Bayou City Arts Festival returns at the end of March, showcasing pieces from artists all around the world, as well as food, music, kids activities and entertainment for attendees. (Courtesy Bayou City Arts Festival)
From a strawberry festival in Dickinson to kite flying in Hermann Park, celebrate the seasons changing with these 12 outdoor events happening around the Houston metro throughout April. This list is not comprehensive and details are subject to change.
Bayou City Arts Festival
This annual, outdoor art festival at Sam Houston Park displays world-class pieces from 280 select artists and also features food, music and entertainment for attendees.
March 29-30, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
1000 Bagby St., Houston
$18 (general admission), $5 (kids 12 years and under general admission), $75-$120 (VIP)
This live music series stops at Discovery Green Park in downtown Houston every Sunday in April. Featured artists include Lady Blackbird, Jazz Houston Youth Orchestra and the Houston Ensemble.
This BBQ festival will provide samples from various Houston-area barbecue joints. (Courtesy Houston Barbecue Festival)
Houston Barbecue Festival
This annual event in Humble features samples from the Houston metro’s favorite barbecue joints, including Michelin-starred CorkScrew BBQ in Spring, and Brett’s BBQ Shop in Katy.
The Kite Festival at Hermann Park features a live DJ, interactive games and kid’s activities, face painting, stilt walkers. (Courtesy Hermann Park Conservancy)
Hermann Park Conservancy’s Kite Festival
This spring event takes place at the Miller Hill and Jones Reflection Pool at Hermann Park, and features a live DJ, interactive games and kid’s activities, face painting, stilt walkers and other performances.
The 38th annual Art Car Parade features more than 250 cars and 200,000 audience members. (Courtesy Art Car Parade)
Art Car Parade
The largest public art festival includes three days of activities, including the free parade in downtown Houston and along Allen Parkway, as well as a VIP party and benefit dinner. The parade attracts more than 250 cars and 200,000 audience members.
April 10-13, times vary by event
Free (parade attendance); $100-$250 (VIPit party and benefit)
Sam Houston Park, 1000 Bagby St., Houston (parade starting line)
This musical event features live band the Brazos River Pickers as they play country and bluegrass tunes at the Brazos Bend State Park Amphitheater, located just outside the Nature Center.
This cultural festival celebrating the music, art and cuisine of Latin communities will take place at Crown Festival Park in Sugar Land. The event is family-friendly.
April 12-13, 1-10 p.m.
$12 (day pass), $20 (weekend pass), free for kids under 12 years old
This fine arts festival along Town Green Park celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2025. It features an outdoor gallery showcasing 225 authors, live music, culinary demonstrations, craft beer tents and activities for kids.
April 11, 1-5 p.m.; April 12, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; April 13, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
$33 (weekend pass); $200 (VIP weekend pass); $13-$18 (one-day general admission); free for kids 12 years and younger
This fruit festival at the Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Dickinson features food, local vendors, a kids zone, a book sale, family-centered entertainment and strawberry shortcake.
Green Mountain Energy Earth Day at Discovery Green
Attendees will learn more about solar, wind, water and other forms of renewable energy with interactive art and activities, musical performances, crafts, exhibits and food vendors.
This Sugar Land event by The Feel Good Group will feature fresh produce from local farmers and wellness activities, such as sound baths and yoga sessions. (Courtesy Feel Good Group)
Nourish the Square: a farmers market + wellness event
This event will be hosted at Sugar Land Town Square in honor of Earth Day. It features fresh produce, ethically-raised meats, baked goods, chef-made hot foods, as well as sound baths and yoga.
