The Best Texas Events in 2026 That Are Worth Planning Your Trip Around

Texas does not do small, and the 2026 event lineup proves it. Once I started looking at what is coming up, it felt impossible to pick just one reason to visit.

Rodeos that take over entire weekends, music festivals that turn cities into nonstop soundtracks, and cultural celebrations that pull everyone into the streets. No matter when you go, something big is happening.

What I love about Texas events is that they are not just things you attend. They pull you in.

You eat things you did not expect, dance next to strangers who feel like friends by the end of the night, and leave with stories you keep telling long after you get home.

So which Texas events are actually worth building a trip around in 2026, and when should you plan to be there? That is where things start to get interesting.

1. Mardi Gras! Galveston (February)

Forget flying all the way to New Orleans when you can experience spectacular Mardi Gras celebrations right on the Texas Gulf Coast.

Galveston transforms into a massive party zone with parades rolling through historic streets, elaborate floats tossing beads to screaming crowds, and costumed revelers dancing from morning until the stars come out.

This isn’t some small-town knockoff either; Galveston’s Mardi Gras is the third-largest in the nation, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors who come for the unique island vibe.

The festivities stretch over two full weekends, giving you plenty of opportunities to catch different parades and events throughout the celebration.

Each parade has its own personality, from family-friendly afternoon processions to the wildly entertaining evening spectacles that light up the Strand Historic District.

Street performers, live bands, and food vendors line the routes, creating an atmosphere that buzzes with infectious energy.

Beyond the parades, Galveston offers beautiful beaches where you can relax between festivities, plus historic architecture that tells stories of the island’s colorful past. The weather in February is typically mild, making it perfect for outdoor celebrations without the scorching summer heat.

You’ll taste Gulf Coast seafood at its finest, with gumbo, jambalaya, and fresh catch that rival anything you’d find in Louisiana.

2. Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo (January/February)

Cowboys, livestock, and pure Western excitement collide at one of the oldest and most authentic rodeo experiences in the entire country.

Running for over a century, this Fort Worth tradition kicks off the year with barrel racing, bull riding, and calf roping that’ll have your heart racing faster than a mustang on the open range.

Families flock here not just for the rodeo action but for the carnival rides, petting zoos, and agricultural exhibits that teach kids where their food actually comes from.

What makes this event truly special is its deep connection to Texas heritage and the ranching lifestyle that built this state. You’ll see genuine working cowboys competing for serious prize money, and the skill level is absolutely jaw-dropping.

The livestock shows feature prize-winning cattle, horses, pigs, and sheep, with handlers who’ve spent months preparing their animals for this moment.

Wandering through the vendor halls, you’ll find everything from handcrafted leather boots to Western art that captures the spirit of the frontier. Live music fills the air between rodeo sessions, with country and Americana artists keeping the energy high.

The food scene alone is worth the trip, featuring Texas barbecue, chicken-fried everything, and sweet treats that’ll make your taste buds sing.

3. Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo (March)

Brace yourself for the absolute king of all rodeos, where everything truly is bigger in Texas. This isn’t just the world’s largest livestock show and rodeo; it’s a full-blown cultural phenomenon that takes over Houston for three incredible weeks every March.

Championship rodeo competitions feature the planet’s best cowboys and cowgirls, while the livestock exhibitions showcase animals worth more than most people’s cars.

What sets Houston’s rodeo apart from all others is the legendary concert series that brings the biggest names in country, rock, and pop music to perform after each rodeo session. Imagine watching a thrilling bull-riding competition followed by a world-class concert from a chart-topping artist, all in one ticket.

The NRG Stadium transforms into an entertainment powerhouse that delivers non-stop excitement from afternoon until late evening.

The carnival midway sprawls across the grounds with rides that thrill kids and adults alike, plus games, exhibits, and educational displays about agriculture and ranching. Foodies go absolutely wild here, with vendors serving up creative Texas cuisine that pushes boundaries while honoring traditional flavors.

You haven’t lived until you’ve tried some of the wild food creations that debut at this rodeo each year.

4. South by Southwest (SXSW) (March)

Austin becomes the creative capital of the universe when SXSW takes over the city for ten days of mind-blowing innovation, music, and film.

This isn’t your typical festival; it’s where tech entrepreneurs pitch revolutionary ideas, musicians launch careers overnight, and filmmakers premiere movies that’ll dominate conversations for months.

The energy radiating through Austin’s streets during SXSW is electric, with every venue, bar, and coffee shop hosting something worth experiencing.

The music portion alone features thousands of artists performing across hundreds of venues, from intimate coffee shops to massive outdoor stages. You’ll discover your new favorite band, catch legendary surprise performances, and witness musical moments that become part of rock history.

Film screenings showcase everything from quirky independent projects to major studio releases, with directors and actors often sticking around for Q&A sessions that offer fascinating behind-the-scenes insights.

