Georgetown View Magazine • May 2023

Festivals bring people together to celebrate and showcase different interests, ideas, and cultures. And, as the weather grows milder, you may be thinking about fun or family friendly outdoor activities, so our writers have compiled a list of events that is sure to have something for everyone. Whether you prefer music festivals and cultural events that introduce you to a new world of music or food, or the delightful wackiness of a UFO festival, Texas’ events provide a unique opportunity for attendees to learn, connect, and have fun.

In this list, we explore some of the most exciting and notable events most are nearby or just a short drive from Georgetown; YELLOW blocks indicate the event is within Williamson County so be sure to save this issue to check back for future planning. Please note, while we have made every effort to represent accurate dates and details for each, we recommend checking online for schedule changes before heading out for the day.

MAY EVENTS

May 3-6 • Marble Falls Marble Falls Mayfest

Celebrate Spring with Mayfest, featuring four days of food trucks, vendors, live music, games, and carnival rides. visitmarblefalls.org/event/mayfest

, May 5-7 • Austin Republic of Texas Biker Rally

Each year, motorcycle enthusiasts convene for one of the largest biker rallies in the country that showcases live music, bike shows, and other biker-themed activities. republicoftexasmotorcyclerally.com

May 6 • Leander Kite Festival

Kick off the summer with the annual Kite Festival at Devine Lake Park, a free community event for all ages that includes kite events, food and craft vendors, and lots of high-flying fun! Bring your own kite or bring the family to watch other kites soar. leandertx.gov/parksrec/page/kite-festival

May 6-7 • Austin Pecan Street Festival

Held twice a year in Austin, this festival features live music, food vendors, and arts and crafts booths. pecanstreetfestival.org

May 12-14 • Crystal Beach Texas Crab Festival

Enjoy a weekend of fresh Gulf seafood, live music, coastal arts and crafts, and other activities for the whole family. texascrabfestival.org

May 19-20 • Rockport Babes on the Bay

Babes on the Bay is an all-women’s fishing tournament that was created to help educate women about the sport of saltwater fishing in a conservation-minded approach. The event offers an opportunity for women from across Texas and the entire country to come together in a fun-filled weekend with live bands, vendor booths, educational outreach by Texas Parks and Wildlife, and other conservation-minded organizations. babesonthebay.com

May 20 • Liberty Hill • Whimsy and Wonder

Each year, Liberty Hill's Main Street is transformed into an eclectic fusion of all things whimsical and wonderful, with live music, art demonstrations, wine tastings, artisan vendors, street performers, and a Children’s Imagination Garden. experiencelhtx.com/whimsyandwonder/

May 21 & June 18-25 • Georgetown, Liberty Hill, & Austin • Texas Bach Festival

Annual celebration of the music of Johann Sebastian Bach and other classical composers. texasbachfestival.org

May 25 - June 11 • Kerrville Kerrville Folk Festival

Visitors can enjoy an 18-day music extravaganza featuring a lineup of renowned folk and Americana musicians. kerrvillefolkfestival.org

May 26-28 • Ennis, National Polka Festival

Celebrate the town of Ennis' Czech heritage with polka music, food, and dancing. nationalpolkafestival.com/

May 26-28 • Fredericksburg Annual Crawfish Festival

Held annually in Fredericksburg, this festival celebrates Cajun culture with crawfish boils, live music, and other family-friendly activities.

visitfredericksburgtx.com/event/fredericksburg-crawfish-festival/55172/

May 27 • San Antonio, Asian Festival

In observance of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, this one-day performance, entertainment, and food event will celebrate the diverse Asian diaspora represented in South Texas and San Antonio. asianfestivalsa.org

May • Pflugerville Deutschen Fest

Pflugerville’s most popular pfestival, the Deutschen Pfest is held every year in Pfluger Park. The pfestival schedule is always bursting with pfun with live music, food, beer, shopping, and the Pfun Run and Community Pfair. deutschenpfest.com

