JUNE

  June 7–9 - San Antonio
TEXAS FOLKLIFE FESTIVAL... A Texas tradition for 43 years, the Institute of Texan Cultures presents 250 cultural organizations, a menu of 150 authentic foods, 65 artisans and craftsmen, and 7 stages of music and entertainment representing the diversity of our state. For more info: www.TexasFolklifeFestival.org or (210) 458-2300.

  June 14 - East Bernard
CZECH KOLACHE-KLOBASE FESTIVAL... Come to Riverside Hall for polka dancing, arts & crafts, sausage & barbecue chicken, kiddie games, dancers, raffle & cakewalk. (979) 531-9747 or (979) 335-7907.

  June 14 - Wharton
JAMES R. SIMMONS’ JUNE-TEENTH CELEBRATION... Family Day Parade, live music, free carnival and festivities on Monterey Square, 100 S. Fulton St. in Downtown Wharton. For more info: helpdesk@whartonchamber.com or (979) 532-1862. 

  June 20–21 - Wharton
WHARTON CITYWIDE GARAGE SALE... Friday/Saturday. Maps available at each location or website www.whartontexas.com.  Look for the official red & white signs! Local merchants participate, so remember to shop with them too! For more info, email helpdesk@whartonchamber.com, or call (979) 532-1862.

  June 21–22 - Sealy
KC JUNE MUSIC FESTIVAL... This summer classic is great for the whole family. Enjoy country and German polka dancing and music with bands Al Sulak & Country Sounds, Red Ravens, Czech & Then Some, and Central Texas Sounds. And don’t forget the great food! For info,  visit www.VisitSealy.com, or call (979) 885-6786.

  June 29–July 4 - Seguin
SEGUIN FREEDOM FEST... What’cha doin’ for America’s B-day? Enjoy family entertainment over Independence Day Weekend at Seguin’s patriotic concert in Central Park on June 29 & Freedom Fiesta July 3. Bring your Texas spirit on July 4 to the biggest small-town 4th of July parade in Texas, plus fireworks at Starcke Park! www.visitSeguin.com. (800) 580-7322.

JULY

  July 4 - Rosenberg
FAMILY 4TH INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION... It’s all about patriotism, free family & fun as Rosenberg hosts horse-drawn wagon rides, food vendors, musical entertainment by The Level One Band, the best fireworks in Fort Bend County & more! Seabourne Creek Nature Park, 3831 Hwy 36 South. 6pm-10pm. FREE. www.CityofRosenberg.com/Family4th. (832) 595-3525.

  July 5–6 - Rockport
ROCKPORT ART FESTIVAL... The 45th Annual Rockport juried art show features food, live music & entertainment, kids’ tent, and original artworks by over 120 artists and master craftsmen.  A fund-raiser for the Rockport Art Association.  For more information: (361) 729-5519 or  www.rockportartcenter.com.

  July 10–13 - Port Aransas
79th ANNUAL DEEP SEA ROUND-UP... “The Oldest Fishing Tournament on the Texas Coast.” A weekend of family fun that includes bay, offshore, fly fishing and junior divisions, plus a piggy perch contest. (800) 45-COAST or www.portaransas.org. Register  today at  www.deepsearoundup.com.

  July 10–13 - Sealy
SEALYBRATION... Family activities, carnival, arts/crafts booths, street dance, BBQ cook-off, slow-pitch/softball tournaments, and live main stage entertainment. Admission. For info:  call (877) 558-7245 or www.Sealycommunityfoundation.org.

  July 24–26 - Clute
THE GREAT TEXAS MOSQUITO FESTIVAL... The annual festival is a fun-filled, 3-day event for the entire family. It includes a variety of contests for all ages, arts/crafts & food booths, carnival, BBQ cook-off, and great musical headliner entertainment. Clute Municipal Park. In its 34th year! www.mosquitofestival.com.  (800) 371-2971.

SEPTEMBER

  September 7 - Lakehills
34th ANNUAL MEDINA LAKE CAJUN FESTIVAL... “Home of the Great Gumbo Cook-off.” Saturday, 11am to 10pm. Louisiana Cajun bands, Great Gumbo Cook-off, authentic homemade Cajun foods, arts & crafts, games and more. Lakehills Civic Center in Bandera County, 25 miles from San Antonio. (830) 751-3130. www.cajunfestival-medinalake.com.

  September 26–27 - Hallettsville
HALLETTSVILLE KOLACHE FEST ... Enjoy a downtown parade, kolache presentation & eating contest, “42” domino tournament, classic cars, bike show, arts & crafts, Czech & German foods, live entertainment, biergarten, children’s activities & more! Held at KC Hall. (361) 798-2662.  www.hallettsville.com.

OCTOBER

  October 9–12 - Houston
36th ANNUAL FESTA ITALIANA... Houston’s Italian Cultural Center brings culture to life at its weekend celebration of Italy! Enjoy music, homemade Italian food & wine, pasta-eating contest, bocce ball & I Madonnari competitions, wine tasting, grape stomp, kid’s events, arts/crafts, cooking demos & more. University of St. Thomas at Montrose Blvd. www.HoustonItalianFestival.com.

  October 11 - Wharton
MONTEREY SQUARE WINE AND ARTS FAIR... Sip, shop and stroll with us, 4pm-10pm in Historic Downtown. Live Music—Wine Tastings—Artworks Show—Great Food! 3pm-10pm. For more info:  helpdesk@whartonchamber.com, (979) 532-1862, or www,whartontexas.com

  October 24–25 - Pleasanton
49th ANNUAL COWBOY HOME-COMING...