Chevron Marathon & Aramco Half Marathon– January 18, 2008
Houston’s 26.2-mile marathon begins and ends downtown. A quarter of a million spectators make it a Texas size event. www.chevronmarathon.com
Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade – January 21, 2008
Houston honors this major civil rights leader with two parades downtown.
www.houstontx.gov
Houston Live Stock Show & Rodeo Parade - February 24, 2007
Trail riders and covered wagons fill downtown streets old west style.
www.hlsr.com
St. Patrick’s Day Festivities – March 17, 2007
Downtown goes green on St. Paddy’s day with Irish music, bagpipes, marching bands and floats.
35th Annual Buffalo Bayou Regatta - March 24, 2007
Test your endurance in Texas’ largest kayak and canoe race! Whether you paddle competitively or just for fun, the Buffalo Bayou Regatta is a great way to see Houston from a whole new angle. Join in the fun at the 35th annual 15-mile canoe and kayak race through the heart of our city.
www.buffalobayou.org
H.E.B. Houston Children’s Festival - March 31- April 1, 2007
It’s a child’s dream world near city hall with giant muppets, clown schools, weiner dog races, family adventure zones, music and fun.
www.houstonchildrensfestival.com
International Festival - April 21-22 & April 28-29, 2007
Celebrating China. A two-week event with food, arts and crafts and world-renowned musicians. Free lunchtime music series is on April 20 & 27 from 11 am- 2 pm.
www.ifest.org
Dragon Boat Festival – May 5, 2007
Traditional dragon boats ply the waters of Buffalo Bayou downtown in fierce heats to determine winners. www.texasdragonboat.com
Houston Art Car Parade (Orange Show) – May 12, 2007
Wildly decorated cars straight out of nightmares, fairy tales and the like fill downtown streets in this mind-bending parade.
www.orangeshow.org
Family Day and Anything that Floats Parade – June 9, 2007
Wacky floating sculptures defy gravity on the waters of Buffalo Bayou. Picnickers enjoy the show from the banks.
www.buffalobayou.org
Freedom Over Texas 4th of July, 2008
Spectacular fireworks highlight a concert celebrating the nation’s birthday on the banks of Buffalo Bayou at Eleanor Tinsley Park.
www.houstontx.gov
Theater District Open House – August (TBD), 2008
This annual free event of back stage tours and performances is a family favorite as arts companies preview the upcoming season.
www.houstontheaterdistrict.com
Bayou City Art Festival - October 13-14, 2007
A festival with works of art for serious collectors and casual gawkers. Music and food. Activities.
www.bayoucityartfestival.com
Downtown Home Tour – October (TBD), 2007
This home tour offers a look at the downtown lifestyle, from antique décor to ultra modern digs inside intriguing high-rise condos and lofts.
www.downtownhouston.org
Veteran’s Day Parade - November 11, 2007
Houston salutes its veterans of all wars in this patriotic parade downtown.
www.houstontx.gov
Thanksgiving Day Parade – November 22, 2007
Annual Thanksgiving Day Parade in downtown Houston draws thousands of spectators from the entire region.
Mayor’s Official Houston Holiday Celebration - December (TBD), 2007
City Hall becomes a wonderland as Houston’s mayor lights the city’s official Christmas Tree.
www.houstontx.gov
Heritage Society Annual Candlelight Home Tour - December 7 & 8, 2007
Historic homes decorated for the season in Sam Houston Park downtown with enchanting holiday entertainment for the whole family.
www.heritagesociety.org
