July - December 2006

Please note that prices, dates, telephone numbers and hours are subject to change. Please call ahead before making plans.

| January - June | July | August | September | October | November | December |

JULY

(February 11) thru July 2, 2006 - SPORTING EVENT - Corpus Christi: 2006 USBC Open Championships. United States Bowling Conference Annual Bowling Tournament. Time: All Day. Cost: Free. Location: American Bank Building. Region: Texas Gulf Coast. Average attendance: 200,000-500,000. For more information, visit www.bowl.com. Please mention this listing when inquiring.

July 1, 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.

July 1-2, 2006 - FESTIVAL - Rockport: Rockport Art Festival. Central to coastal Texas' Independence Day celebrations, Rockport Art Festival is in its 35th year. This well-known art town's juried fine arts festival hosts 125+ artists hailing from across U.S. In a tented atmosphere adjacent to Rockport Center for the Arts, it is snuggled up to Aransas and Little Bays and Rockport's Harbor and Beach Park. Includes artists' demonstrations, specialty foods, live entertainment, special shopping, and hands-on art activities for children. Time: 10am - 6pm Saturday; 10am-5pm Sunday; Special Performance 8pm Saturday. Cost: $5 daytime; $10 nighttime. Location: Rockport Festival Grounds - Navigation Circle. Region: Texas Gulf Coast. Average attendance: under 250,000. For more information, call 361-729-5519. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually, weekend nearest 4th of July.

July 1-2, 8-9, 15-16, 22-23, 29-30, 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.

July 4, 2006 - FESTIVAL - Baytown: July 4th Celebration. An evening of festivities is scheduled, featuring a variety of family-oriented activities including a parade, food booths, craft booths, a children's amusement area, live entertainment, and a fireworks display. Cost: No Admission. Location: Bicentennial Park (Market Street / Lee Drive) in Baytown. Region: Texas Gulf Coast. Average attendance: under 50,000. For more information, call 281-420-6597. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually.

July 4, 2006 - OTHER EVENT - Lake Jackson: Old Fashion 4th Celebration. An old-fashioned 4th of July celebration for the entire family. The day begins with food, games, fun, family and friends, ending at dusk with a spectacular fireworks display. Time and cost: TBA. Location: MacLean Park, 91 Lake Road. Region: Texas Gulf Coast. For more information, call 409-297-4533. Please mention this listing when inquiring.

July 4, 2006 - OTHER EVENT - Richmond: Independence Day at George Ranch Historical Park. Baseball, politics, children's games & a picnic-basket auction--all 1890's style. This is a daytime event, leaving plenty of time for evening festivities in your own hometown. Time: 9am to 5pm. Cost: Adults: $9; Seniors (62+): $8; Students (5-15): $5; Children 4 & younger & members: Free. Location: George Ranch Historical Park 10215 FM 762 Richmond, Texas 77469. Region: Texas Gulf Coast. Average attendance: under 250,000. For more information, call 281-343-0218 or 281-545-9212. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually every Fourth of July.

July 4, 2006 - FESTIVAL - The Woodlands: 9th Annual Red, Hot & Blue Festival. The Woodlands' single largest event is held in Town Green Park on the banks of The Woodlands Waterway. The 23-minute fireworks show, shot over The Woodlands Town Center, is the second largest in the Greater Houston region, second only to downtown Houston. Time: call. Cost: call. Location: From I-45 going South: Take the Robinson Road/Woodlands Parkway exit #76. Continue on I-45 feeder to Woodlands Parkway and turn right. Follow Festival Parking signs to park. From I-45 going North: Take the Woodlands Parkway exit (76B) and travel west on Woodlands Parkway. Follow Festival Parking signs. Region: Texas Gulf Coast. Average attendance: 200,000-500,000. For more information, call 281-363-2447 or visit www.redhotblue.org. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually on July 4th.