The interactive technology conference draws innovators from around the globe, discussing artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and ideas that’ll shape our future. Even if you’re not a tech geek, the conversations and demonstrations are absolutely fascinating and surprisingly accessible.

Austin’s famous food scene kicks into overdrive during SXSW, with food trucks and restaurants creating special menus and pop-ups that showcase culinary creativity.

5. Fiesta San Antonio (April)

San Antonio explodes with color, music, and celebration during this eleven-day cultural extravaganza that honors the city’s rich history and diverse heritage.

What started as a modest commemoration has evolved into one of America’s premier festivals, featuring over 100 official events that showcase everything from elaborate parades to art fairs to food festivals.

The entire city gets involved, with decorations adorning downtown buildings and residents sporting festive attire that adds to the jubilant atmosphere.

The Battle of Flowers Parade stands as the festival’s crown jewel, featuring spectacular floats covered in thousands of fresh blooms, marching bands from across the country, and performers who’ve practiced for months.

Another highlight is Fiesta Flambeau, America’s largest illuminated night parade, where glowing floats and performers create a magical spectacle under the stars.

Each parade offers its own unique character, ensuring that even if you catch multiple processions, you’ll never feel like you’re seeing the same thing twice.

Beyond parades, Fiesta offers cultural events celebrating San Antonio’s Mexican, German, and Southern influences through food, music, and art. You’ll taste authentic street tacos, sample German pastries, and enjoy live performances ranging from mariachi to conjunto to rock.

6. FIFA World Cup 2026 (June/July)

History arrives in Texas when the world’s most-watched sporting event brings international soccer to American soil.

Both Dallas and Houston will host multiple matches during this unprecedented tournament, which marks the first time the World Cup expands to 48 teams and spreads across three nations.

Soccer fans from every corner of the globe will descend on these Texas cities, creating an atmosphere of international celebration that transcends sports.

AT&T Stadium in Arlington (Dallas area) will showcase its massive capacity and state-of-the-art facilities to a worldwide audience, while Houston’s NRG Stadium promises equally impressive match-day experiences.

Watching national teams compete at this level delivers goosebumps even if you’re not a die-hard soccer fan, as the skill, passion, and drama are absolutely captivating.

Beyond the matches themselves, both cities will host FIFA Fan Festivals featuring live entertainment, interactive experiences, and cultural celebrations that welcome everyone regardless of whether they have game tickets.

These free public events let you soak up World Cup atmosphere while watching matches on giant screens surrounded by thousands of passionate fans.

This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the World Cup without leaving the United States. Tickets will be highly sought after, so plan early and be prepared for a travel experience that combines Texas hospitality with global soccer passion.

7. Texas Route 66 Festival (June)

Amarillo celebrates America’s most iconic highway with a festival that brings the spirit of the Mother Road roaring back to life. Vintage cars line historic Sixth Street, their chrome gleaming in the Texas sun as owners proudly display automotive masterpieces from Route 66’s golden era.

Classic rock and roll fills the air, transporting visitors back to a time when road trips meant freedom, adventure, and the open highway stretching endlessly toward the horizon.

The festival perfectly captures that nostalgic Americana vibe with its combination of car shows, live music, and family-friendly activities that honor Route 66’s legacy. You’ll see everything from perfectly restored 1950s Chevrolets to custom hot rods that represent countless hours of loving restoration work.

Car enthusiasts engage in passionate conversations about engine specs and restoration techniques, but you don’t need to be a gearhead to appreciate the beauty and history on display.

Live bands perform on multiple stages, focusing on rockabilly, blues, and classic rock that defined the Route 66 era. Local vendors sell Route 66 memorabilia, vintage clothing, and handcrafted items that make perfect souvenirs.

Food trucks and stands serve classic American road food with a Texas twist, from burgers to barbecue to sweet treats that fuel your festival exploration.

8. Austin Bat Fest (August)

Only in Austin would people throw a massive festival celebrating flying mammals, but that’s exactly why this city remains wonderfully weird.

Every evening, over 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats emerge from beneath the Congress Avenue Bridge in a spectacular natural phenomenon that draws crowds to the waterfront.

Bat Fest takes this nightly occurrence and builds a full festival around it, combining live music, arts and crafts, educational programs, and family activities with the main event of watching the bats take flight at dusk.

The festival spreads along the Lady Bird Lake shoreline with vendor booths selling everything from bat-themed crafts to local art to delicious food that keeps your energy up through the evening.

Multiple music stages feature Austin’s incredible local talent, representing the diverse sounds that make this city’s music scene legendary.

Kids love the educational exhibits that teach fascinating facts about bats and their crucial role in the ecosystem, helping dispel myths and build appreciation for these misunderstood creatures.

As sunset approaches, anticipation builds among the crowd gathered along the bridge and shoreline. When the bats finally emerge in their massive cloud of fluttering wings, heading out for their nightly insect hunt, the sight is absolutely mesmerizing.

The sheer number of bats creates a living river in the sky that can last 45 minutes or more, with waves of bats continuing to pour from beneath the bridge.

