March Events: Festival Season
The beginning of spring means festival season in Texas, and there are plenty of celebrations across the state. It’s not all about South by Southwest; some of it is about rattlesnake herding, poetry readings, rock art, and oyster eating. Hit the road for unforgettable moments that await you in every corner of Texas.
South Texas
Fulton Oysterfest, March 1–4, Fulton
Slurp up a good time at Oysterfest and help out the Fulton Volunteer Fire Department. Oysterfest helps you celebrate the Gulf’s favorite mollusk along the Fulton waterfront with fireworks, carnival rides, games, a parade, and live music. Feeling competitive? Join in the oyster-eating, -shucking, or -decorating contest.
The $2 entry fee Thursday or $5 entry fee over the weekend (children under 12 and active or retired military enter free) will be donated to the Fulton Volunteer Fire Department.
Seguin ArtsFest, March 3, Seguin
Head to ArtsFest for a colorful day of arts and crafts, live music, and fun. Arrive bright and early in a white shirt for the 5K or kids 1K to become a moving canvas. Afterward, visit the street market to check out handmade art and jewelry. Take a break to watch the Mid-Texas Symphony or listen to local poets at the library. Whatever you do, don’t miss the Poochanga canine costume contest.
North Texas
North Texas Irish Festival, March 2–4, Dallas
Thank your lucky stars the North Texas Irish Festival is back for its 36th year. Celebrate your real or imaginary Irish heritage at Fair Park with Celtic music and dance, hearty Irish stew, educational workshops, and storytelling. Be sure to catch headliner performances from The Elders and Mari Black. Arrive Friday night at 6 p.m. for free entry.
Arts in the Square, March 24–25, Frisco
Scroll through Arts in the Square to meet 120 Texas artists specializing in textiles, leather, fine art, and photography. You can take this event at your own pace — whether you’d prefer to sit back and enjoy local music acts and award-winning restaurants on-site or get hands-on with interactive art activities designed to delight the whole family.
Central Texas
Llano Earth Art Fest, March 9–12, Llano
At the Llano Earth Art Fest, you can find international artists balancing gravity-defying rock sculptures along the banks of the Llano River. You’re also encouraged to try your hand at building rock art. Indulge your sense of whimsy however you like in Llano, with face painting, rock-climbing walls, live music, and time to relax in the sun.
Spirit of Texas Festival, March 23–25, College Station
Join the magic, learning, and energy at the Spirit of Texas Festival. Ignite your child’s curiosity with educational demonstrations at the Idea Village. Boogie down together at four musical stages or play in the inflatable Pony Hop Rodeo. If the food trucks don’t fill you up, you can always help break the record for building and eating the world’s longest (1 mile!) ice cream sundae.
East Texas
Nederland Heritage Festival, March 13–18, Nederland
The Nederland Heritage Festival boasts one of the largest craft and collectible markets in East Texas. Peruse the goodies of more than 120 vendors and craftspeople, feast your eyes on the annual parade on Saturday, March 17, and feast in general at the seriously competitive chili cook-off thereafter.
Tyler Azalea Trail, March 16–April 1, Tyler
You get three weekends and 10 miles to stop and smell the flowers along the Tyler Azalea Trail. Azalea Belles dressed in antebellum gowns will greet visitors at the opening ceremony. From there, you can walk or drive along two routes to see the most brilliant azaleas, dogwoods, and tulips in Texas. Roses more your style? Stop by the Tyler Rose Garden admission-free for a spell.
West Texas
Texas Cowboy Poetry Gathering, March 2–3, Alpine
Gather ’round for epic stories, songs, and poems dedicated to the Wild West. The 32nd annual Texas Cowboy Poetry Gathering, held on the Sul Ross State University campus, begins with a chuck wagon breakfast where you can meet writers and performers hailing from across Texas, the U.S., and even Australia! Daytime performances are free. Breakfast is $5. Nighttime performances are $15.
Sweetwater Rattlesnake Roundup, March 9–11, Sweetwater
Slither into Sweetwater this season for cold-blooded entertainment and education.
Sweetwater hosts the world’s largest rattlesnake roundup, which includes an amphibious parade, carnival, and cook-off. Bring your dancing shoes to show off your moves for the winner of the Miss Snake Charmer Pageant. Entry is $10 for adults, $5 for children over 5.
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