October - Texas Music Events Calendar 2009

January | February | March | April | May | June
July | August | September | October | November | December

The 2009 TMEC lists more than 500 annual events featuring live music. To update listing information for your 2009 event, please contact the Texas Music Office at music[at]SPAMAWAYgovernor.state.tx.us or call (512) 463-6666.

For a listing of Texas live music venues, please click here.

NOTE: Please delete the [at]SPAMAWAY that the Texas Music Office has added to the email addresses below before sending an email. We inserted it to deter Web spiders from mining this page.

Email: music [at] governor.state.tx.us | Request Info | Texas music event application

Tommy Alverson's Family Gathering
October 1 - 3
Loyd Park; Grand Prairie
Tommy Alverson Family Gathering L.L.C
Gary Newell
5502 Silver Bow Trail; Arlington, TX 76017
(817) 800-3989
Music: Country
Activities: Music festival
Tommy Alverson's Texas Music Family Gathering is now in its 10th year. Beginning as a very small get-together in 1998 at Melody Mountain Ranch in Stephenville, where it was voted Best Outdoor Event for 1999 by the Met magazine (Dallas). Gaining momentum every year. it was moved from Stephenville to Smooth Water Ranch in Hico in 2000. The Gathering is a great showcase of Texas music as it brings together the veterans and new talent alike to form a music festival that appeals to a large, diverse audience yet still retaining the feeling the"Texas Music Family". Previous years saw Radney Foster, Johnny Bush, Deryl Dodd, Cooder Graw, Rusty Wier, Ray Wylie Hubbard, Steven Fromholz, grace the stage just to name a few

Festival Chicano
October 1 - 4
Miller Outdoor Theatre; 100 Concert Drive, Hermann Park in Houston
Festival Chicano
Daniel Bustamante, Founder
P.O. Box 3493; Houston, TX 77253
(713) 222-2783; (713) 284-8350
Music: Latin Pop, Tejano, Conjunto
Activities: Music festival
Festival Chicano is a celebration of Chicano culture featuring music (from popular Tejano to Mariachi). This annual showcase is held at one of the finest amphitheaters in the U.S. Legendary artists such as Selena, Little Joe, Lydia Mendoza, Esteban Jordan, Flaco Jimenez, and many others have performed on this stage. This family event has become a Houston tradition in its 30 years of production.

Czechfest
October 1 - 4
Crosby Fairgrounds; FM 2100
Sacred Heart Church
Cindy Fox
915 Runneburg Road; Crosby, TX 77532
(281) 328-4871; (281) 455-6832; Fax (281) 328-1075
Music: Children's, Country, Polka
Activities: Family day
The Czechfest features barbecue, games, bingo, arts and crafts, children's area, Czech and western music, auction, cake booth, and plants. Area is under cover and protected from heat and rain

East Texas Poultry Festival
October 1 - 3
Downtown Square; 100 Courthouse Square A-101
Shelby County Chamber of Commerce
Pam Phelps, Executive Director
100 Courthouse Square, No. A-101; Center, TX 75935
(936) 598-3682; (936) 598-3682; Fax (936) 598-8163
Music: Bluegrass, Children's, Christian, Country, Folk/Acoustic, Jazz
Activities: County fair, Street dance
East Texas Poultry Festival is a three-day event which includes a broiler show, auction, carnival, art show, arts and crafts, food booths, Queen's contest and live entertainment under the big tent and other local talent. Friday evening features gospel music and the live music continues Saturday afternoon and a Country Western band on Saturday night.

TexasBarCLE's Annual Entertainment Law Institute: Legal and Business Aspects of the Film and Music Industries
October 1 - 2
Hyatt Regency Hotel; 208 Barton Springs Road, Austin
TexasBarCLE
Kandi Botello
P.O. Box 12487; Austin, TX 78711-2487
(800) 204-2222, ext. 1749; (512) 427-1463, ext. 1749; Fax (512) 463-1418
Activities: seminar, workshops
Don't miss what's grown to be one of the premiere Entertainment Law CLE courses in the country! An outstanding faculty of highly-regarded practitioners and industry insiders has been carefully selected to bring entertainment law practitioners up to date on the latest emerging trends, issues and breaking developments in music, film, digital media and sports. With different tracks each day, you're free to mix-n-match the topics you want to hear. Don't worry about missing a topic in another track because the course will be taped allowing registrants to get free online on-demand 24/7 video replays of any topic and searchable/downloadable PDFs of the course articles for a year! The registration fee also includes a continental breakfast each day and hot lunch the first day. Register for these programs and you may access the streaming videos of the speeches for up to a year and the digital course materials for several years.

Austin City Limits Music Festival
October 2 - 4
Zilker Park; 2100 Barton Springs Road
Austin Park Foundation Presents
Charlie Jones
98 San Jacinto Blvd., Suite 430; Austin, TX 78701
(512) 478-7211; Fax (512) 476-0611
Music: Bluegrass, Blues, Children's, Christian, Country, Cowboy, Folk/Acoustic, Jazz, Latin Pop, Tejano, World Beat,
Activities: Music festival
Three days. Eight stages. 130 bands. One amazing music experience in Austin, Texas. The Austin City Limits Music Festival captures the magic of the longest running popular music show on television and brings it to the rolling green acreage of Austin's Zilker Park - with the real Austin skyline in the background. From folk to rock and gospel to country, the diverse line-up of legendary and emerging talent is as eccelectic as the show itself. Past performers include Coldplay, REM, Elvis Costello, the Pixies, Lucinda Williams, Jack Johnson, Ben Harper, Al Green, Trey Anastasio, the String Cheese Incident, Pat Green, Mavis Staples, Sheryl Crow, and Wilco. Food and art from Austin’s own makes it a complete experience. For ticket and event information, visit www.austincitylimits.com.

Gonzales"Come and Take It" Days Celebration
October 2 - 4
Downtown Square; Highway 183 Business in Downtown Gonzales
Gonzales Chamber of Commerce
Barbara Hand, Executive Director
414 Saint Lawrence; Gonzales, TX 78629
(830) 672-6532; (888) 672-1095; Fax (830) 672-6533
Music: Country, Polka, Pop, Rock, Tejano
Activities: Street dance, Carnival
This event celebrates the firing of the first shot of the Texas Revolution on Oct. 2, 1835, with battle re-enactment, historic play 'Gonzales: The Beginning', huge parade, carnival, arts and crafts booths, art and photography shows, canoe race, 5K run/walk, square dancers, variety of foods available, Biergarten with live musical entertainment throughout the three-day festival.

