Houston is a city that thrives on diversity and energy, and there’s no better way to experience its rich cultural tapestry than by diving into the incredible lineup of Houston festivals 2023. As a melting pot of cultures, history, and innovation, H-Town offers a festival for every interest, from world-class art shows and thrilling sports events to mouth-watering food celebrations and deep dives into global traditions. Get ready to mark your calendars and explore the dynamic spirit of Houston through its unmissable annual gatherings.
January
Start the year strong with events that blend athleticism and community spirit.
Chevron Houston Marathon
Kicking off the year, the Chevron Houston Marathon is more than just a race; it’s a city-wide spectacle. Thousands of runners tackle 26.2, 13.1, and 3.1-mile courses, while hundreds of thousands of spectators line the streets, cheering them on. The energy is palpable, embodying Houston’s supportive spirit.
Martin Luther King Jr. Grande Parade
Honoring the legacy of the civil rights icon, this annual parade marches through downtown Houston. It draws immense crowds from across the nation, celebrating equality and justice with vibrant floats and community groups.
February
February brings a touch of international flair and festive celebration to the city.
Texas Lunar New Year Houston
Celebrate the Asian Lunar New Year at the Texas Lunar Festival. This event is a beautiful showcase of diverse Asian cultures, featuring traditional dance, theatrical performances, and music. It’s a vibrant way to welcome the new year according to the lunar calendar.
Mardi Gras in Galveston
Just a short drive from Houston, Galveston hosts one of the largest Mardi Gras celebrations outside of New Orleans. Expect a full weekend packed with parades, live music, elaborate costumes, and a festive atmosphere that transforms the historic Strand district.
March
As spring arrives, Houston bursts with outdoor activities and major cultural events.
Buffalo Bayou Regatta
Experience Texas’s largest canoe and kayak race, the Buffalo Bayou Regatta. Paddlers navigate the scenic Buffalo Bayou from west Houston to Sesquicentennial Park downtown, making for a fun day of competition and riverside enjoyment.
Holi (Festival of Colors)
Immerse yourself in the joyous chaos of Holi, India’s vibrant spring celebration. This free-spirited event involves playful throwing of colored powders among friends and family, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil and the welcoming of spring. The Houston Holi Festival features live Bollywood music, traditional dances, carnival rides, and an array of delicious Indian street food, making it a sensory delight and a highlight of Houston festivals 2023.
Rodeo Houston
A quintessential Houston experience, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo takes over the city for nearly a month. This massive event combines professional rodeo competitions, livestock exhibitions, carnival rides, shopping, and nightly concerts featuring some of the biggest names in music. It’s a true taste of Texas culture and one of the most anticipated Houston festivals 2023.
This dynamic event captures the heart of Texas tradition and modern entertainment.
Hermann Park Kite Festival
A beloved family event, the Hermann Park Kite Festival fills the sky with color. Hosted by the Hermann Park Conservancy, it’s a day of kite-flying fun, live music, games, face painting, and activities set against the beautiful backdrop of Hermann Park.
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Golf enthusiasts won’t want to miss the Houston Open, a professional PGA Tour tournament held at Memorial Park Golf Course. Watch world-class golfers compete in this prestigious Texas event.
Catching a professional golf tournament like the Houston Open is a great way to experience world-class sports in the city.
April
April showers bring a bounty of art, food, and unique parades to Houston.
Houston Via Colori® Street Painting Festival
Witness the streets of downtown Houston transform into a massive outdoor art gallery at the Via Colori® Street Painting Festival. More than 250 local and national artists create stunning chalk murals right before your eyes. It’s a vibrant celebration of ephemeral art.
The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival
Ranked among the top fine arts festivals nationally, this event near Houston showcases 225 extraordinary artists. Beyond paintings and sculptures, enjoy art workshops, culinary demonstrations, live music, and craft beers.
Cajun Heritage Fest
Head towards Port Arthur for a taste of Cajun culture. This festival celebrates the region’s heritage with lively music, dancing, a Cajun dance contest, and plenty of delicious food, reflecting the unique blend of influences in Southeast Texas.
Art Car Parade
Perhaps one of the most unique Houston festivals 2023, the Art Car Parade is a testament to the city’s quirky, creative spirit. Over 250,000 spectators line the streets to see outrageously decorated vehicles – mobile folk art creations that parade through downtown. It’s an unforgettable visual spectacle produced by the Orange Show Center for Visionary Art.
The Houston Art Car Parade is a unique expression of the city’s artistic and whimsical side, a must-see among Houston festivals in 2023.
Houston Barbecue Festival
A must for foodies, the Houston Barbecue Festival brings together the city’s favorite BBQ joints and welcomes new contenders. Spend the day savoring smoky brisket, ribs, and all the fixings that make Texas BBQ legendary.
