 1st Street. Region: Texas Prairies and Lakes. Average attendance: under 50,000. For more information, call 254-298-8555 or visit www.templejc.edu. Please mention this listing when inquiring.

March 27-30, 2008 - FESTIVAL - Columbus: Trailhead. Relive the Old West with the Texas Historical Shootists' Society. This annual cowboy gathering draws competitors and spectators from across the country for cowboy shootin', ridin' and shoppin' at this 4 day event. Located in "Gunsmoke, Texas" just a few miles north of Columbus in an old style Western town complete with jail, fort, mine, hotels and a mayor's office. Time: call. Cost: call. Location: 12 miles north of Columbus. Region: Texas Prairies and Lakes. Average attendance: under 50,000. For more information, call 979-732-8385 or visit www.columbustexas.org. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually.

March 28-30, 2008 - FESTIVAL - Houston: Bayou City Art Festival Memorial Park. This fine juried art festival transforms the meandering 1.1-mile trail of the park into a magical art colony with 300 artists representing 19 media formats, in Enjoy interactive art Creative Zone for children, the Broadway Across America Houston's Broadway Cafe, and colorfully costumed international dancers, musicians and performing artist for multi-cultural entertainment plus food and drink refreshments. Time: 10am-6pm. Cost: $10 for adults; children 12 and under free. Location: Memorial Park. Region: Texas Gulf Coast. Average attendance: under 50,000. For more information, call 713-521-0133 or visit www.bayoucityartfestival.com. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually, 4th full weekend in March (never to conflict with Easter).

March 28-30, 2008 - FESTIVAL - Marble Falls: Bluebonnet Blues and Fine Arts Festival. Over 50 musicians and over 50 fine artists gather in the Hill Country for a wonderful weekend full of activities and great food. Time: all day and all evening. Cost: some free/some events have charges. Location: Main Street in Marble Falls, Texas. Region: Texas Hill Country. Average attendance: under 50,000. For more information, call 830-798-1041 or visit www.bluebonnetblues.com. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually.

March 28-30, 2008 - FESTIVAL - Tomball: German Heritage Festival. Music/Street Festival celebrating German heritage with music, food, carnival, 3 stages, kids area, heritage center, beer, like Oktoberfest in march, fireworks, German church, 150 vendors, antique shops, and much more. Wir sprechen Deutsch. Time: 10am - 10pm. Cost: Free. Location: Old DownTown Tomball. 200 block of Main St. (FM 2920). Region: Texas Gulf Coast. Average attendance: under 50,000. For more information, call 281-379-6844 or visit www.tomballsistercity.org. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually, last weekend in March.

March 28 - April 6, 2008 - FAIR - Huntsville: Walker County Fair & Rodeo. Pro Rodeo events, Barbeque cookoff, Livestock exhibits, Carnival. Time: 10am. Cost: $5 General Admission. Location: Walker County Fairgrounds, 3925 Hwy 30 W. Region: Texas Piney Woods. Average attendance: under 50,000. For more information, call 936-291-8763 or visit www.walkercountyfair.com. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually, last weekend in March.

March 29, 2008 - FESTIVAL - Lakehills: 8th Annual Fish Fry & More. Includes children's activities, silent auction and live auction, and more. Serving begins at 11am, Live Auction begins at 1pm. Sponsored by Lakehills United Methodist Church. Time: Serving begins 11am, Live Auction begins 1pm. Location: Lakehills Civic Center. Region: Texas Hill Country. Average attendance: under 50,000. For more information, call 830-751-2404 (church fundraiser - no vendors.) Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually.

March 29-30, 2008 - FESTIVAL - Granbury: General Granbury's Birthday Celebration and Bean Cookoff. Bean & Rib Cookoff, Entertainment, Parade, Merchandise Vendors & Children's Area. Outhouse Races, Free Birthday Cake And Ice Cream. Time: Saturday 9am-6pm, Sunday 12pm-5pm. Cost: Free. Location: Historic Downtown Granbury Courthouse Square. Region: Texas Prairies and Lakes. Average attendance: under 50,000. For more information, call 817-573-5299 or visit www.hgma.com. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held Annually 3rd weekend in March - Rain or Shine.

April

(March 28) thru April 6, 2008 - FAIR - Huntsville: Walker County Fair & Rodeo. Pro Rodeo events, Barbeque cookoff, Livestock exhibits, Carnival. Time: 10am. Cost: $5 General Admission. Location: Walker County Fairgrounds, 3925 Hwy 30 W. Region: Texas Piney Woods. Average attendance: under 50,000. For more information, call 936-291-8763 or visit www.walkercountyfair.com. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually, last weekend in March.

April 3-6, 2008 - FESTIVAL - Galveston: FeatherFest Nature Festival. A 4-day celebration of nature, art and history in the exciting and charming city of Galveston, Texas, featuring Spring migration birding and other nature experiences on the Upper Texas Coast. Visitors will enjoy van based field trips, birding by kayak and boat, seminars/workshops and social activities that tie into to Galveston's historic heritage. Time: call. Cost: General $25, then priced by event. Location: Old Galveston Square Building, The Strand Galveston, TX 77550. Region: Texas Gulf Coast. Average attendance: under 50,000. For more information, call 409-392-0841 or visit www.galvestonfeatherfest.com. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually, first weekend in April.

April 4-5, 2008 - FESTIVAL - Kilgore: Party In The Patch. Featuring sanctioned barbecue cook-off, art show, horseshoe pitching, rod run, music, motorcycle show, kid's area, Friday Night Street Dance. Time: Friday night street dance 7pm. Saturday events 8am-5pm. Cost: free. Location: Kilgore City Park. Region: Texas Piney Woods. Average attendance: under 50,000. For more information, call 903-984-5571 or email merlynh@easttexastreaatment.org. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually, usually the first Friday and Saturday of April.

April 4-6, 2008 - FESTIVAL - Marble Falls: Highland Lakes Fine Art & Wine Festival. Stroll down Historic Main Street and enjoy world-class art, wine, cuisine, and shopping during the day. Stay for amazing dinners and fantastic shows in the evening. Time: 10am-5pm daily. Cost: free. Location: Historic Main Street. Region: Texas Hill Country. Average attendance: under 50,000. For more information, call 830-693-2815 or visit www.thunderbirdartists.com/festivals/Texas_Apr08.htm. Please mention this listing when inquiring.

April 5, 2008 - FAIR - Harlingen: Jackson Street Market Days. An old fashioned open-air street fair with antiques, crafts, sidewalk sales, produce cart, and food vendors. Part of Jackson Street is blocked off for this event. Sponsored by the Harlingen Downtown Merchants Association. Time: 9am - 4pm. Cost: Free. Location: Jackson Street in downtown Harlingen. Region: Texas Gulf Coast. Average attendance: under 50,000. For more information, call (956) 423-4933. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held monthly, 1st Saturday.

April 5, 2008 - FESTIVAL - Richmond: Republic of Texas Festival. Mexican soldados and Texian settlers skirmish, recreating the dire days of the Runaway Scrape, as Texians fled in advance of Santa Anna's troops in 1836. Time: 9am-5pm with skirmish reenactments at 11am and 2pm. Cost: $9. Location: George Ranch Historical Park; 10215 FM 762; Richmond, TX. Region: Texas Gulf Coast. Average attendance: under 250,000. For more information, call 281-343-0218. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually, usually the first weekend in April.

April 5, 2008 - FESTIVAL - Weslaco: Texas Rio Grande Valley Onion Fest. Onion Fest celebrates the development of the world famous Texas 1015 Onion which was developed in Weslaco, Texas by Dr. Leonard Pike. Events include the Arts & Crafts Tent with 25 booths, 25 food vendors, and 12-15 commercial vendors. Other events include the onion eating contests, a carnival for kids, and La Gran Cebolla Cook-Off. There will be musical performances on four stages and two horse shows by Mid-Valley Stables. Time: 10am-7pm. Location: Weslaco City Park 300 N. Airport Dr. Weslaco, TX 78539. Region: South Texas Plains. Average attendance: under 250,000. Free admission. For more information, call 888-968-2102. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually.

