March Festivals: 10 Texas Celebrations Worth a Trip

By: Mauri Elbel
March, 2022

From spring blooms and St. Patrick’s Day celebrations to rodeos and rattlesnake roundups, here are 10 of the top Texas festivals worthy of a road trip this month. 

This year’s Dallas Blooms features larger-than-life peacock topiaries along with more than 500,000 spring blooming bulbs. Contributed by Dallas Arboretum

Dallas

Now-April 10: Spring comes to life at the Dallas Arboretum’s Dallas Blooms, the largest annual floral festival in the Southwest. Themed “Birds in Paradise,” this year’s Dallas Blooms will feature larger-than-life peacock topiaries along with more than 500,000 spring blooming bulbs to create the largest and most colorful floral display in the Southwest. This explosion of spring flowers comes from 100 varieties of spring bulbs, thousands of azaleas and hundreds of Japanese cherry trees. Dallas Blooms bursts with fun for everyone, including Mommy and Me Mondays, Tiny Tot Tuesdays, Cool Thursdays Concerts, live music throughout the garden, piano performances, picnics and more. More at www.dallasarboretum.org.

Dallas Blooms is the largest and most colorful floral display in the Southwest. Contributed by Dallas Arboretum

March 4-6: The pipes are calling everyone to Fair Park in Dallas for the 40th Annual North Texas Irish Festival, a three-day family-friendly festival celebrating the rich tradition of Irish and Celtic culture. Tens of thousands of people from across Texas and beyond flock to this family-friendly event that has become one of the largest Irish festivals in the country. Expect live music, dancing, storytelling, chef demonstrations and more on multiple stages throughout Fair Park, as well as horse shows, fencing and sheepherding demonstrations, beer and whiskey tastings, and more. Admission is free from 6 to 7 p.m. Friday; $10 after 7 p.m. One-day tickets are $25 on Saturday and $20 on Sunday. Children 11 and under are free with an accompanying adult. More at www.ntif.org

North Texas Irish Festival is a three-day family-friendly festival celebrating Irish and Celtic culture. Photo by Susan Thweatt

Houston 

Now-March 20: This year marks the 90th anniversary of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. The world’s largest livestock show and rodeo attracts more than 2.5 million visitors annually with its family-friendly experiences spanning calf scrambles, horse shows, a carnival, rodeo competitions and nightly concerts from performers including Keith Urban, Gwen Stefani, Chris Stapleton, George Strait and more. Find out more and buy tickets at www.rodeohouston.com.

RELATED: February Festivals 

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is the world’s largest livestock show and rodeo. Contributed by Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo

Fulton 

March 3-6: You’re guaranteed one shell of a good time at the 42nd annual Fulton Oysterfest. Each year, the Fulton Volunteer Fire Department puts on this annual event as a salute to the tasty bivalve found in local Gulf waters and a way to raise funds needed for equipment, training and maintenance. Expect everything from oyster-eating and oyster-decorating contests to live music and arts and craft vendors at the event, located along the waterfront on the Fulton Festival Grounds. Gate admission is $2 on Thursday and $5 per person for those 12 and over Friday through Sunday. More at fultonoysterfest.org.

Each year the Fulton Volunteer Fire Department sponsors Oysterfest, a salute to the tasty bi-valve found in the coastal waters. Photo by Pat Elbel

RELATED: Texas Beach Guide

Bandera

March 8-12: You’ll find sew much to experience at Bandera’s Fiber and Arts Week Festival celebrating all things Texas wool, mohair and alpaca. The farm to fiber arts adventure unfolds at The Sheepwalk Ranch and offers classes and demonstrations on spinning and weaving; the Fiber-a-Torium, part fiber arts fun and part shopping experience with fiber producers and artists; and live animals. More at www.banderafiberandarts.com

Llano

March 11-13: Llano Earth Art Fest (LEAF), taking place in Grenwelge Park, features art, music, food, crafts and stacks of rocks. Undoubtably one of the most unique festivals taking place on the banks of the Llano River, attendees can watch internationally renowned artists defy gravity with incredibly balanced rock sculptures, listen to talented musicians, try out rock balancing, take part in workshops and more. LEAF tickets are $25 at the gate and free for kids 17 and under with a parent. More at www.llanoearthartfest.org

Attend the world’s largest rattlesnake roundup in Sweetwater, Texas. Photo credit Teddy Kidd