JUNE EVENTS June 7-11 • Austin, Cine Las Americas International Film Festival

Annual cinema showcase in Austin that features films from Latin America, Spain, and Portugal. cinelasamericas.org

June 7-10 • Lockhart, Chisholm Trail Roundup

This annual festival honors the city's historic cattle drives with a parade, live music, and other family-friendly activities. lockhartchamber.com/chisholm-trail-roundup/

June 8-11 • Abilene, Children's Art & Literacy Festival

Known as the Storybook Capital of America, Abilene hosts an annual Children's Art & Literacy Festival featuring readings, meet and greets with storybook characters, a parade, petting zoo, and many other kid-friendly literary events. abilenecalf.com

June 17 • Salado, Springs Beer Festival

With beer tastings and family friendly activities, the Salado Springs Beer Festival is the perfect way to toast your pops during Father's Day weekend. barrowbrewing.com/salado-springs-beer-fest

Weekends on or near June 19 • Juneteenth

Parades, live music, food, and activities in various locations in Georgetown, Round Rock, San Marcos, Austin, Killeen

June 22-25 • Luling, Luling Watermelon Thump

This festival celebrates the town's status as the "Watermelon Capital of Texas" with live music, a carnival, and of course, lots of juicy watermelon. watermelonthump.com

JULY EVENTS

July 3 • Leander, Leander Liberty Fest

Celebrate Independence Day with Liberty Fest at Lakewood Park! Leander's largest annual event includes live music, food, children's activities, and a spectacular fireworks display. leandertx.gov/parksrec/page/liberty-fest-2023

July 3 • Liberty Hill, Liberty Hill Independence Day Spectacular

This festival celebrates the Fourth of July with live music, food vendors, and a fireworks display. experiencelhtx.com/independence-day-spectacular/

July 4 • Georgetown 4th of July Celebration

This Independence Day event hosted by the Georgetown Sertoma Club features a parade, auto show, arts and crafts, food vendors, live music, amusement rides, petting zoo, inflatables, and a fireworks show. georgetown4th.org

July 27-29 • Clute, The Great Texas Mosquito Festival

A three-day, fun-filled family event, the Great Texas Mosquito Festival features a 5K, carnival, cook-off, arts and crafts, live entertainment, and more. mosquitofestival.com

AUGUST EVENTS

August 5 • Georgetown Blazin' Beer Crawl

An antidote for thirst for heat-weary Texans, the Blazin' Beer Crawl offers craft beer tastings at downtown retail stores and restaurants. mainstreet.georgetown.org/beercrawl/

August 11-12 • Edinburg, Edinburg UFO Festival

This one is a little outside our norm but definitely worth a drive. Inspired by an incident in 1966 in North Edinburg, the festival kicks off with a tour of the crash site. Includes conferences by celebrity speakers from "Ancient Aliens" and "The Vortex." Other activities include a planetarium, tin foil hat station, vendors, autopsy, room, costume contests, and a laser light show. Also includes footage of sightings in the Rio Grande Valley. edinburgufo.com/

August 26 • Austin Bat Fest

Each year, visitors gather to watch 1.5 million bats emerge from under the Congress Avenue bridge at dusk, an event accompanied by live music, arts and crafts vendors, food and drinks, kids’ activities, a bat costume contest and other bat activities. austintexas.org/event/austin-bat-fest/372455

August 26-27 • Austin Texas Woodworking Festival

Showcases local woodworking talent with demonstrations, vendors, and workshops. texaswoodworkingfestival.com/

SEPTEMBER EVENTS

Labor Day Weekend • West Westfest

An annual event that salutes the area’s Czech heritage, Westfest features live music and entertainment, authentic food and beverages, and nonstop family fun. westfest.com

September 1-3 • Richardson Texas Gospel Music Festival

Featuring 11 gospel music artists and bands, the Texas Gospel Music Festival is a must-attend event for lifelong gospel music fans as well as those simply seeking an inspiration weekend. https://www.imcconcerts.com/event.php?id=243