July 6-9, 2006 - SPORTING EVENT - Port Aransas: 71st Annual Deep Sea Roundup. Sponsored by the Port Aransas Boatmen, the Deep Sea Roundup is the oldest fishing tournament on the Gulf Coast. The proceeds from the Deep Sea Roundup are the primary source of funds for the PAB's scholarship fund. Associated writh the tournament is a dinner and dance. We hope you will sign up for the Deep Sea Roundup, and find out what great tournament fishing is all about. Time: July 7 Registration begins 2pm, ends July 10 with Awards at 1pm. Cost: Early registration, before June 15, $75; After June 15, $95. Location: Roberts Point Park, Port Aransas, TX 78373. Region: Texas Gulf Coast. Average attendance: under 50,000. For more information, call 361-749-6339 or 1-800-45-COAST. For a schedule of events and registration go to www.paboatmen.org. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually.

July 8, 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.

July 27-29, 2006 - FESTIVAL - Clute: 26th Annual Great Texas Mosquito Festival. Join Willy Manchew, the 25 foot mosquito for some one-of-a-kind Texas fun. The three day festival includes a mosquito calling contest, Mr. & Mrs. Mosquito Legs Contest, Ms. Quito Beauty Pageant, Baby Crawling Diaper Derby and the Senior Citizen Mosquito Swatter Decorating Contest. Between the bar-b-que, fajita, and rib cook-off, plus over 40 other food vendors, plenty of food will be available for every appetite. Demonstrate your sportsmanship at the horseshoe, washer, and volleyball tournament or join in the fun run and bike and in-line skating tour. Time: TBA. Cost: varies depending on entertainment. Location: Clute Community Park, Brazoswood Drive, in Clute, TX (Brazosport area). Region: Texas Gulf Coast. For more information or contest entry forms, call 1-800-371-2971 or 979-265-8392 or visit the Festival Information Page by clicking here. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually, last Thursday, Friday and Saturday in July.

August

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 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, 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 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.

September

September 1-3, 2006 - FESTIVAL - Freeport: Summertime Blues Festival & Biker Rally. Great food and cool blues to end the summer right. Live music, biker games, vendors, parade, cookoff, kids' games, fireworks, and lots more. Time: 6pm-11pm . Cost: Free. Location: Memorial Park Downtown, 200 W. Park Ave., Freeport, TX 77541. Region: Texas Gulf Coast. Average attendance: under 50,000. For more information, call 979-233-3526 or visit www.freeport.tx.us. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually, Labor Day weekend.

September 1-3, 2006 - OTHER EVENT - South Padre Island: Ruff Rider Regatta. Around the Island catamaran race. Register 5-8pm at Louies Backyard. Race Day start at 'Flats' north of Convention Centre. Location: Louies Backyard. Region: Texas Gulf Coast. Average attendance: under 250,000. For more information, call 956-761-2373 or visit www.ruffrider.net. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually, Labor Day Weekend.

September 2, 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.

September 2, 2006 - OTHER EVENT - South Padre Island: Labor Day Fireworks. South Padre Island lights up the sky with this annual fireworks display. Time: 9:15pm. Location: Bayside between Marlin & Red Snapper Streets. Region: Texas Gulf Coast. Average attendance: under 250,000. For more information, call 956-761-2373. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually, Saturday of Labor Day Weekend.

September 9, 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.

September 9-10, 2006 - FESTIVAL - Houston: Pickin' & Peddlin' Bluegrass Festival at Traders Village. Some of the best Bluegrass bands in Texas converge on Traders Village in NW Houston each September for two days of pickin' and grinnin' beneath the 2.5-acre Blue Expo. Music begins at 10am both days at the Carmax Concert Stage. Time: 10am-5pm. Cost: Free admission, $2 parking. Location: Traders Village, 7979 N. Eldridge, Houston, TX 77041. Region: Texas Gulf Coast. Average attendance: under 250,000. For more information, call 281-890-5500. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually, second weekend in September.

September 9-10, 2006 - OTHER EVENT - Houston: Bayou Bend Ranch Rodeo. A Working Ranch Cowboys Association (WRCA) sanctioned event - pitting Texas' finest working ranch hands from a number of the historic ranches from across the state. Each team will be comprised of 4-6 cowboys competing in Ranch Bronc Riding, Wild Cow Milking, Team Penning and Team Branding. Come help us "open the chutes" on Houston's newest, western heritage celebration! Time: Sat: 8am-11pm, Sun: 12pm-6pm. Cost: $14/day or $20 wknd pass; Children 11 & under free. Location: All events held at Houston Farm & Ranch Club in West Houston. One Abercrombie Drive (Hwy 6 near I-10) Houston, TX 77084. Region: Texas Gulf Coast. Average attendance: under 250,000. More information and tickets available at www.hfrc.org, or call 281-463-6650. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually, 2nd weekend in September.