WorldFest: Houston International Film Festival
One of the oldest independent film festivals in the world, WorldFest showcases a diverse range of feature films, shorts, documentaries, and more. It’s been a platform for early career work by renowned directors like Steven Spielberg and George Lucas.
Migration Celebration
Located south of Houston near the coast, this event focuses on bird migration and wildlife at the Brazoria Wildlife Refuges. It’s an opportunity to connect with nature and learn about the incredible journeys of migratory birds.
Memorial Hermann IRONMAN Texas North American Championship
The Woodlands hosts this challenging endurance race, starting with a swim in Lake Woodlands, followed by a bike ride through scenic Texas farmland, and finishing with a marathon run. It’s an inspiring display of athletic perseverance.
May
May brings a variety of niche events, from classic cars to pop culture.
Keels and Wheels Concours D’Elegance
For enthusiasts of classic cars and wooden boats, this elegant event in the Bay Area showcases stunning automotive and nautical craftsmanship. It attracts collectors and admirers from around the globe.
Mediterranean Festival
Beaumont’s Mediterranean Festival celebrates Syrian and Greek heritage with traditions over 100 years old. Enjoy traditional Syrian dinners, Greek and Arabic dance performances, camel rides, and delicious food.
The Rails & Tails Mudbug Festival
Head to Tomball for this two-day celebration of crawfish! Enjoy tasty mudbugs prepared in various ways, accompanied by live music and fun activities at the historic downtown Depot.
Southeast Texas State Fair
Just outside Houston in Beaumont, this fair offers classic American fun with carnival rides, food, entertainment, and a PRCA Championship Rodeo. It also showcases local talent in art and crafting competitions.
Pasadena Strawberry Festival
A quirky and fun event near Houston, the Pasadena Strawberry Festival is famous for its BBQ cook-off, beauty pageant, arts and crafts, live entertainment, and most notably, the world’s largest strawberry shortcake.
Indulging in the world’s largest strawberry shortcake is just one of the sweet highlights at festivals near Houston in 2023.
Comicpalooza
Texas’s largest pop culture convention, Comicpalooza, is a massive event covering everything from comics, sci-fi, and fantasy to cosplay, gaming, film, and wrestling. It’s a vibrant gathering for fans of all things pop culture.
June
June highlights historical liberation and vibrant community celebrations.
Juneteenth Celebration
Commemorating the day Texas slaves learned of their freedom, Juneteenth is a significant historical and cultural event. Houston celebrates with performances at Miller Outdoor Theatre, featuring blues, gospel, and jazz, alongside smaller events raising awareness of African-American heritage.
Garden Fest
Held at the beautiful Buu Mon Buddhist Temple near Port Arthur, the Garden Fest allows visitors to stroll through stunning gardens featuring lotus blossoms and towering bamboo. Enjoy authentic Vietnamese food, arts and crafts, and serene surroundings.
Texas Outlaw Challenge
The Bay Area hosts this high-octane event featuring car shows, time trials, and a poker run on the water. It’s a thrilling spectacle for motorsports enthusiasts.
Pride Houston
Houston’s Pride celebration is one of the largest in the Southwest. The annual Pride Parade is a dazzling display of light, color, and sound, with elaborate floats, costumes, and performances celebrating the LGBTQ+ community. It’s a powerful and joyful expression of identity and unity.
Celebrating diversity and inclusion at the Houston Pride Parade is a highlight among the vibrant Houston festivals in 2023.
July
July is all about patriotic celebrations and classic summer fun.
Freedom Over Texas Festival
Houston’s official July 4th celebration takes place at Eleanor Tinsley Park. This massive event features live music performances from national acts, food vendors, and culminates in a spectacular fireworks display over Buffalo Bayou. It’s a fitting tribute to Independence Day.
Star Spangled Salute
The Houston Symphony’s annual patriotic concert at Miller Outdoor Theatre is a beloved tradition. The performance is accompanied by a dramatic 16-cannon salute and followed by fireworks, creating a memorable evening under the stars.
Great Texas Mosquito Festival
A unique, quirky festival south of Houston, the Great Texas Mosquito Festival embraces the state’s unofficial bird (the mosquito!) with humor and fun. Enjoy three days of entertainment, carnival rides, food, and contests, all presided over by the festival’s mascot, Willie-Man-Chew.
August
August offers cultural depth and culinary delights.
Houston Shakespeare Festival
The University of Houston hosts free performances celebrating the works of William Shakespeare throughout August. This festival attracts a large audience and provides accessible, high-quality theatre under the open sky at Miller Outdoor Theatre.
Houston Restaurant Weeks
Food lovers rejoice during Houston Restaurant Weeks. This month-long event sees top restaurants across the city offering multi-course prix-fixe menus at special prices, with a portion of proceeds benefiting the Houston Food Bank. It’s a fantastic opportunity to sample the city’s diverse and acclaimed culinary scene.
AIA Sandcastle Competition
Architects and designers flex their creative muscles at Galveston’s East Beach during this annual sandcastle competition. Teams build incredible, intricate sand sculptures, drawing thousands of spectators to witness the temporary masterpieces.
September
September rings in the fall with significant cultural heritage events.
Fiestas Patrias
Celebrating Mexico’s independence from Spain, Fiestas Patrias is one of the largest community-sponsored parades in the Southwest. Vibrant folklorico dancers, festive music, and colorful floats fill the streets, culminating in the crowning of Miss Fiestas Patrias. It’s a lively and proud cultural display.
October
October is packed with art, heritage, and German-themed fun.
Bayou City Art Festival
Held in Memorial Park, this is one of Houston’s premier outdoor fine arts events. Over 300 national artists showcase and sell their original works across 19 media. It’s a chance to discover unique art and support independent creators.
Texas Contemporary Art Fair
Bringing together top galleries, the Texas Contemporary Art Fair is a key event for collectors and art enthusiasts interested in modern and contemporary art.
Oktoberfest Houston
Prost! Oktoberfest Houston brings the spirit of Munich to Texas. Enjoy a wide selection of German and craft beers, authentic food, and lively polka music. Lederhosen and dirndls are encouraged for this festive cultural blend.
Texas Renaissance Festival
Just outside Houston, this massive festival recreates a 16th-century English village over several themed weekends. Guests can step back in time, enjoy performances by minstrels, jugglers, and comedians, explore artisan shops, and indulge in hearty food and drink. It’s a full-scale immersive experience.
Transport yourself to the 16th century at the Texas Renaissance Festival, one of the most expansive cultural experiences near Houston in 2023.
Wings Over Houston Airshow
Witness breathtaking aerial acrobatics at Ellington Field. This airshow features performances by military demonstration teams like the Thunderbirds or Blue Angels, as well as displays of historical and current aircraft.
Original Greek Festival
Hosted on the grounds of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral, this festival celebrates Greek culture with authentic food (think gyros, spanakopita, baklava!), wine, traditional dancing, and market stalls. It’s a vibrant community event filled with hospitality.
Pearland Art & Crafts on the Pavilion
A short drive from downtown, Pearland hosts this juried outdoor art show. Featuring handcrafted artwork, live music, food vendors, and interactive workshops, it’s a pleasant way to spend a fall day exploring local creativity.
Texian Market Days
Step into Texas history at the George Ranch Historical Park. Over 200 costumed interpreters bring different eras of Texas life to life through demonstrations, activities, and storytelling. It’s an engaging educational experience for all ages.
International Quilt Festival
The George R. Brown Convention Center hosts the world’s largest quilt show. See over 1,200 stunning antique and contemporary quilts on display, shop for fabrics and supplies from hundreds of vendors, and take classes to learn quilting techniques.
The International Quilt Festival showcases incredible artistry and craft, a unique event among the many Houston festivals and shows in 2023.
November
November honors heritage, celebrates the holiday season, and showcases diverse cultures.
Día de los Muertos Celebrations
Houston embraces the Mexican tradition of Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) with several events.
- Sugar Land Heritage Foundation: Features live music, cultural presentations, and workshops for children to create traditional artwork.
- Discovery Green: A FREE festival with altars, hands-on art activities, art cars, performances, and a large calavera (skull) display, creating a beautiful space for remembrance and celebration.
- National Museum of Funeral History: Hosts traditional celebrations, arts, and crafts, offering a unique perspective on this fascinating holiday.
These events are a poignant and colorful way to honor departed loved ones and learn about the history and symbolism behind this important tradition, making them meaningful entries in the lineup of Houston festivals 2023.
Annual Puerto Rican & Cuban Festival
Drawing a massive crowd, this festival celebrates the vibrant cultures of Puerto Rico and Cuba with delicious food, live music showcasing different genres from the islands, vendors, and a car show. It’s a lively party atmosphere.
Lone Star Rally
Galveston welcomes thousands of motorcycles for this massive rally. Riders show off their custom bikes with a thunderous parade down The Strand, attracting enthusiasts from across the country.
Annual Turkish Festival
Celebrate Turkish culture at Jones Plaza downtown. Sample authentic Turkish cuisine, enjoy traditional music and dancing, sip Turkish coffee, and explore cultural artifacts. It’s a warm and welcoming community event.
Texas Championship Native American Pow Wow
Witness the rich traditions of Native American culture as over 100 participants from across the U.S. compete in traditional singing and dancing. The event includes a teepee village, demonstrations, storytelling, educational exhibits, and booths selling authentic arts and crafts.
City of Houston’s Annual Veterans Day Celebration
Houston honors its veterans with a parade and ceremony downtown. Mayor Sylvester Turner and the city show support for the armed forces with floats, marching bands, and community participation.
The Nutcracker Market
A major holiday shopping event, the Houston Ballet Guild’s Nutcracker Market is a tradition for finding unique gifts, decorations, clothing, jewelry, and gourmet food items, kicking off the festive season.
Annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Service
Held at the Rothko Chapel, this service brings together representatives from various religions to celebrate Thanksgiving with a message of unity and gratitude, reflecting Houston’s diverse spiritual landscape.
Ice at Discovery Green
Ice skating returns to the heart of downtown! Skate outdoors on a large rink surrounded by the city skyline at Discovery Green. The park also hosts family-friendly programming, concerts, and movies throughout the holiday season.
Winter brings a unique experience with outdoor ice skating at Discovery Green, adding a festive touch to the end-of-year Houston festivals in 2023.
A Christmas Carol — A Ghost Story of Christmas
The Alley Theatre presents its production of the classic Dickens tale. This musical rendition of Ebenezer Scrooge’s journey is a beloved holiday tradition featuring imaginative sets, costumes, and music.
Holiday in the Gardens
Moody Gardens in Galveston transforms into a holiday wonderland with multiple attractions including Festival of Lights (over a million lights), Ice Land (ice sculptures), holiday films, ice skating, and opportunities for photos with Santa.
The Festival of Lights at Moody Gardens is a dazzling display that lights up the holiday season, part of the exciting December events among Houston festivals 2023.
Zoo Lights
The Houston Zoo gets a festive makeover with hundreds of thousands of LED lights forming animal displays, illuminated trees, and interactive light shows. Enjoy hot chocolate as you stroll through the sparkling zoo.
Festival of Lights (Moody Gardens)
Part of the Holiday in the Gardens experience, this specific attraction features over a million lights in festive scenes, an outdoor ice rink, holiday shopping, and more at Moody Gardens.
City of Houston Thanksgiving Day Parade
A cherished holiday tradition, this parade brings together floats, marching bands, balloons, and performers to entertain hundreds of thousands lining the downtown streets on Thanksgiving morning.
Uptown Holiday Lighting
Post Oak Boulevard lights up with hundreds of newly designed, twenty-foot-tall holiday trees featuring integrated lighting technology, creating a dazzling display along the boulevard to kick off the holiday season.
The Nutcracker (Houston Ballet)
Experience the magic of the classic holiday ballet performed by the Houston Ballet. Join Clara on her enchanting journey to the Kingdom of Sweets in this timeless production.
The Mayor’s Official Downtown Houston Holiday Celebration
The Mayor officially kicks off the holiday season downtown with a celebration featuring entertainment, choirs, and the ceremonial lighting of the tree outside City Hall, a central point for holiday gatherings among Houston festivals 2023.
December
December is synonymous with festive cheer and unique holiday traditions.
Dickens on the Strand
Galveston’s historic Strand district transforms into 19th-century Victorian London for this unique holiday street festival. Enjoy parades, multiple stages of entertainment, carolers, musicians, jugglers, and costumed characters, creating an immersive historical holiday experience.
Step back in time at Dickens on the Strand in Galveston, offering a unique historical twist on the holiday season near Houston.
Tomball German Christmas Market & Festival
Experience a Texas German celebration on the streets of downtown Tomball. This free event features traditional German food, beer, music, and vendors selling crafts and holiday items, bringing Bavarian charm to Texas.
Annual Christmas Boat Lane Parade
Watch over 100 festively decorated boats parade around Clear Lake and through the channel in front of the Kemah Boardwalk. It’s a unique, dazzling display of holiday lights reflecting on the water.
Tamale Festival Houston
A delicious way to celebrate the season, the Tamale Festival highlights the culinary diversity of Latino cultures through various types of tamales. The event also features Texas BBQ, food trucks, music, and family fun. It’s a true taste of Houston’s vibrant food scene.
Annual Candlelight Tour in the Park
The historic homes in downtown’s Sam Houston Park open their doors for the Heritage Society’s Candlelight Tour. Experience centuries-old holiday decorations and enjoy carols sung by costumed performers, offering a glimpse into the past of Houston holidays.
Houston’s festival calendar in 2023 offers an unparalleled journey through the city’s soul. From international cultural showcases and historical reenactments to thrilling sports events and mouth-watering food fairs, these gatherings provide a window into the diverse experiences that make Houston unique. Plan your visit around these incredible Houston festivals 2023 and immerse yourself in the energy, flavors, and traditions of this dynamic global city.