9. State Fair of Texas (September/October)

Big Tex welcomes you to three and a half weeks of pure Texas-sized fun at an event that’s been delighting families since 1886. This isn’t just a state fair; it’s a cultural institution where generations of Texans have made memories, and the traditions continue stronger than ever.

The 55-foot-tall Big Tex statue has become an iconic symbol, greeting visitors with his booming recorded voice and serving as the ultimate meeting spot in the sprawling Fair Park grounds.

Fried food reaches artistic heights here, with vendors competing annually to create the most outrageous and delicious deep-fried creations imaginable.

From fried Oreos to fried butter to things you never imagined could be battered and cooked in oil, the culinary creativity is both impressive and slightly terrifying.

Traditional fair foods like corn dogs, funnel cakes, and turkey legs satisfy those craving classic flavors, while the Fletcher’s Original Corny Dogs remain a must-try tradition.

The midway features over 70 rides ranging from gentle kiddie attractions to scream-inducing thrill rides that’ll test your courage. Live entertainment includes concerts, shows, and demonstrations happening throughout the day across multiple stages and venues.

The livestock competitions and agricultural exhibits connect visitors to Texas farming and ranching heritage, while the automotive show displays the latest vehicles and vintage classics.

10. Austin City Limits Music Festival (October)

Zilker Park transforms into music paradise for two consecutive three-day weekends featuring over 130 artists across eight stages.

ACL Festival has grown into one of America’s premier music events, attracting headliners who represent the absolute pinnacle of contemporary music alongside rising artists who’ll be tomorrow’s superstars.

The festival’s roots in the legendary Austin City Limits television show give it a musical credibility that few festivals can match, and the lineup consistently delivers incredible diversity across genres.

October weather in Austin is typically perfect for an outdoor festival, with comfortable temperatures and lower humidity making it enjoyable to spend entire days exploring the grounds.

The park’s natural beauty provides a gorgeous backdrop, with massive oak trees offering shade between stages and the downtown skyline visible in the distance.

Eight stages means you’re constantly making tough choices about which artists to see, but the overlapping schedules ensure there’s always something amazing happening.

Beyond the music, ACL Eats brings Austin’s renowned food scene to the festival with local restaurants and food vendors serving up everything from barbecue to tacos to innovative fusion cuisine.

The Austin Kiddie Limits area provides family-friendly activities and entertainment, making this festival accessible for all ages. Art installations and interactive experiences scattered throughout the grounds add visual interest and photo opportunities between musical sets.

11. Wurstfest (November) in New Braunfels

German heritage comes alive in the heart of Texas Hill Country during this ten-day celebration that’s basically Oktoberfest with a distinctive Texas twist. New Braunfels was founded by German immigrants in the 1840s, and their descendants have kept those cultural traditions vibrant through events like Wurstfest.

The festival grounds along the Comal River buzz with activity as visitors enjoy traditional German music, dancing, and cultural experiences that transport you straight to Bavaria without the transatlantic flight.

Oompah bands fill the air with polka music that’ll have your feet tapping even if you’ve never danced to accordion music before. Multiple stages feature different musical acts throughout each day, from traditional German bands to contemporary acts that blend Old World sounds with modern influences.

The festive atmosphere encourages participation, and you’ll see people of all ages joining in traditional dances and celebrating together.

The food selection showcases authentic German cuisine with sausages of every variety imaginable, from traditional bratwurst to unique regional specialties you won’t find anywhere else.

Schnitzel, strudel, potato pancakes, and other German favorites round out menus that honor traditional recipes passed down through generations.

Craft vendors sell German imports, handcrafted items, and Wurstfest souvenirs that commemorate your visit to this unique celebration.

12. Texas Renaissance Festival (October/November)

Step back in time to a 16th-century European village recreated across 55 wooded acres north of Houston. Running weekends from October through November, this is the nation’s largest Renaissance festival, with over 400 shops, 200 artisans, and countless entertainers bringing history to life in the most entertaining way possible.

The moment you walk through the gates, you’re transported to another era where knights joust for honor, minstrels sing ballads, and costumed characters interact with visitors in delightfully immersive ways.

The entertainment lineup is staggering, with over 200 performances daily across 21 stages featuring everything from full-contact jousting to comedy shows to musical acts. Skilled artisans demonstrate period crafts like blacksmithing, glassblowing, and pottery, often creating custom pieces while you watch.

The level of detail in costumes, buildings, and performances creates an atmosphere that feels genuinely transported through time, enhanced by the natural forest setting that provides perfect ambiance.

Shopping opportunities are incredible, with vendors selling handcrafted items ranging from leather goods to jewelry to weapons to period clothing. Food options embrace the Renaissance theme with giant turkey legs, meat pies, and other hearty fare served in rustic settings.

Games and activities invite participation, from axe throwing to archery to various tests of skill and strength. Many visitors embrace the experience by wearing period costumes themselves, adding to the immersive atmosphere.