August 4-6, 11-13, 18-20, 2006 - FESTIVAL - Bryan: Harvest Festival. Featured on 5 weekends, activities include a tour of the vineyards, watching grape stomping, lunch and a wine-pairing seminar. Dinner features either a "murder/mystery" theme or dinner with the vintner (alternating weekends). Prices range from individual activities, lunch plus activities, to full day packages including lunch and dinner. Call for reservations: 979-778-9463. Location: Messina Hof Winery & Resort. Region: Texas Prairies and Lakes. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually.

August 4-6, 2006 - FESTIVAL - Schulenburg: Schulenburg Festival. Golf, men & women's softball, 3-on 3 basketball tournaments, 5K run, rodeo, carnival, arts & crafts, chili and bar-b-q cookoffs, live music, parade and kiddie parade, tricycle races and more. Time: Friday 6pm ends Sunday 9pm. Cost: Friday night $15, Sat. night after 7:00 $5. Location: Wolters Park. Region: Texas Prairies and Lakes. Average attendance: under 50,000. For more information, call or visit www.schulenburgfestival.org. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually, first weekend in August.

Summer, 2006 - EXHIBIT - Canyon: Palo Duro: The Grand Canyon of Texas and Picturing Palo Duro. Both exhibits focus on the beauty and history of the second largest canyon in the United States. "Masterpieces in Indian Art" opens May 20th and the "Duval" collection opens August 4th. Location: 2503 4th Ave., Canyon. Region: Texas Panhandle Plains. Average attendance: under 50,000. For more information, call 806-651-2244. Please mention this listing when inquiring.

Nightly Excluding Sundays, (June 2) through August 19, 2006 - PLAY OR MUSICAL - Canyon: TEXAS! Outdoor musical drama performed summers in the Palo Duro Canyon near Amarillo, TX, sprawled across a 600 foot cliff behind the stage. This production showcases the best in acting, dancing, live music and theatre music that the stage has ever seen. The history of the Panhandle has never been more alive. Time: 8:30pm. Cost: $7-$25. A barbecue dinner is available nightly from 6-8 pm for $8.50 per person ($7 for children 11 and under). A special family pack, including dinner and the show for a family of four, will be offered for $99 and for a family of six at $139. Location: Pioneer Amphitheatre in Palo Duro Canyon - near Amarillo, TX. Region: Texas Panhandle Plains. Average attendance: under 250,000. For more information, call 806-655-2181 or visit www.texas-show.com. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually, Summers in the Palo Duro Canyon.

August 4, 2006 - OTHER EVENT - Bryan: First Fridays in Historic Downtown Bryan. First Fridays in Historic Downtown Bryan has artist demonstrations, horse drawn carriage rides, live music, happy hours and more. Time: 6-9pm. Cost: Carriage Rides are $5 per person, Artist demonstrations are free. Location: Carriage rides at La Salle Hotel, 120 S. Main St. & Art Gallery is at Frame Gallery, 216 N. Bryan Ave. Region: Texas Prairies and Lakes. Average attendance: under 50,000. For more information, call 979-778-3688 or visit www.downtownbryan.com. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held on the first Friday of every month.

August 4, 2006 - OTHER EVENT - Tomball: 34th Annual Tomball Night Celebration. Discover Tomball invites folks to take advantage of great shopping specials, fun, food, music, prizes & cash giveaways. The evening is closed with Tomball's Parade of Lights- night parade & spectacular fireworks display. Time: 5pm-??. Location: City Wide - Tomball, TX. Region: Texas Gulf Coast. Average attendance: under 50,000. For more information, call 1-866-670-7222. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually, 1st Friday in August.

August 4-5, 2006 - FESTIVAL - Houston: 16th Annual Houston International Jazz Festival. Featuring some of the hottest local, national and international talent in jazz today. Time: Friday 2:30-10pm, Saturday 4-9pm. Cost: $15. Location: Jones Plaza, 615 Louisiana. Region: Texas Gulf Coast. Average attendance: under 250,000. For more information, call (281) 773-9346 or visit www.jazzeducation.org. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held Annually, 1st Weekend in August.

