January

Elvis Birthday Celebration
218-807-8760

Head to the Sam Houston Race Park on the first weekend in January. As the park begins its new season of live thoroughbred racing they also party in memory of "The King". This event features a peanut butter and banana sandwich eating contest, an Elvis look-a-like contest and many more activities.

February

Flavors of Houston
713-622-1318

Top chefs will showcase their very own dishes from different dining venues around Houston. You will enjoy a five-course dinner, wine, a wait staff and cocktail reception.

February/March

Mardi Gras! Galveston
888-425-4753

This family friendly event typically last two weeks and features ten parades, dozens of concerts, masquerade balls, musical performances, art exhibits and athletic competitions.

March

Bayou City Art Festival
713-521-0133

This annual event features more than 300 artisans showing and selling their works at Houston's Memorial Park.

Annual Pink Tie Gala
713-552-1055

Enjoy this festive event to help support and fight breast cancer! You can bid on luxury items while relaxing with live entertainment, dining and dancing!

Buffalo Bayou Regatta
713-752-0314

This is the state’s largest canoe and kayak race that also includes live entertainment, food, drinks, and more after the race!

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo
832-667-1000

This huge annual event attracts more than two million people during its three-week run. Rodeo competitions, livestock judging, bull riding, several vendors, barbecue cook-offs, auctions, carnival and kids’ activities! The major appeal is live concerts put on by big-name artists!

April

Annual H-E-B Children’s Festival
713-522-9723

This family oriented celebration offers six entertainment stages, games, family adventure areas, food, drink, and lots of fun for everyone!

Bayou City Cajun Fest
281-890-5500

This annual festival is full of Cajun fun! Enjoy authentic Cajun food, music, dancing, rides, market, and more!

Japan Festival
713-963-0121

This fun event takes place in Hermann Park and celebrates the fascinating Japanese culture with music, traditional and folk dance, martial arts, flower arranging, a tea ceremony and origami!

Easter Weekend at Kemah Boardwalk
281-334-9880

If you find your family in Houston over easter weekend then head to Kemah Boardwalk where the little ones can hunt for eggs, try and bust the giant egg shaped pinata and decorate eggs.

Grand Prix of Houston
713-629-3700

The JAGFlo Speedway host the Grand Prix of Houston in April every year where patrons can see world-class racing, partake of the great food and drinks and sit back and enjoy the many live entertainment options.

Houston International Festival
713-654-8808

The Houston International Festival takes place on 20 downtown blocks that are closed to traffic. Houston’s diversity is showcased through live entertainment, food vendors, arts and crafts booths and more. More than one thousand performers appear on outdoor stages during the festival.

May

Houston Dragon Boat Festival
832-687-7208

Join the thousands of people who come out to watch this exciting race and join in on the festivities such as live entertainment, educational cultural booths, authentic cuisine and games for children and adults.

Asian Pacific Heritage Festival
713-784-1112

Celebrate Asian heritage and culture with a parade, live performances, tangrams, origami, Chinese calligraphy and fish kites.

Art Car Weekend
713-926-6368

Patrons line Allen Parkway this weekend in May to see the cars, bicycles, lawnmowers and anything on wheels roll past adorned with art work. Special features include the Art Car Ball, Main Street Drag and the Art Car Parade.

June

Juneteenth
713-558-2600

Celebrate Lincoln's signing of the Emancipation Proclamation that freed the slaves at this annual jubilee featuring live blues, gospel and jazz performances at Hermann Park.

July

Fourth of July at Miller Outdoor Theatre
713-284-8350

This annual celebration with the Houston Symphony draws hundreds every year at the outdoor theater. You’ll also enjoy fireworks and a 16 cannon salute at the end of the show.

BP Power of Freedom Festival
713-522-9723

Pay tribute to the nation’s birthday at one of the summer’s biggest events and you know in Texas the party is always huge! Enjoy big-name rock and country music concerts, fireworks, and more!

Watermelon Social and Dance
281-480-3770

Lots of live music, good food, and a lot of watermelon! Browse for handcrafted items at the Watermelon Market and even partake in the largest watermelon contest. All ages will enjoy this Summer event!

Origami Festival at Tansu
713-880-5100

Explore the wonders of origami through a cocktail reception, exhibits, hands-on workshops and free demonstrations.

August

Houston International Jazz Festival
713-839-7000

Some of the hottest and biggest names in Jazz convene on Downtown Houston during this annual festival!