Kemah Classic Cars & Coastal Starving Artists Festival
October 2-3
Kemah Visitors Center; corner of Sixth & Bradford Streets
All Points Productions
Liz Street
1312 Live Oak, Suite 104; Houston, TX 77003
(832) 771-7661; Fax (281) 534-4380
Activities: Arts & Crafts Show, Car Show
The North Galveston County Chamber of Commerce has joined forces with All Points Productions to bring the Kemah Classic Car Show & Coastal Starving Artists Festival to the Kemah Lighthouse District on Saturday, October 3, 2009. Over 100 gorgeous classic cars from across the state will be on display for families to enjoy. Complimenting the excitement of the shiny steel and chrome are fine original works of art and handmade crafts at reasonable prices. Painters, sculptors, woodworkers, photographers, potters and many more come together for a day at the bay. Long time Classic Car enthusiast of Bay Area Cruisers are bringing their expertise to handle judging and teching. The Coastal Garden is serving up adult beverages and soft drinks along with live entertainment in a relaxing atmosphere. Fun festival food is also available. Friday, October 2 kicks off the event with a pre-show Cruise beginning at 6:30 p.m. at the Kemah Wal-Mart parking lot on SH 146. The Cruise departs at 7:30 p.m. and ends at Hugh & Jeff's Car Wash on SH 646 for an evening of fun & entertainment.

Oktoberfest
October 2 - 4
Downtown Market Square; 100 West Main Street
Creative Marketing
Debbie Farquhar-Garner
P.O. Box 222; Fredericksburg, TX 78624
(830) 997-4810; (866) 839-3378; Fax (830) 997-9628
Music: Polka
Activities: Music festival, family event
Fredericksburg's authentic Oktoberfest combines the traditions of the Old World with the best of Fredericksburg! Polka, waltz, two-step and line dancing featured. Food concessions, arts and heirloom displays. Polka Capital of Texas! German music is our main emphasis with three days and three stages of the best German music around. There are over 20 bands that will perform throughout the weekend.

Pasadena Livestock Show, Rodeo and Championship Bar-B-Que
October 2 - 10, September 24-26
Pasadena Fairgrounds; 7601 Redbluff
Pasadena Livestock Show, BBQ Cookoff & Horse Show
Scott Attwood
7601 Red Bluff Road; Pasadena, TX 77507-1003
(281) 487-0240; Fax (281) 487-7067
Music: Cajun, Christian, Country, Cowboy, Rock, Rockabilly, Tejano
Activities: Awards show, County fair, Rodeo, Singing contests, Street dance, Trade show/convention
Pasadena Livestock Show and Rodeo believes that we are one team, one association and one vision. We are a group of volunteers with a common goal working as one unit to achieve success through student education. Our vision is to benefit the community, support youth and education, and preserve cowboy heritage. We strive to promote education and preserve the way of the cowboy. Area businessmen and cowboys & cowgirls work side by side to bring the community together in one working unit. Our organization strives to meet and expand those expectations. By continuing with the dream of our forefathers our volunteers will help make this association a success and improve the quality of citizens that this community produces.

Aloha Fest
October 3
Landolt Pavilion, Clear Lake Park; 5002 NASA Road 1
Hawaiian Entertainment & Ekika Enterprises
Edith Bruss, Vaveao Partsch
310 Leafwood Circle; League City, TX 77573
(281) 332-0360; (281) 498-4852
Music: Polynesian
Activities: Polynesian Dances
The"Aloha Fest" in Houston Texas presents Polynesian music and dance, both group and soloists during the two day event. Live music and dance is performed to show cultures from Polynesian islands such as Hawaii, Samoa, New Zealand and Tahiti. Polynesian music include various sounds made by using drums, guitars, steel guitars and ukuleles, as well as dance instruments such as gourds and split bamboo sticks. Also featured at the 'Aloha Fest' are island style foods and Polynesian crafts. This year's will be held October 6 from 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. at Clear Lake Park - Landolt Pavilion Nasa Road 1, Houston, Texas. Admission: $4.00 Adult - children 10yrs and under are free. All day Polynesian entertainment with music and dance, representing Hawaii, Samoa, Tahiti and New Zealand. Experience the beauty of the Hula dancers, the colorful costumes of the Tahitian dancers and the talented poi ball Maori dancers of New Zealand. Entertainment is provided by our Islanders from all over Texas. Spend the day learning about the Polynesian culture, their crafts and foods. Taste the authentic Hawaiian Shave Ice flavors and have a South Pacific day on the"Island of Clear Lake" For information call: Edie (281) 332 - 0360 or Vave (281) 498 - 4852.

Bastrop Musicfest - Concert for CASA of Bastrop
October 3
TBA;
All Austin Entertainment
John Doughty
187 Akaloa Drive; Bastrop, TX 78602
(512) 772-4478; (512) 879-3743
Music: Blues, Rock
Activities: Music festival
Some of Austin's best bands will be performing at The Bastrop Musicfest: Concert for CASA (court appointed special advocates for abused and neglected children).

J'ville Motorcycle and Music Jam
October 3
Jacksonville, TX.; Downtown on Commerce St.
Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce
P.O. Box 1231; Jacksonville, TX. 75766-1231
(903) 589-0959; (903) 586-2217; Fax (903) 586-6944
Music: Bluegrass, Blues, Christian, Country, Cowboy, Folk/Acoustic, Jazz, Pop, R&B, Reggae, Regional Mexican, Rock, Tejano
Activities: Music festival, Singing contests, Street dance
The J'ville J'ville Motorcycle and Music Jam is the first Saturday in October. The musicfest and bike rally consist of music throughout the day, vendors, food, activities for kids, motorcycle activities including a Fun Run and Karaoke contests.

Jasper Fall Fest
October 3
Historic Courthouse Square; Downtown Jasper
Jasper Chamber of Commerce
Liz Street
246 East Milam; Jasper, TX 75951
(409) 384-2762; Fax (409) 384-4733
Music: Cajun, Christian, Country
Jasper Fall Fest is a festival filled with special events and live musical performances. Festivities begin at 9 a.m. and last until 5:00 p.m. Activities include the following: Arts and Crafts, Business Expo, photo contest and show, Hot Wheels contest, forestry demonstrations, carnival, all-day live entertainment, lots of food and more.

Main Street Fall Festival
October 3
downtown Denison; Main & Burnett
Denison Main Street, City of Denison
Amy Lay
P.O. Box 347; Denison, TX 75021-0347
(903) 464-4452; (903) 464-4452; Fax (903) 464-4499
Music: Classical, Country, Pop, Rock
Activities: Singing contests
Main Street festival celebrating Denison's unique heritage. This day combines Denison's French connection with Sister City Cognac, France and of course our Texas heritage. It promises to be an entertaining and memorable day. Activities include live music, Cowboy Shootout, Car & Motorcycle show, Festacular Talent Competition, Karate and dance demonstrations, a carnival, kids zone activities, live entertainment, over 120 craft vendors, and of course food...plus much, much more.

Pioneer Days Street Dance
October 3
Downtown Business District; Dowtown Whitney
Lake Whitney Chamber of Commerce
H.S. Findley
P.O. Box 604; Whitney, TX 76692
(254) 694-2540; Fax (254) 694-3005
Music: Bluegrass, Christian, Country, Cowboy, Folk/Acoustic, Polka, Tejano
Activities: Street dance, Arts and Crafts boo
The Pioneer Days Street Dance includes a parade, arts and crafts area, kids' games, live entertainment all day, and a street dance. The local fire department puts on a dance Saturday night, giving you double opportunity to meet others. Entertainment on the main stage begins at 9 a.m. and ends at 6 p.m. The Street Dance, featuring country-western music, starts at 8 p.m. Main stage entertainment includes singers, musicians, etc. The daytime entertainment is primarily local individuals and groups. Some professional demonstrations such as"Protective Guard Dog Training", Karata demos, etc., are available on the main stage. Saturday nights are filled with all kinds of music from country western to bluegrass. Admission is charged and kids games and the carnival stay open, however they are located in a different area. Estimated attendance for 2003 was at least 9,000 people with over 100 entries in the annual parade.

