Houston, Texas is a great place to spend with family and friends, and experience something different. There are various festivals dedicated to different cultures, plenty of family-friendly events, and a chance to try something new. Ask us about booking you a private jet flight to Houston, Texas next time you’re looking to get away, go on vacation, or on business.
June 2015
(June 13th – 14th, 2015)
The Houston Beer Festival is home to everything from macro to domestic brews. There are plenty of beers to try during the sampling hours, and entertainment will also be provided. Looking for a good time without the alcohol? You can buy tickets for just the concert too. Come to Houston and enjoy the 5th annual Beer Festival.
(June 6th, 2015)
On the first Saturday of every June, every year, Caribbean Heritage takes over until the end of the month. However, the big celebration is on Saturday, precisely this upcoming Saturday, the 6th of June. The celebration comes with famous artists, dancing, and delicious cultural foods native to Caribbean taste buds. There will also be three blocks for various art forms such as poetry, singing, and storytelling.
(July 11th, 2015)
Get ready for a day full of boat races, live music entertainment, culture, and food. The Dragon Boat Paddle Clinic and Scrimmage is a great way to spend the day, or to build teamwork if you’re participating. Admission is completely free, so there’s no reason to not show up and cheer on a team, or just enjoy some of the live performances on stage.
(June 19th, 2015)
The Juneteenth celebration is in honor of the Emancipation Proclamation when all slavery was abolished in America. For 143 years the celebration has been taking place, and this year marks the 150th year since slaves in Texas were given their freedom. There will be a variety of musical performances of jazz, blues, and gospel. Moreover, events aimed at raising awareness of African-American Heritage will be held throughout the event.
(June 21st – 28th, 2015)
The largest GLBT celebration in Texas happens in Houston every year where over 1,000 people march in the Houston Pride Parade. However, over 150,000 people alone come to spectate the parade and show their support. If you’d like to take it to the next level, you can make a one-time or recurring donation to help a variety of causes such as building scholarships, providing legal advice, and spreading knowledge of safe sex, to name a few.
(June 28th, 2015)
Get ready for the first ever Pre-Colombian Rumba at Traders Village in Houston, Texas. There will be plenty of music, dancing, and all around family-friendly entertainment. Check out one of the 1500 vendors, try some of the food, or do a little dancing. Admission is free, so come on and add some South American flair to your day.
July 2015
(July 3rd, 2015)
The day before the 4th of July, the Houston Symphony comes together to play a free event in its commemoration. For 25 years, The Pavilion in Houston, Texas has hosted this event to start off the weekend with a BANG. Previous years have also featured fireworks and a 16-cannon salute.
(July 4th, 2015)
On the birthday of America’s freedom, fireworks will light up the sky and echo throughout Houston, Texas. Musical performances will also be held by singer-songwriters Clint Black and Josh Turner. The event will have something for the whole family, with a Walmart Kids Zone for children’s entertainment, an American Beer Garden by Bud Light, and the Dr Pepper One-of-a-Kind Zone with music and food. Come and join the event if you’re in the Houston area this July.
(July 31st – August 3rd, 2015)
Returning for its 24th year, the International Jazz Festival comes to Houston for all of its supporting fans. Jazz performers like Los Lonely Boys and Rachelle Ferrell are some of the names that will be popping up on this year’s line-up. Usually, the festival ends the 2nd of August, but this year it’s going for an extra day to really crank up the funk. Plus, the Friday night Kick Off Party will be bigger than ever, expanding across an entire block filled with food, drinks, exhibits, and more.
(July 31st – August 1st – 9th, 2015)
To attend or not to attend? That is the question, and the answer is “Yes.” Every year, nearly half a million people attend the Shakespeare performances at the Miller Outdoor Theatre. How could they not when it’s completely free, Shakespeare in the park style? This year, a legendary classic, Macbeth will be playing. The Merchant of Venice will also be sharing the spotlight.
August 2015
(August 29th, 2015)
Every year, during the last weekend of August, the Theater District opens its doors to the public. Over nine world-renowned performing arts organizations, featured in four venues, have ongoing live performances for a single day. Not only that, but you’ll get a chance to tour backstage, check out the costume displays, and even touch some of the musical instruments used. The best part is that it all ends with a free Houston Symphony concert.
