On a warm spring day as you drive through the Texas Hill Country countryside, the sea of ​​bluebonnets dwarfing the green grass signals the inevitable arrival of summer. Ask almost anyone and they will agree, summer is the best time to be in Texas. The entire state comes alive with events and festivals rich in age-old traditions, while the continued creativity of the locals also conjures up new festival ideas. Here’s your beginner’s guide to summer festivals in Texas.

Blue Bonnet Festival

While bluebonnets bloom in early spring, they hint at the summer season, arriving just before the myriad of summer festivals begin. The official Bluebonnet Festival is held in Chappell Hill, Texas during the spring when the bluebonnets are in full bloom. At this famous festival you can see live shows that include live music and other performances. People come from all over the state creating a large open-air market where you can buy everything from handmade jewelry, clothing, home decorations and crafts, to artwork and even garden supplies. Enjoy delicious country food and sweet treats while entertaining or shop for that one-of-a-kind gift or souvenir.

antique show

While not everyone’s cup of antiques, many people love to collect, view, or simply go to the antique shows held near Brenham, Texas. These antique shows, which began as shorter shows a few days a year, have quickly grown into the largest antique festivals in the country, some lasting entire days. They continue to grow in popularity and all the signs of a good time can be found during these shows. The food, music, tradition, and culture are sure to entertain you, regardless of whether you are an antique collector or not.

June 19th Festival

The Juneteenth Festival has important historical significance. It’s a festival celebrating the moment the slaves of Texas were first told of their freedom, nearly two years after they were already technically freed under the Emancipation Proclamation. The story behind this festival is as amazing as the festival itself. Focused on history and education, the Juneteenth Festival brings special guest speakers, historians, and influential artists and musicians. Locals from across the state gather in Washington County and other parts of the Hill Country to share some amazing barbecue, often sharing family recipes using barbecue grills. Today, Juneteenth has become a celebration of African American history and achievement, highlighting struggles past and present. Music, food and history bring people together during this early summer festival in Texas.

Fourth of July

There is no one more patriotic than a Texan on the 4th of July. Every Fourth of July, Hill Country towns celebrate with parades and fireworks. Some even have pre-holiday weekend festivals filled with live music, dancing, and other performance events. If you like parades, visit the towns of Chappell Hill, Round Top, and Burton for great Texas-style celebratory parades. If fireworks are your thing, attend Celebrate Fireworks on the Brazos, sponsored by HEB, and enjoy a fun-filled day before the fireworks show at the end of the night.

With so many things to do and see in Texas, there’s no reason to waste yourself outside in the summer heat. Plan a day trip or weekend getaway today and see all that Texas festivals have to offer.