Mark your calendar for upcoming cultural festivals
Cultural festivals abound in Houston, and you’re in for a treat no matter the month or season. Here are some of the city’s upcoming festivals not to be missed.
In late August, mark the calendar for the BIG Salsa Festival, a four-day Latino event jam-packed with dancing classes, live performances, traditional foods, and dance parties at The Westin Galleria. Dancers of all levels are welcome.
September brings the Viet Culture Festival, a youth-led initiative designed as a celebration of the Vietnamese culture meant to be shared with the greater Houston community and welcome to all ages (held at NRG); the Polish Festival, celebrating the end of harvest season and incorporating traditional food, drink, and entertainment (held at Our Lady of Czestochowa Roman Catholic Church); and the third annual Nigeria Cultural Parade and Festival (at Root Memorial Square).
Located on the grounds of the University of Saint Thomas in October, the Festa Italiana will be celebrating its 40th anniversary. Expect not only traditional Italian foods and drinks, but also live music, sidewalk art contests, a classic car show, boccie ball tournament, traditional marionette puppet shows, and even a grape-stomping contest.
In Midtown Park in late October, the Puerto Rican, Cuban, and Dominican Festival will focus on educating the community about Spanish Caribbean culture and empowering youth to celebrate their heritage.
November brings the sixth annual Islamic Arts Festival, one of the largest of its kind in the Americas, held at Masjid AlSalam in Spring. This year’s theme features refugee art, locally and from overseas. November also marks the 30th annual Native American Championship Pow Wow at Traders Village, complete with tribal dance contests, arts and crafts, teepees, honoring ceremonies and singing.
Get into the Christmas spirit at the Galveston Historical Foundation’s Dickens on the Strand. Enjoy non-stop entertainment including live music, costumed street peddlers, parades, and reenactments.