The 50+ Biggest 2023 Spring Festivals in Greater Houston

Groups of people relax under shaded trees while others fly kites in the distance
Take flight at the annual Kite Festival on the hill in Hermann Park | Courtesy of Hermann Park Conservancy
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Updated on Friday, March 31 at 5pm.

Discover a season of festivities across Greater Houston with our guide to 50+ spring festivals highlighting the worlds of art, music, culture, film and much more from Wednesday, March 15 to Sunday, May 28, 2023.

Spring has arrived in Houston, bringing with it a busy festival calendar throughout the Greater Houston region.

From March to May 2023, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to dive into festivals that celebrate the worlds of art, music, film, cultures from around the world, and plain ol’ fun.

We’ve gathered more than 50 of the city’s best spring festivals to get on your schedule all season long.

2023 Spring Festivals in Greater Houston

Three kids pose in front of letters saying "Moon 2 Mars"
Enjoy a week of activities and concerts at Moon 2 Mars Festival during Spring Break | Courtesy of Space Center Houston

Spring Festivals in March 2023

  • 7th Annual Houston Latino Film Festival at MATCH | Wednesday, March 15 to Sunday, March 19 – The annual film festival promoting Latino culture among Latinos and other communities has culled nearly 500 worldwide submissions down to an exciting festival lineup that features more than 70 short and feature-length films. Across MATCH’s several stages, the film festival will screen throughout five days, with several screenings accompanied by the filmmakers and directors in attendance. Single screenings are $14; all access passes are $55, $40 for students. Prices increase at the door. Times vary.
  • Moon 2 Mars Festival Concerts at Space Center Houston | Thursday, March 16 to Sunday, March 19 – The week-long celebration of space and NASA’s Artemis missions comes to a close with four days of headlining concerts from American Idol winner David Cook on Thursday; alt-rockers Sister Hazel on Friday; Grammy-winning artist Rick Springfield on Saturday; and Bidi Bidi Banda, a Selena tribute band, on Sunday afternoon. $44.95 and up; $39.95 for ages 4 to 11; free for ages 3 and under. 5:30pm; Sunday at 3pm.
  • 16th Lucky’s St. Patrick’s Day Festival 2023 near Minute Maid Park | St. Patrick’s Day, Friday, March 17– Though no longer held at Lucky’s former signature East Downtown location, this annual St. Patrick’s Day bash spans three city blocks outside of Minute Maid Park, featuring two stages of live music, flowing green beer, bagpipers and more party entertainment. $10 and up. 10am to 2am.
  • Nowruz: Persian New Year Celebration at Asia Society Texas Center | Friday, March 17 | FREE – Celebrate the start of spring and the renewal of nature at this evening program with performances, arts and crafts, cultural learning opportunities, stories, food and more. 5:30pm to 8:30pm.
  • 100th Anniversary Opening Weekend at Miller Outdoor Theatre | Friday, March 17 & Saturday, March 18 | FREE – Celebrating its centennial this year, Miller Outdoor Theatre kicks off its 100th anniversary with a night of traditional Irish dancing from Trinity Irish Dance Company on St. Patrick’s Day, Friday, March 17. Then, on Saturday, everyone is welcome to a roaring ’20s-themed bash with Vaudeville performers, swing dance lessons and more, followed by a concert from the Hot Sardines, a group that celebrates the heart and soul of classic jazz. Friday 8pm; Saturday 6pm, concert at 8pm.
  • 19th Houston Jewish Film Festival at the Evelyn R. Rubenstein JCC | Saturday, March 18 to Thursday, March 30 – The popular festival kicks off this weekend, ushering in a series of entertaining and exceptional award-winning films that showcase Jewish lives and stories. Individual screenings are $15 and up; pick-three films is available for $41. Times vary.
People stroll past artist booths on a leafy tree-lined path
Shop 300+ local artists at the Bayou City Art Festival in Memorial Park | Courtesy of Bayou City Art Festival
  • The Riot Comedy Festival at Rudyard’s Pub | Thursday, March 23 to Sunday, March 26 – More than 60 performers descend on the Montrose pub for a weekend of comedy across three stages, plus a street carnival, beer and cocktails, and tasty eats. Headlining talent includes Billy D. Washington, Gianmarco Soresi, Lara Beitz, Steph Tolev, Cipha Sounds, and Joe Machi—not to mention a slate of Houston’s funniest comics, podcasters, and more. Individual shows start at $25; $160 for all-access, early bird discounts available. Times vary.
  • Montgomery County Fair & Rodeo at Montgomery County Fairgrounds | Thursday, March 23 to Sunday, April 2 – If you’re still itching for your Rodeo fix, then Montgomery County returns with its annual county fair and rodeo with concerts, a carnival, a bbq cook-off, and livestock contests. Tickets range from $5 to $25. Times vary.
