Biggest events coming to area in early 2023
No shortage of events are coming to Greater Houston this year, from the historic Mardi Gras festival in Galveston to the Orange Show Art Car Parade downtown to festivals showcasing films from around the world.
And that’s just this winter into early spring.
Want to plan your calendar? The Houston Chronicle put together this list of some of the most significant events through April.
JANUARY
MLK Grande Parade: Jan. 16
Featuring Drum Majors for the Dream, Houston will celebrate the 29th annual MLK Grande Parade in Midtown. It also will be streamed on CW39Houston from 9:30 a.m. to noon.
Texas Lunar Festival: Jan. 28
Asia Society Texas is welcoming the Year of the Rabbit with activities for all ages. The event will be held at 1370 Southmore Blvd., and tickets are now available.
FEBRUARY International Sports Film Festival: Feb. 2-5
The International Sports Film Festival will showcase stories of athletes and sports figures who have made an impact in the world. The films will be shown in Downtown Houston.
Mardi Gras! Galveston: Feb. 10-21
The 112th celebration of Mardi Gras in Galveston will have parades, headline performances, family events, and more.
Indian Film Festival of Houston: Feb. 23-25
The 15th Indian Film Festival will be hosted at the Asia Society Texas Center.
Tour De Houston: Feb. 26
The annual bike ride to raise funds for Houston’s reforestation projects offers bike routes through Houston’s historic neighborhoods, districts and parks. The event begins at City Hall and there will be a post-ride party.
Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo: Feb. 28-March 19
The renowned Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is back for another year at NRG. Event organizers recently announced the lineup of headline music acts, and tickets are now on sale.
MARCH
Houston Latino Film Festival: March 15-19
Now in its seventh year, the Houston Latino Film Festival intends to increase awareness of Latino culture by presenting art and films to the Houston area. Films from all over Latin America, Spain, Portugal and the U.S. will be shown.
Rodeo Whiskey & Wine Festival: March 18
The 2023 Rodeo Whiskey & Wine Festival will be held in downtown Houston from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Rodeo attire is recommended.
The Riot Comedy Festival: March 23-26
A four-day comedy festival with over 50 performers is coming to Montrose.
The festival will include standup, improv, music, street performers, a street carnival with vendors and more.
Bayou City Art Festival: March 24-26
One of Houston’s signature spring art events, the Bayou City Art Festival features three days of art, music, food and entertainment.
APRIL
Houston Folk, Blues, & Gospel Festival at Clear Lake: April 1
The Houston Folk, Blues, & Gospel festival will feature concerts, arts and crafts, a farmers’ market and more with free admission and parking. The festival runs from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Reservations are available now.
Cajun Heritage Fest in Port Arthur: April 1
The Cajun Heritage Fest will have crawfish, dancing, music, food and more.
Orange Show Art Car Parade: April 10-16
The Art Car Parade, Houston’s famous festival of artistically adorned autos, is set for Saturday, April 15, along Allen Parkway. Additional events will happen April 13, 14 and 16, with more information to be announced in the coming weeks.
The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival: April 14-16
For 18 years, The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival has been set on the banks of The Woodlands Waterway and in Town Green Park. It includes music, food and kids activities.
15th annual H-Town Blues Festival: April 21
The 15th annual HTown Blues Festival will have live blues concerts at NRG Stadium. The event kicks off at 8 p.m.