September 15-17, 2006 - FESTIVAL - Anahuac: Texas GATORFEST. A weekend of family fun, food and entertainment awaits one and all at historic Fort Anahuac Park. Texas GATORFEST is truly the most unique festival in the state, combining the alligator and family fun for a good old Texas two-stepping good time. Witness the Great Texas Alligator Roundup, take an airboat ride or a river boat tour, enjoy three stages of entertainment, Texas Artisans, merchants and the scenic waterfront beer garden. Take a whirl on the adult carnival rides and treat the kids to the kiddie rides, pony rides and petting zoo. On Saturday and Sunday, witness the Great Texas Alligator Roundup and visit the Alligator Education Tent to get an up close and personal view of live gators, which outnumber Chambers County citizens by almost 3 to 1. Time: Friday 6pm until 12 midnight. Saturday, 10am until 12 midnight. Sunday 12 noon until 6pm. Cost: $10/Adult - $5/Students 18 & under & Seniors 65 & over - Under 5 Free - Parking Free. Location: Historic Fort Anahuac Park. Region: Texas Gulf Coast. Average attendance: under 250,000. For more information, call the "Gator Hotline" at 409/267-4190 or visit the official website at www.texasgatorfest.com. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually, weekend following the opening of alligator season in Texas on September 10.

September 16, 2006 - FESTIVAL - Richmond: Fiestas Patrias. Celebrate two Mexican national holidays! "Diez Y Seis de Septiembre" commemorates Mexico's independence from Spain in 1825, & Cinco de Mayo celebrates Mexico's freedom from French forces in Mexico in 1862. Music, food & craft booths, watermelon and jalapeno eating contest, a car show, children's activities & the Fiestas Patrias Queen coronation. Time: Noon to 6pm. Cost: Free. Location: Fort Bend Museum 500 Houston Richmond, Texas 77469. Region: Texas Gulf Coast. Average attendance: under 250,000. For more information, call 281-342-6478. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually.

September 16-17, 2006 - FESTIVAL - Houston: Hot Sauce Festival. Featuring award winning hot sauce, salsa, jams, spices, marinades, chips, dips and more fiery food products. Ongoing stage entertainment, free kids activities, cold drinks, a wide variety of food, "amateur salsa competition", contests, prizes, arts & crafts, pepper merchandise, and more. Time: Sat. 11-6, Sun. Noon-5. Cost: $3. Location: Houston Farm and Ranch Club #1 Abercrombie Dr. Houston, TX 7707. Region: Texas Gulf Coast. Average attendance: under 250,000. For more information, call 281-558-3518 or email carolfmhou@houston.rr.com. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually in September.

September 23, 2006 - FESTIVAL - Hallettsville: Kolache Fest. Join us for a day filled with fun, food and music. Outside entertainment in the Biergarten along with music inside the hall. Days events include: downtown parade, arts & crafts, car show, karaoke contests, kolache eating contests, special family area with plenty of rides and attractions. Time: Gates open at 7am. Cost: Adults, $5; Seniors & Children, $3; 6 and under free. Location: 311 Hwy 77 South. Region: Texas Gulf Coast. Average attendance: under 250,000. For more information, call 361-798-2662. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually, last weekend in September.

September 23-24, 2006 - EXHIBIT - Spring: Longhorn Rod Run. Over 500 custom muscle cars on display along streets of Old Town Spring, TX. A weekend filled with nostalgia for car buffs or just memories from years gone by the rest of us. Fun for the entire family. A must see. So many cars, so little time. Cost: Parking only -- $3. Location: 403 Main Street, Spring TX 77373. Region: Texas Gulf Coast. Average attendance: under 50,000. For more information, call 800-OLD TOWN. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually, last weekend in September.