Sweetwater

March 11-13: The World’s Largest Rattlesnake Roundup takes place the second weekend in March at the Nolan County Coliseum in Sweetwater. Started in 1958, festival highlights range from guided snake hunts and snake eating contests to a Miss Snake Charmer pageant and carnival. For more information and tickets, visit www.rattlesnakeroundup.net

Pickle Queens at a past St. Paddy’s Pickle Parade & Palooza. Contributed

Mansfield

March 18-19: The world’s only St. Paddy’s Pickle Parade & Palooza unfolds in downtown Mansfield, the official Pickle Capital of Texas. This free two-day, family-friendly event features a pickle parade, pet and baby parades, keg races, pickle runs, pickle contests, pickle queens, live music, food and fun. Admission, parking, shuttle service, children’s activities and entertainment is free. More information at www.pickleparade.org.

Shamrock

March 18-20: There’s no better place to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Texas than deep in the heart of Shamrock, home of the official St. Patrick’s celebration for the entire state of Texas. The 75th annual Diamond Jubilee St. Patrick’s Celebration brings three days of fun in the form a festive parade, a ranch rodeo, the crowning of Miss Irish Rose, a motorcycle rally and poker run, craft shows, a Donegal beard contest, a Lad n’ Lassie pageant, live concerts and more Irish-themed activities. More at www.shamrockstpatricks.com

Outlaws & Legends is putting on its 11th annual Music Fest at the Back Porch of Texas in Abilene. Credit Rock Williams

Abilene

March 25-26: Outlaws & Legends, recently named “Festival of the Year” by Texas Music, is putting on its 11th annual Music Fest at the Back Porch of Texas in Abilene. The lineup is stacked from top to bottom with nationally known country, Americana, rock, and Texas country artists including headliners Robert Earl Keen, Sammy Kershaw, Aaron Tippin, Brent Cobb, Jack Ingram and more. New to the 2022 Fest is a songwriting competition. To view the full lineup, schedule of events and purchase tickets, visit www.outlawsandlegends.com.

If You Go

Getting there:

Dallas is 3 hours from Austin. 

Houston is 2.5 hours from Austin.

Fulton is 3 hours, 15 minutes from Austin.

Bandera is 2 hours from Austin.

Llano is 1.5 hours from Austin.

Sweetwater is 4 hours, 15 minutes from Austin.

Mansfield is 2 hours, 45 minutes from Austin.

Shamrock is 7 hours from Austin.

Abilene is 4 hours from Austin.

Follow Austin Travels


Austin Travels is a women-owned, Austin-based travel magazine committed to highlighting destinations in Texas and beyond through the lenses of diverse and talented writers.

Subscribe

Snorkeling with sharks at the Texas State Aquarium

Snorkeling with sharks at the Texas State Aquarium

Craving cold? ICE! debuts at JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country this winter

Craving cold? ICE! debuts at JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country this winter

