Houston is a city of over two million, and with such a large and diverse population, there dozens of events in Houston to choose from, celebrating the seasons, the culture, landscape, and the unique achievements of Texas. No matter what time of year it is, there is bound to be something going on that you won’t want to miss.
With Texas’ mild winter climate, events in Houston don’t slow down during the first part of the year. In January, the enormous Martin Luther King Parade takes place, with over 300,000 spectators and participants from around the country. You can cure the midwinter doldrums in February with the World’s Champion Bar-b-que Contest at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. Nothin’ says Texas more than some finger-likin’ ribs and some ice cold beer. And maybe you can take in some cattle roping while you’re there.
As spring makes its way into Texas, events in Houston become even more prolific. You can take a tour of the beautiful Azalea Trail and get a glimpse at some of Houston’s finest historic homes and gardens awash in springtime colors and blooms. Later in the month, you could visit the Bayou City Art Festival, which showcases 300 artists as they create and sell their work. In spring, Houston also celebrates its diverse culture with several events.
In late March or early April, you can attend the Japan Festival, which features traditional music, food, dance, and martial arts. Just a few weeks later you can celebrate the Houston International Festival where you can view art and performance from around the world, listen to unique international music, and sample foods from across the globe. In May, you can attend the Houston Dragon Boat Festival where 30 teams compete with their beautiful boats at Allen’s Landing. You can also hear Asian music, buy beautiful homemade souvenirs, and try delicious Asian food.
In June, make plans to attend one of the most unique events in Houston, the Art Car Parade. This folk art parade, featuring wacky and outlandishly decorated cars, draws 250,000 people a year. Of course in a city as vibrant as Houston, the 4th of July will not go unnoticed. Houston hosts not one, but two Independence Day events, one at Eleanor Tinsley Park with an enormous fireworks display, and one Hermann Park, featuring the talents of the Houston Symphony, along with fireworks and a cannon salute. In late summer, Houston celebrates the theatre with the Houston Shakespeare Festival, featuring free performances at Miller Outdoor Theatre, and Theatre District Day, offering backstage tours, previews of upcoming seasons, and costume and set exhibits.
In fall, events in Houston continue to celebrate the diversity of Texas culture with Fiestas Patrias, a parade honoring Mexico’s independence from Spain, the Chicano Festival, a fascinating celebration of Chicano music, a Day of the Dead Celebration, and the Greek Festival, Turkish Festival, and Festa Italiana. Or you can celebrate all things Texas by attending the Texian Market Days, featuring costumed interpreters from all eras of Texas history.
As the holiday season rolls around, events in Houston mainly revolve around Christmas and Thanksgiving. Who needs Macy’s Parade when you can celebrate at Houston’s own H-E-B Holiday parade? And on Thanksgiving night, you can join other merry revelers for the Uptown Holiday Lighting with 500,000 lights, a parade, performances, and visit from Santa. If you like your parades on water, you can also attend the Christmas Boat Lane Parade on Clear Lake featuring 200 beautifully decorated and lit boats.
These are only some of the annual events in Houston, and there are dozens of new events that take place each year. Make plans to join in some of the fun, and experience all that Houston has to offer.
The Woodlands is located just 30 miles north of Houston and features a wide choice of accommodations and over 460 shops, ranging from major department stores to specialty boutiques. With dozens of monthly events, fun for the whole family, and great activities for a romantic getaway, The Woodlands is a perfect place to stay when attending events in Houston. To start planning your trip or request your free visitor’s guide, visit The Woodlands Convention and Visitors Bureau at www.thewoodlandscvb.com.