September 23-30, 2006 - FAIR - Hempstead: Waller County Fair. We invite you to "Kick Up Your Heels" and have some great family fun. Enjoy events such as a bull riding blowout, ranch rodeo, youth rodeo, Mutton Bustin', roping, and other rodeo fun, a greased pig contest, BBQ cook-off, carnival, Junior Livestock auction, live entertainment, and more. Fun for all ages. Time: Parade kicks off 9am on Saturday. Cost: Daily $7, Rodeo $8, Concert $10. Location: FM 359 @ Old Hempstead RD (Hwy 290 W). Region: Texas Gulf Coast. Average attendance: under 50,000. For more information, call 979-826-2825 or visit www.wallercountyfair.org for complete schedule of events. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually, last week in September.

October

(September 30) - November 19, 2006 - FESTIVAL - Houston: Texas Renaissance Festival. The nation's largest and most acclaimed renaissance theme park, where the sights, sounds, tastes, and beauty of the 16th Century, comes alive for 8 weekends. Featuring: Live music on the Cloister Stage; Full contact jousting three times daily; The Beautiful Gardens of New Market Village; 20 stages with over 200 performances daily; Over 300 Arts and Crafts Shoppes; Foods from around the world at 60 different shoppes; The Royal Fireworks, nightly at The Tournament Field; Over 3,000 costumed characters daily. Time: 9am till Dark. Cost: Opening weekend: Adults $11, Child(5-12) $6; Advance tickets: Adults $16, Child(5-12) $7; Gate tickets: Adults $21, Child(5-12) $10; $5 camping available; Free Parking. Location: 21778 FM 1774, Plantersville, TX 77363. Region: Texas Gulf Coast. Average attendance: 200,000-500,000. For more information, call 800-458-3435 or visit www.texrenfest.com. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually in October.

October 6-8, 2006 - OTHER EVENT - Galveston: Friends of the Rosenberg Library Used Book Sale. An exceptional used book sale featuring two floors of countless bargains: classic & contemporary fiction, current best sellers, cooking, gardening, wildlife, medicine, reference, science, art, religion, travel, mystery, and romance. Special rooms dedicated to children's selections, Texana, and rare books. Also available are coffee table books, CD's, vintage albums & other assorted treasures. Shop for great bargains. Support a great cause. Time: Fri, Members Preview 5pm-7:30pm; Sat. 9am-5pm; Sun. 12 Noon-5pm. Cost: Membership fee from $5 on Friday, weekend is free. Location: Rosenberg Library, 2310 Sealy Galveston, TX 77550. Region: Texas Gulf Coast. For more information, call Trish McDaniel (409) 741-7710. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually, 1st weekend in October.

October 6-8, 2006 - FESTIVAL - Rockport: Seafair. All Seafood Gumbo Contestants head our way for the fabulous cook-off. See Chef Demonstrations, boat show, arts and crafts, live performances, live bands, boat rides and so much more. 1-800-242-0071. Time: 5pm. to 11pm. Friday, 10am to 11pm. Saturday and 11am to 6pm. Sunday. Cost: $5 adults, $2 children under, 6 and under free. Location: Navigation District Festival Grounds at Rockport Harbor. Region: Texas Gulf Coast. Average attendance: under 250,000. For more information, call 1-800-242-0071. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually, Columbus Day Weekend.

October 7, 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.

October 7-8, 2006 - FESTIVAL - Katy: 26th Annual Katy Rice Harvest Festival. This festival includes a full-scale carnival, 3 stages of entertainment, over 300 food and craft booths, photography and rice cooking contests, parade and pageant. The event draws 50,000 to 60,000 over the weekend. Time: 10am-Midnight on Saturday and Noon to 6pm on Sunday. Location: Historic Downtown Katy. Region: Texas Gulf Coast. For more information, call 281-828-1100. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually, 2nd Weekend in October.

October 8, 2006 - EXHIBIT - Houston: 6th Annual Village Art Car Show at Traders Village. More than 75 rolling works of art are on exhibit. See one of the country's largest displays of the amazing street-legal folk art. Time: 10am-5pm. Cost: Free admission, $2 parking. Location: Traders Village - Houston, 7979 North Eldridge, Houston, TX 77041. Region: Texas Gulf Coast. Average attendance: under 250,000. For more information, call 281-890-5500. Please mention this listing when inquiring.

