MYETX has compiled a list of festivals, fairs and celebrations held in the Pineywoods. If you would like to add an event to our 2012 calendar please email our team at [email protected].
February
Mardi Gras Upriver
February 8-10
Jefferson
Celebrate Mardi Gras at this festival that recalls the days when steamboats came up the river to Port Jefferson from New Orleans. Includes parades and live entertainment. Downtown.
Mardi Gras!
February 1-12
Galveston
Mardi Gras! Galveston will kick off on the Gulf Coast this Friday, February 1, 2013. Mardi Gras Galveston is the third largest Mardi Gras celebration in the United States, attracting more than 300,000 attendees annually. The two-week celebration is best known for its lavish parades held on the streets of the city’s historic downtown and beachfront. The 2013 event is scheduled to be the biggest Mardi Gras! Galveston celebration yet with 38 concerts, 24 parades, 20 balcony parties and five elegant masked balls.
March
Azalea Trail
March 1 – 30
Nacogdoches
Flower festival includes 25 miles of self-guided driving routes, floral-design exhibit, little princess garden party, azalea symposium, tour of homes, Running of the Blooms and other special events. Visitor Center, 200 E. Main, and various locations.
nacogdochesazaleas.com
General Sam Houston’s Birthday Celebration
March 2
Huntsville
Graveside ceremonies, lunch, birthday cake and a toast to Texas to honor General Sam Houston. Various venues.
walkercohistory.org
Republic of Texas Celebration
March 9
Center
Features pioneer-life demonstrations and clothing, re-enactments, muzzle loaders, blacksmithing, cooking, gun making, Indian leather goods, primitive knitting, live entertainment food and a flag retirement ceremony. Center Downtown Historic Square, 115 Shelbyville St.
shelbycountychamber.com
Young Texas Artists Music Competition
March 7 – 9
Conroe
Rising young classical music stars perform world-renowned works and compete. Preliminary rounds begin Thursday, and the finalists’ concert is Saturday. Four divisions are offered: Voice; Piano; Strings; and Winds, Brass, Percussion, Harp and Guitar. Crighton Theatre, 234 N. Main St. crightontheatre.org
Herb Festival
March 16
Huntsville
Browse plants and garden-related items. Wynne Home Art Center, 1428 11th St.
Phone: (936)291-5424
Azalea Festival
March 16
Jasper
Arts &Crafts festival featuring children’s activities, arts and crafts, a petting zoo, farmers market, master gardeners and food. Jasper County Courthouse Square.
75th Annual Dogwood Trails Celebration
March 15-17, 22-24, & 29-31
Palestine
Join the City of Palestine on Saturday, March 16th for the 75th Annual Dogwood Trails Celebration from 9-4pm. Parade at 10am. Arts and crafts, kids zone, food galore, live entertainment. Gate Charge $1. Children 12 & under free. Proceeds to local Non-Profits. Vendors can download an application by clicking on forms at the top of this page. Parade theme: “Diamonds & Dogwoods: A Dynamic Duo.” palestinechamber.org
Magnolia Showdown BBQ Cook-Off
March 22-24
Magnolia
IBCA-sanctioned event featuring multiple judged events categories, activities, vendors, and evening dancing. magnoliatexas.org
Festival of the Arts
March 23 – 24
Woodville
Enjoy village tours, a quilt show, and live music. Also see live demonstrations of spinning, weaving, blacksmithing and other skilled crafts. Heritage Village Museum, 157 Park Road 6000.
heritage-village.org
March Madness
March 30
Coldspring
Spring festival features art-and-crafts vendors. Courthouse square.
coldspringtexas.org
April
Art Walk
April 4
Longview
Tour local merchants exhibiting and selling art. Downtown. Phone: (903)236-4686
Spring Heritage Day
April 13
Chireno
Tour the Halfway Inn, which was built around 1840 and served as a stagecoach stop. Includes live demonstrations, children’s activities, live acoustic music by the Davy Crockett Dulcimer Society and more. Lunch available for purchase. On Texas 21 East. Hours are 9 a.m.-4 p.m. E-mail: [email protected].
