Woodlands CVB sets schedule for 2013 events

Every Saturday in June from 6–8 p.m. will be Waterway Nights, an event that features live music by local bands and a variety of strolling entertainers.

Perhaps the most popular event returning to The Woodlands this year is the 16^th annual Red, Hot & Blue Festival on July 5 from 6–10 p.m. at Town Green Park and Waterway Square, located along The Woodlands Waterway.

The festival features hot dog and watermelon eating contests, live entertainment, vendor booths, children's activities and food and drink concessions. The evening's fireworks show is the second largest show in the Houston area.

Fireworks will once again light up the sky on Aug. 31 and Sept. 1 as part of the Celebrate Labor Day festival, which is 6–9 p.m. each evening. The festival also features live music, strolling entertainers and vendor booths around Waterway Square.

The fourth annual Trick or Treat Trail, 3–6 p.m. on Oct. 27 at Town Green Park, allows kids to dress up in their favorite Halloween costumes and visit vendor booths for candy and treats, while enjoying games and activities. The event also features interactive games and costume contests.

The 2013 holiday season kicks off in The Woodlands Nov. 23 with the 31^st annual Lighting of the Doves and the seventh annual International Winter on the Waterway (iWOW) festival. Both events are held in conjunction from 3–9 p.m. at Town Green Park.

The festival offers interactive booths and games, live music, snow play areas, children's entertainment and activities, ice carvers and a fireworks show.

Even though this year's event is still ongoing, dates have been set for next year's Ice Rink at The Woodlands, at the northeast corner of Lake Robbins Drive and Six Pines Drive. A preview weekend will be hosted Nov. 16 and 17 to coincide with the Children's Festival at the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion. The rink will then be open daily through Jan. 14, 2014. Also open along with the Ice Rink is the Winter Wonderland lighted holiday scene attraction.

The third annual Caroling on the Square returns to Waterway Square 6–8 p.m. Dec. 7, 14 and 21 with an appearance by Santa on Dec. 7 and 21.