October 12-15, 2006 - OTHER EVENT - South Padre Island: Bikefest. Bikers from all around the U.S. will make a 'Roar by the Shore'. Registration Rally Package is $45, includes arm band, pin souvenir dog tags and concert ticket. Sat. night concert at Schlitterbahn Water Park is 'Three Dog Night'. Register by Sept 15 and receive free Rally Shirt. Cost: $45. Location: SPI Convention Centre. Region: Texas Gulf Coast. Average attendance: under 250,000. For more information, call 956-668-7484 or visit www.spibikefest.com. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually.

October 14, 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.

October 14-15, 2006 - FESTIVAL - Houston: Bayou City Art Festival Downtown. This juried festival hosts local & national artists introducing their newest original artwork in 17 categories. The outdoor gallery with a festival setting offers the beautiful skyline of downtown and a feast for your senses: artwork; wine cafes; the Creative Zone for kids and those who still create like kids; Houston restaurants representing a myriad of cultures; and the Houston Theater District Stage presenting a full weekend of performing art. The 2004 Charity Partners include: The Museum of Fine Arts Houston; DiverseWorks; Art League of Houston; Multicultural Education and Counseling Through the Arts (MECA); Downtown YMCA Youth and Urban Services; SNAP (Spay-Neuter Assistance Program); Bering Omega Community Foundation; Several Dancers Core and Lawndale Arts Center. Time: 10am-6pm. Cost: $8 adults; FREE for children 12 and under. Location: City Hall Downtown at Hermann Square and Tranquillity Park. Region: Texas Gulf Coast. Average attendance: under 250,000. For more information, call 713-521-0133 or go to www.bayoucityartfestival.com. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually, second weekend in October.

October 19-22, 2006 - FESTIVAL - South Padre Island: Sand Castle Days. Art and Architecture in sand. A great family event showcasing 15 International Sand Masters competing for over $5000 in cash awards. Amateur sand sculptors will compete on Saturday. Sand castle clinics begin at 9am to help improve your technique. Music. Vendors. Texas Snowball Challenge. Discounts available for pre-registration. Sponsored by the Sheraton Hotel Beach & Condos & SPI Convention & Visitors Bureau. Cost: Free. Location: Sheraton Beach Hotel & Condos. Region: Texas Gulf Coast. Average attendance: under 250,000. For more information, call 956-761-3000 #108 or visit www.sandcastledays.com. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually.

October 20-21, 2006 - FAIR - Houston: Annual Harris County Fair & Rodeo Bar-B-Que Cook-off. The Annual Harris County Fair & Rodeo Bar-B-Que Cook-off returns to the Houston Farm & Ranch Club. With over 100 teams competing for cash prizes and trophies, there's not only great Bar-B-Que but also lots of fun for the whole family! Admission tickets and Season Passes are available on our website at www.hfrc.org. Time: 12 noon. Cost: www.hfrc.org for admission info. Kids free. Location: One Abercrombie Drive I-10 @ Highway 6, Houston, TX 77084. Region: Texas Gulf Coast. Average attendance: under 250,000. For more information, call 281-463-6650 or visit www.hfrc.org. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually, 2nd weekend in October.

October 20-23, 2006 - FESTIVAL - Corpus Christi: 45th Annual Texas Jazz Festival. World-class jazz festival featuring jazz artists from across the U. S. Over 50 bands on 3 stages over 3 days. Time: TBA. Cost: Free. Location: Heritage Park. Region: Texas Gulf Coast. Average attendance: under 250,000. For more information, call 361-808-9515. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually, 3rd week in October.

October 21, 2006 - FAIR - Harlingen: Jackson Street Jubilee. The place to be!! Jackson Street Jubilee features vendors with arts and crafts, antiques, food, drinks, live entertainment, and children's activity center with rides and games. Lots of fun for everyone. Don't miss out. Time: 10am - 10pm. Cost: Free. Location: Jackson Street (downtown main street in Harlingen). Region: Texas Gulf Coast. Average attendance: under 50,000. For more information, call Deanita or Erin, (956) 427-8703. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually, 3rd Saturday in October.