Stevie Ray Vaughan Remembrance Ride and Concert ~ 2
October 4
Cowboys; Arlington
SRV Remembrance Ride, Inc.
Shon Beall
4908 Mill Creek Trail; Fort Worth, TX 76179
(214) 320-9032; Fax (214) 337-5188
Music: Blues, Rock
Activities: Music festival, Motorcycle rally
While remembering the life of Stevie Ray Vaughan, enjoy a fun-filled combination motorcycle parade and blues concert, benefiting the Stevie Ray Vaughan Memorial Scholarship Fund! 2008 Special Guest is Cutter Brandenburg. The parade starts in Downtown Dallas, proceeds to Cowboys in Arlington, TX for the all - day memorial concert! Cowboys is a 3,000 capacity tri-level venue which allows everywhere to be a great seat! In past years Stevie's mother, Martha Vaughan, has attended the event to accept the donation to the scholarship fund. 12:00pm - Doors open at Cowboys 12:30pm - Concert Begins

Band Extravaganza
October 6
Lowrey Field;
Lubbock Independent School District
Robert Rumph, Director of Fine Arts
1628 19th Street; Lubbock, TX 79401
(806) 766-1045; Fax (806) 766-1036
"Band Extravaganza" is the largest single annual music event in Lubbock. It features performances from each middle school band program and the marching shows from each high school. Guest performances by the Wayland University Band and the Texas Tech Goin' Band add to the excitement. The evening is complete with the Grand Finale of over 1,500 Lubbock ISD band students on the field in one special performance.

Piney Woods Fair
October 7-11
Nacogdoches County Exposition Center; 3805 Northwest Stallings
Nacogdoches County Exposition Center
Bill Plunkett, Anita Scott
3805 Northwest Stallings Drive; Nacogdoches, TX 75964
(936) 564-0849; (936) 564-0849; Fax (936) 564-9228
Music: Christian, Country, Rock
Activities: County fair
The Piney Woods Fair is an old fashioned county fair. Shows include home canning, crafts, arts, photography; agriculture include dairy, beef, lamb, poultry, rabbit, goat, barrow, and agricultural mechanics. We have a variety of music and free entertainment that comes with fair admission.

Guadalupe County Fair
October 8 - 11
Guadalupe County Fairgrounds; Business Highway 123 South
Guadalupe County Agricultural and Livestock Fair
Jenny Siltmann
P.O. Box 334; Seguin, TX 78155
(830) 379-6477; (830) 379-6477; Fax (830) 379-6477
Music: Country
Activities: County fair, Fiddling contests, Rodeo, Trade show/convention, food contests
The Guadalupe County Fair emphasizing agricultural and livestock activities also provides entertainment through carnival, a PRCA rodeo and dance bands. Bands who have appeared in the past are Taylor Brothers; Johnny Dee and the Rocket 88's; La Tropa F; Darrell McCall; Rotel and the Hot Tomatoes; Quarter Moon; Pasty Torres; Wildcard; and local artists.

Harvest Festival
October 8, 10
Terry County Park;
Brownfield Chamber of Commerce
Tory Hook
P.O. Box 152; Brownfield, TX 79316
(806) 637-2564; Fax (806) 637-2565
Music: Country, Folk/Acoustic, Regional Mexican, Tejano
Activities: Awards show, pageant, parade, talent show
Come join Terry County for our 2008 Harvest Festival in Brownfield, Texas. The highlight of the festival is the crowning of the Harvest Festival Queen. Every year, local girls compete to raise funds for their community in a talent show and beauty pageant. Events begin on the first full week of October. The Talent Show starts on Thursday at 7:00 p.m. in the local Middle School Auditorium. Then the following Saturday, the day's activities will begin at 10:00 a.m. with a parade, after which you can make your way to the Terry County Park. At the park you'll find food of all kinds, arts, crafts, and a full day of live entertainment ending with the crowning of the Queen. Check the Brownfied Chamber web site for more information.

Brazoria County Fair
October 9 - 17
Brazoria County Fairgrounds; 901 Downing Road
Brazoria County Fair Association, Inc.
Stacy Mahurin
P.O. Box 818; Angleton, TX 77516
(979) 849-6416; Fax (979) 849-6985
Music: Cajun, Children's, Christian, Country, Pop, Karaoke
Activities: County fair, Rodeo, Singing contests
The Brazoria County Fair includes cookoffs, rodeo, live entertainment, and dancing. Brazoria County Fair is the largest county fair in Texas. There is something for everyone during this nine-day fair.

Conroe Cajun Catfish Festival
October 9-11
Downtown Conroe in the streets; 334 North Main Street
Friends of Conroe
Barbara Metyko
P.O. Box 541992; Houston, TX 77254
(281) 487-9955; Fax (281) 487-9944
Music: Blues, Cajun, Children's, Country, Pop, R&B, Rock, Tejano
Activities: Fiddling contests, Music festival, Street dance, arts & crafts exhibito
The Conroe Cajun Catfish Festival is choreograph for all ages and ethnic diversities, bringing together a"community happening". Music on four stages, exhibitors, delicious food, kids area, fishing contest, and carnival make this annual festival one of the most popular events in Texas. Our entertainment line-up is one of the main reasons our festival patrons keep coming back each year. Continuous music all weekend-from our Main Stage, Willie B's Stage, Patio Stage and family entertainment from our Kid's Small Fry Stage. The City"El Grito" Stage is proud to present a celebration-Mexican style. With some of the regions best musical talent and diverse instrumental sounds - Friday and Saturday after sunset.

Gruene Music and Wine Fest ~ 2
October 9-11
Gruene Hall & The Grapevine; 1281 Gruene Road, New Braunfels
Gruene Hall
1601 Hunter Road; New Braunfels, TX 78130
(830) 629-5077; (830) 606-1601
Music: Blues, Cajun, Christian, Country, Cowboy, Folk/Acoustic, R&B, Rockabilly
Activities: Music festival, Guitar Auction
This Americana event benefiting United Way of Comal County features the best in live Texas music and the best in Texas food and wines at Gruene Hall and The Grapevine. All three days will be filled with vintner and music events, wine & food samplings, and the Great Guitar Auction.

Heart O' Texas Fair & Rodeo
October 9-17
Heart O' Texas Fair Complex; 4601 Bosque Blvd.
Heart O' Texas Fair Complex
Wes Allison
4601 Bosque Blvd.; Waco, TX 76710
(254) 776-1660; Fax (254) 776-1667
Music: Children's, Country, Rock, Tejano
Activities: County fair, Rodeo
40,000 attend for the PRCA rodeo, carnival midway, food vendors, exhibits, and horse and livestock shows.