Texas 2024 Beach Guide

Texas 2024 Beach Guide

Why go to Florida when you can get your mermaid certification in Texas

Why go to Florida when you can get your mermaid certification in Texas

Bluebonnets are back: A dozen spots to see spring wildflowers in Central Texas

Bluebonnets are back: A dozen spots to see spring wildflowers in Central Texas

Three close-to-Austin places to camp

Three close-to-Austin places to camp

48 hours in the Texas Hill Country

48 hours in the Texas Hill Country

10 unique, family-friendly ideas for Texas spring break fun

10 unique, family-friendly ideas for Texas spring break fun

Three holiday-themed staycations to check off your list

Three holiday-themed staycations to check off your list

Get away to Galveston for a tour of Battleship Texas and more

Get away to Galveston for a tour of Battleship Texas and more

Celebrate everything from sausage to barbecue this November

Celebrate everything from sausage to barbecue this November

The perfect long weekend in Sugar Land, Texas

The perfect long weekend in Sugar Land, Texas

Corpus Christi: Savor the Flavors of the Gulf Coast Capital

Corpus Christi: Savor the Flavors of the Gulf Coast Capital

Texas’ Top 10 Sizzling Festivals in August

Texas’ Top 10 Sizzling Festivals in August

Hang your Hat in Hunt, Texas

Hang your Hat in Hunt, Texas

Corpus Christi: 7 Family-Friendly Summertime Musts in the Gulf Coast Capital

Corpus Christi: 7 Family-Friendly Summertime Musts in the Gulf Coast Capital

Slowing down to soak in the beauty of Big Bend

Slowing down to soak in the beauty of Big Bend

Ready to get away? 5 day trip ideas perfect for a summer jaunt

Ready to get away? 5 day trip ideas perfect for a summer jaunt

Reminiscing in Aggieland

Reminiscing in Aggieland

7 Spots to Splash Near Austin

7 Spots to Splash Near Austin

Heading to Dallas? Four fun finds for summer

Heading to Dallas? Four fun finds for summer

Daytripping and sipping in Shiner, Texas

Daytripping and sipping in Shiner, Texas

Camping on Crutches

Camping on Crutches

Heading to Bayou City? 10 fun, uniquely Houston things to do

Heading to Bayou City? 10 fun, uniquely Houston things to do

6 Hill Country Gems Perfect for a Spring Day Trip

6 Hill Country Gems Perfect for a Spring Day Trip

Bluebonnets are back! 10 Spots to See Texas Wildflowers this Spring

Bluebonnets are back! 10 Spots to See Texas Wildflowers this Spring

Discover more than ancient tracks at Dinosaur Valley State Park

Discover more than ancient tracks at Dinosaur Valley State Park

When it comes to Austin-area staycations, love in the air

When it comes to Austin-area staycations, love in the air

Best bet for birding? Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park

Best bet for birding? Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park

The Driskill: A Staycation Steeped in History

The Driskill: A Staycation Steeped in History

A Texas-sized cruise aboard the Allure of the Seas

A Texas-sized cruise aboard the Allure of the Seas

Fishing, kayaking and beachcombing on Matagorda Bay

Fishing, kayaking and beachcombing on Matagorda Bay

Gone glamping: Get away, comfortably, this fall near Austin

Gone glamping: Get away, comfortably, this fall near Austin

Relax and unwind in Round Top, Texas

Relax and unwind in Round Top, Texas

Cozy up around a firepit at a Valencia hotel this fall

Cozy up around a firepit at a Valencia hotel this fall

Seeking out adventure and finding respite at Horseshoe Bay Resort

Seeking out adventure and finding respite at Horseshoe Bay Resort

Family friendly fun in San Antonio (even if your kids bail on you)

Family friendly fun in San Antonio (even if your kids bail on you)