October 21-22, 2006 - FESTIVAL - Galveston: ARToberFEST. Come to Galveston's premier art event. Surround yourself in the relaxed atmosphere and historic charm of Postoffice Street while enjoying the work of over 100 artists and artisans. Time: 10am-6pm. Cost: $3. Location: Postoffice Street, between 21st and 23rd streets. Held outside. Region: Texas Gulf Coast. Average attendance: under 50,000. For more information, call 409-762-3617 or visit www.artoberfest.com. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually, 3rd weekend in October.

October 27-29, 2006 - FESTIVAL - Flatonia: Czhilispiel. Continuous live entertainment, carnival, arts & craft, food booths, Children's special events, CASI Chili and Hometown Chili Cook-off, BBQ Cook-off, jalapeno eating contest, egg toss, and much more. Cost: Fri $7, Sat $7, Sunday Free. Location: Main street downtown Flatonia. Region: Texas Gulf Coast. Average attendance: under 250,000. For more information, call 361-865-3920 or visit www.flatoniachamber.com. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually, 4th full weekend in October.

October 28, 2006 - FESTIVAL - League City: 5th Annual South Shore Dockside Food & Wine Festival. The Rotary Club of League city presents distinctive cuisine, wine tasting, culinary demonstrations, boat & luxury yacht displays, art show, fashion shows, classic & foreign car displays. Theme pavilions will create an ambiance of elegance. Ongoing entertainment. Time: 11am - 11pm. Cost: $15 includes wine glass & 5 tastings. Location: South Shore Harbour Resort Marina 2500 South Shore Boulevard League City, TX . Region: Texas Gulf Coast. Average attendance: under 250,000. For more information, call 281-334-4900. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually in October.

October 28-29, 2006 - FESTIVAL - Beaumont: Beaumont Rockin' Blues Festival. A two-day event music festival that highlights blues and gospel music on three outdoor stages. Southeast Texas is home to many renowned Blues artists who have contributed to the evolution of this music. Examples include Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown, Barbara Lynn, and Johnny Winter. Other activities include children's arena, jam sessions, vending booths, and art. Location: Riverfront Park in downtown Beaumont. Take I-10 to the Downtown Exit. Turn left on Main Street. Follow Main to the festival. Region: Texas Gulf Coast. Average attendance: under 250,000. For more information, call 409-835-2787. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually, last weekend in October.

October 28-29, 2006 - FESTIVAL - Richmond: Texian Market Days. Whether you are a new Texan, visitor to our great state, or your Lone Star lineage is as old as the hills, you're sure to find a rousing good time as we celebrate more than 160 years of Texas' unique heritage & culture. Visitors will enjoy the sights, sounds & tastes of Texas past and present. Hundreds of volunteer re-enactors will bring the chapters of Texas' history alive with innovative & hands-on programs. Arts & crafts vendors will share their wares, and food vendors will tempt you with a range of menu items. In addition, families will enjoy children's activities and family-friendly live entertainment is scheduled throughout the day, both days. Time: 9am-5pm. Cost: $10 adults, $5 children (5 to 15). Location: 10215 FM 762, Richmond TX. Region: Texas Gulf Coast. Average attendance: under 250,000. For more information, call 281-343-0218 or 281-545-9212, or visit www.georgeranch.org/annual-events/tmd. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually.

October 29, 2006 - FESTIVAL - Houston: Boo Bash for Kidz at Traders Village. An afternoon of great Halloween fun for kids. Live entertainment, Haunted Hallway spook house, Kidz Play Zone and more. Time: 10am-4pm. Cost: Free admission, $2 parking. Location: Traders Village, 7979 N. Eldridge, Houston, TX 77041. Region: Texas Gulf Coast. Average attendance: under 250,000. For more information, call 281-890-5500. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually, Sunday before Halloween.

