Mark your calendars: 9 spring festivals & events in Houston
From gardens to food fests, Houston’s spring calendar is packed with can’t-miss events for singles, couples, and families alike.
Every new year starts with a blank slate, a chance to start fresh and let whatever’s coming next unfold. If one of your resolutions for 2026 is to experience Houston like the tourists who flock here, you’ve come to the right place.
It seems like the holidays end, the new year begins, and before you know it, spring is springing all over these parts of southeastern Texas. And while Houston never gets the cold the North experiences, the city still welcomes spring, a time of renewal that feels like another fresh start.
So even though it might not feel like it, it’s time to start thinking about how you’ll spend your spring in Houston. Too soon for you to wrap your head around it? Then I’m here to help.
Here’s your guide to Houston’s best spring festivals and events. They’re fun, they’re family-friendly, and they get you outside before Houston’s famous heat and mosquitoes return for the summer.
Singles, couples, and families of every size will enjoy a full calendar of events between March and May. So without further ado, let’s get planning!
March events in Houston
Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo
NRG Stadium
March 2-22
One of Houston’s most significant events happens this month, and it’s worth a visit (or two, or three). There is so much to do at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, that you’ll have your choice of activities over a three-week period.
The rodeo events themselves are fascinating, whether you’re into bull riding or calf-roping, and Rodeo Houston knows how to keep you entertained, with a patriotic horseback salute, a mare and her foal inspiring a sentimental moment, and clowns and hijinks that bring laughter.
Stay after the rodeo to see the giant stage rolled out to the center of NRG Stadium in preparation for the nightly concerts. Some of the country’s most popular performers headline these shows, all included in the cost of a rodeo ticket. Elsewhere on the grounds, you’ll find a full-sized midway, loads of food and drink vendors, a lovely wine garden where you can sit with a bottle or a glass, western-themed shopping, award-winning art, and champion livestock.
Houston Azalea Trail 2026
River Oaks
March 6-8
This year marks the 88th anniversary of the River Oaks Garden Club’s Azalea Trail, and it’s more popular than ever, especially for visitors who love gardening, architecture, and history.
You’ll have an opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes look at four private home gardens, all resplendent with newly bloomed spring flowers that will inspire your inner gardener.
Aside from wandering through a landscape of blooms, you will also have access to Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens, where Ima Hogg and her brothers built their mansion, filled it with what are now priceless antiques, and nurtured extensive formal gardens.
Don’t leave without taking time to visit Rienzi, the former home of philanthropists Carroll Sterling Masterson and Harris Masterson III. Filled with miniature collections, paintings, and furnishings, it is surrounded by a natural woodland setting and a landscape of lush gardens.
Moon 2 Mars Festival
Space Center Houston
March 9-22
Each year, Space Center Houston approaches Spring Break differently. But one thing is consistent: They are less interested in the wild antics Spring Break is known for, and much more interested in celebrating the future of space exploration.
If you’d rather watch “Star Trek” than have another beer, you’re the perfect audience for Moon 2 Mars Festival. There you’ll learn all about the latest space technology from leaders in the aerospace field, enjoy stellar live concerts, and play astronaut in hands-on demos.
Of course, this is Texas, so expect to fill up on barbecue before jumping on the tram to visit Johnson Space Center, a bucket-list item for all Texans. Activities are appropriate for all ages, so bring the little space explorers and welcome spring with an eye toward the sky.
Bayou City Art Festival
Sam Houston Park, Bagby St.
March 28-29
Spring is the perfect time to be outdoors in Houston, and the Bayou City Art Festival is the perfect location to enjoy the sunshine.
Wander among 300 artist booths representing works from every artistic genre, and seize the rare chance to talk to the artists about their inspiration and process. This is a good time to purchase one-of-a-kind creations you’ll enjoy for years to come.
Sponsored by the Art Colony Association, this event is held biannually. In the fall, the festival takes over Memorial Park. In the spring, visitors to the Bayou City Art Festival are lucky to enjoy easy, convenient parking at Sam Houston Park, a definite plus when attending events in H-Town!
April events in Houston
Spring Fest
Independence Park, Pearland
Saturday, April 11
A new event coming to Pearland, Spring Fest ushers in all things spring. Bring the whole family to spend the day in the park. Just a few activities to keep you busy: a craft market, live entertainment, interactive installations, and lots of tasty festival food.
The event runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, but special accommodations will be made for families with children with disabilities. They are welcome to arrive at 9 a.m. for their own soft opening within a smaller group.
Houston Art Car Parade
Allen Parkway, Downtown
Saturday, April 11
After 39 years, the Houston Art Car Parade has become a beloved institution, and every year, as soon as the date is announced, people rush to get it on their calendars.
It’s no wonder why. As many as 300,000 spectators line the streets come spring, all eager to cheer for the wildest, craziest cars in the parade. Over 250 cars are transformed into mobile, large-scale art pieces, each inch a palette for the artist’s creativity.
This event holds the distinction of being the largest of its kind in the world, and it’s a fantastic excuse for both car lovers and art fanatics to join the crowds and spend a beautiful spring outdoors.
Houston Latin Fest
Crown Festival Park, Sugar Land
Saturday, April 11
Celebrating the diversity that this city is known for (link), Houston Latin Fest brings music, dancing, and culture to Crown Festival Park on Southwest Freeway in Sugar Land.
The family-oriented event immerses visitors in Latin culture while celebrating the true melting pot that is Houston. This year’s theme is centered on Sugar Land’s sponsorship of the FIFA World Cup Houston Host City, so represent your favorite team, put on your dancing shoes, and capture some memorable photos of the colors and traditions represented by the city’s Latino population.
May events in Houston
Pasadena Strawberry Festival
Pasadena Convention Center and Fairgrounds
May 14-17
Where better to celebrate spring than the “Strawberry Capital of the South”? Make your way to the Pasadena Strawberry Festival so you can brag about seeing the world’s biggest strawberry shortcake (no surprise that it’s in Texas).
After you’ve snapped one of Houston’s most Instagrammable photos, enjoy a day of carnival rides and games, festival food and drink, and some of the best live music in Houston.
The two stages showcase a range of talent from school bands to country music stars, and everything in between.
To really get in on the action, sign up for unique festival events like the mud volleyball tournament, or get your youngest involved in the baby parade (talk about a photo op!) The beauty of the Pasadena Strawberry Festival is that there really is something for every age at this enormously popular event.
Buzzfest
Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
Saturday, May 23
Since 1995, Buzzfest has been bringing Houstonians to their feet with a full day of music that keeps you moving. Whether you’re into indie music, headbanging, or rap, you’ll find something to sing along to at Buzzfest.
This year’s lineup has yet to be announced, but last year featured Chevelle, Marilyn Manson, Blue October, Evans Blue, P.O.D, and Sleep Theory. Multiple artists will take the stage, and while their genres may represent a variety of styles, they will all inspire a sense of camaraderie among music lovers.
Lawn tickets at this outdoor Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion are the best bargain in town, and will give you a chance to spread out and soak in spring in Houston.
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