April 5 - May 26 (Weekends and Memorial Day), 2008 - FESTIVAL - Waxahachie: Scarborough Faire®, the Renaissance Festival. One of the largest and most popular Renaissance Festivals in the nation, complete with entertainment, crafts, food, drink, games, and fun! Join the festivities as hundreds of prominent entertainers perform, over 200 Artisans display and demonstrate their craft, and food and beverage vendors offer a delicious variety of over 60 menu items fit for a King. Region: Texas Prairies and Lakes. For ticket information and directions refer to ScarboroughRenFest.com. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually.

April 6, 2008 - FESTIVAL - Bryan: 3rd Annual Marian Anderson String Quartet Chamber Music Insitute Live Auditions. Live Audition for the Marian Anderson String Quartet Chamber Music Institute for violin, viola and cello. One solo selection. Winning Audition performs with the Marian Anderson String Quartet at the end of the session. Walk ups accepted and welcomed. Time: 10am-7pm. Cost: $15. Location: Bryan High School Fine Arts Building 3450 Campus Drive Bryan Texas 77803. Region: South Texas Plains. Average attendance: N/A. For more information, call 979-574-6999 or visit www.marianandersonstringquartet.com. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually 1st week in April.

April 10-13, 2008 - FESTIVAL - Burnet: 25th Annual Bluebonnet Festival. Proclaimed the "Bluebonnet Capital of Texas" by the 67th Legislature in 1979, the Hill Country will soon be in full bloom. To celebrate this event Burnet hosts this annual event the second weekend in April. Activities include Parades, air show, carnival, 200 vendors, steam train comes in from Austin, classic car show, live entertainment and much more. Time: call. Cost: no admission. Location: Burnet Historic Square. Region: Texas Hill Country. Average attendance: under 50,000. For more information, call 512-756-4297 or visit www.burnetchamber.org. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually, 2nd weekend in April.

April 10-13, 2008 - FESTIVAL - Denton: 23rd Annual Texas Storytelling Festival. Considered one of the premier storytelling events in the nation and certainly the largest in the Southwest. Top professional storytellers throughout the U.S. will spin tales for all audiences: folktales, stories of cultural heritage (especially the South and West), sports stories, war stories, children's tales - some will warm your heart and others will make you laugh until it hurts. A fun and affordable family outing, not just for kids. Time: Various. Call for information. Cost: Some events are free, others range from $5 to $10. Location: Texas Woman's University, Hubbard Hall. Region: Texas Prairies and Lakes. Average attendance: under 250,000. For more information, call (940) 387-8336. Please mention this listing when inquiring.

April 10-13, 2008 - FESTIVAL - South Padre Island: Annual Beach 'N' Biker Fest. Come on down to this rally, fajita cook-off, Mexico ride and so much more. Time: Varies. Cost: $10. Location: SPI Convention Centre, 7355 Padre Blvd South Padre Island TX. Region: Texas Gulf Coast. Average attendance: under 50,000. For more information, call 1-800-SOPADRE or visit www.beachnbikerfest.com. Please mention this listing when inquiring.

April 11-12, 2008 - FESTIVAL - Deer Park: Totally Texas. Festival includes a Parade, Live Musical Entertainment, Classic Car Cruise, Anvil and Skillet Throw, Hot Dog Eating Contest, Carnival, Indoor Booths, Outdoor and indoor eating, Kids Go Country Contest, Beauty Pageant, Dog Show, Wagon Rides, Petting Zoo and much more. Time: Friday 6-10pm Saturday 10am-10pm. Cost: Admission to event and parking free. Location: 500 W. 13th Street. Region: Texas Gulf Coast. Average attendance: under 250,000. For more information, call 281-478-2050. Register with Deer Park Parks and Recreation or visit us at www.ci.deer-park.tx.us. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually in April.

April 11-13, 2008 - FESTIVAL - Poteet: Poteet Strawberry Festival. The Festival is recognized as the largest agricultural fete in Texas. The 95-acre site which is located on Hwy. 16, 30 minutes south of San Antonio, offers free parking, clean public restrooms, handicapped accessibility, complete RV facilities, and tent covered activities. The Festival includes ten areas of continuous family entertainment featuring concerts with nationally known Country & Western and Tejano stars, dancers, gunslingers, clowns, puppets, regional bands, various contests, and rodeo performances. Admission: $7, children under 10 are free. Grounds will open at 6pm Friday and at 10am both Saturday and Sunday. Region: South Texas Plains. For more information, call 830-742-8144. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually in April.

April 11-13, 2008 - FESTIVAL - Temple: Bloomin' Temple Festival. Activities include a carnival midway, live music, arts & crafts, a car show, BBQ cook-off, and children's inflatable games. Time: Fri. 6pm-Midnight, Sat. 10am-Midnight, Sun. 12pm-6pm. Cost: $5 per person at gate. Location: Avenue B or 1st Street. Region: Texas Prairies and Lakes. Average attendance: under 50,000. For more information, call 254-773-2105 or visit www.bloomintemple.com. Please mention this listing when inquiring.

April 11-20, 2008 - FESTIVAL - Houston: 41st Annual Houston International Film Festival. WorldFest-Houston Film Festival will be at the AMC Studio 30 Theater Film located at 2949 Dunvale in Houston. Ticket prices begin as low as $6 per person for a matinee screening (until 5PM), $8.50 for single evening admission, $100 Silver Screen Pass (good for all screenings) up to the carte blanche Platinum Passes for $500. All films, events, receptions and seminars are open to the public. For times and more details please check website. Time: Various. Cost: Various. Location: AMC Studio 30, 2949 Dunvale. Region: Texas Gulf Coast. Average attendance: under 50,000. For more information, call or visit www.worldfest.org. Please mention this listing when inquiring.

April 12, 2008 - FESTIVAL - Denton: Annual Denton Redbud Festival. Denton is the "Redbud Capital of Texas." To coincide with the blooming of the Redbuds in early March, a celebration is held. Activities include: 5K run, 1K walk, home and garden show, booths, educational programs, lectures, exhibits and demonstrations throughout the day. Time: 10am-3pm. Cost: Free. Location: Courthouse Lawn in historic downtown Denton. Region: Texas Prairies and Lakes. Average attendance: under 50,000. For more information, call 940-349-8737. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually, 2nd Saturday in April.

April 12, 2008 - FESTIVAL - Nacogdoches: Nacogdoches Americana Music Festival. Grab your lawn chairs and blankets and mosey on over to the oldest town in Texas for the Nacogdoches Americana Music Fest - a full day of live musical performances including country, jazz, bluegrass, gospel and rock. Time: 12pm - 11pm. Cost: Free. Location: Festival Plaza in Downtown Nacogdoches. Region: Texas Piney Woods. Average attendance: under 50,000. For more information, call 888-OLDEST-TOWN or visit www.visitnacogdoches.org/americana.htm. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually in April.

April 12-13, 2008 - FESTIVAL - Chappell Hill: Bluebonnet Festival of Texas. The Official Bluebonnet Festival of Texas is listed as Texas Highways Magazine's 7th Most Popular Festival. 250+ vendor booths, food, live music, fun in the heart of bluebonnet country. Time: Sat. 10am-6pm, Sun 12pm-5pm. Cost: Free admission. Location: Downtown Chappell Hill. Region: Texas Prairies and Lakes. Average attendance: n/a. For more information, call 979-836-6033 or visit www.chappellhillmusuem.org. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually.

April 12-13, 2008 - FESTIVAL - Houston: Texas Hot and Spicy Festival. Tasting Texas presents this festival, featuring salsa, BBQ sauce, hot sauce, cooking demos and a Fresh Farmers Market. Kids playland and non-stop music. Time: 11am-7pm. Cost: $3 Adults / $2 Kids. Location: Reliant Center- One Reliant Park- Houston, Texas 77054. Region: Texas Gulf Coast. Average attendance: under 250,000. For more information, call 281-416-0964 or visit www.texashotandspicy.com. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held Annually, 2nd weekend in April.

April 12-13, 2008 - FESTIVAL - The Woodlands: Waterway Arts Festival. As a juried, fine art festival, the newly-created The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival will feature 200 national and regional artists selling their original creations along a 1.25 mile waterway park. The wonderfully landscaped site, with water taxi service along the entire festival, makes this a unique event one that both artists and patrons alike will enjoy. Time: Saturday 10am-8pm; Sunday 10am-6pm. Cost: $8 for adults, free for children 12 and under. Location: Artists will set up along a concrete landscaped path as it meanders alongside the waterway through The Woodlands Town Center, from The Marriott Waterway Hotel and Convention Center, alongside The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion culminating at the new four acre Town Green Park. Region: Texas Gulf Coast. Average attendance: under 50,000. For more information, call (713) 521-0133 or visit www.woodlandsartfestival.com. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually.

