June Events: A Perfect Texas Summer
School’s out, summer’s in! Whether you’re celebrating a graduation or simply the extra hours of sunlight, there are plenty of events across the state worthy of a spot on your Texas summer schedule. Take your pick from a bounty of food festivals: peaches in Stonewall, pies in Cisco, or tomatoes in Jacksonville. Looking to stay active this summer? Discover a new outdoor hobby in Abilene or go on a bubble-making adventure in San Antonio.
Central Texas
Stonewall Peach JAMboree, June 20–22, Stonewall
Savor the sweetness of summer at the 58th annual Stonewall Peach JAMboree, where amateur bakers can enter preserves- and salsa-making contests and sweet-toothed Texans can bite into prize-winning delights at the peach-eating contest, show, and auction. Carnivores may purchase barbecue by the pound following the annual parade. Have a royally good time watching the crowning of the Peach Queen on Saturday night.
Polski Dzien, June 21–22, BremondSay
“Hej!” to your Polish friends in Bremond, the “Polish Capital of Texas,” during this annual celebration. Stake out a spot at the main stage to take in the live traditional music and folk-dance performances. Get your blood pumping at the Famous Polish Pickle 5K Run. If you and your stomach are feeling competitive, enter the pierogi-eating contest or the barbecue cook-off.
North Texas
Market Street Allen USA Celebration, June 29, Allen
Active families will have a blast at this event in Celebration Park, where kids and adults can compete in the rugged Ninja Nation obstacle course. Kiddos can also complete real NFL combine drills in the Combine Challenge Sports Zone. To cool off afterward, lounge in the shade of the kids’ Craft Tent or splash about in the kidMania Sprayground. End the night with a roar at the Jurassic Zone, an animatronic exhibit of prehistoric beasts, and stick around for the dino-mite fireworks finale.
Canal Fest, June 8, Irving
Did you know you can travel the world in one day … in Irving? This event gives families a taste of different cultures around the globe along the scenic Mandalay Canal. Relish the sights and sounds of Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas through dance performances, food, interactive crafts, and music by the water’s edge. Last year’s event included henna tattoos, free caricature drawings, dragon dances, folk-dancing, and face-painting.
South Texas
Immanuel & Helen Olshan Texas Music Festival, June 4–29, Houston
To celebrate its 30th-anniversary season of helping young professional musicians hone their craft, the festival is hosting free performances throughout the month featuring renowned musicians and distinguished conductors. Catch the opening performance June 7, which will include a full festival orchestra and guest pianist Kenny Broberg. Hear classical music’s rising stars perform on June 20. Slide into the Jazz Institute Final Concert June 28 at the Moores Opera House.
Bubble Fest, June 8, San Antonio
Float on in to Chris Park for a delightful morning of bubble-making and, presumably, bubble popping! This annual event includes family-friendly festivities from Spare Parts, a local community arts organization. Children can explore a variety of interactive bubble stations throughout the park. Bubble fans of all ages are invited to boogie down with DJ Despeinada.
East Texas
HeARTS Fest, June 1–2, Tyler
Inspire your Texas summer with arts of all kinds at the Goodman-LeGrand House & Museum in downtown Tyler. The annual HeARTS Fest celebration spotlights some of East Texas’ top-tier artists and performers. Take in gorgeous oil paintings by Margaret Turner. Sing along to shows on the mainstage or join the songwriter circle for intimate performances from acoustic artists.
Tomato Fest, June 8, Jacksonville
This event is ripe for the picking! Join the 35th annual Tomato Fest to celebrate your favorite juicy red fruit that’s commonly mistaken for a vegetable. Peruse the fresh produce at the farmers market and the goods of more than 200 vendors and food trucks. True tomato heads will enjoy participating in the Best Home-Grown Tomato Contest, Salsa Contest, Tomato Shoot, or Tomato Peeling Contest. Ketchup with friends and loved ones at the Tomato Fest Street Dance.
West Texas
Abilene Outdoor Adventures, June 1, Abilene
Grover Nelson Park is the place to be for families who love the outdoors. The city of Abilene and the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department will set up a host of activities for kids and adults. See if you can catch catfish at the Grover Nelson Small Pond or hit a bullseye at the archery station. Or learn how to identify plants and wildlife and get insider tips and tricks about backpacking and camping across the Lone Star State.
Cisco Texas Pie Fest, June 14–15, Cisco
The small town of Cisco has a big event in the oven. The Cisco Texas Pie Fest will sweeten your summer itinerary with family-friendly activities. If you’re handy in the kitchen, consider entering the pie-baking contests. For a feast for the eyes, check out the arts-and-crafts vendors. Last year’s hit activities included an all-you-can-eat pie buffet, a pie-verbial poetry reading, and a petting zoo.
There are plenty of ways to celebrate a Texas summer: make some homegrown jams and jellies, cool off with slices of melon, and break out your barbecue skills.
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