Rockport Seafair
October 9 - 11
Rockport Festival Grounds; Downtown Rockport at Harbor and Ski Basin
Rockport Seafair Inc.
Diane Probst
404 Broadway Street; Rockport, TX 78382-2765
(361) 729-6445; (800) 242-0071; Fax (361) 729-7681
Music: Blues, Cajun, Country, Tejano
The Rockport Seafair is three days of fun, feast and frolic on festival grounds. Events include: a gumbo cook-off, live music, parade, arts and crafts fair, crab races, carnival, and much more. Fun for all ages.

Turkeyfest Parade and Festival
October 9 - 11
Cuero City Park; 1000 Blk of E. Broadway
Turkeyfest Association
Erwin Rath
124 East Church Street; Cuero, TX 77954
(361) 275-2112; (361) 275-6351; Fax (361) 275-3484
Music: Country, Polka, Rock, Tejano
Activities: Music festival, Street dance
The Turkeyfest Parade will begin in downtown Cuero and proceed to Cuero City Park. The festival will feature continuous music (outdoor stage), street dances, cookoffs, art show, cantina, arts and crafts, food, rides, wild west show, lumberjack show, and a Great Gobbler Gallop.

Wimberley Gospel Music Festival
October 9-10
Cowboys for Jesus Church; Fischer
Wimberly Gospel Music Association
Jerry Hoyt
8400 FM 32; Fischer, TX 78623
(830) 935-2920; Fax (830) 935-2930
Music: Bluegrass, Children's, Christian, Country, Folk/Acoustic, Tejano, Scottish
Activities: Music festival
The 30th Annual Wimberley Gospel Music Festival will begin on Friday, October 9 from 5-10pm and continue through Saturday, October 10 from 11am-10pm. Cowboys for Jesus will host the festival at their location in Fischer, Texas, just outside Wimberley. Returning to the festival this year will be The Bailey Family, Victoria; Blue Creek, LaVernia; His Way Quartet and Southern Praise, Austin; Song of Glory, Ingleside; White Dove, Tomball; Gene & LaVada Triesch, Blanco; The Steve Boatwright Band, Elgin; Cowboys for Jesus, Fischer; and Wimberley's own Jim Henderson. Concessions will be available. Admission to the event and parking are free, and chairs will be available, or you can bring your comfortable lawn chairs. The new site also offers clean and handicapped restrooms and space for self-contained RVs (no hookups).

Cass County Cowboy Gathering
October 10
Cass County Rodeo Grounds; Hwy 8 North, Linden
Cass County Championship Rodeo Association
Joe Early
P.O. Box 1229; Linden, TX 75563
(903) 756-7556
Music: Bluegrass, Country, Cowboy
Activities: Music festival, Rodeo
The Cass County Championship Rodeo Association, in partnership with Linden Economic Development Corporation, invite you to attend the 3rd annual Cass County Cowboy Gathering October 10, 2009. Events include lots of music, working ranch rodeo, vendors, children's activities, mutton busting, steer riding and much more. There will be something for the whole family. The Cass County Cowboy Gathering is a fund raising event for the Cass County Rodeo Arena Building Fund

Crazy Water Festival
October 10
Downtown Mineral Wells; Streets
Crazy Water Festival
Carolyn Hogg
P.O. Box 393; Mineral Wells, TX 76068
(817) 874-9811; (940) 325-0966; Fax (940) 328-0743
Music: Children's, Christian, Country, Cowboy, Pop, Tejano
The Crazy Water Festival includes a salute to"Crazy Water", live continuous entertainment, arts and crafts, parades, car shows, food, beverage garden, quilt shows, tours, children's areas, lots of local as well as out-of-town bands and individuals perform outstage throughout the day. Community festival promoting local history with various events and activitie. There is something for everyone!

Fall Back Festival
October 10
Main Street; between Broadway and Third Street
City of La Porte
Stacey Osborne, Main Street Coordinator
604 West Fairmont Parkway; La Porte, TX 77571
(281) 470-5017
Music: Big Band, Jazz
Activities: Music festival, Costume Contest, Movies, 1920s Era Games and Activities
Join the City of La Porte as we "fall back" to our glory days in the 1920's. The festival features musical entertainment including jazz, swing and Texas swing; headliners include Ezra Charles and The James Reese Band. Activities and entertainment are planned for three stages on either end of the festival (the Main Stage and the stage in the Guys & Dolls Hangout) and in an area specifically for children and families (the Little Rascals Hideaway). Activities include: a 1920's costume contest, "Glamorous Gams" leg contest, street entertainers, and sidewalk chalk art contest; inflatable movie screen; activities for young people, including street games and entertainers; activities for the teen crowd, including bands, a non-alcoholic "speakeasy" and a goldfish (cracker) eating contest; and games and events popular in the 1920s such as a pie eating contest, dunking booth, bubble-gum blowing contest and Mahjong Tournament.

Fire Ant Festival
October 10
Downtown Square;
Greater Marshall Chamber of Commerce
Connie Fugler
P.O. Box 520; Marshall, TX 75670
(903) 935-7868 x 10; Fax (903) 935-9982
Music: Children's, Christian, Country, Rock
Activities: Singing contests, Street dance, Fire Ant Calling, Lip Sync, Diaper Derby, Mens Crazy legs Contest, Chicken Chunking 5K Run, Pet Show, and Gurning Conte
For all who attended this past year's FireAnt Festival, the weather was picture perfect! The crowds were great, the entertainment was wonderful. This most recent FireAnt Festival was great. It is always a crazy celebration of that mean and pesky critter! The festival is held annually the second Saturday in October, downtown on the square in historic Marshall, Texas. We had over 3-- riders in the Tour De FireAnt wonderful Arts & Crafts and great food. A parade that's wild and zany.

Katy Rice Harvest Festival
October 10-11
Historic Downtown Katy;
Katy Area Chamber of Commerce
Ann Hodge
23501 Cinco Ranch Blvd. Suite B206; Katy, TX 77494-3117
(281) 391-5289; Fax (281) 391-7423
Music: Cajun, Country, Jazz, Rock
Celebrate Katy's agricultural heritage at the Annual Rice Harvest Festival with arts and crafts, food, a carnival, photo contest, rice cooking contest and continuous live entertainment on two stages in historic downtown Katy. The Katy Rice Harvest Festival showcases local talent and Texas bands.

Pioneer and Heritage Festival
October 10 - 11
Downtown Rusk;
Rusk Chamber of Commerce
Cynthia Johnson, Manager
P.O. Box 67; Rusk, TX 75785
(903) 683-4242; (800) 933-2381; Fax (903) 683-1054
Music: Country
Pioneer and Heritage Festival features arts and crafts, fair, live entertainment, delicious variety of food, daily runs of the Texas State Railroad.

