Soon the days will get shorter, the summer sun will fade away to cooler weather and school will be back in session — and that means that you’ve got to make the most of these last few days of freedom and sunshine. So here’s a few epic festivals around Texas to help you end summer with a BANG!
Edinburg “Out of This World” Conference & Festival – Edinburg, TX
Picture by the City of Edinburg.
Greetings Earthlings! If you love aliens, space crafts and otherworldly fun, then this festival is for you! Join the town of Edinburg on Aug. 12 and 13 for the free “Out of This World” Festival. Dress up in your best alien costume for the costume contest and parade on Friday evening starting at 7 p.m. and a Laser Show at 9 p.m. The conference, which starts at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, features educators, publishers and other guests speaking on all things alien! Tickets for the conference cost $25.
B.I.G. San Antonio Salsa Festival – San Antonio, TX
Picture by B.I.G. Salsa Fesival
Put on your dancing shoes and join the Baile International Grand for the 5th Annual San Antonio Salsa Festival! This four day event from Aug. 11-14 features live music from global recording artists like Tito Nieves, Ray de la Paz and more! Not sure how to dance? Don’t worry, each day there will be workshops ranging from Beginner to Advanced where you can learn classic dances like the Cha Cha and Mambo. Find more information here.
Navasota Blues Fest – Navasota, TX
Picture by Navasota Blues Fest
Join Navasota for two days of good ol’ blues on Aug. 12 and 13. The concert starts at 6 p.m. on Friday and 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, and includes performances by the Chris Beard Band, Justin Johnson, Rob Roy Parnell and a dozen other artists! Pre-fest activities begin at 9 a.m. on Friday with a dedication of a historical marker for the “Father of Blues” Texas Alexander, as well as a free guitar workshop with Bernie Pearl.
Highland Village Balloon Festival – Highland Village, TX
Picture by Highland Village Balloon Festival
If you’ve always dreamed of soaring high above the world, then join the Highland Village Balloon Festival for the adventure of a lifetime. This three-day festival Aug. 19-21 is filled with high-flying fun including multiple Balloon Mass Ascension where dozens of 100-ft. tall balloons take off together, Balloon Glow where the vibrantly-colored balloons are lit at night and Tethered Balloon Rides where YOU can ride in a hot air balloon. The event also includes live music, vendors and a Kids Zone.
North Texas Fair and Rodeo – Denton, TX
There’s no better way to end summer than by attending the North Texas Fair and Rodeo. Along with all your favorite rodeo events like mutton busting, calf roping and bull riding, there will also be a carnival, a kids zone, and even an exhibit with live Bengal Tigers! Throughout the event, there will be live music performances by various country artists, including Josh Abbott Band, Randy Rogers Band, Prophets & Outlaws and Zane Williams. The rodeo lasts from Aug. 19-27 and you can find more information here.
12th Annual Bat Fest – Austin, TX
Picture by Roadway Productions.
Things are gonna get batty in Austin, and you’re invited to join for their 12th Annual Bat Fest on Aug. 20. The festival is a celebration of the 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats that “hang out” under the Congress Avenue Bridge and features a bat costume contest, arts and crafts vendors and three stages with live music by American Authors, Blue October and more! The festival lasts from 4 p.m. to midnight.
Big Bend Nature Fest – Big Bend National Park, TX
Picture by Big Bend Nature Fest.
This may be one of the most beautiful festivals you’ll ever attend! On Aug. 25-27, Big Bend is hosting a festival featuring nature hikes led by famous guides like the “Birds of the Big Bend Desert & Lowlands Walk” guided by Southwest bird enthusiast Greg Lasley and the “Dragonfly & Damselfly Walk” guided by insect experts Dr. John and Kendra Abbott. There will also be a barbecue dinner and live music to conclude the weekend at 6 p.m. on Saturday at the Chisos Mountains Lodge Restaurant.
Sixth Annual Big Star Texas Night – Burton, TX
Picture by Heidi Jaster.
Join the folks of Burton for a night of Texas fun in the historic Texas dance hall La Bahia Turn Verein! This festival on Aug. 27 starts at 6:30 p.m. with a car show, and dancing featuring Kountry Chick DJ. Then from 8 p.m. until midnight, you can enjoy live music by The Texas Unlimited Band as well as dinner from Burton BBQ. There will also be an Old Fashioned Live Auction that will benefit the Burton Area Chamber of Commerce. Find more information here.
29th Annual El Paso Greek Food Festival – El Paso, TX
Picture by El Paso Greek Food Fest Facebook.
Come join the folks of El Paso and the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church for a three-day festival on Aug. 26-28 celebrating the Greek culture and their delicious foods. Besides amazing homemade food vendors, the festival will also have live music, dancing, vendors and Greek souvenirs for purchase. For more information, click here.
