Events

Ballunar Liftoff Festival

1201 E NASA Rd 1, NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX 77058 281-488-7676

Description: Marvel at the silent, graceful ascent of dozens of hot air balloons as they take to the skies at this incredible summer festival. Intended to spark a love of aviation and science in spectators, and especially in young people, the event offers daytime and nighttime displays. You can also expect to catch skydiving performances, food offerings from local restaurants, arts and crafts, and other displays related to flight of all kinds.
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Chevron Houston Marathon

Rusk and Avenida de las Americas, finishes near George R. Brown Convention Center, Houston, TX 77010

Description: Since its 1972 premiere, this marathon has grown by leaps and bounds and now greets participants from all over the world. The single-day event is a city mainstay, and the closed marathon course is unique in Texas. These days, folks can also compete in a half-marathon and a 5K fun run. The fast, flat course takes runners through some of Houston's better known areas and finishes up downtown near George R. Brown Convention Center on Rusk Street. Entertainments take place along the entire course of the marathon.
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Festa Italiana

3800 Montrose, University of St. Thomas, Houston, TX 77006 713-522-7911

Description: For 30 years, this lively festival has celebrated Italian music, wine, and food. Events address the European nation's culture, heritage, and allure and include everything from a grape stomp to a car show, arts and crafts area, and a pasta eating contest. Concerts and folk dancing are also showcased. A huge draw for everyone is the wealth of great foods to be had: sausages, cakes, cookies, pastas, pizzas, and much more!
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H-E-B Holiday Parade

Hamilton and Texas, Minute Maid Park, Houston, TX

Description: Everybody loves a parade, and this Thanksgiving Day procession is a favorite. Beginning at 9am, approximately 3000 folks gather to march through downtown streets, regaling spectators along the 20-block route with huge balloons, marching bands, colorful floats, and more. Kids, of course, can't get enough of the festivities, but adults also find themselves caught up in the excitement. Even if you can't make it to the real thing, find comfort in the fact that the whole event is televised for people at home.
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Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo

2510 Westridge Dr, Reliant Park, Houston, TX 77054 832-667-1000

Description: This Texas-sized event annually attracts almost two million people during its three-week run, and it needs more than 16,000 volunteers to get off the ground! The exhibition features rodeo competitions, livestock judgings, bull ridings, lots of vendors, barbecue cook-offs, auctions, a carnival, and kids' activities ­ absolutely something for everyone. However, its major appeal is its C&W concerts featuring folks like Gretchen Wilson, George Strait, Brooks & Dunn, and Trisha Yearwood.
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Original Greek Festival

3511 Yoakum Blvd, Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral, Houston, TX 77006 713-526-5377

Description: For decades now, Houston residents have turned out to partake of Greek culture and tradition. This four-day festival boasts a busy slate of live music, folk dancing, and fabulous food. Children's activities make sure everyone in the family is accommodated, and a free shuttle helps take the hassle out of parking. Presale tickets include admission to the festival and a dinner plate; a gift shop and cathedral tours are also available. Whatever you do, make sure not to miss the pastries!
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Texian Market Days

10215 FM 762, George Ranch Historical Park, Richmond, TX 77469 281-343-0218

Description: Early settlers referred to themselves as "Texians," and this fall festival honors their lives and contributions through a series of historical re-enactments. Costumed performers bring to life crucial moments in Texas's early days of settlement and represent military and domestic events. Hands-on activities, arts and crafts exhibits, a children's carnival, lots of food, musical performances, and even a tractor pull also factor into the celebration. Education, entertainment, and fun for the whole family.
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Uptown Holiday Lighting

Post Oak Blvd, Houston, TX

Description: Every Thanksgiving evening, thousands of locals and guests from all over flock to uptown Houston for the annual Uptown Holiday Lighting. This fun, family-friendly event ushers in the holiday season with more than 500,000 decorative lights, festive seasonal music, holiday characters (including a special appearance by Santa) and an exciting fireworks display. The event is held along Post Oak Boulevard, which is lined by 80 brightly lit holiday trees and numerous seasonal decorations.
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Via Colori

1100 Bagby St, Houston, TX 77002 (713) 655-1912

Description: Via Colori, a unique street painting festival benefiting the Center for Hearing and Speech, showcases more than 175 artists creating original artwork on the streets around Sam Houston Park. Festival-goers can watch artists create their masterpieces from beginning to end, and there are children's activities and food, beverages and entertainment, so everyone can enjoy this exciting weekend. Individual squares are also available for purchase ($500 - $1,500), so you can leave your own mark on the festival.
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Wings Over Houston Airshow

Ellington Field, Houston, TX

Description: If you've always dreamt of piloting a state-of-the-art military jet, or if you can't get enough of the spectacle of perfectly aligned aircraft flying in formation, make sure to put this event on your autumn calendar. The popular airshow, now more than two decades old, draws folks young and old to come marvel at high-flying acrobatics, socialize with stunt pilots, and simply absorb the allure of flight, aeronautics, and machinery. The USAF Thunderbirds are guests of honor, and aircraft are displayed for public observation. Food and drink are also for sale. The field is located 15 miles south of Houston.
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