  • Art Car Kickoff Party & Artist Packet Pick-Up at the Ion | Friday, March 24 | No Cover – The annual Art Car Parade party offers a first look at dozens of participating art cars along with live music, bites and beverages, plus tours of the new Ion building. 5pm to 8pm.
  • Bayou City Art Festival at Memorial Park | Friday, March 24 to Sunday, March 26 – Houston’s iconic art festival returns this spring with artwork from more than 300 artists across 19 different categories, all on display for festival goers to oooh and aaah at. The weekend festival will also showcase two entertainment stages, a food truck park, and beverage stations throughout Memorial Park, plus you can get a look at the Park’s latest addition with the brand new land bridge across Memorial Drive. $18; $5 for ages 6 to 12; free for ages 5 and under. 10am to 6pm.
  • Tomball German Heritage Festival in Old Town Tomball | Friday, March 24 to Sunday, March 26 | FREE – Tomball’s annual German Fest fills the streets with more than 200 vendors rocking antiques, arts and crafts, and more; plus cultural music, street performances, a Heritage Center, and tasty German fare, festival eats, and beer and wine. The weekend-long event is family-friendly and free to attend, with free parking and a shuttle service on Saturday and Sunday as well. Times vary.
  • Big Art Day at Pearland Town Center | Saturday, March 25 | FREE – The Pearland shopping and community hub has a big art day blowout with live chalk art demonstrations, student artwork, DIY make-and-takes, performances, DJs, door prizes and more. 10am to 2pm.
  • International Art & Kite Festival at Crown Festival Park in Sugar Land | Saturday, March 25 | FREE – Look to the sky for high flying kites and a day full of family entertainment. The festival celebrates culture and community through art, music, dancing and food, plus you can marvel at art cars and catch live performances. 10am to 3pm.
An outdoor carnival with festival goers eating and a Ferris Wheel in the background
The annual Tomball German Festival caps off the month of March | Courtesy of Tomball German Festival
  • Libation Creation Festival 2023 at B-52 Brewing | Saturday, March 25 | No Cover – The Conroe brewery hosts a day of demonstrations and workshops to help you level up your libations game. Check out a winemakers masterclass, take a brewery tour, learn how mead is made and enjoy live music, an artisan market, food trucks and more. 1pm to 8pm.
  • Celtic Festival at Kemah Boardwalk | Saturday, March 25 | FREE – The bay area boardwalk hosts a day of live music, highlighted by performances from the Blaggards and the Cass-Barrington Academy of Irish Dance, plus kids’ arts and crafts, games and more. 1pm to 9pm.
  • Spring Food Fest at Social Beer Garden | Saturday, March 25 | No Cover – The Midtown beer garden sprawls out onto the patio with multiple food vendors and more than 100 beers to choose from, along with March Madness on the 20-footer. 3pm to 6pm.
  • Thorn & Moon’s Spring Equinox Festival at St. Arnold’s Brewing | Saturday, March 25 | FREE – Celebrate the springtime with dozens of local vendors doling out goods and wares in the strange and occult, along with tarot readings and delicious food and brews from St. Arnold’s. 6pm to 11pm.
  • Annual Kite Festival at Hermann Park | Sunday, March 26 | FREE – One of Hermann Park’s signature events of the year, the Kite Festival at the Hermann hill offers a day of kite flying and fun, with other activities like live music, DJs, interactive games, face painting and more. 10am to 3pm.
  • March Madness Music Festival at Discovery Green | Friday, March 31 to Sunday, April 2 | FREE with Registration – One of the main events throughout Final Four weekend, the March Madness concert series brings heavy-hitting headliners to Discovery Green, including Houston’s own Megan Thee Stallion at Friday’s AT&T Block Party; Lil Nas X and Maggie Rogers on Saturday; and a stacked Sunday country lineup with Tim McGraw, Keith Urban, Little Big Town and Mickey Guyton. Free, but you must register for tickets. Times vary.
  • Men’s Final Four Fan Fest at George R. Brown Convention Center | Friday, March 31 to Monday, April 3 – The four-day Fan Fest in Downtown offers a weekend of skill tests for fans of all ages, plus a chance to see thrilling championship highlights, snag autographs from former NCAA players, professional athletes and coaches, win prizes and more. Advance tickets are $8; free for ages 12 and under, Capital One cardholders, and Final Four ticketholders. Times vary.
Fans walk through an area with projections of college logos on the walls
The NCAA Final Four Fan Fest welcomes fan for four days of basketball fun | Courtesy of NCAA Final Four