September 2015
(September 13th, 2015)
Celebrating Mexico’s independence from Spain, this is one of the largest and most colorful parades in the Southwest. In earlier times, Mexican Americans began celebrating Fiestra Patrias to reinforce their culture. Today, the festival sponsors musical performances, dances, native cuisine, costumes, and more. After colorful dancers takeover the streets with ballet and other street performances, a beauty pageant is held to crown Miss Fiestas Patrias.
(September 19th – 20th, 2015)
Remember the sounds of the late 1900’s? Led Zeppelin, The Beatles, Journey, Rush, and all those legendary bands that made their mark? It’s time for nostalgia at the the 3rd Annual Rock & Pop Tribute Band Festival, where there will be tribute bands playing all of the old favorites for two days. It’s a free festival, so it’s a great way to spend time with friends, family, and good music.
(September 19th – 20th, 2015)
Do you have an iron stomach? Put it to the test at the Houston Hot Sauce Festival. There will be award winning hot sauce, salsa, rubs, wing sauces, dips, and more. Vendors from all over will be showcasing the best of their best. Find a product you want to take home, or just go nuts and try something super hot. There will be plenty of brands to browse and samples to try.
(September 27th, 2015)
Ever feel like you haven’t experienced enough of the world’s culture? Well here’s your chance to change that. The Houston Slavic Heritage Festival is a day filled with Slavic foods, singing, and dancing to celebrate Slavic Heritage. It’s a great way to learn about a new culture while spending a day with the family. Known as one of Houston’s longest running festivals, there’s a reason it returns every year.
(September 27th, 2015)
Looking for a great way to spend a day with the kids? Bring them to the Staples Safari Zoo event, and give them an unforgettable experience. Everyone in the audience is invited to interact with the various animals, from monkeys to kangaroos. All day, there will be educational and entertaining shows to keep you busy, and best of all, it’s free!
October 2015
(October 1st – 4th, 2015)
For the 45th year, the Annual Houston Greek Festival returns to celebrate all things Greek. Held on the grounds of the Greek Orthodox Cathedral, performances by dancers and musicians will take place for your entertainment. Along with this, authentic Greek food, drinks, and deserts will be made available. This is a great festival to enjoy with the family, educate the little ones and yourself on a new culture, and just have a good time.
(October 4th, 2015)
Talk about art-on-the-go. For the 14th year, Traders Village becomes the canvas of an art festival on wheels. Still somewhat underground, art car shows take old or broken down automobiles, and turn them into a work of art. It’s a great demonstration of transformation, and a great way to spend the day. Check out some of the art cars on display, and enjoy live music entertainment while you’re there.
(October 8th – 11th, 2015)
Every year, the St. Thomas University sponsors an Italian Festival on campus. Known as “Festa Italiana,” many authentic pastries, foods, and Italian wines are made available at the festival. It’s a family-friendly event, so be sure to bring the kids. There will be many scheduled performances and activities taking place, such as a pasta eating contest, a sidewalk art contest, a classic car show, and more.
(October 10th, 2015)
Can you feel the heat this October? The Houston Fire Fest is coming back, and there’s already plenty of fun events going into the mix. Family-friendly activities, live fire demonstrations, a parade, and much more will be happening. There will also be plenty of food and fun to be had, so be sure to mark your calendars. Oh, and America’s Heroes, the Firefighters will be there as well.
(October 17th – 18th, 2015)
The U.S. Air Show is returning to Houston this year, with airborne feats by the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, Super Hornets, and several other models. Each aircraft model is set to perform a different show, demonstrations, technique, and daring aerial acrobatics. There will also be a collection of World War II aircraft joining for the Texas Flying Legends Museum, helicopters, and even performances by civilian pilots. Plus, if you or someone you know likes model airplanes, there will be a radio-controlled aircraft demonstration.
(October 20th – 26th, 2015)
Beer lovers, come on over for a week-long celebration of beer. Featuring over 1,000 beers, the best brewers come to the Big Brew to strut their stuff. This isn’t just for beer lovers though, this celebration is also a great place for foodies, as restaurants and chefs will be providing meals and snacks to match different beers.
(October 24th, 2015)
For the 32nd year, the Texian Market Festival returns. Not too far off from Houston, the festival is held in Richmond, Texas. It’s a great time to learn over 150 years of Texas History, watch battle re-enactments, enjoy live entertainment, and even get involved with some of the more interactive activities. It’s a time to quench your thirst and fill up on some of the best food and beer Houston has to offer.
