Here are the 12 best festivals in Houston you won't want to miss.
Houston Barbecue Festival It’s time to get your grub on! The annual Houston Barbecue Festival celebrated its 10th year with an impressive (and did we mention delicious?) lineup of the best barbecue joints in the city. Think Tin Roof BBQ, The Brisket House, 1701 Barbecue, The Pit Room and so many others. General admission tickets secured entry into the festival and unlimited sample portions from each vendor. VIP admission brought the heat with admission to the festival one hour early, unlimited samples, a T-shirt and one drink ticket. Humble Civic Center Arena Complex
Chappell Hill Bluebonnet Festival
What says spring in Texas more than a field of vibrant bluebonnets? That’s right, folks—the Chappell Hill Bluebonnet Festival is an annual can't-miss festival for Houstonians. Sitting in the historic town of Chappell Hill, the festival features live musical performances, hundreds of juried arts and crafts vendors, food trucks and activities for the whole family. This year’s entertainment schedule included performances from Dylan Rhys, Jimmy Green and DeAnna Wendolyn. Chappell Hill Historical Society
The Annual H-Town Blues Festival
The blues just sound better at the 15th annual H-Town Blues Festival. As for this year's lineup? Think Calvin Richardson, Pokey Bear, King George, JWONN, Tucka and Roi Anthony. NRG Arena
Pasadena Strawberry Festival
A Houston staple, to say the least, the Pasadena Strawberry Festival just celebrated its 50th anniversary. The weekend was packed with a myriad of flavorful events and contests—think mutton busting, Pasadena Idol, BBQ cook-off, Strawberry Festival parade and much, much more. Did we mention you could also grab a bite of the world’s largest strawberry shortcake? Save us a piece! Pasadena Convention Center and Municipal Fairgrounds
Soul Flower Music Fest
Kicking off H-Town’s summer season is the Soul Flower Music Fest at Discovery Green. This unforgettable event is one day only, so make sure to snag your tickets soon. Not sure what to expect? Imagine national (and local, of course) soul, R&B and hip-hop artists, delicious bites, games for the whole family, vendor shopping and much more. Downtown Houston
Flashback Funkfest
It’s time to move and groove to the music. In Houston for one night only, this package tour brings legends like Morris Day and The Time, Atlantic Starr, Ohio Players, Confunkshun, Zapp Band and Rose Royce to the stage for an unforgettable night full of funk and soul. Don’t forget your dancing shoes! The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
Empire State Jazz Festival
Music lovers, rejoice! The Empire State Jazz Festival welcomes a new wave of jazz to Houston’s music scene this summer, with a full-day lineup of live smooth jazz performances from the nation’s top bands and musicians. Discovery Green
45th Annual Houston LGBT+Pride Parade
The 45th annual Houston LGBT + Pride Parade is back and bigger than ever this June. VIP tickets for the event include parade seating, an open bar and light snacks throughout. Want to participate in the parade? Registration is now open! Learn more HERE. Downtown
Summer Symphony Nights
Summer Symphony Nights by Houston Symphony is back and better than ever. Conductor Vinay Parameswaran spearheads Beethoven’s beloved “Symphony No. 7” and Houston Symphony violinist Sergei Galperin performs inspiring performances of Ravel’s crowd-pleasing “Tzigane” and Bloch’s Nigun from “Baal Shem.” Miller Outdoor Theatre
2023 Bayou City Art Festival
The Bayou City Art Festival celebrates the creativity of the city through various artists, performers, volunteers and vendors. Stop by to browse through 300 artists in 19 categories at Bayou City Art Festival Memorial Park in the spring and Bayou City Art Festival Downtown in the fall. Each festival showcases an impressive outdoor collection of original works and gives guests the opportunity to meet these world-class artists. Memorial Park; Downtown
TUTS: A Celebration of Houston Stories and Songs
If there is one thing worth celebrating this summer, it’s our mutual love for Houston and the history behind the city. The Miller Outdoor Theatre is hosting free performances of the iconic songs from the Theatre Under The Star's history and modern sounds of Broadway. You don’t want to miss this 90-minute concert featuring a live band, TUTS performers and Houston’s very own students from the TUTS Humphreys School of Musical Theatre and The River. Miller Outdoor Theatre
2023 Houston Reggae Fest
In need of a day where music can be your escape? Reggae Fest, the largest Caribbean dance party in the U.S., is ready for Houston to bring all the vibes to the Bayou Music Center this July. The festival will be filmed, and they are looking for Houston to wear their best fashion to party from sundown to sunrise. Bayou Music Center
Photography by: Courtesy of iStock