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When it comes to special events, fairs and festivals, Texas  has something for everyone. Whether it's honoring food, history, heritage, or one of the four seasons, Texas’  celebrations are known for their authentic charm. The following is just a sample of the events taking place year round.

Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo

March 4 - March 23, 2014  in Houston, Texas

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is the world’s largest livestock show and rodeo dedicated to benefiting youth, supporting education, and facilitating better agricultural practices through exhibitions and presentation. Since the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo was established in 1931, it has made an impressive footprint on the livestock and entertainment industries and in the sport of rodeo. Today it is the world’s largest livestock exhibition, world’s largest rodeo and premier entertainment event with no less than 19,000 volunteers who annually contribute their time to take part in what is known as “The heartbeat of the Southwest”. With a livestock competitions, shopping, food, carnival, action-packed rodeo events and superstars in concert, there is something for the whole family. Visit: www.rodeohouston.com

South by Southwest Multimedia Film Conference

March 7-15, 2014 in Austin, Texas

The South by Southwest® (SXSW®) Conferences & Festivals offer the unique convergence of original music, independent films, and emerging technologies. Fostering creative and professional growth alike, SXSW® is the premier destination for discovery.In little more than two decades, the South by Southwest (SXSW) Multimedia Conference in Austin has grown from a tiny music festival into one of the biggest conferences and festivals in the nation. Offering the latest and greatest in the music, film and interactive worlds, as well as performances by about 1,000 bands from across the globe, this event takes place at the Austin Convention Center and more than 50 other venues. Visit: www.sxsw.com

Dallas Blooms

March - April , 2014  in Dallas, Texas

The Dallas Arboretum, one of the most beautiful outdoor attractions in Dallas, features 66-acres of spectacular display gardens that showcase incredible seasonal flowers, ornamental shrubs, trees and plant collections in a serene setting on White Rock Lake. The gardens feature more than 400,000 spring-blooming bulbs, 6,000 azaleas and thousands of annuals and perennials spread throughout the 66-acre garden. Festivities are music, food, celebrities, poetry and rich history.  Visit: www.dallasarboretum.org

Azalea & Spring Flower Trail

March 21- April 6, 2014  in Tyler, Texas

Officially certified as an Azalea City in 2007, Tyler is the perfect host for this celebration of the Azalea that has been a tradition here for 50 years, Visitors can enjoy miles of azaleas, dogwoods and spring flowers amidst beautiful historic homes as they tour residential gardens, enjoy plant sales, arts and crafts shows, historic home tours and living history exhibits set in a backdrop of vibrant azaleas. Visit: www.tylerazaleatrail.com

Texas Sandfest

April 11 - 13, 2014 Port Aransas, Texas

With over 30  master sculptors competing, the Texas Sandfest is the largest master sand competition in the USA, drawing over 100,000 visitors each year. The three-day festival includes both a Solo and Duo Master's Contests, over 200 amateur sand sculptors, 5 different sand competitions, free sand sculpting demonstrations and lessons, music, games, food and craft booths. Visit: www.texassandfest.com

Fiesta San Antonio

April 10 - 27, 2014 in San Antonio, Texas

For well over a century, Fiesta® San Antonio has offered fun for all ages. From parades to carnival rides, there’s something for everyone. So bring the whole family. Fiesta® San Antonio is waiting for you! The San Antonio Fiesta began as a way to honor the memory of the heroes of the Alamo and the Battle of San Jacinto. Since then the fiesta has grown into a celebration of the wide diversity and multicultural history of San Antonio and is today one of the largest festivals in the county. 3.5 million visitors attend more than 100 events at various locations over 10 days. Attractions include a broad spectrum of food, musical genres, arts, athletic events, parades, parties & more. Visit: www.fiesta-sa.org

"Texas" Outdoor Musical Drama

June - August  in Palo Duro Canyon State Park, Texas

This outdoor musical drama is a joy for the whole family to watch. For over 45 years in production, is touted as the most spectacular outdoor musical drama in the world. Set in the 1800s, the show’s fictional characters bring to life the stories, struggles and triumphs of the settlers of the Texas Panhandle - complete with a cast of more than 60 actors, singers and dancers, spellbinding lighting, special effects and fireworks. The Amphitheater, 25 mile from Amarillo, is carved out of and nestled into a natural basin in the majestic Palo Duro Canyon. The evening’s entertainment is preceded by an old fashioned Chuck Wagon BBQ Dinner (Optional). Visit: www.texas-show.com

GrapeFest

September 11 -14, 2014 in Grapevine, Texas

GrapeFest - A Wine Experience will celebrate it's 28th anniversary and the best of Texas wines on September 11, 12, 13, and 14. Festival-goers will enjoy award-winning wines perfectly paired with culinary treats at the largest festival in the Southwest. Join us for some of GrapeFest trademark activities including the People's Choice Wine Tasting Classic - the largest consumer-judged wine competition in the nation; Grape-Stomp, the Culinary Pavilion, GrapeFest Golf Classic, KidZone presented by Baylor Regional Medical Center at Grapevine, six stages of live entertainment and more!. Visit: www.grapevinetexasusa.com

State Fair of Texas

September  26- October 19, 2014 in Dallas, Texas

The roots of the State Fair of Texas can be traced all the way back to 1886.  Today, it is a 24-day celebration of the state with over 70 amusement rides, Texas Star (the tallest Ferris wheel in North America), 8000 livestock entries, 7,000 creative arts entries, about 200 food service locations, the largest new car show in the Southwest. and of course, Big Tex, the world's best-known 52-foot-tall cowboy who made his first State Fair appearance in 1952. Visit: www.bigtex.com

Terlingua International Chili Championship

late October / early November   in Terlingua, Texas

On the first Saturday of November the Chili Appreciation Society International holds the ultimate celebration of Chili at the Rancho CASI de los Chisos in Terlingua. The four day celebration culminates on Saturday with the Terlingua International Chili Championship. It is a Texas tradition of epic proportion - complete with an annual proclamation from the Governor declaring "Chili Appreciation Society International Day" in Texas, and nightly stage entertainment.  Visit: www.chili.org