April 17-20, 2008 - FESTIVAL - Lubbock: Annual Lubbock Arts Festival. The Lubbock Arts Festival features booths displaying various types of art and international foods, exhibits by the humanities, and several musical performances. Be sure to bring the kids along to visit the children's center, where they can create their own works of art. Location: South Plains Fairgrounds. Region: Texas Panhandle Plains. Average attendance: under 50,000. For more information, call 806-744-2787. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually.

April 17-20, 2007 - FESTIVAL - Portland: Windfest. Family fun. Carnival, continuous live music, fireworks, professional bike stunt team, Wild West Shoot Out Shows, Magic Shows, Clown Shows, Kids Fair, helicopter demonstration, tasty foods, arts and crafts, petting zoo, fine art show, dachshund dash, chili cook-off, horseshoe & washer tournament, and parade. A lot of great fun to be had! Located ten minutes from downtown Corpus Christi. Time: Thurs. 6-10pm, Fri. 6-11pm, Sat. 10:30am-12pm, Sun. 12-8pm. Cost: $2 ages 2 and up, Location: Portland Community Center, 2000 Billy G. Webb Portland, Texas 78374. Region: Texas Gulf Coast. Average attendance: under 250,000. For more information, call (361) 643-2475 or visit www.windfest.org. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually.

April 18-20, 2008 - FESTIVAL - Burton: Cotton Gin Festival. The cotton era comes alive. Gin tours, parades, auctions, live music, folklife demonstrations, carnival, tractor pull, petting zoo, contests, much more. Time: Fri 6pm-midnight, Sat 9am-1am, Sun 9am-5pm. Cost: call. Location: 307 N. Main. Region: Texas Prairies and Lakes. For more information, call 979-289-5255 or visit www.cottonginmuseum.org. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held 3rd weekend in April.

April 18-20, 2008 - FESTIVAL - Ennis: 57th Annual Ennis Bluebonnet Trails Festival. Sponsored by the Ennis Garden Club, Ennis Bluebonnet Trails Festival features 40 miles of mapped bluebonnet driving trails, arts, crafts, children's area, music, bluebonnet souvenirs and more. Time: Friday 11am-8pm, Saturday and Sunday 9-6. Cost: Free admission. Location: Downtown Ennis, 100 NW Main and SW Main St. Region: Texas Prairies and Lakes. Average attendance: under 50,000. For more information, call 972-878-4748, 888-366-4748 or visit www.visitennis.org. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually, 3rd weekend in April (only exception is when Easter falls on the 3rd weekend).

April 18-20, 2008 - FESTIVAL - Fayetteville: 1st Annual Bluegrass Music Festival & Grand Jam. This family-friendly, and alcohol-and-drug-free event features Bluegrass Concerts in the Historic Dance Hall, lots of jamming, Custom Guitar giveaway, Vendors, Roots Music movies in the Courthouse, Open Stage, Buy-Sell-Swap area, Directed Slow Jams and more. Time: call. Cost: Free. Location: On Fayetteville's Courthouse Square. We're midway between Austin & Houston on State Hwy 159 and 15 miles east of La Grange. Region: Texas Prairies and Lakes. Average attendance: N/A. For more information, call (979) 378-2753 or visit www.texaspickinpark.com. Please mention this listing when inquiring.

April 18-20, 25-27, 2008 - FESTIVAL - Old Town Spring: Texas Crawfish & Music Festival. Located just 20 miles north of Houston, Old Town Spring invites you to its annual foot stompin', bead slingin', good time festival. Live entertainment on 3 stages keep the feet dancing and terrific food like crawfish, gumbo, shrimp-on-a-stick and funnel cakes keep smiles on faces. Children will enjoy the pony rides, petting zoo and the big gunfight shoot out. The carnival is fun for kids, teens and adults alike. Come on out for great family fun. Time: Friday 6 pm - Midnight, Saturday Noon - Midnight, Sunday Noon - 6 pm. Cost: Parking - $5. Festival - $10 on Friday and Saturday (4 pm - Midnight) and $5 on Saturday (Noon to 4 pm) and Sunday. Children 12 years and under free when accompanied by an adult. Location: Preservation Park in Old Town Spring. Region: Texas Gulf Coast. Average attendance: under 250,000. For more information, call 888-U-STOP-IN or visit www.texascrawfishfestival.com. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually, last 2 weekends in April.

April 18-20, 2008 - FESTIVAL - San Angelo: 5th Annual Texas Mesquite Art Festival. Mesquite artisans of the Texas Mesquite Association from across the state come to show off their work at San Angelo's historic Fort Concho. Time: Fri. 4pm-9pm, Sat. 10am-6pm, Sun. 10am-4pm. Cost: Free admission. Location: Fort Concho. Region: Texas Hill Country. Average attendance: under 50,000. For more information, call 830-997-8515 or visit www.texasmesquiteassn.org. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually, third weekend in April.

April 18-20, 2008 - FESTIVAL - Port Aransas: Texas SandFest. One of the largest sand sculpting competitions in the United States where Master Sculptors from all over the world compete for three days creating incredible works of art on the beach. Be sure to visit the activity tents with live music, auctions, crafts, food and more. For accommodations or other activities like, fishing, birding, dining or shopping, during your Port "A" stay, visit our web site. Time: n/a. Cost: Free. Location: Beach markers 8-11 in Port Aransas, Texas on Mustang Island. Region: Texas Gulf Coast. Average attendance: 50,000-200,000. For more information, call 800-45-COAST or visit www.texassandfest.com. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually.

April 19, 2008 - FESTIVAL - Abilene: Spring Festival at Abilene State Park. Outdoor festival. 10'x10' $50 for crafts. Limited commercial and food vendors. Exhibitor provides display equipment. Time: 10am - 6pm. Cost: Free Admission. Location: Abilene State Park, 16 miles south of Abilene. Region: Texas Panhandle Plains. Average attendance: under 50,000. For more information, call 325-660-4013. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually, 3rd weekend in April.

April 19, 2008 - FESTIVAL - Boerne: Antique Tractor Show and Pull. Tractor Parade through town. Country music on the porches of the pioneers house, watching the blacksmiths at work, the tractor pull on the banks of Cibolo creek, and the home baked pie contest. Time: 9-4. Cost: $5, 12 and under free. Location: Agricultural Heritage Museum, 102 City Park Road, Boerne TX 78006. Region: Texas Hill Country. Average attendance: under 50,000. For more information, call 830-249-7277 or visit www.visitboerne.org. Please mention this listing when inquiring. annually, 3rd weekend in April.

April 19, 2008 - FESTIVAL - Irving: Annual Rockin' 50's Day. Visitors to the Irving Heritage District will be able to twist, shout and play with hula-hoops during the Rockin' 50's Day festival. Activities will include a classic car show, 1950's era dress-up contest, cake walk, and live entertainment throughout the day. Time: 10am-5pm. Cost: Free Admission. Location: 217 S. Main Street, Irving, TX 75060. Region: Texas Prairies and Lakes. Average attendance: under 250,000. For more information, call 972-721-3636. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually, 3rd Saturday in April.

April 19-20 & 26-27, 2008 - FESTIVAL - Houston: Annual Houston International Festival. iFest transforms downtown into China. The Festival continues its tradition as one of the largest presenters of world music on the planet. iFest features food, artwork & performances from around the world. Time: Sat. 1pm-10pm, Sun. 1pm-8pm. Cost: $13, Kids (ages 4-11) $3, kids under 3 free. Location: Downtown Houston. Region: Texas Gulf Coast. Average attendance: 200,000-500,000. For more information, call 713-654-8808 or visit www.ifest.org. Please mention this listing when inquiring.

April 19-21, 2008 - FESTIVAL - Harlingen: RioFest. Fair Park will host RioFest's annual celebration of the arts. Voted the "Best Family Festival" in Cameron County each year, RioFest is the premiere educational Arts and Cultural event of the Rio Grande Valley and Northern Mexico. As part of its air of festivity, the festival will provide a rich variety of performing arts, cultural arts, family and children's activities. Time: Friday 5pm-10pm, Sat 10am-10pm, Sunday 12pm-8pm. For admission prices check the RioFest website. Location: Harlingen's 40 acre Fair Park. Region: Texas Gulf Coast. For more information, call 1-800-RIOFEST or visit www.riofest.org. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually in April.

