Spring Festivals in Texas

Spring Festivals in Texas

Spring in Texas is more than just blooming bluebonnets—it's a season packed with massive cultural celebrations, music and art festivals, and one-of-a-kind local traditions. From millions of rodeo-goers to small-town charmers with strawberry pie and handcrafted mead, these are the most popular spring festivals in Texas, ranked by attendance.

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo – Houston

Visitors: Over 2.5 million (entire event)
Peak Spring Dates: Early to Mid-March
Official Site: https://www.rodeohouston.com

More than just a rodeo—this is Texas at full throttle. Each spring, Houston transforms into the heart of western heritage with massive rodeo competitions, a full-scale carnival, star-studded concerts, and the world’s largest livestock show. March is the most festive time, drawing families, tourists, and school groups from across the country.

Why It Matters: Past performers include Willie Nelson, George Strait, and Beyoncé. It’s a cultural juggernaut and a spring tradition like no other.

South by Southwest (SXSW) – Austin

Visitors: 300,000+
Dates: Mid-March
Official Site: https://www.sxsw.com

SXSW is where creativity, innovation, and entertainment collide. A global hub for film, music, and tech, SXSW dominates Austin every March. From startup launches to private concerts and surprise film screenings, it's a magnet for celebrities, creators, and curious minds.

Pro Tip: Wristbands often sell out fast, so plan early if you want to attend panels, showcases, or interactive events.

Dallas Blooms – Dallas Arboretum

Visitors: 250,000+
Dates: Late February – Mid-April
Official Site: https://www.dallasarboretum.org

One of the largest floral festivals in the South, Dallas Blooms transforms the arboretum into a sea of color, with over 500,000 spring blooms including tulips, azaleas, cherry blossoms, and daffodils. Garden displays, wine tastings, and weekend concerts make this a family favorite.

SEO Bonus Angle: Spring wedding proposals, family portraits, and graduation photos make this a go-to seasonal hotspot.

Poteet Strawberry Festival – Poteet

Visitors: 100,000+
Dates: Mid-April
Official Site: https://strawberryfestival.com

This beloved small-town tradition is one of the sweetest festivals in Texas, celebrating the strawberry harvest since 1948. Enjoy strawberry shortcake, funnel cakes, jam, wine, and even strawberry nachos, along with parades, carnival rides, and live Tejano and country music.

Insider Tip: Proceeds support scholarships for local students. It’s a festival with a big heart and even bigger flavor.

Texas SandFest – Port Aransas

Visitors: 75,000+
Dates: Mid-April
Official Site: https://texassandfest.org

Held on the beach in Port Aransas, SandFest is the largest native sand sculpture competition in the U.S. Professional sculptors create stunning works of art while guests enjoy the beach, food trucks, artisan booths, and live music.

Why Go: It’s an unforgettable blend of art and ocean, making spring the best time to visit the Texas coast.

Sherwood Forest Faire – McDade

Visitors: 60,000+
Dates: Weekends February – April
Official Site: https://www.sherwoodforestfaire.com

Nestled in the piney woods near Austin, Sherwood Forest Faire is a Renaissance festival with old-world charm. Expect full-contact jousting, axe-throwing, handcrafted goods, and costumed villagers. It’s intimate, immersive, and ideal for spring’s mild weather.

Unique Angle: Great for cosplay, family adventures, or romantic weekend getaways—complete with mead and turkey legs.

Old Settler’s Music Festival – Dale, TX

Visitors: 16,000+
Dates: Mid-April
Official Site: https://oldsettlersmusicfest.org

Known for its laid-back Hill Country vibe, Old Settler’s features bluegrass, folk, Americana, and roots music across multiple stages. With on-site camping and a community feel, this is a springtime favorite for music lovers looking to escape the mainstream.

🌷 Plan Your Spring in Texas

Whether you're headed to a record-breaking rodeo, a world-renowned music festival, or a small-town strawberry celebration, spring in Texas offers authentic culture, seasonal beauty, and memory-making events at every turn. Bookmark this list and start exploring today.