Texas Legacy Festival
April 12 – 13
Conroe
This event marks the 200th anniversary of the First Republic of Texas, 1813, also known as the Green Flag Republic or Magee-Gutierrez Expedition. The multicultural legacy of the people who fought to create republic is celebrated in a wide array of dance, music, food and stories with African, Hispanic, Native American and European origins. Flag Park and Heritage Place Park. Phone: (936)577-9626
texaslegacyfest.org
Walker County Fair, Rodeo and Barbecue Cook-Off
April 5 – 13
Huntsville
Includes professional rodeo events, youth livestock projects, a carnival, barbecue cook-off and dance. Walker County Fairgrounds, 3925 Texas 30. Phone: (936)291-8763
walkercountyfair.com
Taste, Trade and Music Fest
April 16
Kilgore
Sample cuisine from some of Kilgore’s finest restaurants and enjoy live music and shopping. Hours are 5-7p.m. Downtown. Phone-(903)984-5022
kilgorechamber.com
Diamond Don’s National Vintage Motocross
April 18 – 21
Jefferson
Includes cross country and trial events Friday, vintage motocross on Saturday and post-vintage motocross on Sunday. Jim Gibson will be the weekend Legend. Come out and see International Racing Greats from the past: Gary Bailey, Marty Tripes, Brad Lackey, Chuck Sun, Steve Wise and Trampas Parker. Diamond Don RV Park, 1602 Texas 49 E. Phone: (866)398-2038
diamonddon.com
East Texas Gusher Days
April 19-20
Gladewater
Includes children’s games and activities, karaoke, arts and crafts, chili cook-off, contests and a street dance. Downtown. E-mail: [email protected] Phone: (903)845-5501, (800)627-0315
Pioneer Day
April 27
Hemphill
Tour the oldest log cabin in Texas and enjoy entertainment and vendors. Gaines-Oliphant House, on Texas 21 before the Pendleton Bridge. Phone: (409)787-2732
Dogwood Festival
April 6
Woodville
Includes the Dogwood Dash 5K Run, grand parade, queen’s coronation, historical outdoor play, antique auto exhibit, arts and crafts, and fireworks. Downtown, 100 W. Bluff St. Phone: (409)283-2632 tylercountydogwoodfestival.org
May
Jefferson Historical Pilgrimage
May 2 – 5
Jefferson
Tour four of Jefferson’s most beautiful and historic homes Friday and Saturday. Also enjoy the pilgrimage parade and town skirmish at 10 a.m. Saturday, a craft fair, heirloom plant sale, a luncheon at the Excelsior House Grand Ballroom/Courtyard, five performances of the “Diamond Bessie Murder Trial” play, tours of Jay Gould’s private rail car, twilight garden strolls, Battle for Port Jefferson Re-enactments and other living-history events. Various locations. Phone: (903)665-3733 jefferson-texas.com
The Great Locomotive Chase: The Andrews Raid
May 3-5
Jefferson
Ride an authentic 1870s replica steam train and experience the story of The Andrews Raid, the Civil War;s most gripping railroad story. Includes living-history camps along the river, as well as soldiers from the North and South re-enacting the “Great Locomotive Chase.” Historic Jefferson Railway, 400 E. Austin. Phone: (866)398-2038 jeffersonrailway.com
General Sam Houston Folk Festival
May 3-5
Huntsville
Celebration of the life of General Sam Houston. Features life0skill demonstrations, authentic 19th century dress, entertainment, children’s area and hands-on activities. Sam Houston Memorial Museum, 1402 19th St. Phone: (936)294-1832 samhoustonfolkfestival.org
Derrick Market
May 4, 11, 18, 25
Kilgore
Browse fresh fruits and vegetables as well as homemade arts and crafts. Hours are 8 a.m.-noon. World’s Richest Acre. Phone: (903)988-4117 cityofkilgore.com
Western Days
May 3 – 4
Hemphill
Includes rodeo events. Parade is on Saturday. Phone: (409)787-2732
Airing of the Quilts
May 4
Huntsville
Quilts are on display around courthouse square. Downtown. Phone: (936)291-3045
AlleyFest
May 10 – 12
Longview
Includes fine arts and crafts, live music, children’s activities, the Alley Run 5K and 10K, and vendors. Downtown. E-mail: [email protected] Phone: (903)237-4000
alleyfest.org
Apron Strings: Ties to the Past
May 11
Gladewater
This event, which features fabulous vintage aprons on display in the Antique District, honors the history of the apron and those who wore them. Downtown. E-mail: [email protected] Phone: (903)845-5501, (800)627-0315
Spring Festival
May 11 – 12
Winnsboro
Includes arts and crafts, food, music, Old West re-enactments, balloon release and children’s activities. Historic downtown, 115 E. Elm. Phone: (903)342-1300
winnsboroonlineguide.com
Jefferson’s National Train Day
May 18-19
Jefferson
Jefferson celebrates National Train Day aboard an antique narrow-gauge train. Experience four Jefferson train venues with one boarding pass. Phone: (866)398-2038 jeffersonrailway.com
June
AIA Sand Castle Competition
June 1, 2012
Galveston, Texas
Galveston is celebrating 27 years of sand castle competition on the island. The AIA SandCastle Competition is a fund-raising event for the AIA Houston Office, Grants, and the ARCH Foundation it is also one of the top five revenue generating events for the City of Galveston. See how the sands of Galveston magically transform into imaginative sculptures. For more information log on to http://aiasandcastle.com/index.html.
