A guide to some of the more popular annual festivals in Texas.
Texas is widely known for down home hospitality and larger than life experiences. Vacationers planning a visit to Texas should fit one of the states many festivals into their itinerary, as events run all year-round throughout the Texas.
When planning a trip to Texas, everyone should see a rodeo at least once. One of the biggest and best rodeo shows in the state can be found at the Fort Worth Rodeo and Stock show. The first festival happened in 1896 and it has become one of the most visited events in Texas. For nearly a month in late winter, visitors can expect to see a full-scale rodeo, livestock exhibits and opportunities to shop at the hundreds of vendors that set up at the stock show annually.
The State Fair of Texas draws millions of visitors each year in the fall for over three full weeks. This larger than life festival is located in Dallas at the historic Fair Park and is packed with entertainment and fun for the entire family. Each year the fair includes rides, concerts, livestock events and more. It is also home to the largest Ferris wheel in North America, the Texas Star.
When the holiday season comes around in winter, towns throughout Texas are readying their homes with lights and decorations. One Texas town in particular has the honor of being called "Wonderland of Lights".
The town of Marshall gets dressed up in a big way for the holiday season, boasting nearly 3 million lights in the downtown area as well as an annual parade. Tours of the local neighborhoods are offered, as the entire town gets into the holiday spirit and offers a breathtaking light show. The town square even has an ice rink where locals and visitors alike can skate amidst the "wonderland of lights".
In the month of April, residents in San Antonio celebrate the battle of the Alamo and the independence of Texas with a two-week festival. The Fiesta, San Antonio festival is a mix of cultures that have helped shape the city and state throughout its history. The festival has millions of visitors each year and boasts one of the largest and most celebrated parades in the state. With hundreds of events, concerts and exhibitions, Fiesta, San Antonio is chance to see Texas culture at its finest.
When we think of Mardi Gras, New Orleans comes to mind but Texas has its own version of Mardi Gras that has been celebrated in Galveston almost as long as New Orleans. The festival attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each February and is a host to a vast array of events including dances, masked balls and numerous parades.
The Texas Renaissance Festival is one of the most renowned Renaissance events in the county. Held each year in Houston, the festival lasts from the beginning of October to the end of November. Visitors will enjoy life as it was in the renaissance age and view performances by period costumed actors, including the royal court and daily jousting. Two wedding chapels are also available for couples wishing to tie the knot in a fairy tale setting.
The Texas Rose Festival Parade is located in Tyler, Texas and boasts the most elegant festival and parade in the state. Millions of roses are showcased in floats, exhibitions and the famous Tyler Rose Garden. Each year in the month of October the town of Tyler is filled with the scent of roses and the sounds of music as the East Texas Symphony Orchestra offers live performances during the festivities. Every year a rose queen is crowned and the public has a chance to experience the coronation that includes an entire royal party dressed in period costumes.
Texas is famous for doing things on a grand scale and its annual festivals are no exception. From the State Fair in Dallas to the Galveston's own version of Mardi Gras, Texas offers exciting festivals and events for all ages throughout the year.