August 4-6, 2006 - OTHER EVENT - San Marcos: Tax Free Weekend. Tax Free Weekend is the most popular shopping weekend at Prime Outlets - San Marcos. In addition to the everyday savings of up to 70% off retail, shoppers who purchase clothing priced at $100 or less during Tax-Free Weekend will be able to do so WITHOUT paying sales tax. Shoppers can also save even more with Prime's free MORECard or by purchasing a coupon book. Several stores will be open continuously throughout the weekend. Time: All Mall Hours. Cost: n/a. Location: Prime Outlets - San Marcos, 3939 I-35 South, San Marcos, TX 78666. Region: Texas Hill Country. For more information, call (512) 396-2201. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually, 1st Weekend in August.

August 4-6, 2006 - FESTIVAL - Marathon: "Living With Nature Festival II ". Lectures, workshops and nature tours highlighting eco-construction, off-the-grid living, sustainable ranching, low impact development and other arid land disciplines. Evening events will feature local West Texas arts and live music. Time: call. Cost: call. Location: The Richey Bros. Bldg., Central Marathon. Region: Texas Big Bend Country. Average attendance: under 50,000. For more information, call 432-386-4257. Please mention this listing when inquiring.

August 5, 2006 - FAIR - Harlingen: Jackson Street Market Days. An old fashioned open-air street fair with antiques, crafts, sidewalk sales, produce cart, and food vendors. Part of Jackson Street is blocked off for this event. Sponsored by the Harlingen Downtown Merchants Association. Time: 9am - 4pm. Cost: Free. Location: Jackson Street in downtown Harlingen. Region: Texas Gulf Coast. Average attendance: under 50,000. For more information, call (956) 423-4933. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held monthly, 1st Saturday.

August 5-6, 12-13, 2006 - OTHER EVENT - Brenham: "Crush for Fun" at Pleasant Hill Winery. Get purple feet, T-shirt ("I picked, I stomped, I made some wine") and a picture. Cost: Free admission, tour, tasting. Activities have fees. Location: 1441 Salem Rd. Region: Texas Prairies and Lakes. For more information, call 979-830-VINE. Please mention this listing when inquiring.

August 5-6, 12-13, 19-20, 26-27, 2006 - CONCERT - Houston: Cricket Summer Concert Series at Traders Village. The Cricket Summer Concert Series is one of the largest music events on the Texas Gulf Coast. Thirteen weekends of concerts by groups such as Johnny Dee and Sisters Morales. Time: 12 noon - 4pm. Cost: Free admission, $2 parking. Location: Traders Village, 7979 North Eldridge Parkway, Houston, TX 77041. Region: Texas Gulf Coast. Average attendance: 200,000-500,000. For more information, call 281-890-5500 or visit www.tradersvillage.com. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually, every weekend, June through August.

August 6, 2006 - OTHER EVENT - Kemah: 38th Annual Boat Parade and Blessing of the Shrimp and Pleasure Boat Fleet. Brightly decorated shrimp boats and pleasure craft from canoes to fine Yachts file past the Boardwalk where the officiating ministers bless each boat. Come early and stay late to watch the colorful awards presentation afterwards. DVD available. Time: 1:30pm. Cost: People are free, Boats are $5. Location: The Kemah Boardwalk, Bradford and 2nd Street Kemah, TX 77565. Region: Texas Gulf Coast. Average attendance: 50,000 - 200,000. For more information, call 281-334-2303. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually, 1st Sunday in August.

August 8-12, 2006 - FESTIVAL - De Leon: De Leon Peach & Melon Festival. We kick-off the week long festival by crowning our Queen on Tuesday night. Taking time to shop the Arts and Craft booths, stopping for some tasty food provided by our local civic organizations. Our Carnival runs all week with a Tractor Pull event beginning on Thursday night. Saturday night is a concert at 9pm. See website for a complete list of exciting events. Time: All evenings including Saturday (all Day & evening). Cost: Gate admission $2. Location: Hwy 6, Downtown De Leon. Region: Texas Prairies and Lakes. Average attendance: under 50,000. For more information, call 254-893-6600 or visit www.deleonpeachandmelonfestival.com. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually, first full week in August.

