All the Best Texas Food Festivals to Check Out This April and May

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If you're a foodie and happen to be in Texas this April and May, you're in for a treat! Texas is known for its rich culinary traditions. So during these months, the state hosts some of the most exciting food festivals you can imagine. From barbecue cook-offs to crawfish boils and chili cook-offs to tamale festivals, there's something for everyone to enjoy. 

These festivals showcase some of the best local cuisines and offer a chance to mingle with locals and learn about the state's diverse cultures. In this article, we'll look at some of the best Texas food festivals you should check out in April and May. So get ready to satisfy your cravings and experience the Lone Star State's unique food culture!

Llano Crawfish Open

April 21 - 22, 2023

Llano, TX

Are you a fan of crawfish? Do you enjoy the lively atmosphere of a great outdoor festival? Then you won't want to miss The Llano Crawfish Open! This two-day festival, held on Friday and Saturday, April 21 and 22, promises to be a crawfish lover's dream come true. With over 25,000 pounds of crawfish, this event is the perfect opportunity to indulge in this delicious Southern delicacy. 

The Llano Crawfish Open celebrates all things crawfish, featuring live music, family-friendly activities, and plenty of mouthwatering food. So whether you're a seasoned crawfish enthusiast or just looking for a fun day out with family and friends, this festival will surely satisfy you. Visit their website for more information and to purchase your tickets today!

Address: John L. Kuykendall Arena, Llano, TX

Discover more about Texas' favorite seafood through TexasRealFood's Texas Crawfish 101: Everything You Need to Know About Seasonality and Where to Find It.

Tatum Pecan Pie Festival

April 22, 2023

Tatum, TX

The 12th Annual Tatum Pecan Pie Festival is set to take place on April 22, 2023, from 10 am to 4 pm at the Tatum High School. The festival promises to be filled with excitement and fun, with various activities planned for visitors of all ages.

Foodies will have a field day at the festival, with food trucks serving up a variety of delicious eats, including the star of the show – pecan pie! Festival-goers can indulge in a slice of this delicious dessert made with fresh pecans (how long do pecans last?) from the local area. In addition, visitors can sit back and relax while enjoying the festive atmosphere and great entertainment.

Texan Food Festivals in June: Dive into the culinary delights of Texas this June by exploring these 5 Texan Food Festivals that promise a feast for your taste buds.

But that's not all - there's much more to enjoy at the Tatum Pecan Pie Festival. And organizers are still looking for vendors and participants to improve the festival. So if your pecan pie is second to none or you are interested in being a vendor, contact TEDCO at info @ edc.tatumtexas.com.

So mark your calendars for April 22, 2023, and join in the Tatum Pecan Pie Festival fun. It promises a day of great food, entertainment, and good old-fashioned fun for the whole family.

Address: Tatum High School, Tatum, TX

Take a deeper look into Texas Pecan Pie - One of America's Most Famous Desserts.

Sonoma County Wine Fest

April 29, 2023

Kemah, TX

Wine lovers, mark your calendars for the Sonoma County Wine Fest on April 29, 2023, in Kemah, Texas. This event is a must-attend for anyone who appreciates fine wine and delicious food.

At the Sonoma County Wine Fest, you'll have the opportunity to sample over 72 wines from Sonoma County, one of the most renowned wine regions in the world. You'll be able to taste a variety of reds, whites, and rosés, each with its unique flavor profile and characteristics.

In addition to the wine, the event will feature a variety of delicious appetizers, carefully curated to pair perfectly with the different wines. So you'll be able to savor the flavors of the wine and food together, creating a truly memorable culinary experience.

Tickets for the Sonoma County Wine Fest can be purchased online at www.KemahWine.com. You will want to attend this event, so buy your tickets early to secure your spot.

Whether you're a wine connoisseur or enjoy a good glass of wine, the Sonoma County Wine Fest is a great way to spend a day in Kemah, Texas. With so many delicious wines to taste, appetizers to sample, and music to enjoy, this event will surely be a highlight of your year.

