In the case of tradition, Houston is flowing in variety and these festivals show it.
This story is a part of our “Causes to Love Houston” package deal, revealed within the Spring 2025 situation.
MAny communities name the Bayou Metropolis dwelling, and Houstonians have numerous methods of accessing and celebrating that variety. Maybe probably the most enjoyable? All of the festivals we are able to get pleasure from all year long. Listed here are just some of our favorites.
Houston Livestock Present and Rodeo
Feb and/or March
RodeoHouston is H-City’s largest occasion—a must-attend, if you happen to ask us. From path rides to barbecue cook-offs, each exercise highlights western and Texan tradition. There are heart-pounding occasions like bull driving and lovely competitions like mutton bustin’. And, after all, there’s reside music each evening by among the prime names in nation music.
Mardi Gras Galveston
Feb and/or March
One of many nation’s largest celebrations of this Cajun-Creole vacation occurs proper in Galveston. Marking the top of Carnival and the beginning of Lent, Mardi Gras is filled with parades, colourful costumes with beads, and plenty of jambalaya, gumbo, beignets, and the beloved king cake. It’s principally a weeks-long social gathering.
Competition of Eid
April or Might
Asia Society Texas hosts an Eid al-Fitr celebrating Islamic tradition and the conclusion of Ramadan. A part of the group’s ongoing Muslim Sequence, the pageant marks the vacation by way of meals, actions like a bazaar and henna artists, and programming that features ebru demonstrations and Bollywood dancing.
Japan Competition Houston
Varies, Might or Sept
The Japan-America Society of Houston hosts an annual celebration of Japanese tradition at Hermann Park with tons of symbolic occasions and traditions, whether or not you’re seeking to study ikebana (Japanese flower arranging) or wish to partake in a tea ceremony. Meals distributors and reside performances present added enjoyable.
Houston Delight
June
Our metropolis exhibits like to the LGBTQ+ neighborhood with Delight Month programming that’s filled with actions. The newest addition to the scene, New Faces of Delight, places collectively drag exhibits, reside music performances, and events all year long—and particularly in June. The unique parade spotlights native and nationwide celebrities from the neighborhood and allies.
Viet Cultural Fest
Sept
First held in 2019 and born from the goals of three Vietnamese American Houstonians, this occasion celebrates parts of the Southeast Asian tradition, from conventional dishes offered by native cooks to video games like Co Tuong. Previous years have included magnificence pageants, consuming competitions, cooking courses, distributors, and extra.
Korean Competition
Oct
Ok-Fest, because it’s extensively referred to, has been a Houston staple because it was established in 2009. Happening at Discovery Inexperienced, the occasion celebrates Korean heritage by way of conventional performances, Ok-pop showcases, and interactive cultural experiences. Anticipate to play traditional video games like gonggi and jegichagi, soak up tae kwon do demonstrations, take heed to reside music, and watch a dance competitors.
Houston Diwali Competition
Oct or Nov
The Hindu Competition of Lights is all the time celebrated with a bang at this occasion held at Levy Park. Commemorating the triumph of fine over evil, Diwali is marked with the illumination of tons of of diyas (small lights). This outside pageant options a number of Indian meals distributors, rangoli artwork, mehndi, face portray, cultural music and performances, and extra.
MECA’s Día de Muertos
Nov
The Latin American Day of the Useless honors misplaced family members by way of ofrendas (altars) full of objects symbolizing the departed. MECA, a community-based, BIPOC-led nonprofit, celebrates with a two-day fest filled with dance and music, ofrendas, meals distributors, calavera make-up, and different themed actions and occasions.
IgboFest
Varies, usually Nov
This celebration of West African Igbo tradition options dancers from throughout the Black diaspora, African meals distributors, conventional video games, reside music, and extra. There’s additionally a style parade showcasing cultural outfits and masquerades with tales of Igbo folklore.
