With near-perfect weather, a break from school, and people finally shaking off the urge to hibernate, spring in Southeast Texas has plenty of reasons to get outside and enjoy the sunshine. In fact, there’s a festival or event for just about any excuse to celebrate. It’s a busy time in our corner of the world, so put on your party pants and get down here. As if you needed another reason to visit…
March
Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo (3/3-3/22)
Dust off your boots and shine those belt buckles because the rodeo’s back in Texas. With tons of events throughout the two-week extravaganza, there’s agventures (daily agriculture exhibits), a parade, a BBQ contest, livestock auctions, a carnival, and concerts aplenty. Cheer on the squirts mutton bustin’, gape at the bull riders, and whoop it up as the cowboys show off their best trick riding.
Southeast Texas State Fair (3/26-4/5)
One of Beaumont’s most anticipated events of the year, the YMBL State Fair is part carnival, part rodeo, part gluttonous food fest that’s fun for the whole family. Get a thrill riding some rides, playing some games on the Midway, and people-watching under the bright Texas sky. Come hungry because there are plenty of fare favorites from cheesecake and rabbit-on-a-stick to deep-fried everything from alligator to pickles.
Despite Mardi Gras being over, our Southern neighbors are always looking for an excuse to party. Head across the border for Cajun treats and Louisiana culture, as it’s as much about music as it is mudbugs. There’s zydeco, country, blues, and soul performers along the lakefront plus a free carnival for the kids.
April
The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival (4/4-4/5)
One of the top fine arts festivals in the country, over 225 artists’ works will be on display along the Woodlands Waterway. With creators from across the US, there’s everything from drawings to fiberglass and jewelry. Along with visual artists, there will also be performers and culinary artists with a section dedicated to the Art of Food, where artisanal specialty vendors can showcase their products.
Houston Barbecue Festival (4/20)
‘Cue the foodies because it’s time to celebrate Texas’s native cuisine with a feast for the ages. Taste bites from 30 talented pitmasters under one roof with tickets that included unlimited samples of your favorite dishes from brisket and burnt ends to ribs. Got the meat sweats yet?
May
Maypole Festival (5/9)
Essentially a giant celebration of spring, Maypole takes place at the Beaumont Botanical Gardens. A European folk dance around the pole is intended to bless the crops, but it’s really just an excuse to get outside and have the community celebrate with local vendors, games, and costumes.
Comicpalooza (5/22-5/24)
Texas' largest pop culture convention, Comicpalooza in Houston is part Comicon, part sci-fi convention, and part anime meetup. Channel your inner Superhero or let your alter ego shine or as you dress up and embody your favorite character for the weekend. Meet industry icons, local celebrities, shop for collectibles, try new games, and bond with fellow fans over your love of fantasy.
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