July sizzles with festive fun taking place throughout the Lone Star State. From fruit-themed festivals to free summer concerts, these 10 Texas towns are worth a road trip this month.
Lampasas
Now – July 9: Celebrating the Lampasas Springs since 1972, Spring Ho takes place the second full weekend in July each year. The annual festival brims with family-friendly fun in the form of kids’ attractions, a grand parade, the Toughest 10K in Texas, washer pitching and corn hole tournaments, live music from McBride & The Ride and Josh Ward, a car show and more. More at www.springho.com.
Join Visit Corpus Christi and the Corpus Christi Hooks on July 7. Credit Visit Corpus Christi
Corpus Christi
July 7: Head to Corpus Christi for the 3rd annual Gulf Coast Capital Community Night with the Corpus Christi Hooks –– the affiliate team of the Houston Astros. Join Visit Corpus Christi and the Corpus Christi Hooks for a game to remember at Whataburger Field celebrating Gulf Coast Capital Night –– doors open at 5:30 p.m. and first pitch is at 7:05 p.m. Arrive early for jersey giveaways and other freebies, and stay late for the baseball game, festive photo ops and an epic fireworks show. Find out more and buy tickets at www.visitcorpuschristi.com/gulf-coast-capital-night/.
RELATED: Corpus Christi: 7 Family-Friendly Summertime Musts in the Gulf Coast Capital
What better way to enjoy live music than to experience a show waterfront on Lake Marble Falls? Credit Visit Marble Falls
Marble Falls
July 7, 14, 21, 28: Make your way to Marble Falls each Friday night this month to enjoy free live concerts as part of the Marble Falls Summer Concert Series. Hosted by the Parks & Recreation Department, the free public shows start at 6 p.m. –– bring your friends, family, beverages and chairs to listen to a mix of musical genres ranging from Texas Country to Tejano. On July 7, John Arthur Martinez and Friends take the stage. Then listen to The Wilder Blue on July 14, Bryan Anthony and the Lucky Seven on July 21, and Nightbird on July 28. More at www.visitmarblefalls.org/summer-concert-series-2023.
McDade’s Watermelon Festival bursts with family fun including a watermelon eating contest, car show, parade, live music and more. Contributed
McDade
July 8: McDade’s 75th annual Watermelon Festival is a quintessential summertime celebration of watermelons, cars, music and more. Fill up on all of the watermelon-themed fun you can stomach, enjoy a parade, an old-fashioned street dance, arts and crafts vendors, live music, a Sweatin’ Melons 5K, car show, barbecue cook-off, seed spitting contest and more at this free, family-friendly jubilee celebration. More at https://www.mcdadetexas.com/.
Fill up on peachy keen delights at the annual Parker County Peach Festival. Contributed
Weatherford
July 8: It’s sure to be a peachy time at the 38th annual Parker County Peach Festival held in historic downtown Weatherford from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Expect more than 200 arts, crafts, food and activity booths, children’s activities, a peach pedal bike ride, live music, plenty of peaches and more at this one-day event that draws more than 40,000 folks. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 6 through 12. More at www.parkercountypeachfestival.org.
San Antonio
July 11-16: CineFestival, San Antonio’s original Latinx film festival, is the nation’s original and longest-running Latino film festival. The 44th edition of CineFestival San Antonio takes place at the historic Guadalupe Theater with a greater-than-ever Texas filmmaker presence featuring 114 films, including 38 films from San Antonio and 40 films from the Lone Star State. CineFestival continues to support local and regional filmmakers while offering a well-rounded program to local audiences that also includes national and international films highlighting artistic excellence and diversity. Find out more and purchase tickets at www.guadalupeculturalarts.org/cine-festival.
A Unique Celebration of Unity, Diversity, and Friendship Awaits in Laredo, Texas this July. Credit Visit Laredo
Laredo
July 14-16: The 19th annual Laredo International Sister Cities Festival is a three-day, one-of-a-kind event that showcases the city’s unique, bi-national charm and Mex-Tex authenticity. Over three days, the Sames Auto Arena is transformed into a beautiful indoor mercado bursting with 200-plus artisans from all over Mexico and Central and South America that showcase and sell authentic goods from their native city and pay homage to the rich blend of cultures the region is known for. More at www.laredosistercities.com.
Bandera
July 22: Saddle up to experience a free, fun-filled cowboy weekend in Bandera celebrating the National Day of the American Cowboy at the County Courthouse lawn. Known as the Cowboy Capital of the World, Bandera’s free celebration includes chuckwagon storytelling from cowboys on Main Street, wagon rides, pictures with a longhorn, games, shootouts from the Bandera Gunfighters, trick ropers, live music, special Old West guests, a medicine show and more. More at www.banderabusiness.com.
Pose for a selfie with the festival’s famed mascot, “Willie Manchew.” Contributed
Clute
July 27-29: See what all the buzz is about at Clute’s 42nd annual Great Texas Mosquito Festival. The widely-publicized festival draws thousands of attendees and features three days of family-friendly fun including live entertainment, barbecue and fajita cookoffs, a Mosquito Chase 5K Run and kids run, Mosquito Calling and Mosquito Legs contests and more. More at www.mosquitofestival.com.
Naples
July 27-29: Naples’ 85th annual Watermelon Festival and Rodeo is one of the biggest events around, drawing people from far and wide to sink their teeth into sweet and juicy East Texas melons. Head out the festival and rodeo to enjoy one of the biggest parades in northeastern Texas, a street dance, arts and craft booths, a fully sanctioned PRCA rodeo, an antique car show, corn hole, horseshoes, food, wineritas, bingo and more. More at facebook.com/naplesmelonpatch.