Quadrangle Street Festival
October 10-11
Downtown Texarkana; 219 North State Line Avenue
Texarkana Museums System
Genie Jones
P.O. Box 2343; Texarkana, TX 75504-2343
(903) 793-4831; Fax (903) 793-7108
Music: Bluegrass, Blues, Christian, Country, Folk/Acoustic, Jazz, Pop, R&B, Rock
Activities: Music festival, Street dance, Arts and Crafts
In its 27th year, this annual event brings music, artists, crafters to the downtown of historic Texarkana. Festival pulls in two states, Texas and Arkansas on the state line of each with numerous competitions and events surrounding the state line avenue. Three stages of entertainment and street dance. Includes 5K bi-state road race, four states regional cheerleading competition, Miss Quadrangle Pageant, pet show, car shows, lumberjack shows and much more. Festival also includes admission to the city's three downtown museums. Please visit website for all details.

Sanderson's Prickly Pear Pachanga
October 10
Courthouse Square;
Prickly Pear Pachanga
Sally Rawlins
P.O. Drawer 640; Sanderson, TX 79848
(432) 345-6789; Fax (432) 345-2653
Music: Bluegrass, Country, Folk/Acoustic
Activities: Awards show, Music festival, Street dance
The cactus capital of Texas celebrates cactus in music, food, costume, art and products. Costume contest, coronation of Miss Cactus Flower and King Tuna, Chili Cook off (C.A.S.I.), hot sauce, contest, cactus cooking contest, cactus-theme arts and crafts booths, parade, live music and dance, ranchero music festival.

Texas Renaissance Festival
October 10-November 29
Plantersville; 1/2 miles south of Plantersville on FM 1774
Texas Renaissance Festival
21778 FM 1774; Plantersville, TX 77363
(936) 894-2516; (800) 458-3435; Fax (936) 894-2391
Music: Renaissance
The Texas Renaissance Festival is held each Saturday and Sunday in a recreated 16th-century village. It features, the fine arts, food, and frivolity of the period updated for modern guests. Music abounds and ranges from strolling minstrels in the troubadour tradition, to a brass ensemble, to bagpipes, to madrigals, to unaccompanied voice, to a unique carillon bell act,"Cast In Bronze". Texas Based musical groups that perform include; I Madrigali, Jim Hancock, Wynd ' N Wyre with Therese Honey, Istanpitta, As You Like It, Passing Measures, and The Flying Fish Sailors.

San Antonio International Piano Competition
October 11 - 17
Ruth Taylor Concert Hall, Trinity University;
Anne Johnson, President
PO Box 781146; San Antonio, TX 78278
(210) 270-3829; Fax (210) 824-5094
The San Antonio International Piano Competition is a non-profit corporation formed in December, 1983, whose purpose is to provide an inspiring and educational music experience for the San Antonio and South Texas community by sponsoring an international competition of highly skilled young pianists. This world-class competition recognizes and rewards young musicians of exceptional talent, encouraging them to develop their performing abilities.

Calhoun County Fair
October 13 - 17
Calhou County Fair Grounds; County Road 101
Robbie Morish
P.O. Box 42; Port Lavaca, TX 77979
(361) 552-7070
Music: Cajun, Country, Tejano
Activities: County fair, Music festival, Rodeo, Singing contests
Performers Include Tropa F.A. on Friday October 16th and Texas Brothers on Saturday October 17th.

East Texas Yamboree
October 14-17
Upshur County Courthouse and Yamboree Park; Trinity Street Gym
East Texas Yamboree Association
Joan Small
P.O. Box 854; Gilmer, TX 75644
(903) 843-2568; (903) 576-6680; Fax (903) 843-3759
Music: Christian, Country, Cowboy, Regional Mexican
Activities: County fair, Fiddling contests, Street dance, Gospel singing
The East Texas Yamboree features a coronation, All Service Club luncheon, barn dance, street dance, home canning and pie contests, art show, photography show, a Gospel stage, livestock show and sale, carnival, parades, fiddlers contest, arts and crafts, exhibits, antique car show, and much more.

Rock the Republic
October 15 - 17
Downtown, Bryan;
John Wesley, Entertainment Director
211- A West William J. Bryan Parkway; Bryan, TX 77803
((817) 851-8973
Music: Folk/Acoustic, Pop, Rap/Hip Hop, Rock, Funk, Indie, Soul, Americana, Alternative
Activities: Music Festival, Poetry Slam, Urban Art
On October 15-17, 2009, downtown Bryan will serve as the host to the first annual Rock The Republic (RTR). This three night "Spectacle of Sight and Sound" will highlight the Texas worlds of rock, art and slam poetry. RTR will feature over 10 stages, many of the best up-and-coming bands in Texas, world/nationally ranked slam poets, and amazing urban artists. Some of the bands featured at this year's event include: The Black and White Years, Jonathan Tyler & the Northern Lights, Suzanna Choffel, The Hudsons, Oso Closo and Keite Young. Spoken word artists will include both past and current world slam poetry champions Buddy Wakefield and Joaquin Zihuatanejo. In addition to providing a wide variety of musical and poetic features, RTR will feature special events such as: Stomp The Republic, Art Rock '09, Rock The Beat Expo, the RTR All-Star Poetry Slam and The Retro Rainbow Sound Circus.

Texas Interactive Music Conference and Bar-B-Q
October 15 - 18
Canyon of the Eagles Lodge;
Project Bar-B-Q
Teresa Avallone
P.O. Box 9726; Austin, TX 78766
(512) 689-5486; Fax (512) 454-8999
Activities: Think Tank
The Texas Interactive Music Conference and Bar-B-Q brings together the brightest minds in the audio industry to discuss, argue, debate, brainstorm and possibly alter the course of history for music hardware & software. We are gearing up to answer some of the toughest questions facing our industry today on the topic:"Influencing music hardware and software over the next five years." The Annual Premier Interactive Music Conference and Bar-B-Q is always held the third weekend in October. We do not hire bands for this event as our attendees are usually musicians and participate in nightly jams.

Austin String Band Festival
October 16- 18
Camp Ben McCullough; 18301 FM 1826, Driftwood
Austin String Band Festival
Howard Rains, Publicity Coordinator
7704 Peaceful Hill Lane; Austin, TX 78748
(512) 577-0851
Music: Bluegrass
Activities: Music festival
The Austin String Band Festival takes place in October and features workshops and bands performing in various styles of string band music: Bluegrass, Old-time, Cajun, Latino, and other types of string band music. The site is Camp Ben McCulloch in Driftwood, just outside of Austin. It is a weekend festival and participants are invited to camp Friday and Saturday nights, and to play music together around the festival grounds when they are not in the Pavilion watching the stage show. The festival begins with a concert Friday night, a full day on Saturday with music workshops Saturday morning, a concert Saturday afternoon and evening; the festival ends with a gospel jam session on Sunday morning. 5 bands perform Friday evening, 10 bands perform on the main stage Saturday, and a number of other bands perform mini-sets on a second stage.

