JUNE

  June 6-7 - Yoakum
80th ANNUAL TOM-TOM FESTIVAL... Celebrating with a downtown parade, polka in the park, BBQ cook-off, arts & crafts, CPRA rodeo, country & western evening dance, Miss Yoakum pageant, games, tomato-growers salsa contest, biergarten, and carnival. (361) 293-2309.

  June 7 - Alvin
TOUR DE BRAZ BIKE RIDE... Time: 7:00 am. Start @ Alvin Community College and ride through Brazoria County. Five scenic ride routes available. 281-585-3359.  1-800-331-4063. alvincvb@alvintexas.org or www.alvintexas.org.

  June 19-21 - Wharton
11th ANNUAL JUNETEENTH FESTIVAL... Fish Fry on Friday at Riverfront Park (7pm), Old Fashioned Picnic (River-front Park) and Reunion Dance (KC Hall 9pm) on Saturday, and Sunday services at St. Stephens Baptist Church and luncheon. For more information: (979) 532-1862 or helpdesk@whartonchamber.com. 

  June 13-14 - Seadrift
SHRIMPFEST... Arts/crafts/food booths, carnival, shrimp-eating contest, karaoke contest, washer & horseshoe tournament, poker run, Ms. Bay Rat contest, dances Fri and Sat night, two fun-filled days on San Antonio Bay. All information & vendor info: www.seadriftchamber.com or (361) 785-2251, ext #21. 

  June 13-15 - San Antonio
TEXAS FOLKLIFE FESTIVAL... In its 37th year, the Institute of Texan Cultures & citizens from across Texas present the crafts, foods, folkways, music, cultures and arts of our state on the expansive grounds of the Institute. www.texasfolklifefestival.org. (210) 458-2390.

  June 14 - East Bernard
KOLACHE-KLOBASE FESTIVAL... Come to Riverside Hall for polka dancing, arts & crafts, sausage & barbecue chicken, kiddie games, dancers, raffle & cakewalk. (979) 335-4827 or (979) 335-7907.

  June 20-22 - Texas City
FUNFEST... There’s fun for everyone in Texas City! Enjoy musical entertainment, dancing, arts & crafts, antique and classic car cruise, amusement rides, Star Search, barbeque cook-off, “Run By the Bay” 5K run/walk, sports activities and children’s events. Nessler Park. Free admission. (409) 935-1408. www.texascitychamber.com. 

  June 27-28 - Wharton
WHARTON COUNTY FREEDOM FEST... Barbecue cook-off, farmer’s market, car show, live music, Historic Plaza Theatre, helicopter rides, Veterans Salute and fly-over, restored historic courthouse, food & craft booths, antiquing and shopping, and old-fashioned hometown fireworks. For more info: www.helpdeskwhartonchamber.com or (979) 532-1862.

  June 28-29 - Sealy
21st ANNUAL SUMMER POLKA FESTIVAL... Enjoy German polka dancing and music. Texas Sound Czech Band on Saturday evening. Urazels’ Polka Band and Bobby Jones Czech Band on Sunday. Polka Mass and home-cooked meal at KC Hall. (979) 885-3222.

JULY

  July 3-6 - Port Aransas
73rd ANNUAL DEEP SEA ROUNDUP ...“The Oldest Fishing Tournament on the Texas Coast.” A weekend of family fun includes piggy perch, bay, offshore and fly fishing divisions, dinners, and music. (800) 45-COAST or www.portaransas.org.

  July 4 - Rosenberg
FAMILY FOURTH CELEBRATION... Patriotism abounds at Seabourne Creek Park for Independence Day! Spectacular fireworks display, free concert by The Triumphs, carnival, food vendors, KidZone. 7pm. (832) 595-3520. www.visitrosenberg.com.

  July 5-6 - Rockport
ROCKPORT ART FESTIVAL... The 39th annual Rockport juried art show features food, music, over 120 artists and craftsmen with original artworks, and fun for the kids as a fundraiser for the Rockport Art Association. For information, call (361) 729-5519. www.rockportartcenter.com.

  July 11, 18, 25 and August 1, 8, 15 - Rosenberg
2008 HOT SUMMER CONCERTS... July 11 - Let it Ride; July 18 - Level One Band; July 25 - Rob Darien & The Outside Dogs; August 1 - Ezra Charles; Aug 8 - Sheila Marshall; Aug 15 - MoFo Party Band. All concerts start 7pm & are held in Historic Downtown District’s Third Street Park. www.VisitRosenberg.com. (832) 595-3520.

