Special Events in Houston
January
HP Houston Marathon
Held in mid January
Location: George R. Brown Convention Center
713-957-3453
Nearly 7,000 entrants from around the world take part in this challenging race. Beginning and ending at the George R. Brown Convention Center, the 26.2-mile course winds through many Houston neighborhoods.
February
Mardi Gras!
Held mid - late February
Location: The Strand in the Historic District
888-425-4753
The celebration centers on The Strand, Galveston's historic district, where elaborate parades, masked balls, festive music and special events draw revelers from far and wide.
March
The River Oaks Garden Club's Azalea Trail
Held early - mid March
Location: Bayou Bend
713-523-2483
It's just not spring until the azaleas are in bloom. Of particular interest are the gardens at Bayou Bend, the former residence philanthropist Ima Hogg. The rest of "the trail" refers to a tour of abundantly blooming landscapes in the adjacent River Oaks neighborhood.
April
River Oaks International Tennis Tournament
Held in early April
Location: Houston
713-529-4321
Call for exact location and additional information
Believed to be the oldest professional clay-court tournament in the country still playing on its original site, this annual event attracts some of the biggest names in tennis.
Shell Houston Open Golf Tournament
Held in mid April
Location: The Woodlands
281-367-7999
Attracting close to 150 professional golfers, this is one of the biggest events on the PGA Tour. The Woodlands Tournament Players Course hosts the event, which boasts one of the largest purses on tour.
May
Cinco de Mayo Celebration
Held in early May
Location: Hermann Park
713-284-8352
Mexico defeated invading French forces on this date, but this festival's organizers see this date as a day to remind Mexican nationals of their heritage. Festivities include a parade downtown and a festival with mariachi bands, dancers and food at Miller Outdoor Theatre in Hermann Park.
June
George Ranch Juneteenth Celebration
Held in mid June
Location: George Ranch Historical Park
281-343-0218
George Ranch Historical Park re-enacts this pivotal moment in the history of Texas African- Americans. The festivities include tours, gospel music, food and fun.
July
Reliant Energy Power of Freedom
Held on July 4
Location: Downtown Houston
713-522-9723
Live entertainment downtown fills the air as spectators flock to the grounds of Eleanor Tinsley Park at Buffalo Bayou in anticipation of the evening's spectacular pyrotechnics.
August
Houston International Jazz Festival
Held in early August
Location: Downtown Houston
713-839-7000
Jazz musicians from around the world celebrate the birth of jazz with outdoor performances in downtown Houston.
Houston Shakespeare Festival
Held most of August
Location: Hermann Park
713-284-8352
Productions of two plays by the University of Houston Theatre Department are a late-summer tribute to the Bard of Avon. The free evening performances are at Miller Outdoor Theatre in Hermann Park.
September
The Great Tastes of Houston
Held in mid September
Location: Varies throughout Houston
713-522-9723
The mayor's official fall celebration serves up a sampling of menu items from the best of Houston's restaurants.
October
Grand Prix of Houston
Held in mid October
Location: Adjacent to George R. Brown Convention Center
713-739-7272
The CART racing circuit's Grand Prix -- a 1.68-mile Indy-car race through the streets of downtown Houston. With two days of qualifying events followed by the Grand Prix on Sunday, there's plenty of high-speed action to see. The race course is adjacent to the George R. Brown Convention Center, where pit crews operate in air-conditioned comfort.
Greek Festival
Held in early October
Location: Streets around Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral
713-526-5377
OPA! Houston brings Greek culture and traditions to the streets surrounding Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral. Lively Greek music and colorful folk dancers in authentic costumes entertain visitors while they sample spicy homemade dishes and heavenly pastries.
November
International Quilt Festival
Held in early November
Location: Houston
713-781-6864
Call for exact location and dates
More than 1,000 quilts are on display in special exhibits during this celebration of the textile arts. Demonstrations and mini-classes are also offered during the event. More than 800 booths offer related items, such as quilting supplies, notions or finished quilts.
Thanksgiving Day Parade
Held on Thanksgiving Day
Location: Downtown Houston
713-654-8808
A lavish downtown parade with sensational floats, marching bands and costumed characters escorts Santa Claus on an early visit to the area.
December
Mayor's Official Downtown Holiday Celebration
Held in early December
Location: Hermann Square
713-845-1267
With City Hall as the backdrop, Hermann Square hosts an upbeat outdoor show culminating in the lighting of the enormous Christmas tree and a huge fireworks display.