April 22-25, 2008 - FESTIVAL - San Antonio: A Night in Old San Antonio. Annual celebration of San Antonio's heritage held each year during the week of Fiesta. International cultures, foods and entertainment are featured in 15 areas of the historic downtown village of La Villita along the River Walk. Time: 5:30-10:30pm. Cost: $8 in Advance, $10 at Gate. Location: La Villita. Region: Texas Hill Country. Average attendance: under 50,000. For more information, call 210-226-5188. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually in April.

April 22-27, 2008 - FESTIVAL - Concan: Annual Nature Quest. Learn about birds, native plants, wildflowers, butterflies, bats, and more, through field trips, workshops, seminars, and evening programs. Located 70 miles west of San Antonio, the area is known for hills carved into canyons by the crystal waters of the Sabinal, Leona, Frio, Dry Frio, and Nueces Rivers. Diverse vegetation, spectacular wildflowers, monumental trees, abundant wildlife, lovely butterflies and birds--including many rare and endangered species--are just a few reasons the River Region is perfect for natural adventures in every season. Time: Daily for six days. Cost: $5 - $25 per course. Location: Field trips, workshops, and seminars take place all over Uvalde County. Headquartered in Concan at House Pasture Cattle Company Restaurant. Region: Texas Hill Country. Average attendance: under 50,000. For more information, call 1-800-210-0380, or visit www.thcrr.com. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually in April.

April 23 - May 4, 2008 - FESTIVAL - Corpus Christi: Buccaneer Days. Pirate flags will again be hoisted over beautiful Corpus Christi Bay during the celebration of Buccaneer Days. Join in the fun and festivities of the PRCA Rodeo, fireworks on the bay, various water events, our Illuminated Night Parade, Junior Parade, Coronation pageant, senior and ethnic events, athletic tournaments and eleven days of thrilling carnival rides. Times and costs vary. Location: Corpus Christi Marina and Bay front. Region: Texas Gulf Coast. For more information, call 361-882-3242. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually, April through early May.

April 23-27, 2008 - FESTIVAL - Houston: The Grand Wine & Food Affair. Join the world's greatest chefs and noted wine authorities for this premier culinary extravaganza for five inspiring days of reserve wine tastings, cooking classes, vintner dinners and wine seminars. Do not miss this opportunity to taste, swirl, and discover. Time: call. Cost: call. Location: Sugar Land Marriott Town Square, 16090 City Walk, Sugar Land, Texas 77478. Region: Texas Gulf Coast. Average attendance: under 50,000. For more information, call 713-SIP-WINE or visit www.TheGrandWineAndFoodAffair.com. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually, last week in April.

April 23-27, 2008 - FESTIVAL - Houston: Fort Bend Wine & Food Affair. Activities include cooking demonstrations, gourmet dinners, vintner dinners, an afternoon food and wine stroll, a Riedel glass seminar, celebrity book signings, gourmet farmers market, formal grand tasting and bubbles and brunch. Time: Over 25 events at various times. Cost: Varies based on event. Location: Various locations in and around Fort Bend County. Region: Texas Gulf Coast. Average attendance: under 50,000. For more information, call 281-491-0216 or 713-sip-wine. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held Annually, last weekend in April.

April 24-27, 2008 - FESTIVAL - Hallettsville: Texas State Championship Fiddlers Frolics. The 4th weekend in April brings the best fiddlers in the world to Hallettsville to compete for the coveted title of Texas State Champion Fiddler. Arts & Crafts all weekend, carnival, several barbecue cook-offs, Cajun, bluegrass, country western artists. Camper hookups. Guaranteed good time. Cost: $7 per day. Location: Knights of Columbus Hall. Region: Texas Gulf Coast. Average attendance: under 250,000. For more information, call 361-798-2311. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually, 4th weekend in April.

April 25-26, 2008 - FESTIVAL - Freer: Rattlesnake Round Up. Join us at the Freer Cactus Corral for the biggest Party in Texas featuring concerts with nationally known country western and Tejano artists. Fun for the whole family including carnival, parade, arts/crafts, stage shows, dare devil snake show, fried rattlesnake meat, talent contest & much more. Region: South Texas Plains. Time: Fri 5:30pm - Midnight, Sat 10am-1am, Sun 10am-6pm. Cost: $10 adult, $5 under age 12, parking $2. Admission and parking are free on Sunday. For More Information, please call 361-394-6891. Held annually.

April 25-27, 2008 - FESTIVAL - Avinger: Wildflower Trails of Texas. Wildflower Trails of Texas was established in 1965 by Lady Bird Johnson to celebrate the many varieties of wildflowers that bloom in Texas. Activities include a carnival, arts and crafts, entertainment, and of course, great Texas home cooking. Time: 8am. Cost: Free. Location: Main Street, Downtown. Region: Texas Piney Woods. Average attendance: under 250,000. For more information, call 903-562-1000. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually, last weekend in April.

April 25-27, 2008 - FESTIVAL - Denton: 28th Annual Denton Arts & Jazz Festival. A celebration of the arts, attracting more than 100,000 visitors annually. Over 1,000 professional and amateur performers on six stages showcase the best in jazz, pop, rhythm & blues and full orchestra music. Community groups also represent a wide variety of dance, choral, storytelling and theatre performances. Juried craftsmen and fine artists demonstrate, exhibit and sell their creations. Children enjoy an Art Tent with numerous art experiences under the leadership of qualified instructors. Time: Varies. Cost: Free. Location: 321 E. McKinney, Denton Civic Center Park. Region: Texas Prairies and Lakes. Average attendance: under 250,000. For more information, call 940-565-0931 or visit www.dentonjazzfest.com. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually, last weekend in April.

April 25-27, 2008 - FESTIVAL - Freeport: Riverfest. Features a carnival, motorcycle run/show, entertainers, competitions, BBQ Cook-Off, Discover Scuba, Rock Climbing, Art Gallery/Auction, Pageant, 5K Run, food, vendors, Sail Boat Regatta, Clowns, Militia, & much more. Time: Fri. 6pm thru Sun. 12 Noon. Cost: free. Location: 500 Brazosport Blvd./Hwy 288. Region: Texas Gulf Coast. Average attendance: under 50,000. For more information, call 979-233-6061 or visit www.freeportriverfest.com. Please mention this listing when inquiring.

April 25-27, 2008 - FESTIVAL - Mesquite: Real. Texas. Festival. Celebrating genuine Texas flavor, fun, sports and music. Thursday benefit gala features a top artist. The Friday/Saturday festival includes Texas music, taste of Texas food contest, carnival, kiddie korral, Texas arts and crafts, special bull riding and rodeo events at world-famous Mesquite Championship Rodeo in Resistol Arena. Time: call. Cost: call. Location: Resistol Arena, 1717 Rodeo Drive Mesquite, TX 75149. Region: Texas Prairies and Lakes. Average attendance: under 50,000. For more information, call 972-216-6499 or visit www.realtexasfestival.com. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held Annually in April.

April 26, 2008 - FESTIVAL - Athens: Cinco de Mayo Festival. Family Fun with a Hispanic twist, games, dancing and food, organized by Henderson County YMCA, Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center and The Interact Club. Time: 12pm-11pm. Cost: Admission free after 1pm. Location: Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center, 5550 FM 2495. Region: Texas Piney Woods. Average attendance: under 50,000. For more information, call 903-264-9622. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually, May 1 or the Saturday before.

April 26, 2008 - FESTIVAL - Bastrop: Yesterfest. Experience Bastrop's early cultures: African, Indian, Czech, Mexican, German, Scottish, and of course, the Old West. Time: 9am - Midnight. Cost: N/A except for the street dance. Location: Main Street, Pine Street, Spring Street and Chestnut Street - all downtown. Region: Texas Prairies and Lakes. Average attendance: under 50,000. For more information, call 512-303-0558 or visit www.bastropchamber.com. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually, last Saturday in April.

