Small towns in Texas are known for their festivals—a whirlwind of parades, contests, and hospitality that could charm the boots off anyone. From the sun-soaked days of Spring to the crisp, cool nights of Winter, these events bring locals and visitors together with great food, live music, and time-honored traditions. Just bring your smile and plan to stay a while!
Spring
As Texas awakens with blooming fields and coastal breezes, its small-town festivals come to life. Strawberry fields and sandy shores make these spring festivals a must for your Texas itinerary.
The Poteet Strawberry Festival
The Rotary Club of San Antonio kicked off this festival in 1948 to encourage WWII veterans back to the area’s farms. Today, the Poteet Strawberry Festival draws over 100,000 visitors in mid-April. Visitors enjoy cheering at the lively strawberry judging and auction, where growers showcase their berries' size, color, and sweetness. Just imagine biting into these juicy fruits, sipping tart lemonades, or savoring warm strawberry nut bread. Later, the rodeo arena buzzes with excited fans as team roping and bull riding unfold.
Port Aransas Sandfest
Port Aransas kicks off the Texas Sandfest every April, turning the beach into a showcase of jaw-dropping sand sculptures. Starting as a small local contest in 1997, the fest now draws artists from across the globe, crafting stunning creations over three days. Live music flows around the masterpieces, local food vendors fill the air with sweet and savory bites, and kids have fun digging into Lesson Mountain—sand-sculpting workshops led by volunteer expert sculptors. It’s a coastal celebration of art and fun that’ll leave you sandy-toed and smiling.
The Texas Onion Fest
Down in Weslaco, near the southern tip of Texas, the Texas Onion Fest blooms every March to honor the famed 1015 sweet onion—named for its October 15th planting date. Onion enthusiasts flock here to savor crispy onion rings, tackle sack races, and cheer at the outrageously entertaining onion-eating contest. With live music filling the air, this festival is a deliciously fun way to welcome spring in a charming small town.
Old Settler’s Music Festival
The Old Settler’s Music Festival draws crowds to the Central Texas region every April. What started as a Saturday bluegrass gathering in 1987 has blossomed into a multi-day celebration of Americana and roots music. With its laid-back, family-friendly feel, strangers quickly become friends over shared tunes and campfire jams. Join a workshop or grab a bite from local vendors—there’s plenty to keep you busy. As the day winds down, find a spot under the stars or start plotting your return for next year’s fest.
Summer
Across the sunlit state, small towns throw open their doors for festivals that celebrate music, local flavors, and carefree togetherness. Add these summer festivals to your travel plans to soak it all in.
The Stockdale Watermelon Jubilee
As the state’s oldest watermelon festival, the Stockdale Watermelon Jubilee turns the town into a summer wonderland every June. Kick off with the Watermelon Crawl 5k or grab a spot for the parade. Watch as watermelon-themed floats, bright costumes, and bands rowdy the crowd for the locally elected parade royalty—Queen Melone and her court. Afterwards, the Jubilee Dog Show and Races draw the crowd with adorable pups in watermelon getups racing to the finish line. Altogether, this festival makes for an unforgettably sweet summer bash for your whole crew.
Marfa Lights Festival
Every Labor Day weekend, the Marfa Lights Festival turns the courthouse square into a lively scene of music, community, and food with a side of extra-unique charm. What originated as means to bring music and art to Marfa has grown into a three-day bash featuring local bands, delicious eats, and family-friendly fun. A parade launches Saturday’s festivities, but after a day of celebration, the real mystery unfolds as crowds gather to spot the elusive Marfa Lights in the pitch black of West Texas nights. It’s an eclectic, community-rooted event that pulls travelers into its quirky, artistic fold.
Kerville Folk Festival
Born in 1972 the Kerrville Folk Festival reigns today as Texas’ oldest music festival. Spanning 18 days at Quiet Valley Ranch, it’s a song-lover’s paradise amid the Hill Country’s natural beauty. Concerts echo day and night, and the sprawling campground thrums with music, laughter, and budding friendships. It’s an experience attendees call “transformational,” leaving them with new songs, new memories, and a newfound home in Texas.