23rd Annual Texas Blueberry Festival
June 8, 2012
Nacogdoches, Texas
Visit Historic Nacogdoches, the oldest town in Texas for the only state sanctioned blueberry festival in the Lone Star State, making it unique and extremely popular.
The Texas Blueberry Festivals packs as much fun as possible into one fun-filled Saturday. From the Running of the Blueberries 5K Run/Walk to a Blueberry pancake breakfast, and much, much more! There is something for everyone at the Texas Blueberry Festival. Children’s activities all day, live entertainment, vendors, food and shuttle rides to pick your own blueberries. For more information visit texasblueberryfestival.com.
Tomato Festival
June 8
Jacksonville
Includes motorcycle, tractor and antique car shows; sports and fishing tournaments; arts and crafts; food; farmers’ market; tomato shed tour; salsa competition; tomato shooting, peeling, mashing and eating contests; live entertainment; and children’s activities. Downtown, 526 E. Commerce St. Phone: (903)586-2217 jacksonvilletexas.com
July
Yamboree Fireworks Show
TBA
Gilmer, Texas
Gilmer Football Stadium, Buffalo Street at North Bradford Street. For more information call (903)843-2413 or visit gilmerareachamber.com .
Fourth of July Celebration
TBA
Hunstville, Texas
Kate Barr Ross Park, 486 Texas 75 N. For more information call (936)294-5723 or visit huntsvilletx.gov .
The Great Texas Balloon Race
July 22-28, 2012
Longview, Texas
The Balloon Federation of America’s Hot Air Competition Division is pleased to announce the selection of Longview, Texas and the Great Texas Balloon Race to host the U.S. National Hot Air Balloon Championship beginning in 2012 and continuing through 2014. It’s a world class event attracting the very best competitive pilots from across the United States and the world. If you’ve never seen these colorful, graceful giants in the sky, watch out! The beauty and elegance will have you hooked for life.
Watermelon Festival
Photo by Noah Reams
July TBA
Naples, Texas
The Texas Watermelon Festival is held annually on the last weekend in July. The event draws people from far and wide. The Watermelon Festival has one of the major parades in North East Texas, many craft booths, special entertainment, a street dance, and a fully sanctioned PRCA rodeo during the week of events.
Texas Bluebonnet Wine Harvest Trail
TBA
Conroe, Texas
Experience the winemaking process from vineyard to bottle by visiting the 10 Southeast Texas wineries on this wine trail to enjoy special wine-and-food pairings. For more information visit texasbluebonnetwinetrail.com .
August
42 Annual New Boston Pioneer Days and Rodeo
TBA
New Boston, Texas
The New Boston Pioneer Days and Rodeo is often considered to be the hottest festival of the year. The festival includes a carnival, food and crafts vendors, art show, car show, bounce park for children, food and quilt show, fiddlers’ contest, a 42 tournament, competitions, games, a parade and live entertainment.
36th Annual Bluegrass Festival
August 29-September 1, 2012
Grapeland
Step back in time at Salmon Lake park for one of the oldest Bluegrass Festivals in East Texas. Every year some of the biggest names in Bluegrass music play at Salmon Lake Park and Main Street is transformed into a garage sale avenue. So whether you are looking for some bluegrass music this Labor Day weekend or a chance to haul off some treasures, Grapeland is where the pickers will be. For more information visit http://salmonlakepark.com/.