September 9 • Harker Heights, Harker Heights Food, Wine & Brew Festival

Whether you are a craft beer drinker, wine lover, or foodie, everyone will find something to savor at this festival, which features Texas wines, craft brews, vendors, live music, and much more. hhfoodandwine.com

September 14-17 • Grapevine Grapevine GrapeFest

This festival celebrates the city's wine-making heritage with tastings, live music, and a grape-stomping competition. grapevinetexasusa.com/grapefest

September 16-17 • Austin Pecan Street Festival

Held twice a year in Austin, this festival features live music, food vendors, and arts and crafts booths. pecanstreetfestival.org

September 21-23 • Fort Worth Fort Worth Oktoberfest

A three-day celebration of German culture, Fort Worth Oktoberfest offers something fun for everyone, whether you want to kick back in the biergarten, shop in the marktstrass, or test your skills at stein hoisting and bier barrel rolling. Fort Worth Oktoberfest also hosts a 5k Run, 20-mile urban bike ride and carnival rides and games. fortworthoktoberfest.com

September 21-24 • Plano Plano Balloon Festival

Soar to new heights with the Plano Balloon Festival, which features family friendly concerts, kids’ activities, sky diving exhibitions, fireworks show, and hot air balloon displays and tethered rides. planoballoonfest.org

September 29 - October 22 • Dallas State Fair of Texas

Visitors can enjoy a wide range of attractions, including live music, carnival rides, livestock shows, and a variety of food vendors. bigtex.com

September 30 • Georgetown GTX Film Festival

Annual cinematic celebration featuring a full day of films. gtxfilm.org

September 30 - October 1 • Austin Austin Coffee Festival

Enjoy the best specialty roasters and coffee shops with unique beans, delicious snacks, and live entertainment, during this oneof-a-kind coffee experience. austincoffeefestival.com

OCTOBER EVENTS

October 6 - Nov 4 • Georgetown, Art Hop

With artwork displayed at both the Georgetown Public Library and the Georgetown Art Center, viewers can “hop” across the Square to enjoy diverse pieces created by artists who live all over the state. Opening reception Oct. 7. www.georgetownartcentertx.org/schedule/arthopxvi

October •San Antonio, Dia De Los Muertos

Discover Day of the Dead in a city bursting at the seams with Latin heritage and culture. Visitors can enjoy a river parade, live music, and other fun festivities.

October 6-8 and 13-15 • Austin Austin City Limits Music Festival

ACL features a diverse music lineup every year with nine stages and 100+ performances over two weekends. aclfestival.com

October 6-9 • New Braunfels (Gruene Historic District), Gruene Music and Wine Fest

Visitors can enjoy live music, wine tastings, and food vendors from local restaurants during this annual event that also raises funds for United Way of Comal County. gruenemusicandwinefest.org

October 6-7 • Round Rock, Round Rock Chalk Walk

This unique event features sidewalk chalk artists who turn the pavement into a stunning canvas of colors and designs. Visitors will also have the chance to explore a variety of vendors as well as enjoy food, live music, theatrical performances, and children's activities. chalkwalk.org

Weekends starting October 7 - November 26 • Todd Mission, Texas Renaissance Festival

Visitors can enjoy medieval-themed entertainment, jousting, crafts, and food. texrenfest.com/

October 19-22 • Tyler, Texas Rose Festival

Known as the Rose Capital of America, Tyler will celebrate its 90th annual Rose Festival with a rose art show, parade, arts and crafts fair, and Queen's coronation and tea. texasrosefestival.com

October 21 • Georgetown, South Main Arts Festival

Visitors can enjoy artist demonstrations, performances, live music, and art shopping opportunities. arts.georgetown.org/southmainartfest/