April 26, 2008 - FESTIVAL - Wills Point: Annual Bluebird Festival Take a stroll along the red brick streets and view historic buildings or take a ride down country roads to view bluebird nesting boxes. Wills Point is home to more Eastern Bluebirds than any other place in Texas. Visit the depot museum, quilt show, or miniature train exhibit. Come to Wills Point and enjoy small town fun. Time: 9am-6pm. Cost: Free. Location: Festival will be on 4th Street. We're 50 miles east of Dallas on Highway 80. Region: Texas Prairies and Lakes. For more information, call 1-800-WP-BLUBIRD or visit www.willspointbluebird.com. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually, usually 2nd or 3rd weekend in April.

April 26-27, 2008 - FESTIVAL - Dallas: Dance for the Planet. Promising two days chocked full of dance and featuring more than 1,000 dancers, Dance for the Planet highlights indigenous American dance including clogging, square dance, swing, and tap. Anita Katz (Portland), a business visitor to Dallas, said of last year's festival: "I was surprised to find culture is alive and well in downtown Dallas. The atmosphere was refreshing, full of families and people of diverse backgrounds sharing dance together." Time: Noon - 7pm. Cost: FREE. Location: Annette Strauss Artist Square. Region: Texas Prairies and Lakes. Average attendance: under 250,000. For more information, call 214-219-2290. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually in April.

April 27, 2008 - FESTIVAL - Frisco: Edgefest 17. 102.1 The Edge KDGE-FM all-day concert will return to Pizza Hut Park featuring the bands 3 Doors Down, My Chemical Romance, Blue October, Chevelle, and more. Time: All day concert. Cost: $49.50 plus service fees. Location: Pizza Hut Park, 6000 W Main St., Frisco, TX 75034. Region: Texas Prairies and Lakes. Average attendance: under 50,000. For more information, call 888-FCD-GOAL or visit www.pizzahutpark.com. Please mention this listing when inquiring.

May

(April 23) thru May 4, 2008 - FESTIVAL - Corpus Christi: Buccaneer Days. Pirate flags will again be hoisted over beautiful Corpus Christi Bay during the celebration of Buccaneer Days. Join in the fun and festivities of the PRCA Rodeo, fireworks on the bay, various water events, our Illuminated Night Parade, Junior Parade, Coronation pageant, senior and ethnic events, athletic tournaments and eleven days of thrilling carnival rides. Times and costs vary. Location: Corpus Christi Marina and Bay front. Region: Texas Gulf Coast. For more information, call 361-882-3242. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually, April through early May.

(April 5) thru May 26 (Weekends and Memorial Day), 2008 - FESTIVAL - Waxahachie: Scarborough Faire®, the Renaissance Festival. One of the largest and most popular Renaissance Festivals in the nation, complete with entertainment, crafts, food, drink, games, and fun! Join the festivities as hundreds of prominent entertainers perform, over 200 Artisans display and demonstrate their craft, and food and beverage vendors offer a delicious variety of over 60 menu items fit for a King. Region: Texas Prairies and Lakes. For ticket information and directions refer to ScarboroughRenFest.com. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually.

May 1-4, 2008 - FESTIVAL - Odessa: Fiesta West Texas. Cinco de Mayo celebration with carnival rides, folk dancing, car show, rodeo, concerts and more. Time: 12 Noon-12 Midnight, Sun. 12 noon-10pm. Cost: Admission Charged. Location: 42nd St. & Andrews Hwy. Region: Texas Big Bend Country. Average attendance: under 250,000. For more information, call 432-580-8112. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually, first weekend in May.

May 1-4, 2008 - FESTIVAL - Fort Worth: Mayfest. This is an exciting four-day family festival featuring more than 25 food booths, 6 stages with entertainment, a children's area, sports area, and back by popular demand, a 5-10k run. All proceeds go back into the community beautifying the parks, rivers and trails. Time: Th & Fri: 3:30-10, Sat: 10-10, Sun: 11-7. Cost: $7 adults, $5 kids 12 and up. Location: Trinity Park, 2401 University Drive. Region: South Texas Plains. Average attendance: 200,000-500,000. For more information, call 817-332-1055 or visit www.mayfest.org. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually, 1st weekend in May.

May 2-4, 2008 - FESTIVAL - Abilene: 26th Annual Cinco de Mayo Celebration. Dignitary dinner is Friday. Includes softball tournament, food booths, flea market, children's games, horse rides, train rides, ballet folklorico dancers, outdoor dance and more. Time: 10am-11pm Saturday; Noon - 10:30pm Sunday. Location: St. Vincent Pallotti Catholic Church. Region: Panhandle Plains. For additional information call (325) 676-8975 or visit www.hispanicabilene.com. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually in May.

May 2-4, 2008 - FESTIVAL - Jefferson: 61st Annual Historic Pilgrimage Home Tour and Spring Festival. Each Spring, some of Jefferson's oldest and most beautiful homes open their doors to welcome the warm weather & guests. Four historic homes are on display this year. Region: Texas Piney Woods. For additional information call 1-888-467-3529 or (903) 665-2672. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually.

May 3, 2008 - FESTIVAL - New Braunfels: Wine & Saengerfest. The New Braunfels Wein & Saengerfest is a special Heritage festival blended with old but familiar traditions in our rich German Heritage, music and wine making. Held in charming historic Downtown New Braunfels, near the banks of the comal River, this festival has something for everyone. Time: 10am - 10pm. Cost: Free. Location: 100 W. San Antonio. Region: Texas Hill Country. Average attendance: under 50,000. For more information, call 830-221-4090 or visit www.nbtexas.org/mainst/spevent.html. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually each spring.

May 3, 2008 - FESTIVAL - Brenham: Country Flavors Festival. Take yourself back in time to an old fashioned ice cream social. Ice cream eating contests, family entertainment, festival food, children's activities, unique shopping in Historic Downtown, and lots of Blue Bell ice cream. Time: 10am-5pm. Cost: Free Admission/Parking. Location: Around the square, Downtown Brenham. Region: Texas Prairies and Lakes. Average attendance: under 50,000. For more information, call 1-888-BRENHAM or visit www.brenhamtexas.com. Please mention this listing when inquiring.

May 3, 2008 - FESTIVAL - Burton: 1st Annual MaiZeit. The Burton Heritage Society is hosting the "MaiZeit" celebration, which begins at the Pig and Whistle Biergarten in Burton, Texas. Join us for good food, drinks and live music celebrating our German roots. Tickets are available for a sausage/potato salad/sauerkraut lunch. We will have our historic Burton Depot open exhibiting "Our local railroad and train heritage" artwork and essays by local students. Please come out and help support our ongoing efforts to preserve and maintain our historic structures, the Burton Railroad Depot and the Mt. Zion church. Time: 11am-4pm. Cost: free, lunch is $7 advance or $10 at the door. Location: 12607 W Washington, Burton, Texas 77835. Region: Texas Prairies and Lakes. Average attendance: under 50,000. For more information, call 979-289-2013 or visit www.burtonheritagesociety.org. Please mention this listing when inquiring.

May 3, 2008 - FESTIVAL - Denton: 20th Annual Cinco de Mayo. This Mexican cultural festival starts with a parade at 10am. Activities include live music and dance, piñata-making and other arts and crafts for children, and vendors offering a variety of Mexican cuisine, jewelry and novelties. From 8pm-1am, a dance will be held inside the Civic Center. There, winners of the La Reyna de Cinco de Mayo pageant will be announced. Time: 10am-5pm (Dance 8pm-1am). Location: 321 E. McKinney, Denton Civic Center Park. Region: Texas Prairies and Lakes. Average attendance: under 50,000. For more information, call (940) 349-8289 or visit www.dentoncinco.com. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually in May.

May 3, 2008 - FESTIVAL - Grand Prairie: Cinco de Mayo Celebration. Entertainment highlighting Latino culture, art contest, festive performances, food vendors, arts and crafts. Time: all day celebration. Cost: free. Location: 317 College Street. Region: Texas Prairies and Lakes. Average attendance: under 50,000. For more information, call 972-237-8100 or visit www.gpisd.org. Please mention this listing when inquiring. On or near Cinco de May each year.

May 3, 2008 - FAIR - Harlingen: Jackson Street Market Days. An old fashioned open-air street fair with antiques, crafts, sidewalk sales, produce cart, and food vendors. Part of Jackson Street is blocked off for this event. Sponsored by the Harlingen Downtown Merchants Association. Time: 9am - 4pm. Cost: Free. Location: Jackson Street in downtown Harlingen. Region: Texas Gulf Coast. Average attendance: under 50,000. For more information, call (956) 423-4933. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held monthly, 1st Saturday.