Spring Festivals in April 2023

  • Houston Folk, Blues & Red Dirt Festival at Independence Park | Saturday, April 1 | FREE – This Pearland event features a full day of concerts from Grammy-nominated gospel, folk and blues artists, headlined by Nashville’s Stone Senate. Plus, take the opportunity to shop from local vendors, enjoy craft beer and wine, and grub on gourmet foods. 10:30am to 9pm.
  • Spring Fest 2023 at Houston’s First Baptist Church | Saturday, April 1 | FREE – The Downtown church hosts the free, campus-wide Spring Fest 2023—an all-ages, family friendly event with games, inflatables, a rock climbing wall, train rides, basketball, snacks, an Easter Egg Hunt for young kids, and more. 11am to 2pm.
  • Innovation Spark Fest at Sugar Land Town Square | Saturday, April 1 | FREE – From interactive gaming to the latest in healthcare and education technology, this festival offers visitors a chance to glimpse the future of innovative tech through the latest inventions and breakthroughs, plus three rings of bot competitions. 11am to 5pm.
  • Lyons Avenue Renaissance Festival in Fifth Ward | Saturday, April 1 | FREE – The 10th annual edition of this festival celebrates the history, art and culture of Houston’s Fifth Ward. Expect stages playing authentic blues, hip-hop, rock and gospel, plus down-home cooking, soul food, Creole cuisine and BBQ. This family-friendly festival also features an Easter egg drop by helicopter, where kiddos can scramble for more than 50,000 goodie-filled eggs. Noon to 5pm.
  • Festival of Colors: Pearland Holi Extravaganza at Pearland Town Center | Saturday, April 1 | FREE – A huge Holi celebration descends on Pearland to kick off April, complete with plenty of color play, DJs, games, kids activities, and a market featuring food, shopping and local vendors. No ticket required for festivities; $6 for admission to color play zone. Noon to 5pm.
  • Sugar Land Arts Fest 2K23 at Smart Financial Centre Plaza | Saturday, April 1 & Sunday, April 2 – This two-day arts festival showcases more than 1,000 visual artists from across the country, plus you can enjoy live music, food, wine and more. Single day tickets are $10; $15 for both days. 10am to 4pm.
  • Galveston Steampunk Festival at Galveston Railroad Museum | Saturday, April 1 & Sunday, April 2 – Fans of the steampunk aesthetic will assemble for this two-day fest that celebrates the sci-fi subgenre that crosses Victorian-era tech with retrofuturism. Throughout the first day, fans can take in live music and special performances, participate in a costume contest and enjoy games like archery, axe throwing and more. Then, on Sunday, festival goers can stroll through home and history tours of the Galveston area, plus two evening walking ghost tours. $35 and up; $15 for kids. Noon to midnight.
People strolling by vendor booths on the shore of a waterway, with people pedaling swan boats
Shop artwork directly from artists and enjoy live music and more at the Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival | Courtesy of The Woodlands Arts Council
  • Heads & Tails Festival at 8th Wonder Brewery | Saturday, April 8 | No Cover – The annual all-ages crawfish festival hits the spacious back patio of 8th Wonder in East Downtown, offering mudbugs from Clutch City Crawfish and live music from Ruben Moreno’s Zydeco Re-Evolution. Noon to 5pm.