September
Texas Gatorfest
July TBA
Anahuac, Texas
Come to Texas GATORFEST 2011 where a weekend of family fun, food and entertainment awaits one and all at historic Fort Anahuac Park. Texas GATORFEST is truly the most unique festival in the state, combining the alligator and family fun for a good old Texas two-stepping good time! Witness the Great Texas Alligator Roundup, take and airboat ride or a river boat tour, enjoy four stages of entertainment, Texas Artisans, merchants and the scenic waterfront beer garden. Take a whirl on the adult carnival rides and treat the kids to the kiddie rides, pony rides and petting zoo. On Saturday and Sunday, witness the Great Texas Alligator Roundup and visit the Alligator Education Tent to get an up close and personal view of live gators, which outnumber Chambers County citizens by almost 3 to 1. Visit texasgatorfest.com to learn more.
Chickfest
TBA
Pittsburgh, Texas
The third Saturday in September is a time for celebrating our the heritage of Pittsburgh, Texas – a homecoming time for East Texans. Downtown is alive with booths, games, street dancing, and good food. For more information about Chickfest call the Chamber of Commerce at 903-856-3442 or visit their website at pittsburgchamber.com.
East Texas State Fair
September 20-29, 2013
Tyler, Texas
In its 97th year, this fair features a fair, livestock and agricultural shows and judging, live entertainment, food and more. East Texas State Fairgrounds, 2112 W. Front St. For more information call (903)597-2501 or visit etstatefair.com.
Wild Texas Galveston Island Shrimp Festival
September 27-29, 2013
Galveston, Texas
Boats, Gumbo, Music, Friends and Fun! The return and expansion of the Galveston Island Wild Texas Shrimp Festival kicks-off Friday, September 21-23. Last year the festival held a shrimp gumbo cook-off, 5K run, Lil’ Shrimps Procession, kids area, merchant walk-about, live music boat parade, boat show and blessing of the fleet. For more information visit http://yagaspresents.com/shrimpfestival/index.html.
October
Pineywoods Fair
October TBA
Nacogdoches, Texas
For more information visit http://nacexpo.net/pineywoodsfair.htm.
Fair on the Square
TBA
Huntsville, Texas
Arts and crafts show with more than 300 vendors also includes entertainment throughout the day. Downtown Square. For more information call (936)295-8113 or visit chamber.huntsville.tx.us
68th Annual Peanut Festival
October 10-12, 2013
Grapeland, Texas
Celebrate the culture and heritage of East Texas at the 68th Annual Peanut Festival in the “Queen City of the Sand Flats.” What started out as a possum walk/BBQ has evolved into one of the biggest celebrations in East Texas. The Peanut Festival kicks off Thursday with a carnival, followed by the Fighting Sandies homecoming football game, a street dance, food, vendors, a parade, music, and much, much more! For more information visit http://peanutfest.com/. READ MORE
Wild West Festival
October 10-12, 2013
Grapeland, Texas
Features Texas Top Guns Gunfighters, antique saddles, spurs, western art and other cowboy memorabilia. Salmon Lake Park. For more information call (903)549-2134 or (936)687-2594.
Texas Rose Festival
October TBA
Tyler,Texas
Discover why people keep coming back, year after year, to be part of Texas’ most beautiful event. You’ll be overwhelmed by the unbelievable aroma of hundreds of thousands of roses displayed in artful arrangements at the Rose Show, growing in manicured beds in the Rose Garden and covering hundreds of acres in the rose fields. For more information abot the Texas Rose Festival email [email protected] or visit http://visittyler.com/.
Texas Mushroom Festival
October TBA
Madisonville, Texas
From humble beginnings in 2002, this festival has grown and evolved. New events have been added each year, and the numbers of attendees have increased to approximately 15,000 in 2010. The festival provides a unique cultural and educational experience and promotes agricultural, culinary, and fine arts in East Texas. Madisonville, the Mushroom Capital of Texas, is located on I-45, at the intersection of State Highway 21, about half- way between Houston and Dallas. For more information visit http://madisonvilletexas.org/.
November Heritage Syrup Festival
November 9, 2012
Henderson, Texas
A sweet East Texas tradition continues each year at the Annual Heritage Syrup Festival the second Saturday of November. East Texans will gather in Henderson, Texas to commemorate the tradition of making ribbon cane syrup, the highlight of the only folk life festival in East Texas! Every year approximately 25,000 people from Texas and neighboring states attend the festival each year. Make plans to visit Henderson this November for folk art, folk music and East Texas soul food.
Nine Flags / Wassail Fest
November-December TBA
Nacogdoches, Texas
For more information visit http://nineflags.visitnacogdoches.org/schedule.php.