  July 11, 18, 25, Aug 7 & 14 - San Antonio
15th BALCONES HEIGHTS JAZZ FESTIVAL... Concerts kick off Friday, July 11 (7pm) for 5 consecutive Friday evenings. Headliners: Slim Man, Kyle Turner, Paul Brown, Jeff Kashiwa and Nils. Food/beverages available for purchase. The Amphitheater/Crossroads Mall, 4522 Fredericks-burg Rd. Free admission. (210) 732-0055. www.reachfortheheights.org. 

  July 24-26 - Clute
THE GREAT TEXAS MOSQUITO FESTIVAL... The annual festival is a fun-filled, 3-day event for the entire family. It includes a variety of contests for all ages, arts/crafts and food booths, carnival and musical headliner entertainment. Clute Municipal Park. www.mosquitofestival.com. (800) 371-2971.

AUGUST

  August 29-31 - Alvin
ALL-AMERICAN FESTIVAL... Sock Hop at Knights of Columbus Hall on Friday. Parade, motorcycle show, arts/crafts, tractor & train shows, run/walk, and evening fire-works on Saturday. BBQ cook-off, concerts, vendors and arts & crafts on Sunday. (281) 331-3944. www.alvintexas.org.

SEPTEMBER

  September 20 - Alvin
SEEKING BLUE SANTA IDOLS... Talented singers needed for singing competition. National Oak Park, 105 S. Gordon (behind library). 4pm-9pm. No entry fee.  Trophies for best female, best male & group. Silent auction, raffle, bike blessings, and food. Call Denise: (281) 331-2583. www.alvinbluesanta.com.

  September 21 - Alvin
BLUE SANTA MOTORCYCLE RIDE... 55-mile police-escorted ride, rain or shine. $25 per bike with (1) ride pin. Kickstands up at 1:30. National Oak Park (behind library), 105 S. Gordon St. Trophies for best of show, chopper, trike, antique, theme, chrome, custom paint, longest distance male & female, largest club. Silent auction, raffles, vendors, bike show, bike blessings. Denise: (281) 331-2583. www.alvinbluesanta.com.

  September 27 - Lakehills
28th ANNUAL“Home of the Great Gumbo Cook-off.” 11:30am to 10pm. Four Louisiana Cajun bands, authentic Cajun foods, arts & crafts, games & souvenirs. Lakehills Civic Center in Bandera County. (830) 751-3130. www.cajunfestival-medinalake.com. 

  September 27-28 - Old Town Spring
LONGHORN ROD RUN... “Hop Back to the 50s” as Heritage Days presents over 400 vintage automobiles, free entertainment throughout the town, exhibits, shopping & much more. No admission. 20 miles north of Houston. 1-800-OLD-TOWN or (281) 353-9210.

OCTOBER

  October 4 - Castroville
CASTROVILLE TOUR OF PIONEER HOMES... Tour four historic homes at Castroville’s early French settlement. Also enjoy a quilt show at the Landmark Inn. 1pm-5pm. E-mail: chamber@castroville.com. (800) 778-6775. www.castroville.com.

  October 11-12 – Houston
29th ANNUAL FESTA ITALIANA... Houston's Italian Cultural Center hosts a weekend celebration of Italy with music, homemade food, pasta-eating contests, bocce ball, vintage Italian car show, grape stomp, children's events, arts & crafts booths & much more. Houston Farm & Ranch Club, I-10 at Hwy 6. www.HoustonItalianFestival.com.

  October 12 – Richmond
3rd ANNUAL PUMPKIN PATCH PARTY AT ENCHANTED FOREST... Free to the public. Hay maze, pumpkin decorating, old fashioned games (cake walk, dunking booth, etc.), petting zoo, entertainment, and gardening seminars. Not to mention loads of the healthiest, most colorful fall plants in the Houston area. Located at 10611 FM 2759. Visit www.myenchanted.com, or call (281) 937-9449 for more information & directions.

  October 18-19 - Old Town Spring
PETFEST 2008... Come find the perfect pet for your family and life style! 50+ rescue groups, low-cost vaccinations, Blessing of the Animals, micro-chipping, costume contests, fashion shows and so much more! Visit www.petfestoldtownspring.com, or call (281) 353-9310 or (800) OLD-TOWN for more info.