  • Houston Margarita Festival at the Water Works in Buffalo Bayou Park | Saturday, April 8 – Returning for its tenth edition at the Water Works at Buffalo Bayou Park, the Houston Margarita Festival features more than 17 flavored margs for tasting, live music, DJ tunes, dancing, food vendors, and more. Advance tickets are $15 and up; $30 at the gate. Noon to 10pm.
  • 2023 Tall Ships Festival in Galveston | Thursday, April 13 to Sunday, April 16 – Serving as one of three Gulf Coast ports, this annual festival brings a fleet of tall ships traveling across the Gulf of Mexico, offering a chance to see these historic vessels and enjoy numerous events, plus sail-away excursions, music, food and family-friendly fun. Festival admission is $15; $10 for ages 7 to 12; free for ages 6 and under. Admission that includes boarding of boats is $25; $15 for ages 7 to 12; free for ages 6 and under. 10am to 6pm.
  • The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival in Town Green Park | Friday, April 14 to Sunday, April 16 – A certain marker that spring has arrived, the 18th Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival brings more than 200 accomplished artists out to the Waterway shores and surroundings with live music, entertainment, and food and drink. $16 ($11 on Friday); free for ages 12 and under. Times vary.
  • 36th Annual Houston Art Car Parade on Allen Parkway | Saturday, April 15 | FREE – One of Houston’s most beloved events—and the largest celebration of its kind in the world with over 250 cars—gets rolling on Allen Parkway for its 36th edition. Come early from 9am to 11am to see the cars lineup and enjoy a mini music festival with food trucks and beverages. Parade begins at 2pm.
  • Houston Whiskey Riot 2023 at Post Houston | Saturday, April 15 – Sip and sample your way through more than 200 whiskies, taste inventive whiskey cocktails, meet master distillers and bring home a special tasting glass at this Downtown festival for all things whiskey. $85 and up. 4pm to 7pm.
A bejeweled hood emblem is in the foreground, atop a car's hood covered in colorful gems and beads
The 36th Annual Art Car Parade cruises down Allen Parkway in April | Courtesy of Art Car Parade
  • Puranava Indian Art & Culture Fest at Pearland Town Center | Saturday, April 15 | FREE – Celebrate Indian culture with an afternoon of arts performances, art exhibits, hands-on activities, a bazaar with food and local vendors, plus youth competitions in chess, art, trivia and more. 4pm to 8pm.
  • Love Street Music Fest at Karbach Brewing | Saturday, April 15 – The Spring Branch brewery returns with another year of its annual music festival, featuring the Grammy-nominated rockers Spoon, Jukebox the Ghost, and Mind Shrine. $40 and up. 5pm to 10pm.
  • Obscure Houston Oddities Market: April Fools Festival at Numbers Nightclub | Sunday, April 16 – More than thirty vendors hit the floor of the Montrose nightclub to sell their wares in this one-of-a-kind market featuring goth boutique, taxidermy, bones and skulls, antiques, vintage toys and clothes, and plenty more peculiar goodies. Houston’s own avant-garde group Ak’chamel will take the stage for a live performance, alongside a comedy showcase, live DJ and dancing. $7 in advance; $10 at the door; free for ages 4 and under. 1pm to 8pm.