August 9, 2006 - CONCERT - New Braunfels: Comal Country Music Show. A house band and three featured artists provide country music for the listening audience. Snack bar provides delicious sandwiches and desserts. Time: Doors open at 6pm. Cost: $4. Location: 380 S. Seguin. Region: Texas Hill Country. Average attendance: under 50,000. For more information, call 830-629-4547. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Recurring: 2nd Wednesday of each month.

August 11-12, 2006 - FAIR - Sonora: 33rd Annual Sutton County Days. Held every year in conjunction with the Sonora Outlaw Pro Rodeo on the third weekend of August. Enjoy Arts & craft booths, food booths, parade, dances on Friday & Saturday Night, children's rides & games. Dance under the starry West Texas Skies. Come for food, fun, and West Texas Hospitality. Location: Sutton County Park & Arena Complex. Region: Texas Hill Country. Average attendance: under 50,000. For more information, call 325-387-2880. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually in August.

August 11-20, 2006 - SPORTING EVENT - Alpine: Reata Polo Tournament: Rope the Moon Challenge Cup. Polo Tournament 8-12 Goal Handicap Rating with four Chuckers. The finals, which are fast paced and very exciting, are open to the public on the last day of the tournament. Time: Finals are on August 20th at 3pm & 5pm. Cost: $2/per person. Location: CF Ranch, 13 miles N on Hwy 118, Alpine, Texas 79831. Region: Texas Big Bend Country. Average attendance: under 50,000. For more information, call 432-364-2251 or visit www.reatapolo.com. For information about competing, call 432-364-2251. Please mention this listing when inquiring.

August 12, 2006 - OTHER EVENT - Georgetown: Market Days. Arts & crafts, antiques & collectibles, and festive foods on the lawn of the historic Williamson County Courthouse. Time: 10am-5pm. Cost: Free. Location: Downtown Square. Region: Texas Hill Country. Average attendance: under 50,000. For more information, call 512-868-8675. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held the 2nd Saturday of each month, March - December.

August 12, 2006 - OTHER EVENT - Goliad: Goliad Market Days. Over 170 booths of arts, crafts, food, antiques, collectibles, metalwork, woodwork, jewelry, pottery, soaps, potpourri, clothes, plants and much more to be found in 3 adjacent locations. Time: 9am-4pm. Cost: free. Location: Goliad Downtown Courthouse Square. Region: Texas Gulf Coast. Average attendance: under 50,000. For more information, call 800-848-8674. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Recurring: Held the 2nd Saturday each month, March - December.

August 12, 2006 - CONCERT - Harlingen: Blues on the Hill. Sponsored by Harlingen Parks & Recreation Dept. The series will feature blues music performed by a headline act and local artist. Lawn chairs and beach towels are welcome. No outside beverages please. Food and Drinks will be available on site. Time: Evening event. Cost: Free. Location: McKelvey Park 1325 S. 77 SunShine Strip. Region: Texas Gulf Coast. Average attendance: under 50,000. For more information, call Jeff (956) 427-8870. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually, 3 times from May thru Aug.

August 12 & 26, 2006 - OTHER EVENT - Kerrville: Kerr County Market Days. Over 75 vendors featuring fresh produce, crafts including furniture makers, metal smiths and other art. Food vendors are also available offering BBQ sandwiches, turkey legs, German sausage, and other baked goodies. Hours are 9am-4pm. Location: Kerrville, Texas, Kerr County Courthouse Square. Region: Texas Hill Country. For more information, call 830-895-7962. Please mention this listing when inquiring. The Market takes place on the 2nd & 4th Saturdays of each month, April-December, except August.