Harvest Festival
October 16-18
Heritage Village Museum; Highway 190 West
Woodville Heritage Village Museum
Ofeira A. Gazzaway
P.O. Box 888; Woodville, TX 75979
(409) 283-2272; (800) 323-0389; Fax (409) 283-2194
Music: Bluegrass, Christian, Classical, Country, Folk/Acoustic
Harvest Festival - Held the third weekend in October. This is the largest fall folklife festival in East Texas. It features pioneer East Texas crafts, demonstrations, unique people in period costume, outstanding shows of both music and dance, and lots of interesting food. Friday is kid's day 9:00 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Come join us for Fall's Finest Fun!

Historic Mansfield Music Festival
October 16
Main Street; Historic Downtown Mansfield
Mansfield Chamber of Commerce
Lisa Drake
114 North Main Street; Mansfield, TX 76063
Historic Mansfield Music Festival - Live Beats & Cold Brews. Friday, October 16, 7:30pm - 10:30pm. Saturday, noon - midnight. Main Street in Historic Downtown Mansfield. Join us for our 3rd Annual event as we shut down Main Street for a rockin' good time! Friday night features POO Live Crew and Brave Combo. Saturday music on two stages all day and headliner Delbert McClinton takes the Main Stage that evening.

Needville Harvest Festival ~ 2
October 16-17
Harvest Park; 3001 Violet
Needville Harvest Fest, Inc.
Chris Janiek
P.O. Box 1101; Needville, TX 77461
(979) 793-4030; (979) 793-7140; Fax (979) 793-5177
Music: Cajun, Country, Cowboy, Polka, R&B, Reggae
Activities: Singing contests, Street dance, Beauty contest, Talent context and Cook-off
The Needville Harvest Festival is a fund raiser helping to build a city park and community center. We also give three to four scholarships each year. We book five to six different entertainers each year. Previous entertainers were: Travis Bishop (50's and country), Polka Lovers of America (polka singers and dancers), Troy Albers (pop, Christian and country), Bobby Jones Czech Band (polka and country), and Texas Unlimited Band (country and rock).

Texas Jazz Festival
October 16-18
Heritage Park; 1581 North Chaparral, Corpus Christi
Texas Jazz Festival Society
Rick Sanchez, Gail Sanchez
P.O. Box 424; Corpus Christi, TX 78408
(361) 688-1296; (361) 876-6669; Fax (361) 883-4500
Music: Big Band, Blues, Christian, Jazz, Tejano
Activities: Music festival
The Texas Jazz Festival features over 50 bands on three stages over a three day weekend set at Heritage Park, downtown Corpus Christi. Primarily all types of jazz, blues. gospel. Food, arts and crafts. No cover charge or admittance fee. World's longest running "free" jazz festival. Official jazz festival for the state of Texas.

Yorktown Western Days-Ziegfest
October 16-18
City Park; City Park
Yorktown Western Days Association, Inc.
Melissa Armstrong
P.O. Box 488; Yorktown, TX 78164
(361) 564-2661; Fax (361) 564-2518
Music: Bluegrass, Children's, Country, Cowboy, Polka, Pop, Rock, Rockabilly, Tejano
Activities: Awards show, Music festival, Street dance, Trade show/convention, Cookoff, exhibits, carnival, contests, dance performers
The Yorktown Western Days-Ziegfest is a FREE premier Texas music festival serving as a charitable fundraiser. Highlights include FREE performances by Kevin Fowler, the Eli Young Band, Wade Bowen, Honeybrowne, Two Tons of Steel, Mark McKinney, Django Walker, Texas Ride, Jack Levitt and the Cody Gill Band. The event features armadillo races, gunslingers, medicine shows, Indian dancers, gold mine, mutton bustin', pig scramble, parades, carnival, youth road race, Lil Wrangler rodeo, kids tractor pull, carnival, petting zoo, pony ride, monster mural, foam pit, arts/crafts, cook off and much more! Please visit www.yorktowntx.com and www.myspace.com/yorktowntexas for more event info! Don't miss Texas' BEST Boot Scootin', Foot Stompin' Music Festival!

Viva La Vida Latino Expo and Festival
October 16-18
Pasadena Convention Center; 7902 Fairmont Parkway, Pasadena
Viva La Vida Latino Expo, Inc.
Wanda Harris, CEO
P.O. Box 3501; Humble, TX 77347
(866) 951-6999 ext. 1
Music: Regional Mexican, Tejano
Activities: Music festival
Viva La Vida Latino Expo and Festival is a three day event that celebrates Latino heritage. Vendors include arts, crafts, local and national companies, food, games and rides. There will be mariachi, salsa, country, and regional Tejano music to entertain the crowds. This is a safe and family focused event for the whole family.

Fall Festival
October 17
Downtown Midlothian; Downtown
Midlothian Chamber of Commerce
Iris Stewart
310 North Ninth Street; Midlothian, TX 76065
(972) 723-8600; (972) 723-8600; Fax (972) 723-9300
Music: Christian, Country
Activities: Awards show, Talent contest
The Fall Festival is a fun family event that includes country/western bands, beauty pageant, food booths, arts and crafts, entertainment, Christian music, petting zoo, children's rides and talent contest.

South Shore Dockside Food & Wine Festival
October 17
South Shore Harbour Resort & Conference Center Marina; 2500 South Shore Blvd.
C4 Clear Creek Community Charities
Steve London
2500 South Shore Blvd.; League City, TX 77573
(281) 727-0131; (832) 771-7661
Activities: Music festival, Wine Tasting
South Shore Dockside Food & Wine Festival will hold it's 8th annual event on October 17th from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. This one of a kind event on the Texas gulf coast features a first class atmosphere. Wine novices and experts alike will enjoy four themed pavilions presenting wines from all over the globe. Ongoing live entertainment sets the mood for a spectacular celebration.

Houston's Annual Asian-American Festival
October 17-18
Houston City Hall; 901 Bagby Street
Glenda Joe
1714 Tannehill Drive; Houston, TX 77008
(713) 861-8270; (713) 284-8352; Fax (713) 861-3450
Music: Asian ethnic
Activities: Arts
Houston's Annual Asian-American Festival ia a Pan-Asian cultural arts festival featuring dance, music, martial arts, theatre, puppetry and much more.

Hutto Olde Tyme Days & Street Dance
October 17
Downtown Hutto; 122 East Street
Hutto Chamber of Commerce
Elizabeth Page,President
P.O. Box 99; Hutto, TX 78634
(512) 759-4400; Fax (512) 846-1618
Music: Country
Activities: County fair, Street dance
Hutto Olde Tyme Days Festival is a celebration of our town's heritage. Lots of wonderful/unique crafts, food booths, music and much more!

Texas Dragon Boat Regatta
October 17 - 18
Clear Lake Park, Lake Pasadena;
Texas Dragon Boat Association
Annabelle Ruch - Vendor, Volunteer and Media Coordinator
2120 Capitol Street, No. 3233; Houston, TX 77003
(832) 687-7208; (832) 771-7661
Music: Asian
The annual Gulf Coast International Dragon Boat Regatta will take place at Clear Lake Park. Regatta Honorary Co-Chairs are Michael McCulley, President and CEO, United Space Alliance, and Oliver Luck, President and General Manager, Houston Dynamo.