October 21 • Liberty Hill, International Sculpture Festival

Each year, Liberty Hill’s Sculpture Park features live sculpting demonstrations, hands-on art activities, vendors, live music, a street dance, and a silent disco. experiencelhtx.com/sculpture-festival

October 21 • San Antonio, Water Lantern Festival

Floating lantern event that features food, games, activities, vendors, music, and the beauty of thousands of lanterns adorned with letters of love, hope and dreams. waterlanternfestival.com/sanantonio

October 20-22 • Austin, Formula 1 Grand Prix

Racing enthusiasts can enjoy the competition featuring some of the world's top drivers. www.formula1.com/en/racing/2023/United_States.html

October 26-29 • Austin, Levitation

Enjoy a variety of musical genres and performances by local and national artists. austintexas.org/event/levitation-fest-2023/370584/

October 26-29 • Taylor, Williamson County Fair and Rodeo

This fair features carnival rides, live music, food vendors, and exhibits showcasing local agriculture and crafts. wilcofair.com/

NOVEMBER EVENTS

November • Austin, Austin Food & Wine Festival

This three-day festival features top chefs, winemakers, and food artisans from around the world, with tastings, cooking demonstrations, and other culinary events. austinfoodandwinefestival.com

November 2-5 • Galveston, Lone Star Rally

One of the largest motorcycle rallies in the state featuring live music, bike shows, and other biker-themed activities. lonestarrally.com

November 3-12 • New Braunfels, Wurstfest

This festival celebrates German culture with food, music, and carnival rides. wurstfest.com

November 10-12 • Salado, Scottish Gathering and Highland Games

The three-day event includes the skirl of the bagpipes, the wearing of the tartan, tossing the caber, Highland dancing, Celtic entertainers, shopping, food and fun. One of the event’s main features is the Clan Village, the largest gathering of Scottish Clan tents in Texas where Clan members share information about Scottish history and genealogy. saladomuseum.org/scottish-gathering-and-highland-games/

November 11-12 • Austin, Texas Book Festival

Book lovers will enjoy the annual festival that features book signings, author readings, and other literary events. texasbookfestival.org

November 16 • Round Rock, Beaujolais Nights

A global celebration of the opening and tasting of the George Dubeouf Beaujolais Nouveau wine at this 21-and-over festival celebrating culinary, performing, and visual arts. Free admission and complimentary wine tastings. roundrocktexas.gov/event/beauiolais-nights

November 24 • Georgetown, Lighting of the Square

The Lighting of the Square kicks off the holiday festivities with traditional carolers and a mass countdown to switching on thousands of lights downtown. visit.georgetown.org/the-annual-lighting-of-the-square/

DECEMBER EVENTS

December • Austin, Austin Trail of Lights

This trail features more than 2 million lights illuminating the park, 90 lighted holiday trees and more than 70 other holiday displays and lighted tunnels. austintrailoflights.org/

December 1-3, • Georgetown Christmas Stroll

Each December, the Georgetown Square is transformed into a hotspot for the holidays with a parade, festive marketplace, Bethlehem village, and activities just for kids. mainstreet.georgetown.org

December 1-3 • Galveston, Dickens on the Strand

This festival transforms the historic downtown area into a Victorian-era English town. galvestonhistory.org/events/dickens-on-the-strand

December 9 • Liberty Hill, Christmas Festival

Shop, eat, and enjoy live music while the kids have a blast ice skating, playing in real snow, and meeting Santa and Mrs. Claus. Don't miss the dazzling, lighted Christmas parade. experiencelhtx.com/christmas-festival/

Late December - Early January • Liberty Hill, Cedar Park Winter Festival

Family friendly event featuring live music, food vendors, carnival rides, and a holiday-themed light display.