Blessing of the Fleet
281-334-9880

In early August decorated shrimp boats and personal watercraft receive a blessing from an officiating priest and minister for safe travels.

Houston Shakespeare Festival
713-743-3003

Throughout the month of August free performances of Shakespeare's plays are performed at Hermann Parks Miller Outdoor Theater.

September

Houston Hot Sauce Festival
281-558-3518

This is a “spicy” annual event offering hot sauce, salsa, chips, dips, and other fiery food selections for you to sample! Live entertainment continuously, free kids activities, cold drinks, salsa competition, contests, prizes and crafts make this a fun event for the entire family.

Turkish Festival
832-251-8405

This annual celebration focus on everything Turkish such as live performances and arts and crafts.

October

Texian Market Days
281-343-0218

For two days in October patrons celebrate the history of Texas with live re-enactments by costumed performers, hands-on activities, arts and crafts, a children's carnival, food, musical performances and a tractor pull!

Halloween Boo-Bash
281-890-5500

This annual family friendly event will thrill you! Enjoy live entertainment, activities, trick-or-treating throughout the market, games in the Kreepy Kidz Zone, costumed characters and caricature artists!

Wings Over Houston Airshow
713-266-4492

The Wings Over Houston Airshow includes a variety of events showcasing elite military aircraft. Watch in awe at the accuracy of jump teams and the amazing stunt flying of the aerobatic teams.

Fiesta Italiana
713-524-4222

This lively festival celebrates Italian music, wine, and food with events honoring the culture, heritage, and allure of everything Italy! Take part in the Grape Stomp, enjoy the car show, arts and crafts, and a pasta eating contest.

Greek Festival
713-526-5377

This four-day annual festival offers live music, folk dancing, food, children’s activities, Cathedral tours, gift shop and more!

Ghost Walks
713-222-9255

Throughout October these walks fascinate and thrill patrons as they travel along the streets of Houston and hear the legends and tales of deceased Houstonians.

South Shore Dockside Food & Wine Festival
281-334-1000

Down at the docks patrons will find cars and boats on display as well as cuisine, wine and culinary demonstrations.

Monster Mash Halloween Party
713-521-1515

Let's do the Mash, The Monster Mash! On Halloween at the Health Museum families will find Elmo from Sesame Street, Flossie the tooth fairy, loads of healthy goodies, costume parade and a science show.

October/November

Texas Renaissance Festival
281-356-2178

For eight weekends in October and November visitors can travel back in time to the Renaissance period with live entertainment, arts and crafts, demonstrations, games and rides and food galore!

International Quilt Festival
713-781-6864

This, the world's largest quilt show, takes place at the George R. Brown Convention Center where more than 2000 quilts and fabric art are displayed as well as cloth dolls and other textiles.

November

Ballunar Liftoff Festival
281-488-7676

Dozens of hot air balloons gather and dazzle the crowd as they ascend into the daytime and nighttime skies. The event also features skydiving performances, food from local restaurants, arts and crafts and other flight exhibits.

Beaujolais Wine and Food Festival
713-960-0575

This annual event showcases more than 15 upscale Houston restaurants and will offer a wide assortment of buffets and an array of tasty wines for you to sample. A silent auction will also take place offering luxury items and travel opportunities.

Thanksgiving Day Parade
713-654-8808

This annual parade is fun for everyone! You’ll see large balloons, decorated floats, marching bands, and much more!

December

Winter Wild Festival of Lights
713-533-6500

Magic will be alive during this festive occasion at the Houston Zoo! Come enjoy thousands of lights, arts and crafts, sweet treats, carousel rides, music, a hay ride, and more!

Christmas Boat Parade on Clear Lake
281-334-9880

The Christmas Boat Parade is a juried event featuring more than 100 boats making their way around the lake, into Galveston Bay and back again. Boat owners elaborately decorate their boats, and many feature costumed passengers who dance or play music in hopes of garnering a few more votes.

Holiday Lights Walks
713-222-9255

Take a 90-minute tour with Sandra Claus and her elves and experience the fabulous lights adorning the buildings in downtown Houston.

Other Events:

Sailboat Races
April through October
281-334-4252

On Wednesday evenings professional and amateur sailors get together for a friendly sailboat race on the waters of Clear Lake. These race courses have been set where the race can be enjoyed by spectators from some of the restaurants around the lake.