Houston, Texas — Events
Rodeo and Livestock Show
Houston’s raunchy rodeo is the largest in the world, and its accompanying livestock fair second in size only to the State Fair of Texas in Dallas. This three-week spectacular not only includes the world-beater rodeo competition and about 35,000 livestock entered in different categories, but it also offers hundreds of other agricultural-related activities from pig races to pony rides, and premier concert entertainment.
Houston International Jazz Festival
Summertime in Houston is made even hotter during the first weekend of August when a variety of international jazz performers take over at Bayou Place for the annual Houston International Jazz Festival. Whether you prefer your jazz in Latin, contemporary or smooth mode, it is catered for at the Festival. It marks the start of a month-long citywide focus on jazz during which local clubs offer promotions and lectures, and radio stations focus on the popular music genre.
Buffalo Bayou Regatta
Houston’s Buffalo Bayou, the waterways that weave through downtown, beckons visitors and locals alike to join in the fun at the annual canoe and kayak regattas, and Dragon Boat Festival. The serious racing is complemented by a hilarious ‘Anything that floats’ race, a relaxing picnic in Sesquicentennial Park, educational environment and nature demonstrations, and a trash pick-up with prizes.
Houston Children's Festival
This major family fun event has become one of the biggest children’s events in America, designed to bring out the child in everyone. The weekend-long festival includes 14 family ‘adventure zones’, all offering themed rides, games, activities, crafts, exhibits and sports. There are also several music stages pumping out ongoing entertainment, from health and fitness demonstrations to techno and karaoke. The Festival is organized by Child Advocates Incorporated and is in aid of abused children.
Houston International Festival
Each year a different country has the opportunity to be highlighted at Houston’s massive celebration of international culture (in 2011, Asian culture will be spotlighted). Houstonians love festivities, and this is one of the city’s biggest and best, filling two weekends and 20 downtown blocks with music on outdoor stages, street performers, ethnic food stalls, craft booths and art exhibits. Dancing in the streets, fun and games and people-watching are the order of the day.