JANUARY EVENTS

January 1 • Various Locations, First Day Hike

Guided hikes through Texas state parks to encourage outdoor activity and exploration. tpwd.texas.gov/calendar/first-day-hikes

Early January • Austin Free Week

Free Week started in 2003 at the legendary Emo’s as a means to keep staff working when business was historically slow. It grew into a movement, with venues Austin to Nashville participating, with tens of thousands attending city-wide. redriverculturaldistrict.org

January • Austin Frontera Fest

Popular fringe theater festival featuring a wide range of performances by local artists. hydeparktheatre.org

January • San Antonio Chinese New Year Parade of Lanterns

The San Antonio River Walk will be lit up with 26-foot long floats topped with breathtaking lanterns in celebration of Chinese New Year.

January 17 • Killeen, MLK Freedom Festival

Celebrates the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. with a parade, live music, and cultural performances.

Late January • Mission Texas Citrus Fiesta

A two-week celebration highlighting the region's citrus industry with parades, pageants, and food festivals. texascitrusfiesta.org/

FEBRUARY EVENTS

February • Taylor Hops for Houses Craft Beer Festival

Visitors can enjoy beer samples from over 25 craft brewers along with live music, a silent auction, food trucks, games, and more! williamsonhabitat.org/hops-for-houses/

February • Ennis, Ennis Czech Music Festival

Join the Czech Polka Bands of Ennis during the Czech Music Festival, a day filled with great music, dancing, food, a kid zone, and more. ennisczechmusicfestival.com

February • Austin, Carnaval Brasilerio

Carnaval grew from a small party for homesick Brazilian students in the 1970s to the largest indoor Carnaval party on the planet. Music, dancing, costumes, and general bacchanalia. (Think Brazilian mardi gras.) sambaparty.com

February • Port Aransas, Whooping Crane Festival

This festival celebrates the annual return of the cranes to their wintering habitat at the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge. Visitors can enjoy birding and boating trips, nature tours, photography workshops, a trade show and more. portaransas.org/whooping-crane-festival

February • Beaumont, Mardi Gras of Southeast Texas

The festivities kick off downtown with delicious Cajun food, live music, parades, and of course, all the beads you could want.

February • Forth Worth Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo

This rodeo features bull riding, barrel racing, and other western-themed activities. fwssr.com

February 7-10, 2024 • Laredo, Laredo Birding Festival

Guided by field guides and local birders, visitors will have an opportunity to deepen their avian knowledge of South Texas and explore areas along Laredo’s riverfront, creek systems, nature trails and private ranchland. laredobirdingfestival.org

February 8-25, 2024 • San Antonio, San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo

This rodeo features bull riding, barrel racing, and live music from some of the biggest names in country music. sarodeo.com

February 27 - March 17, 2024 • Houston, Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo

One of the largest rodeos in the world, this event features rodeo events, live music, and a variety of food and drink vendors. rodeohouston.com

MARCH EVENTS

March 3, 2024 • Houston, Houston Kosher Chili Cookoff

Sample chili, enjoy children’s activities, listen to music at the Houston Kosher Chili Cookoff, an event that is all about bringing the entire Jewish Community together for a day of food, fun and festivities to raise funds for nonprofit organizations in the Houston Jewish Community. houstonhosherchilicookoff.com

March 8-16, 2024 • Austin, South by Southwest (SXSW)

This annual festival is a convergence of music, film, and technology that attracts thousands of people from around the world to experience live performances, screenings, and interactive events. sxsw.com

March • Georgetown Georgetown Swirl

Savor the flavors of local wineries and food vendors at this annual wine tasting event. All proceeds benefit the Georgetown Main Street Facade & Sign Grant Program, which awards grants to over 90 downtown property and business owners. swirl.georgetown.org

March • Georgetown, GTX Photography Festival

A one-day festival jam-packed with photo walks, educational classes, and meet-and-greet opportunities with featured photographers. All classes and photo walks are free and open to the public on a first-come basis by registering in person Saturday morning at the Williamson Museum. georgetowntexasphotographyfestival.com

March • Austin, Rodeo Austin

An annual 15-day celebration, Rodeo Austin features livestock and horse shows, carnival activities, live music, and hands-on learning experiences in agricultural education for youth. rodeoaustin.com