Yamboree Fiddler's Contest
October 17
Courthouse Square; Gilmer
East Texas Yamboree
Joan Small
P.O. Box 854; Gilmer, TX 75644
(903) 843-2413; (903) 843-3981; Fax (903) 843-3759
Music: Christian, Country, Cowboy
Activities: Fiddling contests
The Annual Yamboree Fiddler's Contest is a fiddling contest that has been held for more than 60 years. The age division for contestants are 0-12,13-35, 36-59, 60 and older. Accompanist contest takes two top fiddler, who then compete for the grand championship prize.

Texas Independent Music Expo • TIME
October 17-18
Sons of Hermann Hall; 3414 Elm Street, Dallas
Friends of TIME
Lisa Byrn Founder and Director
121 Lemley Drive; Heath, TX 75032
(214) 693-3693
Workshops, Songwriter Contests
TIME is a non-profit event for the independent music artist to connect with the local music industry, network with other artists, acquire tools to create their music and educate themselves on the music industry. TIME also gives those in the music industry the opportunity to promote their services and wares to the artist and the public. Those who wish to attend TIME can enjoy two days of workshops/seminars, exhibitions and an evening concert. Songwriters can enter the TIME Songwriter Contest and win great prizes to boost their music career.

Spring Creek Bluegrass Festival
October 29 - 31
Coushatta Recreation Ranch; near Bellville
Spring Creek Bluegrass Club Festival
Carolyn Brockett
P.O. Box 1294; Bellville, TX 77418
(979) 865-5250
Music: Bluegrass, Christian
Activities: Music festival
Spring Creek Bluegrass Festival is an outdoor event for the entire family with as many as a dozen live bluegrass and gospel bands performing. No alcohol is allowed. The event features great food vendors and arts and crafts. Camper hookups are available.

Czhilispiel
October 23 - 25
Downtown; Flatonia
Flatonia Chamber of Commerce
P.O. Box 610; Flatonia, TX 78941-0610
(361) 865-3920; Fax (361) 865-2451
Music: Country, Latin Pop, Polka, Tejano
Czhilispiel is fun for the whole family. We feature a carnival, a petting zoo, czhili cookoff, BBQ cookoff, arts and crafts, a parade, kid games, car and truck show, pie baking contest, and egg toss. Live music starts on Friday at 5:30 p.m. and from noon until close on Saturday and Sunday in the biergarten.

Ingleside Round-Up Days Festival
October 23 - 25
N.O. Simmons Park; 2355 Highway 361
Ingleside Chamber of Commerce
Jan Hart, Event Coordinator
P.O. Box 686; Ingleside, TX 78362
(361) 776-2906; (888) 899-2906; Fax (361) 776-0678
Music: Country, Regional Mexican, Rock, Rockabilly, Tejano
Activities: County fair
This hometown event takes place in the middle of town and right off of the highway at N.O. Simmons Park! Help us celebrate with a parade, awesome bands playing all day every day, tournaments, a beauty pageant, carnival and contests galore!

O'Flaherty Irish Music Retreat
October 23 - 25
Hoblitzelle Conference Center; 8060 Singleton Road, Midlothian, TX
Traditional Irish Music Education Society
Ken Fleming
1320 Navaho Trail; Richardson, TX 75080
(972) 238-8724; Fax (972) 238-8724
Music: Folk/Acoustic, Celtic
Activities: Concert season, educational class
The O'Flaherty Irish Music Retreat offers instruction in traditional Irish music on fiddle, flute, harp, uilleann pipes, tinwhistle, bodhran, guitar, piano accordion, button accordion, piano, hammered dulcimer, Anglo and English concertinas, harp, mandolin, tenor banjo, bouzouki, singing in Gaelic and English, ceili dancing and ABCs (cyber music notation). Some of America's and Ireland's best players in the tradition will teach. The retreat kicks off with instructor concerts followed by sessions beginning on Friday night. Instructor concerts will also be held during the lunch periods on Saturday and Sunday. On Saturday night, the general public will be invited to join the retreat students for special performances by the master instructors followed by a ceili (group dancing) and more sessions. Classes are held during four 1 ½-hour sessions per day.

Red Steagall Cowboy Gathering and Western Swing Festival
October 23 - 25
Fort Worth Stockyards; National Historic District
Debbie Bowman
P.O. Box 4507; Fort Worth, TX 76164
(817) 444-5502; Fax (817) 444-0259
Music: Cowboy, Cowboy poetry
Activities: Cowboy poetry, Fiddling contests, Music festival, Rodeo, Street dance, Trade show/convention, Poetry Conte
The Cowboy Gathering and Western Swing Festival is hosted by Red Steagall, the official Cowboy Poet of Texas. Past performers include Baxter Black, Riders in the Sky, and former members of the Texas Playboys, Don Edwards, Sons of the San Joaquin, Red Steagall and the Boys in the Bunichouse, other singers and cowboy poets will perform.

Concert In The Park & Book Signing
October 24
Heritage Oak Park; 875 Quest Parkway, Cedar Park
City of Cedar Park - Parks & Recreation
Tara McAlister
1435 Main Street; Cedar Park, TX 75613
(512) 401-5508; (512) 401-5500; Fax (512) 401-5509
Music: Country
Activities: Street dance, Book Signing
On October 24, 2009 at Heritage Oak Park - 875 Quest Parkway, Cedar Park, TX from 5 pm - 8 pm, don't miss out on this one of a kind opportunity. Have a blast at an old-fashioned street dance under the stars. At 5 pm, H. Joaquin Jackson will speak, sell and sign his book "One Ranger: A Memoir". Join us with other former Texas Rangers and grab your boots to scoot with us to live music by Sons of the Lone Star starting at 6 pm. Food concessions will be available, but you are welcome to bring your own picnic and cooler. The event is free to the public.

Elgin Hogeye Festival
October 24
Downtown; Elgin
Elgin Main Street Board
Amy Stallard Miller
P.O. Box 591; Elgin, TX 78621
(512) 285-5721; Fax (512) 285-5962
Music: Bluegrass, Country, Folk/Acoustic, Jazz, Rock, Tejano
Activities: Music festival
The Hogeye Festival entertains approximately 20,000 people with outstanding musicians, handmade arts and crafts, creative children's activities, a costume children's parade, a"Piggy Idol" singing contest, and an art show. Live music all day on two outdoor stages provides a variety of harmonies. The festival is held in our historic downtown on Main Street surrounded by beautifully restored buildings dating back to 1890. A pork cookoff, a Royal Coronation of King Hog or Queen Sowpreme, and car show add to the celebration in the Sausage Capital of Texas. Join us from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Elgin is 19 miles east of Austin on highway 290 at Loop 109. Free shuttle provided.

