It’s almost time to wish Texas a “HAPPY BIRTHDAY!” Next Thursday, March 2, marks the 181st Anniversary of Texas declaring its freedom from Mexico by signing the Texas Declaration of Independence in 1836 (brush up on your Texas history here). And you know how everything’s bigger in Texas? Well that goes for the parties too! Show your love to the Lone Star State by hitting up one of these EPIC Texas Independence Day celebrations around the state!
181st Anniversary of the Siege & Battle of the Alamo – San Antonio, TX
Picture by Amelia White.
When: Feb. 23 – March 6
To commemorate the number of days the Alamo was under siege and honor the Texans who lost their lives 181 years ago, San Antonio and The Alamo are hosting a 13-day event complete with daily historical readings and live reenactments, and concluding on March 6 with a special reenactment of the memorial service Col. Juan N. Seguin hosted in honor of the fallen Texans one year after the attacks. Click here for a complete list of the events.
Sam Houston’s Birthday & Texas Independence Day Celebration – Huntsville, TX
When: March 2
Join the town of Huntsville in celebrating TWO significant Texas holidays — Texas Independence Day and Sam Houston’s birthday (which happens to also be on March 2!) Events will be hosted all around town throughout the day, starting with a Coffee and Reception at the Walker County Museum at 9:15 a.m. and ending with a “Toast to Texas” and Birthday Cake at the Sam Houston Statue at 2 p.m. Other events include a special ceremony honoring Sam Houston and a Memorial luncheon. Click here to see the full schedule.
“Texas 181 Years” – Gruene, TX
When: March 2
Gruene is honoring Texas Independence Day with TONS OF FREE STUFF AND CONCERTS! Enjoy free music at The Grapevine and Gristmill River Restaurant, discounted food at multiple eateries and even 181¢ beers (possibly the most Texan discount ever!) While Gruene Hall won’t be open, you can stop by the town starting at 3 p.m. to take advantage of these special offers and party it up Texas style! Find more discounts here.
Texas Birthday Bash – Navasota, TX
When: March 3-4
Navasota is throwing a FREE Texas-sized two-day birthday party. It starts at 5:30 p.m. on Friday night and the party continues until 11 p.m. on Saturday night. The festival includes live performances from Texas artists like Kevin Fowler, Asleep at the Wheel and Neal McCoy. There will also be a Chili Bowl Cook-off, a Wild West Shootout and a “Made in Texas” craft fair. Kids will love the mechanical bull and petting zoo. Find more information here.
Stroll Through Texas History – Acton, TX
Picture by Acton, TX.
When: March 4
Head to Acton, TX to attend the “Stroll Through Texas History” hosted by the Texas Heroes Foundation from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Festivities include crafts, live period music, rifle demonstrations and even the chance to meet some famous Texans like William Travis, Davy Crockett, Sam Houston and more! Find more information here.
Texas Independence Celebration – Luckenbach, TX
Photo by Robbyn Dodd Photography.
Where: March 4
Head to the town where “Everybody’s Somebody” for an epic Texas celebration. The fun starts at 1 p.m. with an Official Texas Flag retirement ceremony with Former Texas Rangers, then spend the afternoon enjoying a FREE concert by the Doug Moreland Trio! Click here for more information.
Texas Independence Day Cook-Off – San Angelo, TX
Photo by the San Angelo CVB.
Where: March 4
Join San Angelo for a day of food, fun and music! Festivities include a craft fair, live music from the Ice House Brass Band and performances by square dancers, cloggers and local bluegrass and country groups! There will also be a Barbecue Cook-Off, so come hungry and ready for tons of good ol’ Texas ‘que! Find more information on the city’s calendar.
Washington on the Brazos Celebration – Washington, TX
Picture by J. Williams.
When: March 4-5
The birthplace of Texas is having a Texas-sized party to celebrate the Convention of 1836 on March 2 when 59 elected men met at Independence Hall to write a new Constitution and the Texas Declaration of Independence. The convention established Texas as a new sovereign nation. Along with free admission to Independence Hall, Star of the Republic Museum and the Barrington Living History Farm, Washington on the Brazos will host a variety of events including live cannon and musket firings, historical reenactments and a historical play about the signers of the Texas Declaration of Independence. Find more information here.
Alamo Defenders Remembrance Ceremony – Austin, TX
Picture by Peggy Vallas.
When: March 5
The Texian Legacy Association and Celebrate Texas are hosting a remembrance ceremony at 2 p.m. at the “Heroes of the Alamo” Monument on the Capitol lawn to remember all the brave men who died defending the Alamo. There will be a guest speaker, and the names of each fallen Texan will be read, followed by the firing of muskets in their honor. Click here for more information.
Texas Independence Celebration & BBQ Cook-Off – San Benito, TX
When: March 11
The Texas Heritage and Independence Celebration Association is throwing a huge celebration in San Benito with reenactments of the Battle of Gonzales, the Battle of the Alamo and the Battle of San Jacinto. There will also be a signing of a replica of the Texas Declaration of Independence, as well as live music, craft vendors, food and art contests. For more information, click here.