May 3, 2008 - FAIR - Huntsville: Josey Park Craft Fair. The weekend of The General Sam Houston Folk Festival is going to get bigger and better for Huntsville and our guest. The Josey Park Craft Fair will debut the same weekend as the Folk Festival. The Josey Park Craft Fair will be a perfect compliment to the other outstanding events already scheduled that weekend, Airing of the Quilts, Fireman's Fun Day and Classic Car Show. Time: 9am-5pm. Cost: free. Location: 2216 Sam Houston Ave. Region: Texas Piney Woods. Average attendance: under 50,000. For more information, call 936-294-7505. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually, first weekend in May.

May 3, 2008 - FESTIVAL - Lewisville: Annual Cinco de Mayo festival. Many facets of Mexican culture will be showcased during Lewisville’s street festival in celebration of Cinco de Mayo. Organized by Dallas Tortilla and Tamale Factory, the event will include music, food, arts and crafts, a car show and more. Scheduled entertainment features local singers and dance groups reflecting Mexican culture. Admission: $1 donation or food bank item requested. Time: 10am - 7 pm. Location: Old Town Lewisville (Mill Street). Region: Texas Prairies and Lakes. Average Attendance: Under 50,000. For more information, call (972) 436-4333 or visit www.visitlewisville.com. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually, 1st weekend in May.

May 3-4, 2008 - FESTIVAL - Calvert: Spring Home Tour and Artisan Showcase. Tour homes and churches in Calvert's National Historic District. Local downtown artisans offer free demos and gallery tours. Free "Junky to Funky" workshop at 11am on Saturday at downtown Common Scents boutique. Time: 1pm-5pm daily. Cost: $10 for home tour, all else is free. Location: Downtown Calvert, TX on Texas Highway 6. Region: Texas Prairies and Lakes. Average attendance: under 50,000. For more information, call 979-364-3884 or visit www.historyincalvert.com. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually, first weekend in May.

May 3-4, 2008 - FESTIVAL - Richardson: Cottonwood Art Festival. A fine art gallery in the park with music and fun for every member of the family. For two weekends each year, this event draws local, regional, and national artists as well as local bands performing the best in rock, country, jazz, blues, swing and folk. Time: 9am-6pm. Cost: Free Admission & Free Parking. Location: Cottonwood Park in Richardson, TX, one block east of Coit Rd. on Belt Line Rd. Region: Texas Prairies and Lakes. Average attendance: under 250,000. For more information call (972)744-4580 or visit www.cottonwoodartfestival.com. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually, twice a year in May & October.

May 3-4, 2008 - FESTIVAL - Sonora: 6th Annual Cinco de Mayo Festival. Arts & Craft Booths, Children's Rides, Food Booths, Parade, Dance under the West Texas Stars. Celebration kicks off with a parade from downtown Sonora to the Sutton County Park. Booths will open by 10am on Saturday, and will be serving some of the best food you ever tasted all day and into the night. Dance on Saturday night and then come back out to the park on Sunday. Celebrate our Hispanic history and have a great time with the entire family. Time: All Day. Cost: Free admission. Location: Sutton County Park, Loop 467. Region: Texas Hill Country. Average attendance: under 50,000. For more information, call 325-387-2880. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually, first Weekend in May.

May 8-11, 2008 - FESTIVAL - Marble Falls: MayFest. Carnival, washer pitching & volleyball tournaments, parade, Womanless Style Show, live music, arts, crafts & food vendors, and a ton of family fun. Time: vary. Cost: free. Location: 230 South Avenue J. Region: Texas Hill Country. Average attendance: under 50,000. For more information, call 800-759-8178 or visit www.marblefalls.org. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually, second weekend in May.

May 9-10, 2008 - FESTIVAL - Arlington: Annual Festival of Quilts presented by the Quilters' Guild of Arlington. Come see this judged show of 150 beautiful quilts and 20 of your favorite vendors. Also available will be quilt appraisals by a certified appraiser and a silent auction of miniature quilts benefiting Susan G Komen Foundation. Time: 10am-5pm. Cost: $6 admission, free parking. Location: Bob Duncan Community Center, 2800 South Center Street, Arlington TX 76014. Region: Texas Prairies and Lakes. Average attendance: under 50,000. For more information, visit www.QGoA.org. Please mention this listing when inquiring.

May 9-10, 2008 - FESTIVAL - Brenham: 118th Annual Maifest. Enjoy one of the oldest German festivals in Texas. Colorful parades, spectacular pageants, food, crafts and exhibits. Enjoy polkas, waltzes and country music. Time: Fri N/A, Sat parade 10:30, other activities Noon-Midnight. Cost: free admission. Location: Parades held in downtown Brenham area, all other activities at Fireman's Park. Region: Texas Prairies and Lakes. For more information, call 1-888-BRENHAM (273-6426) or visit www.maifest.org or www.BrenhamTexas.com. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually in May.

May 9-10, 2008 - FESTIVAL - Wichita Falls: Downtown Proud Cajun Festival. The Taste of Louisiana is right here in North Texas. We will be cooking authentic Cajun foods, over 3 tons of Crawfish, live music featuring Gregg Martinez and The Wild Rice Band, both from the bayous of Louisiana. Saturday will feature the Mardi Gras Classic Car Show and Motorcycle Swamp Run. Lots for the Family to do. Call for RV sites or hotel info. Come stay the weekend with us. Time: 6-10pm Friday, 10am-10pm Saturday. Cost: $5. Location: Historic Downtown Farmers Market, 8th & Ohio. Region: Texas Panhandle Plains. Average attendance: under 50,000. For more information, call 940-322-4525 or visit www.downtowncajunfestival.com. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually, 2nd Weekend in May.

May 9-11, 2008 - FESTIVAL - Crystal Beach: Texas Crab Festival. We invite folks to join us for three days of fun in the sun, tons of tasty treats and some of the best live music in the lone star state. Time: Fri 6pm-12am, Sat 10am-12am, Sun 10am. Cost: $7 adult kids under 12 free. parking free. Location: 1750 hwy. 87 Crystal Beach,Tx 77650. Region: Texas Gulf Coast. Average attendance: under 50,000. For more information, call (409)684-5940 or visit www.bolivarchamber.org. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually mother's day weekend.

May 10, 2008 - FESTIVAL - Burleson: Honeyfest Festival. A family event with a large children's area, food, arts, crafts, and a Honeyfest Idol competition with a prize of $1,500 for first place and all day live entertainment. Time: 9am-5pm. Cost: Free. Location: Old Town Burleson at Renfro Square. Region: Texas Prairies and Lakes. Average attendance: under 50,000. For more information, call 817-295-6121 or visit www.burleson.org. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually, Saturday before Mother's Day.

May 10, 2008 - FESTIVAL - Grand Prairie: 10th Annual MayFest. The MayFest festival in Grand Prairie is a celebration of the arts and sciences in our community and our school district. There is fun and food for all ages. Time: 9:00am - 3:00pm. Cost: free. Location: Kirby Creek Park - 3303 Corn Valley Road. Region: Texas Prairies and Lakes. Average attendance: under 50,000. For more information, call 972-642-2787. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually in May.

May 14-18, 2008 - FESTIVAL - Copperas Cove: Rabbit Fest. Features a parade, scrumptious food vendors, Crabtree carnival, arts & crafts vendors, commercial vendors, military displays, petting zoo, mechanical bull riding, costume contests, nightly entertainment, sanctioned B-B-Q cook-off, lots of fun, food, and laughter. Time: call. Cost: call. Location: Copperas Cove City Park on Avenue B. Region: Texas Hill Country. Average attendance: 50,000-200,000. For more information, call 254-547-7571 or visit www.copperascove.com. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually, 3rd weekend in May.

May 15-17, 2008 - FAIR - Giddings: Lee County Fair. Three-day event including a parade, 3 nights of CPRA rodeo action, arts and crafts and one of the States most recognized barbecue cook-offs. The Lee County Fair is the newest fair in the state of Texas, featuring some of the biggest names in the entertainment business and the state of Texas noodle contest. Location: Hwy 290, 3 miles West of Giddings, toward Austin. Region: Texas Prairies and Lakes. Average attendance: under 250,000. For more information, call (979) 542-2311. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually, 3rd weekend in May.