August 13, 2006 - CONCERT - New Braunfels: Gospel Brunch with a Texas Twist. In the tradition of a New Orleans style gospel brunch, we are serving up awe-inspiring gospel music coupled with a mouth-watering buffet. Tickets can be purchased online at www.gruenehall.com, by calling 830-629-5077 or in person at Gruene Hall. Time: TBA. Location: Gruene Historic District. Region: Texas Hill Country. Average attendance: under 50,000. For more information, call 830-606-1601. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Recurring: Held monthly, 2nd Sunday, starting in February.

August 14-16, 2006 - FESTIVAL - Big Bend National Park: 3rd Annual Big Bend Nature Festival. Four days of jeep tours, nature hikes, evening socials, and afternoon lectures about birds, bugs, mammals, geology, paleontology, and reptiles. (reception space, meals, and discounted room packages for the weekend offered). A Saturday night gala dinner concludes the Park-based portion of the Nature Festival. Time: call. Cost: $85 for individuals, and $140 for couples. Location: Big Bend National Park Basin, off TX 118. Center of Park. Region: Texas Big Bend Country. Average attendance: under 50,000. For more information, call 432-477-2236 or visit www.bigbendnaturefeastival.com. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually, in August.

August 16, 2006 - SPORTING EVENT - Sonora: Outlaw Pro Rodeo. The Sonora Outlaw Pro Rodeo is held every year during the third week of August in conjunction with Sutton County Days. Sonora hosts one of the best outdoor pro rodeos in Texas. Top contestants and one of the rockiness shows in West Texas. Slack performances Wednesday & Thursday with regular performances on Friday & Saturday. Parade on Saturday, with dancing under stars on Friday & Saturday nights. Location: Sutton County Park & Arena Complex. Region: Texas Hill Country. Average attendance: under 250,000. For more information, call 325-387-2949. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually, 3rd week in August.

August 18-19, 2006 - OTHER EVENT - Terlingua/Study Butte: Bronze Beer Drinking Goat Chili Cook Off. A summer classic. Anyone can enter in any event. Saturday has prizes for best Chili, as well as Chicken, Beef, and Rib barbecue. Sponsored by Chili Appreciation Society International, proceeds going to local schools. A chance for the die-hard Chili Cooks to score easy points to qualify for the world championship in November. Time: call. Cost: call. Location: Study Butte Terlingua Community Center TX, Hwy. 118, Behind the Post Office, Study Butte, TX 79852. Region: Texas Big Bend Country. Average attendance: under 50,000. For more information, call 432-371-2595. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually, middle of August.

August 18-20, 2006 - SPORTING EVENT - Columbus: 3rd Annual Team Dairy Queen Bicycle Tour of Columbus. The Tour of Columbus is a Texas Cup Elite event. The race will take place in historic Columbus, Texas. Bring your family and friends to enjoy the fantastic racing atmosphere & wonderful community filled with great restaurants, shopping & scenery. You must present a valid USCF license at registration. One day & full USCF license forms will be available. Time: Times vary. Cost: Pre-registration fees $65-$70. Location: 425 Spring Street. Region: Texas Prairies and Lakes. Average attendance: under 50,000. For more information, call 979-732-8385. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually, 3rd weekend in August.

August 18-26, 2006 - FAIR - Denton: Annual North Texas State Fair. A nine-day event that occurs every August. The fair features a carnival, rodeo, photography contest, parade and the crowing of a Rodeo Queen, among many other festivities. Time: Fridays 6pm-1am, Saturdays 1pm-1am, Sunday 1pm-11pm, Monday-Thursday 6pm-12pm. Cost: Call or visit website. Location: North Texas Fairgrounds - 2217 N. Carroll Blvd. in Denton, TX. Region: Texas Prairies and Lakes. For more information, call 940-387-2632 or visit www.northtexasstatefair.com. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually.

August 19, 2006 - FESTIVAL - Amarillo: Polk Street Block Party. One of Amarillo's biggest parties is the Polk Street Block Party. Sponsored by Center City of Amarillo, proceeds help Center City's plans to encourage a re-development and re-birth of downtown Amarillo. Food, drink, music and games highlight this night of celebration. Time: 4pm to midnight. Location: Downtown Amarillo along Polk Street. Region: Texas Panhandle Plains. For more information, call 806-372-6744. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually in August.