  • 21st Annual FeatherFest Birding & Nature Photography Festival in Galveston | Thursday, April 20 to Sunday, April 23 – For amateur and seasoned birding enthusiasts alike, this multi-day event leads birders through various coastal communities to see native and migratory birds throughout the Galveston region. Saturday and Sunday also include a series of kid-friendly activities throughout the Island (times and prices vary; some free). Registration is $25; activities are a separate cost. Times vary.
  • 15th Annual H-Town Blues Festival at NRG Arena | Friday, April 21 – The annual blues extravaganza returns to Houston, featuring renown artists in Tucka, Calvin Richardson, Pokey Bear, King George, and several more musicians and bands. $59 and up. 8pm.
  • Midtown Art in the Park at Baldwin Park | Friday, April 21 & Saturday, April 22 | FREE – Stop by Midtown Houston for back-to-back days of art celebration at this family-friendly event with local vendors, performers, and limited ArtJam activities where you’ll craft and take home Astros wreaths, a Mother’s Day piñata, and more. Friday 5pm to 10pm; Saturday 10am to 4pm.
  • Earth Day Celebration & Water Works Festival at Discovery Green | Saturday, April 22 | FREE – One of Discovery Green’s signature events, the annual family-friendly festival returns with a full afternoon of interactive exhibits and educational experiences, plus live music, art installations, face painting, crafts and activities. Noon to 5pm.
  • Houston LatinFest at Crown Festival Park | Sunday, April 23 – Moving from its usual location in Downtown to Sugar Land, this annual music and culture festival is a family-friendly gathering with live Latin music along with local vendors and delicious Latin foods. $12 and up; free for ages 12 and under. 1pm to 10pm.
  • 67th Sylvan Beach Festival in La Porte | Saturday, April 29 – Held along the waters of Galveston Bay, this historic fest features a country music lineup—headlined by Wade Bowen and Stoney LaRue—which caps off an entire day of family-friendly fun with carnival rides, a barbecue cook-off, arts and crafts, inflatables, a local vendor market and much more. $15; $5 for ages 62+; free for ages 12 and under. 9am to 11pm.
  • The Grand Kids Festival in Downtown Galveston | Saturday, April 29 | FREE – Hosted in the Cultural Arts District of Downtown Galveston, this family festival from the Grand 1894 Opera House features a full day of fine arts for kids, along with hands-on projects, dance performances, shows, inflatables, a petting zoo, pony rides and more. 10am to 5pm.
  • 18th Annual Frida Festival at MECA | Saturday, April 29 | FREE – Celebrate all things Frida Kahlo at a Sixth Ward festival featuring lively music, performances, vendors, food trucks, and plenty of people dressed up as one of Mexico’s most beloved and legendary artists. 11am to 7pm.
  • Houston Zydeco Fest at Emancipation Park | Saturday, April 29 – The Third Ward park space hosts an afternoon of Zydeco tunes and food vendors that make up a Creole party with games, contests and more activities. $10 and up. 2pm to 10pm.
  • The Metzler New Works Festival at the George Theater | Sunday, April 30 to Tuesday, May 2 | FREE – Celebrate the best in new plays and musicals that explore the intersection of faith and storytelling at this three-day festival of playwright premieres. Free, but you must register for tickets. 7:30pm.
A multiple-piece band performs with a singer, conga drummer and other musicians
Houston Latin Fest gets a new venue in Sugar Land in April | Courtesy of Houston Latin Fest