March • San Antonio, San Antonio Folklife and Dance Festival

This festival is a beloved tradition of international folk dance teaching, music, parties, and camaraderie. safdf.org

March • Bandera, Thunder in the Hill Country

This festival features motorcycle rides, bike shows, live music, and other biker-themed activities. bikerralliesoftexas.com/thunder-in-the-hill-country

March • Dallas, North Texas Irish Festival

The North Texas Irish Festival celebrates the rich tradition of Irish and Celtic culture with live music, dancing, storytelling, chef demonstrations, shopping, kid-friendly activities and more. ntif.org

March • Denton, Texas Storytelling Festival

Experience the power of storytelling at the annual Texas Storytelling Festival, where folks from all walks of life gather to share the diverse, captivating art of storytelling. tejasstorytelling.com/festival

March • Waxahachie, Tulipalooza

Hundreds of thousands of tulip bulbs have been imported from Holland and planted at the Waxahachie Civic Center in Waxahachie, ready to bloom into a stunning display of colors. tulipalooza.org/

The last weekend in March • Salado, Wildflower Arts and Crafts Festivals

March & April • Austin, ABC Kite Fest

Day-long activities for all ages, including the traditional kite flying contest and showcase, and MossFest, a children’s music concert. Abckitefest.org

APRIL EVENTS

April • Austin, Eeyore's Birthday

Eeyore's Birthday Party is a fundraiser run by the Friends of the Forest Foundation to benefit local 501c3 nonprofit groups in Austin. eeyores.org

April • Austin, Austin Reggae Festival

Music lovers can enjoy live reggae music, food vendors, and family-friendly activities. austinreggaefest.com

April • Austin, Lone Star Rod & Kustom Round Up

This huge outdoor car show and live music festival features miles of vintage hot rods and custom cars driven by folks on an annual pilgrimage to Austin from all over the country and the world. lonestarroundup.com

April • Temple, Bloomin' Temple Festival

This festival features live music, food vendors, and other family-friendly activities, including a petting zoo and inflatable games. templeparks.com/special_events/bloomin__temple_festival

The second weekend in April • Burnet Bluebonnet Festival

This festival celebrates the state flower with a carnival, live music, food, races, shopping, and other family-friendly activities. bluebonnetfestival.org/

April • Chappell Hill Chappell Hill Bluebonnet Festival

Celebrate the beauty of Texas at the Chappell Hill Bluebonnet Festival, which features live music, hundreds of arts and craft vendors and activities for the entire family. chappellhillhistoricalsociety.com/bluebonnet-festival

April • Dale Old Settler's Music Festival

This festival features live music, artist workshops, camping opportunities, and activities for kids and adults alike. oldsettlersmusicfest.org

April • Georgetown Spring Art Stroll

Visitors can enjoy artist demonstrations, performances, live music, and art shopping opportunities. arts.georgetown.org/georgetown-art-strolls/

April • Poteet Poteet Strawberry Festival

Celebrate Poteet's local strawberry harvest with live music, carnival rides, and strawberry-themed food and drink vendors. strawberryfestival.com

April • San Antonio

Fiesta® San Antonio started in 1891 as a one-parade event to honor the memory of the heroes of the Alamo and the Battle of San Jacinto and has grown into a celebration of San Antonio’s rich and diverse cultures through parades, food, music, and other events. fiestasanantonio.org

April • Snook Chilifest Music Weekend

A two-day music festival that draws 35,000+ people each year, Chilifest features performances from some of the biggest names in country music and rock. In addition to providing a unique festival experience to attendees, the event gives back to local charities throughout the Brazos Valley and surroundings areas. chilifest.org

Late April • Georgetown Red Poppy Festival

This festival celebrates the city's official flower, the red poppy and features live music, food vendors, a parade, and artisan booths. poppy.georgetown.org