August 19, 2006 - OTHER EVENT - New Braunfels: 12th Annual New Braunfels Summer Model Train Show. Outstanding selections of Thomas the Tank trains, books & DVD's, Lionel, train books & videos, collectibles, model kits in various scales, tools, railroad memorabilia, running layouts in scales from Lionel to Z scale. Buy, sell, or swap. Time: 9am-4pm. Cost: Adult $5, Child $1, Family $8. Location: New Braunfels Civic Center, 280 S. Seguin. Region: Texas Hill Country. Average attendance: under 50,000. For more information, call 830-935-2517. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually, 3rd Saturday in August.

August 19-20, 2006 - OTHER EVENT - New Braunfels: Old Gruene Market Days. 100 vendors feature uniquely crafted items, and packaged Texas foods. Enjoy entertainment, restaurants and over 25 permanent shops. Time: 10am-5pm. Cost: Free. Location: Gruene Historic District. Region: Texas Hill Country. Average attendance: under 50,000. For more information, call 830-832-1721 or visit www.GrueneMarketDays.com. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Recurring: Held the 3rd Sat & Sun of the month starting in February.

August 25 - September 3, 2006 - SPORTING EVENT - Alpine: Reata Polo Tournament: West Texas Invitational Cup. Polo Tournament 8-12 Goal Handicap Rating with six Chuckers. The finals, which are fast paced and very exciting, are open to the public on the last day of the tournament. Time: Finals on September 3rd at 3pm & 5pm. Cost: $2/per person. Location: CF Ranch, 13 miles N on Hwy 118 Alpine, Texas 79831. Region: Texas Big Bend Country. Average attendance: under 50,000. For more information, call 432-364-2251 or visit www.reatapolo.com. For information about competing, call 432-364-2251. Please mention this listing when inquiring.

August 25-26, 2006 - FESTIVAL - Fort Stockton: HarvestFest. A fun filled family event including live entertainment, arts & crafts booths, food vendors, KidzFest area, car show, 5K Run, Fitness Walk, 3 on 3 Basketball and Softball Tournaments, Wine Emporium and Old West Saloon. Souvenirs and lots more. Time: 7am-1am Cost: Free. Location: Rooney Park, W. Hwy. 285 @ Gonzales Loop. Region: Texas Big Bend Country. Average attendance: under 250,000. For more information, call 432-336-8525 #17. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually.

August 26-27, 2006 - EXHIBIT - Dallas: 15th Annual VISIONS: The Women's Expo. This event offers women sensational shopping, information, inspiration, education, and FUN. Special event stages feature national and local celebrities, elaborate fashion shows, noted chefs, the latest in home decor & organization, and high-powered business presentations. Key exhibit areas include: business & career, health & fitness, finance & technology, fashion & beauty, children & family, travel & recreation, home & garden, cooking & entertaining, pets, sensational shopping & more. Sponsored by JC Penney, Minyard Food Stores, The American Heart Association Food Certification Program, WFAA-TV Channel 8 and The Dallas Morning News. Time: Saturday, 9am-7pm, Sunday 10am-6pm. Cost: $8. Location: Dallas Market Hall 2200 Stemmons Freeway, Dallas, Texas. Region: Texas Prairies and Lakes. Average attendance: under 250,000. For more information, call 214 977 7431 or visit www.beloexpo.com. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually.

August 27, 2006 - OTHER EVENT - Stonewall: Wreath-laying and Fee Free Day. Join the Johnson family and distinguished guests as they honor the memory of our 36th president and his continuing legacy at his grave site on the LBJ Ranch. Free tours of the Ranch on this day also commemorate the anniversary of the founding of the National Park Service in 1916. Free refreshments provided by our partner park, LBJ State Park and Historic Site. Time: Wreath-laying at 10:30am; free ranch tours all day--10am to 4pm. Cost: free. Location: Johnson Family Cemetery, LBJ Ranch. Region: Texas Hill Country. Average attendance: under 50,000. For more information, call (830) 868-7128, ext. 244. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually on LBJ's birthday, August 27.