Thursday, March 05, 2009
By Carl Hoover
Tribune-Herald entertainment editor
Determining when spring begins in Central Texas is as futile as observing Groundhog Day in Waco. Buds and blossoms are already blooming, even though there’s likely one nasty cold snap in store this month, and it’s not like we’re recovering from a winter deep freeze. There’s the spring equinox on March 20, but that’s a bureaucrat’s spring, one marked on paper with little meaning in the real world.
If you determine spring as the time in which Texas communities go outdoors to celebrate, well, any number of things, then spring is here. If spring means a spring break week off from school, then spring is here. And if you need an excuse to get up and out on a weekend, we’ll call it spring for your benefit.
Here’s an overview of spring festivals and special events here and within a morning’s drive, celebrating flowers, Irish culture, snakes, live music, corn bread, flowers, movies, food, crafts and flowers.
choover@wacotrib.com
757-5749
Friday-Sunday, North Texas Irish Festival, Dallas (www.ntif.org; 972-943-4616)
Friday-April 12, Dallas Blooms, Dallas Arboretum, Dallas (www.dallasarboretum.org; 214-515-6500)
Saturday, Daffodil Festival, Round Rock (www.rrtxsrfoundation.org; 512-762-5594)
March 13-14, Chocolate Festival, Grapevine (www.grapevinetexasusa.com; 817-410-3185)
March 13-14, Texas Cloggers Rally, Waco (www.texas-clogging.com; 254-772-0227)
South By Southwest
Austin, March 13-22
What started as a premier event to sample music from almost 2,000 international bands and performers has mushroomed into equally successful festivals of indie/Texas films and cutting-edge multimedia. Check the Web sites to plan before going. (www.sxsw.com)
March 14-15, Central Texas Ceramic Expo, West (254-755-0026)
March 14-15, Lone Star Fair and Rattlesnake Roundup, Brownwood (www.brownwoodjaycees.org; 325-643-9956)
St. Patrick’s Day Festival Dublin
March 19-21
Yes, there’s more to celebrate in Dublin than Dr Pepper made with cane sugar. You’ll hear more twangs than brogues, but there’s Irish dancers, food, games and — begorra — an antique tractor pull.
March 20-April 5, Azalea and Spring Flower Trail, Tyler (www.tylerazaleatrail.com; 800-235-5712)
March 21, Western Swing Fiddling Showcase, Belton (www.texaswesternswing.com; 254-939-8390)
March 21-22 and 28-29, Texas Dogwood Trails Celebration, Palestine (www.palestinechamber.org; 903-729-6066)
March 26-29, Texas Storytelling Festival, Denton (www.tejasstorytelling.com; 940-382-7014, ext. 224)
March 26-April 5, American Film Institute International Film Festival, Dallas (www.afidallas.com)
March 27-29, Temple College Jazz Festival, Temple (www.discovertemple.com; 254-298-8282)
March 28-29, Wildflower Art Show, Salado (www.salado.com; 254-947-5040)
April 3-5, Highland Lakes Fine Art and Wine Festival, Marble Falls (www.marblefalls.org; 800-759-8178)
April 4, Louisiana Swamp Thing & Crawfish Festival, Austin (www.roadwayevents.com; 512-441-9015)
April 4, Billy the Kid & Frontier Day, Hico (www.hico-tx.com; 800-361-4426)
April 4-5, Western Festival and Expo, Heart O’ Texas Fair Complex, Waco (www.hotfair.com; 254-776-1660)
April 4-May 25 (weekends), Scarborough Renaissance Festival, Waxahachie (www.scarboroughrenfest.org; 972-938-3247)
Burnet Bluebonnet Festival
April 10-12
It only seems like Texas has as many bluebonnet festivals as bluebonnets. This one in Burnet lies near the heart of Central Texas bluebonnet country and the drive there often is worth the effort. (www.burnetchamber.org, 512-756-4297
April 16-17, The Big Event, Clifton (www.bosqueconservatory.com; 254-675-3724)
April 16-19, Old Settler’s Music Festival, Dripping Springs (www.oldsettlersmusicfest.org)
April 16-19, Bloomin’ Temple Festival, Temple (www.bloomintemple.com; 254-773-2105)
April 17-19, Bluebonnet Trails Festival, Ennis (www.visitennis.org; 979-878-4748)
Beasts ‘n Blooms & Earth Day too
Waco, April 18-19
Cameron Park Zoo, one of Waco’s most popular outdoor destinations, marks spring with children’s activities, gardening and environmental education and vendors. (cameronparkzoo.com; 750-8415)
April 17-26, Fiesta San Antonio, San Antonio (www.fiesta-sa.org; 877-723-4378)
April 24, Cotton Palace Pageant, Waco (254-772-2446)
April 25, Cornbread Festival, Malakoff (www.malakoffchamber.com; 903-489-1518)
May 1-3, Mayfest, Fort Worth (www.fortworthgov.org; 817-332-1055)
May 2, Bloomin' Festival, Taylor (512-352-5448)
May 2-3, Old Pecan Street Spring Arts Festival, Austin (www.oldpecanstreetfestival.com; 512-443-6179)
May 22-23, National Polka Festival, Ennis (www.nationalpolkafestival.com; 888-366-4748)
May 29, Old Fiddlers Reunion, Athens (www.athenstx.org; 888-294-2847)
Kerrville Folk Festival
May 21-June 7
In its 37th year, this festival offers folk and indie music fans 18 days of open-air opportunities to hear more than 100 top-notch bands and songwriters. (kerrvillefolkfestival.com; 888-366-4748)
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