May 16-17, 2008 - FESTIVAL - Texarkana: JUMP. JIVE. & JAM Fest. A premiere spring music and arts festival featuring national, regional and local performing artists, original artwork, on-site demonstrations, regional foods, and family fun. Join us for unique activities like ice sculpting, poetry slamming, improv acting, Java Hut, a Guitar Hero competition, and more. Fun for all ages. 2008 featured bands include: Spin Doctors, Cherryholmes, Wild Magnolias, Pilotdrift, Oaklawn Opry Country Plus Band, Olive & Iron. Time: Varies. Cost: Varies. Location: 321 West Fourth St. (Celebration Square). Region: Texas Piney Woods. Average attendance: under 250,000. For more information, call (903) 792-4992. Please mention this listing when inquiring.

May 16-18, 2008 - FESTIVAL - Columbus: 54th Annual Live Oak Festival. A weekend festival with food vendors, live music, arts and crafts booths, parade, activities for the children, juried art show and much more. Celebrate a timeless Texas tradition. Time: call. Cost: call. Location: 425 Spring Street, Courthouse Square, Downtown Columbus. Region: Texas Prairies and Lakes. Average attendance: under 50,000. For more information, call 979-732-8385 or visit www.columbustexas.org. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually, third weekend in May.

May 16-18, 2008 - FESTIVAL - Grapevine: Main Street Days. Celebrating the great outdoors is the theme of this Grapevine festival. New public art will be dedicated - vintage railroad equipment will be celebrated - traditional Main Street Days fun will delight all festival guests. Enjoy arts and crafts, street dances, exciting rides at the carnival, and short sampler runs on the Grapevine Vintage Railroad. Non-stop stages feature entertainment from classic rock to country bands. Enjoy delicious festival food, beverages and Texas wine. For three full days this year's festival celebrates outdoor adventures from outdoor grilling demonstrations to rock climbing. All on Main Street in Grapevine. Want to have even more festival fun? Then become a festival volunteer. Time: Fri. 6pm-11pm, Sat 10am-11pm, Sun 11am-6pm. Cost: $5 adults. Location: Downtown Main Street. Region: Texas Prairies and Lakes. Average attendance: under 250,000. For more information, call 817-410-3185. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually, third week in May.

May 16-18, 2008 - FESTIVAL - Montgomery: Fire on the Strings Bluegrass Festival. Best Bluegrass Festival in the Southwest, featuring national performers as well as regional and local bands, craft and food vendors. Two National contests- Texas State Flatpicking and Texas State Banjo competition and Jr. Texas Bluegrass Champion contest. Great indoor auditorium seating over 1,000. Beautiful RV park with swimming pool (Reserve at 1-866-496-6370). Time: 12:00 Friday through Sunday at noon. Cost: $35 for weekend. Location: Haven's Landing RV Resort, 19785 Hwy. 105 W, Montgomery, TX 77356 (12 miles west of I-45, across from Lake Conroe). Region: Texas Gulf Coast. Average attendance: under 50,000. For more information, call 281-879-9441 or visit www.bayareabluegrass.org. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually, 3rd weekend in May.

May 16-18, 2008 - FESTIVAL - Pasadena: 35th Annual Pasadena Strawberry Festival. Enjoy continuous live entertainment, strawberries, arts & crafts, children's games, carnival rides, enormous variety of foods, beauty pageants, specialty acts, commercial exhibits, barbecue cook off, demonstrations by various craftsmen, the State Mud Volleyball Championship Tournament, the "World's Largest Strawberry Shortcake", and much more. Proceeds from the festival funds scholarships to local students, books for college libraries, and community projects that preserve and promote the study of Texas history. Hours: Friday: 3pm-midnight; Saturday: 10am-midnight; Sunday: 10am-7pm. Prices: General Admission: $10, Senior Citizens (55+) & kids under 12 $5, under 5 free. Location: Pasadena Fairgrounds, 7603 Fairmont Pkwy @ Red Bluff Rd. Region: Texas Gulf Coast. For more information, visit the Pasadena Strawberry Festival Info Page or call 281-991-9500. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually, 3rd weekend in May.

May 16-18, 2008 - FESTIVAL - Richardson: Wildflower! Arts & Music Festival. Wildflower! is an award-winning multi-day, multi-stage, eclectic music festival that draws over 50,000 attendees. Festival programming includes two main outdoor performance stages, the Kidz Korner, the Acoustic Café, strolling entertainers/buskers, interactive displays and exhibits, the Marketplace, our award-winning Singer/Songwriter Contest & Stage, the Budding Talent Competition, the Taste of Texas Food Court, world & cultural performances inside the Eisemann Center for Performing Arts, the City of Richardson's Petting Zoo, and the Wild Ride -- a bike ride to benefit the Lance Armstrong Shaped Beam Kidney Program at Richardson Regional Medical Center. Region: Texas Prairies and Lakes. For additional information call (972) 744-4580 or visit www.wildflowerfestival.com. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually in May.

May 17, 2008 - FESTIVAL - Graham: Art Splash on the Square. Art Splash offers a rich blend of fine art and quality artisanship, whimsy and entertainment. Includes a national art competition, Lake Country Art Show, Jr. Rembrandt Art Show, artisans selling their work and demonstrating their craft, food and musical entertainment. Open to the public free of charge. Time: 10-6. Cost: Free. Location: Downtown Square. Region: Texas Panhandle Plains. Average attendance: under 50,000. For more information, call 1-866-549-0401. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually, 3rd weekend in May.

May 17, 2008 - FESTIVAL - San Marcos: Texas Natural & Western Swing Festival. Activities include delicious food and Western Swing music Saturday evening at 7:30pm on the banks of the San Marcos River to Texas-grown, Texas-produced, and Texas-designed items which will be on the Historic Downtown Square Saturday from 10am-5:30pm. Saturday's downtown event will feature a "Texas Grown" farmer's market, Western Swing music, Heritage Crafts and demonstrations, exhibits, a variety of Texas food, and live entertainment. Location: Courthouse Square. Region: Texas Hill Country. For more information, call 888-200-5620. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually in May.

May 17-18, 2008 - FESTIVAL - Grand Prairie: 12th Annual Cajun Fest. Featuring authentic Cajun music, food and fun from the best Southern Louisiana has to offer at Traders Village. Time: 8am to Dusk. Cost: $3 parking fee. Location: Traders Village, 2602 Mayfield Road. Region: Texas Prairies and Lakes. Average attendance: 50,000-200,000. For more information, call 972-647-2331 or visit www.tradersvillage.com. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually in May.

May 17-19, 2008 - FESTIVAL - Port Aransas: 3rd Annual Art Fest and 25th Annual Songwriters Showcase. A fine array of artists with fine arts & crafts for sale Saturday & Sunday. Monday is the Songwriters Showcase. Bring a lawn chair, blanket and cooler and listen to some wonderful, original music under the stars. Art Fest exhibitor booth fee and Songwriters nominal gate fee benefit the Art Center for the Islands, a non-profit organization. Sponsored by the Art Center for the Islands and the Tarpon Inn. Time: 10am - 5pm. Cost: donations. Location: Tarpon Inn courtyard, 200 E. Cotter. Region: Texas Gulf Coast. Average attendance: under 50,000. For more information, call 361-749-7334 or visit www.portaransasartcenter.org. Please mention this listing when inquiring.

May 18, 2008 - FESTIVAL - Plano: 5th Annual Blackland Prairie Festival. Celebrate the rich heritage of Plano with music, food, early 1900's-era events, dances, home tours and historic re-enactments by costumed performers. Arts and crafts booths will feature period exhibitions including rope making, tin smiths, candle dipping, blacksmith techniques, pottery making, and much more. Time: 11am-6pm. Cost: free. Location: Historic Downtown Plano. Region: Texas Prairies and Lakes. Average attendance: under 250,000. For more information, call (972) 424-7547 or visit www.blacklandprairiefestival.org. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually.

May 22 - June 8, 2008 - FESTIVAL - Kerrville: Kerrville Folk Festival. 18 days of music with performances by 100+ singer songwriters and their bands. Workshops in songwriting, blues guitar, and harmonica. Concerts, arts and crafts, kids concerts, food, camping. Time: all day. Cost: see web site. for details. Location: Quiet Valley Ranch, 9 miles So of Kerrville on Hwy 16. Region: Texas Hill Country. Average attendance: under 50,000. For more information, call (830) 257-3600; (800) 435-8429 or visit www.kerrvillefolkfestival.com. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually, beginning Thu. before Memorial Day.

