NEWS & PRESS

Houston isn’t just a city. It’s a big, bold, boots-and-all kind of place where cultures collide, creativity thrives and just about every weekend has something worth marking on your calendar. When you call Two Step Farm home, you’re not too far from all the action. So, whether you’re craving a taste of the rodeo life, a parade of glitter-covered cars or a bowl of gumbo with a side of steel drums, here are some of our top annual events in Houston — all within reach of your future front door.

1. Lunar New Year Festival (January – February)

🐉🎊 Where: Varies | Houston

Houston’s Lunar New Year celebrations welcome good fortune with lion dances, firecrackers vibrant parades and more. Families gather across Bellaire and Chinatown (and beyond) to enjoy traditional music, cultural performances and plenty of dumplings and noodles — dishes said to bring prosperity and long life.

Local Tip:
If you’re near a lion dance, hold out a dollar bill — the dancers may ‘eat’ it for good luck.

2. Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo (February – March)

🐎 Where: NRG Stadium | Houston

Y’all, this is the big one. If you only make it to one of these annual events in Houston all year, let it be the Houston Rodeo. It’s more than just bucking broncs and bull riding (though there’s plenty of that too). This is Texas culture on full display—live music, carnival rides, livestock shows and a BBQ contest that smells like heaven. Stars like George Strait and Beyoncé have taken this stage, so expect big-name performers every night.

Local Tip:
Wear your boots, but break them in first. And pace yourself on the funnel cakes — they sneak up on you.

3. Houston Art Car Parade (April)

🚗✨ Where: Downtown Houston

Picture this: a car covered in bottle caps. Another painted like a rainbow armadillo. Maybe a truck-turned-disco-ball. Over 250 rolling works of art parade through downtown in the largest Art Car Parade in the world — and it’s as wild and wonderful as it sounds.

Local Tip:
Bring a lawn chair and your sense of humor. This is a day for people-watching at its finest.

4. Cinco de Mayo Celebrations (May)

🌮🎺 Where: All over Houston

Houston’s Mexican heritage runs deep, and Cinco de Mayo in Houston is a citywide fiesta. Expect parades, mariachi music, Folklorico dancers and more tacos than you can count. Popular spots like East End and Washington Avenue come alive with block parties and specials from every taquería in town.

Local Tip:
Don’t skip the elote (street corn), and if you see a margarita in a giant boot-shaped glass … we won’t judge.

5. Houston Pride Festival & Parade (June)

🌈🎉 Where: Downtown Houston

One of the largest Pride celebrations in the country, this festival is all about love, inclusion and seriously good vibes. Look forward to an all-day-long festival with music, drag performances and vendors capped off by a parade that lights up downtown after dark.

Local Tip:
Wear something bright and bring sunscreen. The crowd is big, and the energy is even bigger.

6. Houston Caribbean Festival (July)

🥁🌴 Where: Various Locations | Houston

Steel drums, colorful costumes, and jerk chicken hot off the grill — Houston Caribbean Festival is a vibrant celebration of island culture and it’s one of the best in the nation. Expect parades, soca music and plenty of dancing in the streets.

Local Tip:
Go for the music, stay for the rum punch. And bring your dancing shoes.

7. Houston International Jazz Festival (August)

🎷🎶 Where: Various Locations | Houston

For over 30 years, the Houston International Jazz Festival has brought world-class jazz musicians and local talent together for a weekend of smooth sounds and soulful performances. Whether you’re into classic standards, Latin fusion or something with a modern twist, you’ll find a rhythm that gets your toes tapping.

Local Tip:
August is Houston’s Jazz Month, and this festival is just the start. Beyond the festival, venues like The Big Easy and Emmit’s Place keep the jazz vibes alive all month long. 

8. Japan Festival Houston (September)

🌸 Where: Hermann Park | Houston

Each fall, Japan Festival Houston transforms Hermann Park’s Japanese Garden and surrounding grounds into a vibrant celebration of Japanese culture. Expect traditional tea ceremonies, martial arts demonstrations, Taiko drumming and delicate calligraphy demonstrations. And, of course, plenty of irresistible bites like savory yakitori and fresh sushi.

Local Tip:
You’ll want a good spot up front for the Taiko drummers—they’re a crowd favorite.

9. Houston Turkish Festival (September)

🧿🍽️ Where: Varies | Houston

A celebration of Turkey’s rich culture, the Houston Turkish Festival features folk dances, live music, hand-woven goods and delicious kebabs. The Grand Bazaar offers booths with traditional crafts and treats, while the Whirling Dervishes provide a mesmerizing glimpse into Sufi tradition. It’s like stepping into Istanbul — without the flight.

Local Tip:
Try the baklava. Then get another piece.

10. Texas Renaissance Festival (October – November)

🏰🍗 Where: Todd Mission

Turkey legs, knights in shining armor and ye olde good times. The Texas Renaissance Festival is the largest in the country, and after 50+ years it’s practically a right of passage around here. Get ready for jousting, fire breathers, comedy shows and more food than your waistband can handle. 

Local Tip:
Dress up! It’s more fun. And don’t leave without trying the mead.

11. Houston Diwali Festival (October)

💥✨ Where: Levy Park | Houston

Known as the Festival of Lights, Diwali in Houston is a joyful celebration of Indian culture, featuring Bollywood dancing, fireworks and some of the best curries you’ll ever eat. The Diwali Bazaar is packed with colorful fashion, jewelry and traditional art, while Rangoli designs and henna stations bring beauty to every corner. 

Local Tip:
Stay after dark—the lights are breathtaking.

12. Día de los Muertos Festival (November)

💀🌼 Where: Various locations | Houston

Houston Día de los Muertos is a vibrant and heartfelt celebration honoring life, memory and tradition. Expect colorful altars (ofrendas) adorned with marigolds and photos, sugar skulls and dancers in bright face paint. The annual parade and festival at Sam Houston Park fill downtown with live music, Aztec dancers and crowds dressed in elaborate skeleton costumes that help bring the spirit of the day to life.

Local Tip:
Ask locals about the meaning behind the altars — each one tells a story.

Why Two Step Farm is the Perfect Home Base

When you live at Two Step Farm in Montgomery, TX, you’re close enough to dive into all the Houston excitement but far enough to unwind under tall trees and big Texas sky when you’re done. So, whether you’re plotting your first trip to the Rodeo or already know which funnel cake stand is the best, Two Step Farm puts you within reach of our top annual events in Houston — and gives you the perfect place to kick off your boots afterward. Ready to learn more? Join our interest list to stay on top of it all.