Springtime in Texas: Festivals for the Family

For anyone planning a trip to the Lone Star State, the sheer size of Texas can be a tad overwhelming. Begin planning with a destination in mind, based on the state’s many family-friendly spring festivals. Plan for fauna, flora and live music this month and into summer with this list of upcoming festivals worth traveling for.

Bluebonnet Festival in Burnet: April 12–14

Get in on the small-town fun during the 36^th annual Bluebonnet Festival. Held in Burnet, Texas, April 12–14, this stunning state flower show draws crowds in the tens of thousands. Just an hour drive from Austin, your family can stay in the city and enjoy a day in Burnet, or plant roots for the weekend and get the most out of the festival. This all-ages event boasts fun carnival rides, live music, local fare, shops and endless bluebonnets, of course.

Fiesta San Antonio in San Antonio: April 18–28

Over in San Antonio, Texas, festivalgoers enjoy 10 days of remembering the Alamo during the Fiesta San Antonio. Now the city’s biggest festival, the annual affair welcomes more than 3 million visitors during the course of the event, April 18–28. With more than 100 different events and attractions

, this festival offers all the history and authentic culture of the area, mixed with contemporary celebrations; Earth Day events; classic Texas pageantries; and fun events for foodies, including BBQ parties and oyster bakes.

Fiesta San Antonio celebration if front of The Alamo in San Antonio, Texas. Photo: Crackerclips | Dreamstime.com

Birdiest Festival in Corpus Christi: April 24–28

Maybe more for the empty-nesters in the family, but the 2019 Birdiest Festival brings all things birds to Corpus Christi. Just more than a two-hour drive from San Antonio, guests enjoy all the nature photography, bird walks and tours through birding hot spots and private ranches they can handle, April 24–28.

Texas SandFest in Port Aransas: April 26–28

Head to the Gulf Coast town of Port Aransas, near Corpus Christi, Texas, and observe the largest native-sand sculpture competition in the country, Texas SandFest, April 26–28. Over three days, thousands of visitors watch sculptors create masterpieces of sand, rain or shine. Guests enjoy live music, great food and plenty of activities for the kids. Get creative with some arts and crafts, or get shopping with plenty of vendors, selling clothing, souvenirs and unique furniture.

Kerrville Folk Festival in Kerrville: May 23–June 9

For the music-lovers and budding musicians in the family, the Kerrville Folk Festival is a solid 18 days of live music by local songwriters and international artists.

Viva! El Paso in El Paso: This Summer

Going strong for more than 40 years, Viva! El Paso is an outdoor music festival families will love. Enjoy a song, dance and more than 50 unique performances in the fun, quirky city of El Paso, Texas,