May 23-24, 2008 - FESTIVAL - Fredericksburg: Crawfish Festival. Join us for great Cajun food, music and fun. Mouth-watering crawfish plates, red potatoes, corn, Jambalaya & fried fish plates. Kids area, shopping area. Time: Friday 6pm-12 midnight, Saturday 11am-12 midnight. Cost: $6 Adults, $1 for kids 12/Under. Two-day passes $10. Location: Marktplatz, 100 block, West Main Street. Region: Texas Hill Country. Average attendance: under 50,000. For more information, call 1-866-TEX-FEST (839-3378) or visit www.tex-fest.com. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually, Memorial Day Weekend.

May 23-25, 2008 - FESTIVAL - Ennis: 42nd Annual National Polka Festival. National Polka Festival celebrates Ennis' Czech heritage with 13 live polka bands, Polkfest 5K run, Czech food, horseshoe tournament, king and queen dance, arts, crafts, special country concert and more. Time: Fri. 7-11pm, Sat 10am-12:30am, Sun. 11am-11pm. Cost: Free for downtown activities; $7-11 per day for admission to dance halls. Location: Downtown Ennis and at KC Hall, Sokol Hall, and KJT Hall in Ennis. Region: Texas Prairies and Lakes. Average attendance: under 50,000. For more information, call 972-878-4748 or visit www.visitennis.org; www.nationalpolkafestival.com. Please mention this listing when inquiring. held annually, Memorial Day Weekend.

May 23-25, 2008 - FESTIVAL - Llano: 3rd Annual "Texas Proud" Festival. Gunfighters, varmints, chuckwagons, trail bosses, John Wayne and more turn Llano into a Texas Living History happening. Time: All day. Cost: none. Location: Main Street. Region: Texas Hill Country. Average attendance: under 50,000. For more information, call 325-247-5354 or visit www.llanochamber.org. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually, 3rd weekend in May.

May 23-26, 2008 - FESTIVAL - Bandera: The Best In Texas Festival And Chili Cook Off. An annual festival celebrating all the things that make Texas great. Fun for the whole family including Great Texas Music, Arts, Crafts, Cook Offs, Carnival Rides, Food and Libations. Each day includes performances by several of the best bands Texas has to offer on two stages. Time: Friday Times Vary Daily. Cost: One day tickets - $30 for any 1 day. Location: Bandera Downs 2303 State Hwy 16, Bandera, TX. 78003. Region: Texas Hill Country. Average attendance: under 50,000. For more information, call 972-690-6099 or visit www.bestintexasfest.com. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held Annually, Memorial Day Weekend.

May 23-26, 2008 - FAIR - Kerrville: The Official Texas State Arts & Crafts Fair. A four-day fair full of arts, crafts, live music, food and fun for the whole family. Ceramics, pottery, glass, wood, jewelry, metalwork, photography and more from Craftsmen around TX. Time: Fri 4-8pm.; Sat/Sun 10am-6pm.; Mon. 10am-4pm. Cost: see web site. Location: River Star Arts & Event Park, 4000 Riverside Dr., Kerrville. Region: Texas Hill Country. Average attendance: 50,000-200,000. For more information, call (830) 896-5711 or visit www.tacef.org. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Annual event held over Memorial Day weekend.

May 24-25, 2008 - FESTIVAL - Rockport: 12th Annual Rockport Festival of Wines. The Texas Maritime Museum, located adjacent to Rockport Harbor, will showcase Premium and Ultra-premium wines of Texas, California and Australia. Festivities throughout the event will include live entertainment, cooking and wine seminars, gourmet specialties, and wine and beer tasting. Proceeds from the Festival benefit the Texas Maritime Museum. Time: 4pm-10pm. Cost: $20 includes 4 wine tastes and a commemorative wine glass. Location: 1202 Navigation Circle. Region: Texas Gulf Coast. Average attendance: under 50,000. For more information, call 361-729-1271. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually, weekend before Memorial Day.

May 24-26, 2008 - FESTIVAL - San Antonio: Return Of The Chili Queens. A return to that historical and colorful time in Market Square when the Chili Queens set out their tables in the open plazas and served their traditional foods and chili con carne. Sponsored by the El Mercado Merchants Association. Free. Location: Market Square, 514 W. Commerce St. Region: South Texas Plains. For more information, call 210-207-8600. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually, Memorial Day weekend.

May 31, 2008 - FESTIVAL - Cedar Park: 2nd Annual Cedar Park Heritage Festival. The 2nd Annual Cedar Park Heritage Festival will feature live music by Duck Soup, a Championship Hamburger Cook-off, an Arts & Crafts fair, big wheel races, concessions, demonstrations, inflatables and much more fun for the entire family. Time: 4pm - 10pm. Cost: Free. Location: Heritage Oak Park, 875 Quest Parkway, Cedar Park, TX 78613. Region: Texas Hill Country. Average attendance: under 50,000. For more information, call 512-401-5500 or visit www.cedarparktx.us/cp/page32992213.aspx. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually.

May 31, 2008 - FESTIVAL - Denton: Dog Days of Summer Celebration. Dogs can be dressed up and have a "Glamfur Shot" taken, get their paws read by the Great Barkini and socialize with thousands of other dogs and their people. More than 70 booths with games, crafts, fun festival foods, pet information and animal adoptions are available. A dog parade, a stupid pet tricks contest, a dog singing contest and the official 2006 Spokesdog Pageant round out the day. Time: 9am-4pm. Cost: FREE. Location: 101 S. Locust, Historic Downtown Square. Region: Texas Prairies and Lakes. Average attendance: under 250,000. For more information, call 940-349-8529. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually, usually 1st Saturday in June.

May 31 - June 8, 2008 - FESTIVAL - Georgetown: 4th Annual Georgetown Festival of the Arts. The Georgetown Festival of the Arts offers an impressive schedule of top notch artists and cultural activities. Art in the Park, a juried art show along the river in San Gabriel Park, will bring in over 200 artists from around the country to participate on Saturday & Sunday. Mendelssohn in Georgetown, Thursday through Sunday, features the music of Felix Mendelssohn in concerts and lectures in a number of venues. The Shanghai and Miro Quartets will be playing Thursday as part of the series. Time: See web site schedule. Cost: Tickets: concerts $20, all symposia and entrance to Art in the Park $5. Student tickets $5 for all events. Location: San Gabriel Park, Georgetown. Region: Texas Hill Country. Average attendance: under 50,000. For more information, call 512-639-0433 or visit www.georgetowntexassymphony.org. Please mention this listing when inquiring.

June

(May 31) thru June 8, 2008 - FESTIVAL - Georgetown: 4th Annual Georgetown Festival of the Arts. The Georgetown Festival of the Arts offers an impressive schedule of top notch artists and cultural activities. Art in the Park, a juried art show along the river in San Gabriel Park, will bring in over 200 artists from around the country to participate on Saturday & Sunday. Mendelssohn in Georgetown, Thursday through Sunday, features the music of Felix Mendelssohn in concerts and lectures in a number of venues. The Shanghai and Miro Quartets will be playing Thursday as part of the series. Time: See web site schedule. Cost: Tickets: concerts $20, all symposia and entrance to Art in the Park $5. Student tickets $5 for all events. Location: San Gabriel Park, Georgetown. Region: Texas Hill Country. Average attendance: under 50,000. For more information, call 512-639-0433 or visit www.georgetowntexassymphony.org. Please mention this listing when inquiring.

(May 22) thru June 8, 2008 - FESTIVAL - Kerrville: Kerrville Folk Festival. 18 days of music with performances by 100+ singer songwriters and their bands. Workshops in songwriting, blues guitar, and harmonica. Concerts, arts and crafts, kids concerts, food, camping. Time: all day. Cost: see web site. for details. Location: Quiet Valley Ranch, 9 miles So of Kerrville on Hwy 16. Region: Texas Hill Country. Average attendance: under 50,000. For more information, call (830) 257-3600; (800) 435-8429 or visit www.kerrvillefolkfestival.com. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually, beginning Thu. before Memorial Day.