Spring Festivals in May 2023

  • Spring Festival 2023 at The Water Works in Buffalo Bayou Park | Saturday, May 6 – Head to Buffalo Bayou’s green space in the shadow of skyscrapers to enjoy live music, international cuisine, beer and wine, kids activities and more, all in support of Galveston-Houston Immigrant Representation Project’s mission to provide holistic legal services to immigrants in need. $25 and up. Noon to 4pm.
  • Japan Festival Houston 2023 at Hermann Park | Saturday, May 6 & Sunday, May 7 | FREE – Following a four-year hiatus due to teh pandemic, the popular Japan Festival returns to Hermann Park, offering two days of cultural celebration through music, dance and martial arts, food, hands-on activities and more. 11am to 6pm.
  • Jazzy Sundays: The Suffers, with Maryum Echo at The Water Works in Buffalo Bayou Park | Sunday, May 7 | FREE – Kicking off the first of four Jazzy Sundays concerts at Buffalo Bayou, Houston’s own Gulf Coast soul group, The Suffers, headline the Water Works stage, along with Maryum Echo. 5pm to 7pm.
  • Celebrate Miller: 100th Birthday Party at Miller Outdoor Theatre | Friday, May 12 | FREE – A highlight of Miller’s centennial, this event features a massive birthday cake for those in attendance, special activities and performances from the Houston Ballet. 6pm.
  • Texas Crab Festival at Festival Park in Crystal Beach | Friday, May 12 to Sunday, May 14 – Savor crab dishes, live music, and festivities, including carnival rides, art vendors, wiener dog races, and more at the 38th annual festival near Galveston. $20. Times vary.
  • 2023 Houston Art Bike Festival at MacGregor Park | Saturday, May 13 | FREE – Celebrate personal creativity on two wheels at this second annual festival and bike parade at MacGregor Park in Third Ward, featuring art bikes from HISD schools, live music, art activities, food trucks, and more. Then, enjoy an evening concert at the Orange Show campus highlighted by Grammy-winning bassist and former Prince bandmate MonoNeon. 9am to 6pm. 
A drummer performs on stage
The Japan Festival returns to Hermann Park after a four-year hiatus | Courtesy of Houston Japan Festival
  • 50th Annual Pasadena Strawberry Festival at Pasadena Fairgrounds | Thursday, May 18 to Sunday, May 21 – The annual strawberry fest returns to Pasadena, featuring a weekend of barbecue, carnival rides, a car show, mutton bustin’, a kids zone, and more. Times vary.
  • Umami Fest Night Market 2023 at Railway Heights Market | Friday, May 19 & Saturday, May 20 | No Cover – This umami-packed, Asian-inspired food festival and night market will rock street food and merchandise vendors, artists, night market games and prizes, and entertainment. 3pm to 11pm.
  • 21st Annual Menu of Menus at Silver Street Studios | Tuesday, May 23 – Sip, sample, and taste your way through more than 40 Houston restaurants at one of Houston’s largest signature culinary extravaganzas. $49 and up. 7pm to 10pm.
  • Comicpalooza at George R. Brown Convention Center | Friday, May 26 to Sunday, May 28 – Get decked out in your favorite hero costume and head Downtown for a weekend of cosplay, autographs, and all-things-comics. Enjoy family-friendly activities, listen in on live panel discussions, shop from local creators, browse pop culture memorabilia, and much more. Single day passes range from $46 to $69, depending on day; weekend passes start at $98. Times vary.
A child in a Spiderman costume poses with three adults in various Spiderman costumes
Comicpalooza offers a pop culture extravaganza on Memorial Day weekend in May | Photo: Christine Wright; courtesy of Comicpalooza

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Justin Jerkins
A longtime Houstonian, Justin Jerkins always keeps an eye out for what's ahead on Houston's horizon while serving as Editor-in-Chief of 365 Things to Do in Houston. When he's not passing along the latest events, destinations and hidden treasures in H-Town, he loves diving into the city's food scene, shopping local and learning about Houston's rich history.