Texas is one of the most iconic states in America. Many people know that it’s home to some fantastic cities such as Dallas and Houston. But, there’s much more to this beautiful state than just those two spots.
For instance, there’re plenty of festivals celebrated throughout Texas. A good example is the Mardi Gras, which takes place in New Orleans every year on February 13th. Festivals celebrate various things, including food, music, and art.
Texas has a lot of festivals to visit and the celebrations can be just about anything. Ranging from rodeos to country music concerts, there’s always something going on in a Texan city near you that you won’t want to miss!
Whether it’s your favorite food festival or an event with live entertainment for all ages – there’re plenty of ways for us Texans to take part in some holiday cheer around local cities. The right festival for depends on your unique needs and the kind of experience you want.
Even if you’re exhibiting or offering a service at a festival, you’re not left out of the fun. However, vendors offering services at festivals have unique needs and factors to consider when picking the right event.
For example, a first-time food vendor must source the right equipment and supplies to make successful business at any given festival.
A food vendor may need to source equipment such as grills to prepare and sell tasty barbecued delicacies. In this case, you must choose grills that are indeed worth every penny you spend. It also pays to opt for something that you’ll find handy for your next backyard cookout when not vending at festivals.
Whether you’re attending a festival as a vendor or guest, there’s something for everyone. Here’re some of our Top Festivals in Texas that you don’t want to miss:
7 Fun Festivals to Attend in Texas this Year
- Fiesta Texas – San Antonio, TX
The Alamo City is home to Fiesta, Texas. With rides and attractions such as Hurricane Harbor and a collection of carnival games from classic favorites to the latest innovations, you’re sure to have non-stop fun for all ages!
Plus, don’t forget about the world’s tallest steel looping coaster called Maverick, which stands at an impressive 187 feet tall with speeds of over 70 miles per hour. This isn’t your average amusement park experience; this is one party you won’t want to miss when in town!
Texas Renaissance Festival is an annual festival celebrating the time of knights in shining armor and damsels on white horses. It features various silly performances such as:
- Sword fights
- Jugglers galore
- Music from all corners of the world, and
- Mrs. Butterworth’s syrup pouring for thirsty patrons!
This festival of Texas also boasts over 200 artisans selling handmade wares every weekend, with plenty more to come after dark when it turns into one giant party where everyone can be someone else entirely, a pirate or fairy princess, for just one day.
- The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo
One of the most significant single events globally, The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is a massive celebration that goes on for over two-and-a-half weeks. It hosts some of country music’s top talent. The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Houston have something to offer everyone.
- Austin City Limits Music Festival
The Austin City Limits Music Festival is an annual event held in Zilker Park to bring together music fans from all over the nation. The event is inspired by a groundbreaking PBS music series and produced by C3 Presents, the producers behind Lollapalooza’s success.
This festival aims to bring diverse musical tastes in one place for three days each year! The festival’s headliners usually include:
- Eminem
- Pearl Jam
- Nine Inch Nails
- Lou Reed, and
- Arcade Fire.
The ACL Music Festival is now one of the most prestigious multi-day music events globally, featuring national artists such as Kings of Leon and Death Cab for Cutie. Regional favorites such as Galactic with Special Guests, Los Angeles Azules, and many more, also grace the event!
- SXSW Conference in Austin, TX
Southwest, often shortened as SXSW and colloquially referred to as South By, is a festival in Austin that lasts for three weeks every year. It has components of film, interactive media, and music, all happening simultaneously.
The SXSW Austin Festival also features some overlapping events such as panels or performances during one event.
The SXSW events are centered around music, but they do have panels on interactive media and film. Interactive components include hacking competitions, a startup competition, and a film fest.
- UTOPiAfest in Dallas, TX
UTOPiAfest is a progressive music and arts festival that features artists from all over the world. The lineup includes acts like DJ Snake, Tash Sultana, Bonobo (DJ Set), Nils Frahm (Live), Calexico (Album Release Party) as well as local Texas talents such as Big Thief and Wild Moccasins.
Apart from music and lots of performances to celebrate at the festival, event-goers can also expect workshops on various topics of interest:
- Music Production 101 with Ableton Live & Logic for Beginners
- Choreography Workshop to Dancehall Reggae Mashup by Eartha Kitt
- Swaggering Native American Dance Techniques with Leah Spitzer “The Diva of Powwows”, and
- A Yoga Class with Francesca D’Arco.
- And Lastly, the Dallas International Film Festival
DIFF has become a beacon for storytellers and audiences to come together. The festival boasts an impressive lineup of films worldwide, including documentaries about well-known figures such as Elvis Presley or Lady Gaga.
Each year, Dallas comes together to celebrate film for eight days, with DIFF being at the forefront since 2006. With a wide variety of events, the film festival hosts famous filmmakers’ documentary work. For example, it showcases “The King’s Speech” or nonfiction filmmaking. With topics ranging from Elvis Presley to Lady Gaga, it’s nearly impossible not to get lost in this exciting event celebrating cinema unlike any other. The list of things to do in Texas and festivals to attend is endless!