(October 31st, 2015)
Is your neighborhood a little on the boring side when it comes to Halloween and trick-or-treating? Well have no fear, because Traders Village is throwing a boo bash to give the kids a great Halloween. Children 12 and under can trick-or-treat, there will be a maze, face-painting, a magic show, and Michael Jackson returns for several shows throughout the day. Don’t miss out on the music and the fun at this free event.
(October 31st – November 2nd, 2015)
The famous Spanish tradition of celebrating the return of souls to the world of the living is well-known across the Americas, and Houston, Texas is no exception. From Halloween to All Souls Day, the many people of Texas celebrate it in different ways, going by traditional and modern customs. This year, the National Museum of Funeral History is hosting a special event for Dia de los Muertos with an exhibit dedicated to its traditions. There will be full-scale models of homes, graveyards, and items typically on display during this celebration, all decorated and prepared by local artists.
November 2015
(November 7th, 2015)
Hankering for some BBQ? Come down to Traders Village in Houston, Texas to fix that hunger. It’s a BBQ cook-off like none other, for the 3rd year running. There will be plenty of food to go around, and you know there’s bound to be some entertainment happening. All of the proceeds go to the Inspiring Possibilities charity, so it’s all for a good cause.
(November 7th, 2015)
Returning to “The Tasting Room” at Uptown Park, the Classic Grand Tasting in Houston is bringing an afternoon of wine, food, and music. Over 100 fine wines will be available for tasting, whilst an outdoor patio will be available for relaxing and fine dining. The best restaurants in Houston will be hosting the food, serving gourmet meals that go great with the fabulous wines. If you find a wine you like, you can buy a bottle to take home with you.
(November 12th – 15th, 2015)
As the holidays get closer in Houston, Texas, merchants set up shop. At the NRG Center in Houston, over 300 national and international merchants display original and unique items for sale. Everything from home décor to toys, there will be something for everyone on your shopping list. However, this is an exclusive event, with tickets selling as early as mid-October.
(November 14th – 15th, 2015)
Texas also celebrates the natives of this land, the Native Americans. For two days, a variety of events take place during a Native American Pow Wow. There are colorful tribal dance contests, art and craft shows, ceremonies, and more, all involving several hundred Native Americans from a variety of tribes. In addition, there will be dance competitions held, and special entertainment.
(November 19th – January 4th, 2015)
Come to the Houston Zoo and enjoy the magical light display next holiday season. Over two million lights will illuminate the park for nearly two months. There will also be special events, such as musical entertainment, train rides, and a chance to host private holiday parties. Give your child a holiday to remember at the Zoo of Lights.
(November 21st, 2015)
A cookoff is the best way to compete for the best of the best, and this one is all about the chili. Award winning teams around Houston are coming together to make the best chili and beans in all of Texas. Multiple awards will be given out in various categories at the cookoff, and a live auction will be taking place. Plus, if you’re looking to try out some of the chili, and why wouldn’t you, taster’s cups will be available for a small donation. The cookoff is free to the public.
(November 22rd, 2015)
This year marks the 31st year the iACT has been bringing together people of all religions together for a Thanksgiving service. All are welcome to join this service, and a bit of a reception is to follow. Anyone who joins is asked to bring a plate of fruit, vegetable, or sweets to share. The Houston Interfaith Service is a pleasant time for peace and balance amongst everyone during the holidays, and hopefully year-round.
(November 25th, 2015)
On the eve of Thanksgiving, every year in Houston, thousands of people gather for a free family event filled with holiday cheer. There are holiday characters for photo ops with the little ones, 80 trees lit up by half a million lights, and a special appearance by Santa. The festivities start early afternoon and last until later into the night, with holiday music, concessions, and ending with a fireworks extravaganza.
December 2015
(December 6th, 2015)
It’s time to give the holidays a little Hispanic flair, and what better way than with Fiesta Navideñas? It’s an all-around family-friendly event with plenty to do. Live music entertainment will be going on throughout the day, there will be a tamale contest, giveaways, and Santa will be stopping by. Be sure to have your cameras ready for that photo op, and inspire some holiday cheer.
(December 12th – 13th, 2015)
Every year, the Heritage Society of Houston throws together a celebration for the holidays in early December. Historic structures are lit up with beautiful lights, carolers stroll about, and Santa may even make an appearance as well. Every year is a little different, looking for more ways to make long-lasting memories for the whole family. Plus, the Candlelight Cafe opens up before the tour, offering you a chance to get everyone together for a meal.