Best Summer Festivals in Texas'

Katy, Texas – June 20, 2016
The greatest and most flavorful summertime festivals all over the state

If you are looking for something new and adventurous to do with your family this summer, look no further. Katy Magazine has compiled a list of the most fun festivals in Texas, ranging from music festivals to food festivals and everything in between.

Watermelon Thump
Luling
June 23 – 26
watermelonthump.com
The watermelon thump auction has been going on for years and it continues to grow each year. Come out and take part in the watermelon eating contest or the watermelon seed spitting contest. There will also be a parade, music, a car show, and the largest melon competition.

Vino & Pasta
Fredericksburg
June 24
wineroad290.com
This event is meant to help you find a perfect pairing of wine and pasta. You will navigate your way through the hill country stopping at 15 wineries along the way, which, along with a top restaurant chef, will serve you their best plate of pasta and a glass of wine.

Tomato Round-Up
Dripping Springs
June 25
destinationdrippingsprings.com
A panel of distinguished community members and tomato enthusiasts will judge the tastiest, prettiest, biggest, and most unusual tomatoes. Attendees can join in the tasting and judging fun too! It’s sure to be a family fun day with good food, live music, face painting, a park playscape for kiddos, and activities at the Dr. Pound Historical Farmstead and Museum.

Hill Country Food Truck Festival
Luckenbach
June 25
luckenbachtexas.com
Come out and sample what the hill country’s best food trucks have to offer. While you’re chowing down, listen to some great country music and watch your kids dance their hearts out. Proceeds from the festival benefit the Texas Center for Wine and Culinary Arts.

Art Festival
Rockport
July 2 – 3
rockportartcenter.com
This family-friendly festival highlights master crafts and fine art. The show features more than 120 artists, live music, food, an air conditioned party tent, and kids’ activities.

Harvest Grape Stomp
Brenham
July 2 – Aug. 14
visitbrenhamtexas.com
If you have ever wanted to stomp grapes like Lucy and Ethel, here’s your chance! Two stomp times are offered each weekend for seven weeks. After working up an appetite, head into town and choose food from homestyle to Chinese, and you can’t forget to end it with Blue Bell ice cream.

Parker County Peach Festival
Weatherford
July 9
parkercountypeachfestival.org
This festival features everything peach – ice cream, cobbler, soda, and you can even buy baskets of home-grown peaches to take with you. There will be three stages showcasing different forms of entertainment, and one of the stages is just for kids. If you are a bike enthusiast, take part in the peach pedal bike ride, which is a 65-mile ride before the start of the festival.

Watermelon Festival
Hempstead
July 15 – 16
Hempsteadtxchamber.com
Watermelon is the ultimate summer fruit and the city of Hempstead holds it in high regard. The festival kicks off with the watermelon parade and then a barbecue cook-off, art vendors, and an auction. There will also be two street dances with three bands performing.
Cheeseburger Festival
Friona
July 16
frionachamber.com
Friona is the official cheeseburger capital of Texas by resolution of the 80th legislature of the State of Texas. With that title, you know these cheeseburgers are going to be delicious. The festival is a cook-off between at least 20 teams that will prepare at least 200 burgers a piece for the crowds and judges. You will also be able to see a car and motorcycle show, vendors, and games. You may even want be a contestant in the cheeseburger eating contest.

The Great Texas Mosquito Festival
Clute
July 28 – 30
mosquitofestival.com
Many have said that the mosquito should be the state bird of Texas, and the city of Clute took that to heart. This festival has grown throughout the years and has been named as one of the best festivals around. Bring your family out to enjoy the barbecue and fajita cook-off, mosquito calling contests, and the carnival. The musical entertainment includes Roger Creager and the Spazmatics.

Plaza Classic Film Festival
El Paso
Aug. 4 – 14
plazaclassic.com
Established in 2008, this event has gained a reputation as one of the premier showcases for local filmmakers wanting to display their works for an audience that has grown to include free concerts and collaborative exhibits. If you attend this event, you may run into a celebrity or two since the festival has sparked the interest of stars like Al Pacino and Debbie Reynolds.

Ice Cream Festival
Austin
Aug. 13
austinicecreamfestival.com
Scream for ice cream as you enjoy live entertainment, contests, and games. The festival benefits many local charities and organizations. Bring yourself, friends, family, or even your pet. KM

Written by Tanya Erickson