The city of Houston is a perpetually bustling metropolis with distinctive neighborhoods, world-class art museums and theaters, professional sports teams, and cuisines from around the globe. With sunny summers and mild winters, Houston is a true year-round destination. As if these weren’t enough reasons to visit, Space City hosts a full calendar’s worth of remarkable annual events you’ve got to experience for yourself. Take in the aromas and flavors at the World’s Championship Bar-B-Que Contest, or watch whimsically decorated autos roll by in the Art Car Parade. Later in the year, sip a glass of mead as you watch jousting knights at the Texas Renaissance Festival. Read on to discover more annual events in Houston.
Chevron Houston Marathon
Houston’s annual marathon attracts more than 20,000 athletes from around the world to Space City for its 26.2-, 13.1-, and 3.1-mile runs. Registration for Houston’s marathon is available on the event’s website.
1001 Avenida De Las Americas
Houston, TX 77010
February
World's Championship Bar-B-Que Contest
For three days in February, Houston becomes ground-zero for some of the best barbecue in the world. The sweet and savory aromas of smoked meat tickle your nose as vibrant and complex flavors dance off your tongue. Eating, dancing, and cooking are all part of the fun at this event, which includes contests for the very best brisket, chicken, pork, spare ribs, and more.
NRG Park
Houston, TX 77054
March
Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo
The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo has been a city tradition since 1932. The three-week extravaganza kicks off with a parade and continues with rodeo competitions, concerts by international superstars, a massive carnival, livestock and horse shows, shopping, dining, and even a wine garden.
NRG Park
Houston, TX 77054
Art Car Parade
One of Houston’s most unique events, the Art Car Parade is exactly what it sounds like. Every year, as many as 250,000 people converge on downtown Houston to watch as outlandishly decorated autos roll by in a truly one-of-a-kind parade.
Downtown Houston
Houston, TX 77010
May
Houston Dragon Boat Festival
Houston’s dragon boat festival is both a celebration of Asian and Asian-American culture and a race between 30 teams in the waters of Buffalo Bayou. Asian cuisine, music, arts and crafts, and cultural performances make up the family-friendly event.
1 Fluor Daniel Drive
Sugar Land, TX 77478
June
Pride Houston
Join more than 150,000 spectators in downtown Houston to see vibrant costumes, floats, and performances at the largest gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transsexual event in the Southwest.
Downtown Area
Houston, TX 77002
Freedom Over Texas Festival
Tasty treats, tons of live entertainment, and a world-famous fireworks show; what better way to celebrate our nation’s independence? Houston’s official Fourth of July party takes place at Eleanor Tinsley Park just west of downtown Houston.
18-3600 Allen Parkway
Houston, TX 77019
August
Houston International Jazz Festival
Some of the top jazz musicians from around the world travel to Houston for this three-day international music festival held in early August. Tickets for each night’s performance are available at Jazz Education Inc.’s website.
Downtown Area
Houston, TX 77003
September
Fiestas Patrias
Mexico’s independence from Spain is celebrated with colorful ballet folklorico dancers twirling down the streets of downtown Houston, the lively tunes of Mexican musicians, and the crowning of Miss Fiestas Patrias.
7979 North Eldridge Parkway
Houston, TX 77041
October
Texas Renaissance Festival
Feel like a proper lord or lady when you visit the Texas Renaissance Festival, an eight week extravaganza of medieval flair, fantasy, and spectacular food and drink. Stroll through the fairgrounds, made to resemble a 16th-century English village, and you will encounter countless shops and restaurants. Buy a beer and a turkey leg and take your place in the arena to see knights jousting, or visit one of the other stages for a performance by a comedian, magician, juggler, or troubadour. End the evening with a cheesecake on a stick as you start planning your next adventure at “Ren Fest.”
21778 FM 1774
Todd Mission, TX 77363
November
Zoo Lights
Every holiday season, the Houston Zoo is transformed into a winter wonderland as it is decked out with more than 300,000 colorful LED lights that illuminate more than 50 animal-themed displays. Meander through the zoo and you’ll encounter other magical sights, including colorful 15-foot-tall projections, animal sculptures, and a 1958 Cadillac decorated with lights that change with accompanying holiday tunes.
6200 Hermann Park Drive
Houston, TX 77030
December
Dickens on the Strand
Whimsical costumed characters, colorful parades, and unique vendors help transform Galveston’s Strand Historic District into 19th-century England. Visit Galveston for three days in early December to experience “the best of times” for yourself.
Strand Historic District
Galveston, TX 77550
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