Festival of Pumpkins
October 24
Downtown; Paris
City of Paris Main Street
Bethany Golden
P.O. Box 9037; Paris, TX 75460
(903) 784-9293; (903) 784-9293; Fax (903) 784-1798
Music: Blues, Country, R&B
Activities: Street dance
Mark your calendars now and plan to spend October 24th in downtown Paris at the 9th Annual Festival of Pumpkins sponsored by Paris Main Street. Listen to live music on the main stage all day. Enjoy a unique shopping experience and browse downtown stores for huge Festival savings! Visit the many street vendors for one of a kind finds and fill up on all your favorite festival fares like corn dogs, funnel cakes and kettle corn. Don't miss the crowd favorites including the pet pageant, costume contest, pumpkin decorating contest, petting zoo, bungee jump and pony rides. Cash prizes are awarded for best costume and best decorated pumpkin! For a complete schedule of events and more information on how to register for contests please visit"http://www.festivalofpumpkins.com or call Bethany Golden at (903) 784-9293. Festival hours are 10am-8pm.

Fredericksburg Food and Wine Fest ~ 2
October 24
Market Square; 100 West Main Street
Creative Marketing
Debbie Farquhar-Garner
703 North Llano; Fredericksburg, TX 78624
(830) 997-8515; (866) 839-3378; Fax (830) 997-9628
Music: Blues, Cajun, Folk/Acoustic, Jazz, Reggae, World Beat
Activities: Food and Wine Fest
The Fredericksburg Food and Wine Fest features the best Texas made food and wine around. Live music all day. Auction, gargantuan grape toss, and more entertain thousands as they sample wine and food. Everyone enjoys relaxing as they enjoy the best jazz and blues in the hill country. There are as many as 22 different wineries and over 40 specialty booths from across the great state of Texas. There is plenty of action for this one day event.

Houston Women's Festival ~ 2
October 24
Jones Plaza; 601 Louisiana
Athena Art Project
P.O. Box 70102 ; Houston, TX 77270
(713) 995-5251
Music: Country, Jazz, Rock
Activities: Music festival, Trade show/convention
The Athena Art Project was established in 1996 as a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization that supports the artistic endeavors of women. The festival is a celebration of music, art, culture and community. It is the largest annual event for the women's community in Texas, drawing people from throughout the state and beyond. The festival is open to all and includes a full day of excellent music and a marketplace of vendors. Tickets are $15 if purchased online and $20 at the door. Children 10 to 18 and students with current ID are $10 at the door. Children under 10 enter free. All tickets are general admission. The festival takes place in the Theater District in downtown Houston, 601 Louisiana St, and lasts from noon until 10:00 pm. Artists in the past include Kelley Gray, Mary Cutrafello Susan Gibson, Amy Speace, Lindsay Mac, Trina Hamlin, Michelle Malone, Melissa Ferrick, and Patrice Pike.

Indie Bash at the Brewery
October 24
Lone Star Brewery; 600 Lone Star Blvd
Lone Star Beer
Brad Hittle
12305 Twin Creek Drive; San Antonio, TX 78279
(210) 270-9467
Music: Country, Rock
Activities: Music festival
The Indie Bash at the Brewery will feature 10 acts playing on two stages and begins at 1 p.m. In addition to Kweller, Robison and Tyler, Austin’s Micky and the Motorcars and Dale Watson, Houston’s Spain Colored Orange, San Antonio’s Buttercup and Luke Olson, and Electric Touch, a band comprised of members from Houston, Corpus Christi and England but formed in Austin, as well as a special guest who will be announced later, will all perform. The event will feature various food stands, and concert goers will be able to enjoy Lone Star Beer. Proceeds from product sales at the concert will go to Texas Music Project, a non-profit which works in conjunction with the Texas music industry, State of Texas, Texas Music Educators Association, Texas Commission on the Arts, and the Texas Coalition for Quality Arts Education. All of these organizations help strengthen and restore music education to Texas schools.

San Antonio Founders Day Celebration
October 24
The Alamo; 300 Alamo Plaza
San Antonio Founders Day Alliance
Fran Laue, Secretary
P. O. Box 700767; San Antonio, TX 78270-0767
(210) 525-6905; (210) 525-6905
Music: Multicultural
Activities: Music festival
Come enjoy a celebration of the founding of San Antonio! The 6th annual tribute to the 20+ cultural groups who shaped the heritage of San Antonio will be held on Saturday, October 24, 2009. This annual event is sponsored by the San Antonio Founders Day Alliance, in association with San Antonio's Founding Heritage. The Alliance is a nonprofit group of individuals and representatives of organizations dedicated to fostering greater appreciation and learning about the heritage of San Antonio. Opening ceremonies and musical tribute will include live music and singing featuring local orchestras and performers. The rest of the exciting day continues at The Alamo and Alamo Plaza (until 4:30 p.m.) with live music and dancing from several cultural and historical groups; historical, cultural and educational displays from more than 40 organizations; and crafts and activities for children. This is a free, family-oriented event.

Texas City Music Fest by the Bay
October 24
Nessler Park; Doyle Convention Center, 1801 9th Avenue North
City of Texas City
Monica James
P.O. Box 2608; Texas City, TX 77592-2608
(409) 643-5990; (409) 643-5902
Music: Blues, Cajun, Country
Activities: Music festival
Are you looking for a good time!? Come to Texas City on Saturday, October 24th, 2009 for an outdoor musical experience that's sure to be the talk of the town. This year's event offers a diverse musical experience ranging from Blues and Zydeco to Classic Country. Headlining the event is the legendary Jerry Jeff Walker. Sharing the bill are "Mr. Rose Colored Glasses" himself, John Conlee, Texas Johnny Brown, Zydeco great, Step Rideau and Texas Blues Brothers Tribute Band. The event focuses on a family atmosphere where children of all ages are able to come out and enjoy good clean fun. Activities for kids include a "Kids Zone" with several moon walks, rock wall, face painting, pony rides, smoke/safety house and much more. Along with all the great music enjoy Arts and Crafts booths, the aromas of funnel cakes, sausage, BBQ, fajitas and cold drinks freshly prepared by our vendors. Because we offer a wide variety of food and beverage at the event, no food, beverage or glass containers will be permitted at entry at the gates.

Bluegrass Music Festival
October 29 - 31
Coushatte Rec. Ranch; 2812 Nelius Road
Spring Creek Bluegrass Club
Carolyn Brockett
P. O. Box 1294; Bellville, TX 77418
(979) 865-5250; Fax (979) 865-8811
Music: Bluegrass, Christian
Activities: Music festival, All kinds of jam sessions around the festival si
The Bluegrass and Gospel Music features three days of bands and groups from all over the U. S., performing continuously throughout the day. There is one stage of live music around the festival grounds along with impromptu jam sessions. Great wholesome entertainment for the whole family, with something for everyone from the very young to the young at heart the music never stops.

Wurstfest
October 30 - November 8
Wurstfest Grounds, Landa Park; 178 Landa Park Drive, New Braunfels
Wurstfest Association of New Braunfels
Suzanne Herbelin
P.O. Box 310309; New Braunfels, TX 78130
(830) 625-9167; (800) 221-4369; Fax (830) 620-1318
Music: Polka
Activities: Music festival, carnival
Wurstfest is a ten day salute to Sausage and always starts on the Friday before the first Monday in November. The festival includes a variety of food, entertainment, arts and crafts and many other special events. Think of it as New Braunfels' answer to Munich's Oktoberfest. Experience a German/Texas festival rich in German culture and full of Texas fun.