Fall
With crisp air and golden harvests, Texas’s small towns roll out festivals that honor local crops and the tight-knit charm. Make these fall festivals a highlight of your Texas trip.
The Peanut Festival
In Floresville, a small town near San Antonio, the historic courthouse and town square host the annual Peanut Festival each October. Carnival rides spin alongside booths piled high with peanut butter goodies, crunchy brittle, and cookies—pure nutty delight. Adding some friendly competition to the local charm, crowds gather for the washer tournaments to watch players lob metal rings into tiny cutouts for points. As dusk settles, live country bands strike up, and two-stepping takes over in a toe-tapping finish to a day packed with fun.
GrapeFest in Grapevine
Tucked in the DFW Metroplex, Grapevine pours out for GrapeFest each September to celebrate Texas wines. Visitors can sample local reds and whites, then cast their votes in the People’s Choice Wine Tasting Classic to crown the festival’s favorite vintage. The GrapeStomp steals the show, where two-person teams compete to stomp the most juice in two minutes, vying for the coveted Purple Foot Award. As live music hums through the streets, food trucks roll in with delicious bites, and the Champagne Terrace sparkles with bubbly and jazz. It’s a full-bodied tribute to Texas vineyards and small-town spirit.
Seguin Pecan Fest
Every October, Seguin—the “Pecan Capital of Texas”—hosts Pecan Fest to celebrate its deeply-rooted heritage. Upon arriving, snap a photo with the world’s largest pecan statues before diving into Fall Trade Days. Here, local vendors dish out delectable pecan pies, sticky pralines, and handmade crafts. The scent of baked treats and hum of live music, set against this charming Texas town create the ultimate autumn welcome.
Tyler Rose Fest
Tyler bursts into bloom each October as it honors its title as the Rose Capital of America with the Rose Fest The Queen’s Coronation and pageant officially kick things off, followed by the Rose Parade—a spectacle of over 100 living‑rose floats, marching bands, and the royal court winding through downtown. Stick around to shop and snack on seasonal treats. Cap the day with a leisurely stroll through the Municipal Rose Garden, where thousands of roses blaze in full bloom.
Winter
As winter settles over Texas, small-town festivals light up the season with holiday magic and heartfelt traditions. Add these festive experiences to your holiday plans for a true Texas celebration.
Palestine, TX State Railroad Polar Express
From late November through December, the Texas State Railroad in Palestine, east of Waco, invites you aboard its magical Polar Express Train Ride. Inspired by the beloved Christmas story, families slip into pajamas to sip hot cocoa and munch cookies as the tale unfolds around them. When the train reaches the North Pole stop, Santa steps aboard to hand out sleigh bells to the children. On the return trip, the train cars rock with carols, wrapping up the pure holiday magic.
Salado Christmas Stroll
Halfway between Waco and Austin, the Salado Christmas Stroll transforms the historic Scottish village into a festive wonderland for two weekends in December. A gem among small towns to visit in Texas, it sparkles even brighter this time of year. Celebrations begin with a parade down Main Street, ushering in a weekend of holiday delights. Enjoy a live performance of A Christmas Carol, pick up one-of-a-kind gifts at the market, or sip and sway to the local tunes. It’s a small-town holiday experience done just right.
Galveston Dickens on the Strand
Each December, Galveston’s historic Strand transforms into a vibrant echo of Victorian London for Dickens on the Strand, held the first weekend of the month. Picture the Texas coast alive with costumed carolers and role players, parades weaving through the streets, and a festive nod to Charles Dickens’ world. Kids can have fun in Tiny Tim’s Play Land, while adults can browse the booths overflowing with unique items. This spirited festival blends old-time charm with Galveston’s island flair, casting a warm glow over the winter season.
Year-round celebrations make the great small towns in Texas vibrant communal hubs. From Poteet's Strawberry Fest to Salado's Christmas Stroll, there's a year-round stream of festivities to explore. Together, they create a welcoming space for an altogether unforgettable trip to Texas.