Bastrop State Park: A backyard gem, then and now

Bastrop State Park: A backyard gem, then and now

Eight beginner-friendly places to paddle in Central Texas

Eight beginner-friendly places to paddle in Central Texas

Nine Nearby, Natural Spots to Keep Cool this Summer

Nine Nearby, Natural Spots to Keep Cool this Summer

Hiking, horses and history at Hill Country State Natural Area

Hiking, horses and history at Hill Country State Natural Area

Explore the great outdoors in little Castell, Texas

Explore the great outdoors in little Castell, Texas

Camping out at Enchanted Rock

Camping out at Enchanted Rock

Walk in the footsteps of Judge Roy Bean in little Langtry, Texas

Walk in the footsteps of Judge Roy Bean in little Langtry, Texas

Getting back to nature at the Roy E. Larsen Sandyland Sanctuary

Getting back to nature at the Roy E. Larsen Sandyland Sanctuary

Heading to Brenham? You’re in for a treat

Heading to Brenham? You’re in for a treat

5 hotel pools ideal for beating Austin’s summer heat

5 hotel pools ideal for beating Austin’s summer heat

Thirteen things to love about Lubbock

Thirteen things to love about Lubbock

Glamping out at Onera Fredericksburg

Glamping out at Onera Fredericksburg

5 fun family-friendly experiences on the Texas Coast

5 fun family-friendly experiences on the Texas Coast

Six places to park your campervan in Texas this Spring

Six places to park your campervan in Texas this Spring

Go wild: A dozen spots to see Texas bluebonnets and wildflowers

Go wild: A dozen spots to see Texas bluebonnets and wildflowers

A new way to ride: Take an E-bike for a spin

A new way to ride: Take an E-bike for a spin

March Festivals: 10 Texas Celebrations Worth a Trip

March Festivals: 10 Texas Celebrations Worth a Trip

Three Texas sips to warm you up this winter

Three Texas sips to warm you up this winter

Weekend getaway: Carefree in Concan at 7 Bluff Cabins

Weekend getaway: Carefree in Concan at 7 Bluff Cabins

A winter retreat at Hyatt Regency Lost Pines

A winter retreat at Hyatt Regency Lost Pines

Seeking relaxation and uncovering empathy at Miraval Resort

Seeking relaxation and uncovering empathy at Miraval Resort

Soaking in the holidays and Austin’s history at the iconic Driskill Hotel

Soaking in the holidays and Austin’s history at the iconic Driskill Hotel

Martin Dies Jr. State Park is an East Texas treasure

Martin Dies Jr. State Park is an East Texas treasure

Make your way to Matagorda Bay for coast without the crowds

Make your way to Matagorda Bay for coast without the crowds

Fishing up old memories and making new ones at Inks Lake State Park

Fishing up old memories and making new ones at Inks Lake State Park

FIRST LOOK: Inside Chef Tim Love’s new Fort Worth shipping container hotel

FIRST LOOK: Inside Chef Tim Love’s new Fort Worth shipping container hotel

Go to Garner this fall for the Frio, foliage and family fun

Go to Garner this fall for the Frio, foliage and family fun

Discover the diversity of LBJ National Grasslands

Discover the diversity of LBJ National Grasslands

Falling for Fredericksburg: Sample all this Hill Country haven has to offer

Falling for Fredericksburg: Sample all this Hill Country haven has to offer

Central Texas Camping Guide

Central Texas Camping Guide

A fall paddle down the Devils

A fall paddle down the Devils

5 nearby parks perfect for an RVshare road trip

5 nearby parks perfect for an RVshare road trip

Texas Glamping Guide

Texas Glamping Guide

Women, wind and waves: Surfing for adventure

Women, wind and waves: Surfing for adventure

Dive in: 7 swimming holes and natural spots to splash into near Austin

Dive in: 7 swimming holes and natural spots to splash into near Austin

Girls getaway: 24 hours in San Antonio’s Historic Pearl District

Girls getaway: 24 hours in San Antonio’s Historic Pearl District

A downtown Houston hotel reimagined –– plus 5 things to do nearby

A downtown Houston hotel reimagined –– plus 5 things to do nearby

A true escape: Domovina Ranch in Smithville

A true escape: Domovina Ranch in Smithville

Royal treatment: 24 hours of spa bliss at one of Houston’s poshest hotels

Royal treatment: 24 hours of spa bliss at one of Houston’s poshest hotels

7 magical things to do with kids in Big Bend and West Texas

7 magical things to do with kids in Big Bend and West Texas

Photo Essay: The missions of San Antonio

Photo Essay: The missions of San Antonio

Becoming a birder at Galveston’s FeatherFest

Becoming a birder at Galveston’s FeatherFest

Seminole Canyon’s world-class rock art is a lens to history

Seminole Canyon’s world-class rock art is a lens to history

Discovering Surfside Beach, a Texas Gulf Coast treasure

Discovering Surfside Beach, a Texas Gulf Coast treasure

Nature and nurture: Hill Country wellness retreat offers a salve for the soul

Nature and nurture: Hill Country wellness retreat offers a salve for the soul

Gruene Hall: Daytrip to this timeless Texas treasure

Gruene Hall: Daytrip to this timeless Texas treasure

Everyone’s an artist at Amarillo’s Cadillac Ranch

Everyone’s an artist at Amarillo’s Cadillac Ranch

Get away while giving back to foster children at stunning Hill Country glamping spot

Get away while giving back to foster children at stunning Hill Country glamping spot

Plan Your Outdoorsy Adventure

Plan Your Outdoorsy Adventure

Discover history and simple pleasures in Baffin Bay

Discover history and simple pleasures in Baffin Bay

Texas bluebonnets are back! 10 wildflower hotspots

Texas bluebonnets are back! 10 wildflower hotspots

8 Great State Parks for Camping with Kids

8 Great State Parks for Camping with Kids

Fishing and Sea Turtles and Birding, Oh My: A weekend at South Padre Island

Fishing and Sea Turtles and Birding, Oh My: A weekend at South Padre Island

Relax and relish the coastal charms of Rockport

Relax and relish the coastal charms of Rockport

Social distancing in sleepy Sonora: Escape to a luxury ranch resort 3 hours from Austin

Social distancing in sleepy Sonora: Escape to a luxury ranch resort 3 hours from Austin

Lessons in life and death on the beach in Port Aransas

Lessons in life and death on the beach in Port Aransas