November

(September 30) - November 19, 2006 - FESTIVAL - Houston: Texas Renaissance Festival. The nation's largest and most acclaimed renaissance theme park, where the sights, sounds, tastes, and beauty of the 16th Century, comes alive for 8 weekends. Featuring: Live music on the Cloister Stage; Full contact jousting three times daily; The Beautiful Gardens of New Market Village; 20 stages with over 200 performances daily; Over 300 Arts and Crafts Shoppes; Foods from around the world at 60 different shoppes; The Royal Fireworks, nightly at The Tournament Field; Over 3,000 costumed characters daily. Time: 9am till Dark. Cost: Opening weekend: Adults $11, Child(5-12) $6; Advance tickets: Adults $16, Child(5-12) $7; Gate tickets: Adults $21, Child(5-12) $10; $5 camping available; Free Parking. Location: 21778 FM 1774, Plantersville, TX 77363. Region: Texas Gulf Coast. Average attendance: 200,000-500,000. For more information, call 800-458-3435 or visit www.texrenfest.com. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually in October.

November 4, 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.

November 4, 2006 - FESTIVAL - Houston: Fall Motorfest at Traders Village. Hundreds of vintage and classic vehicles on display at Houston's Traders Village. Giant Swap Meet, too. Presented by the Vintage Chevrolet Club of American - San Jacinto Region. Time: 9am-4pm. Cost: Free admission, $2 parking. Location: Traders Village, 7979 N. Eldridge, Houston, TX 77041. Region: Texas Gulf Coast. Average attendance: under 250,000. For more information, call 281-890-5500. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually, first Saturday in November.

November 8-12, 2006 - FESTIVAL - Harlingen: 13th Annual Rio Grande Valley Birding Festival. Join birders and nature lovers from around the world at the Rio Grande Valley's premier birding festival. Featuring guided field trips to top birding locations, seminars, workshop, and evening lectures. Birders' Bazaar, with over 60 vendors, is free and open to the public Thursday-Sunday, plus free Children's Program with hands-on activities on Saturday and Sunday. Advance registration and payment is required for field trips and workshops. fun, affordable way to catch glimpses of Red-crowned Parrots, Ringed Kingfishers, Great Kiskadees, Green Jays, and many other birds found only in this region. Time: Starting at 5am (Various times). Cost: Different fees for birding events. Location: Harlingen Municipal Auditorium & Casa de Amistad-1209 Fair Park Blvd. Region: Texas Gulf Coast. For more information, contact the Harlingen Area Chamber of Commerce at 1-800-531-7346 or visit www.rgvbirdfest.com. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually, 2nd weekend (Thursday-Sunday) in November.

November 11, 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.

November 11 - December 25, 2006 - OTHER EVENT - Old Town Spring: Home for the Holidays. Shop in a turn-of-the-century town with over 150 shops decorated for the season. A fairyland amosphere with entertainment on weekends and fantastic shopping for the fall and Christmas seasons. Cost: Parking $3. Location: 123-F Midway. Region: Texas Gulf Coast. Average attendance: 50,000-200,000. For more information, call 800-OLD TOWN. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually, second weekend in November thru Christmas.

November 11-12, 2006 - FESTIVAL - Houston: Annual Texas Championship Native American Pow Wow at Traders Village. The Pow Wow brings together American Indian dancers, singers and artisans for a weekend of historic entertainment. Time: 11am-5pm. Cost: Free admission, $2 parking. Location: Traders Village -Houston, 7979 North Eldridge, Houston, TX 77041. Region: Texas Gulf Coast. Average attendance: under 250,000. For more information, call 281-890-5500 or visit www.tradersvillage.com. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually, second weekend in November.

November 18, 2006 - FESTIVAL - Galveston: 8th Annual Seaside Treasure Festival. Seaside features over 100 arts and crafts vendors, a gourmet lunch in the Seaside Cafe, a fabulous silent auction, entertainment, and much more. Join the fun at Moody Memorial First United Methodist Church, 2803 53rd Street at Avenue U, just two blocks off the seawall. Festival proceeds support mission and outreach work in the Galveston area. Admission is free. Time: 9am - 4pm. Cost: Free. Location: Moody Memorial First United Methodist Church, 2803 53rd Street at Avenue U. Region: Texas Gulf Coast. Average attendance: under 50,000. For more information, visit www.moody.org/stf or call 409-744-4526. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually.