Texas is one of the more diverse areas of the United States. There is no greater proof of this than a quick look at the various events taking place throughout the year. Texas festivals, in a nutshell, are something to behold. If you’re a big proponent of taking in the cultural richness of an area, then you need to check out these five great festivals:
1. South By Southwest (SXSW) – Perhaps one of the largest music gatherings in the world, Austin, Texas is transformed into the center of the music world every March. Interestingly enough, the festival began as a way for local Austin residents looking for a way to celebrate the artistic tilt of the city’s population. The first run of SXSW was in March 1987, and the response was tremendous. It has grown exponentially since then, and for the music lover, it is a definite ‘bucket-list’ item.
2. La Grange Uncorked in La Grange, TX – If you’re a foodie & wine lover, this is the place to be. Nearly 20 wineries hold court in La Grange’s premier wine and food festival. There are plenty of tasty treats and live music.
3. Texas Music & Crawfish Festival with Billy Mata in Boerne, TX – Nothing makes for good eating than a fine crawfish “bowl” (the Texas pronunciation). Combining fresh crawfish all day, family-friendly fun & games, vendors providing other great foods, and the music of Texas swing music legend Billy Mata, this festival aims to celebrate the state’s most iconic roots.
4. Bluebonnet Festival of Texas in Chappell Hill – This festival has celebrated the state flower of Texas for over 50 years. The Bluebonnet Festival was declared the “Official Bluebonnet Festival of Texas” by the Texas Legislature and is high on the list of Texas getaway ideas & itineraries. Hosted by the Chappell Hill Historical Society, the goal is to celebrate Texas & Chappell Hill’s designated National Historic District, not to mention that Chappell Hill is in Washington County, arguably one of the most historically important areas in Texas history.
5. Annual Cotton Gin Festival in Burton, TX – Celebrating nearly three decades of good, old-fashioned fun, the Cotton Gin Festival is built around Burton’s claim-to-fame as being home to the oldest operating cotton gin in America. Not only is cotton king in these parts, the festival (and the city’s central museum) is dedicated to keeping the history of the cotton industry alive and well.
With more daylight, cool temperatures, and a need to break out of the winter doldrums, enjoying any one of a number of Texas festivals this year is a “win-win” for everyone. So, whether it’s you & your family, a bunch of buds aching for a road-trip, or the girls getting together for a weekend getaway, there are more than enough options to please the crowd.