Address: Kemah Boardwalk, Kemah, TX

Browse TexasRealFood's list of The Best Texas Wines For Grass-Fed Beef Dishes.

San Antonio Flavor

May 4, 2023

San Antonio, TX

May 4, 2023, will be a big day for foodies in San Antonio, Texas, as the city hosts the San Antonio Flavor. This food festival is an excellent opportunity to try out the best local cuisine, as it features over 30 local restaurants offering diverse dishes.

In addition to food, visitors can enjoy craft beer, wine, and signature cocktails. The event also features a live Culinary Showdown starring four top San Antonio chefs and celebs. This exciting competition will keep you on the edge of your seat as chefs battle it out to create the best dishes.

Guests can also enjoy live music, with beats provided by SoundCream, and Contemporary Art Month art installations, making it a feast for all the senses. With so much to see, taste, and experience, San Antonio Flavor is the perfect opportunity to indulge in some of San Antonio's best cuisine.

So, mark your calendars for May 4, 2023, and get ready to enjoy a day of delicious food, drinks, and entertainment at San Antonio Flavor!

Address: San Antonio Museum of Art, San Antonio, TX

Wein & Saengerfest

May 6, 2023

New Braunfels, TX

The annual Wein & Saengerfest celebration returns to Downtown New Braunfels on Saturday, May 6, 2023! This highly anticipated event promises to be filled with fun, music, wine, and more.

If you're a wine and craft beer fan, you'll be in heaven at Wein & Saengerfest. Various wine and beer vendors will offer samples and sales of their products. As a result, you'll be able to taste and purchase some of the best wines and craft beers from around the region while enjoying the festival atmosphere.

In addition to the music and wine, there will also be plenty of family activities to keep everyone entertained. Kids can enjoy face painting, balloon animals, and other fun activities while parents sample the wine and browse the vendors.

Food vendors will be on hand to provide delicious snacks and meals throughout the day, so you won't have to worry about going hungry. And, of course, plenty of downtown shopping will also be available.

The Wein & Saengerfest celebration is a great way to spend a Saturday in May. With so much to see and do, it's a festival that you won't want to miss. So gather your friends and family and head down to Downtown New Braunfels for a day of fun, music, and wine!

Address: 500 Main Plaza, New Braunfels, TX 78130

Whether you're a local, new in town, or just cruising through, we've got loads of great tips and local food events around New Braunfels, TX,

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Texas Crab Festival

May 12 - 14, 2023

Crystal Beach, TX

The Texas Crab (What wine goes well with crab?) Festival is a unique annual event that brings together music, art, and delicious Gulf Coast-style crabs. This festival is held yearly on Mother's Day weekend, making it the perfect way to celebrate with the whole family.

The 2023 edition of the Texas Crab Festival will take place from May 12-14 at Festival Park, 1605 Hwy 87. This sprawling venue is the perfect backdrop for a festival of this magnitude. Visitors expect to be treated to various exciting activities and attractions throughout the weekend.

Of course, no festival on the Gulf Coast would be complete without plenty of delicious seafood, and the Texas Crab Festival doesn't disappoint. Visitors can sample various seafood dishes, including the star of the show – Gulf Coast-style crabs. From boiled and fried to stuffed and sautéed, there are plenty of ways to enjoy these delicious crustaceans.

But that's not all – the Texas Crab Festival also features carnival rides, games, and other family-friendly activities. And with plenty of vendors offering souvenirs, snacks, and other goodies, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

Whether you're a local or a visitor, the Texas Crab Festival is a must-attend event for anyone who loves music, art, and Gulf Coast-style crabs. So mark your calendar for May 12-14, 2023, and head to Festival Park to experience this beloved festival.

Address: Festival Park, 1605 Hwy 87 Crystal Beach, TX 77650

Visiting these local favorite seafood markets can be one of the most pleasant trips when visiting the Texas Gulf Coast.

20th Annual Texas Steak Cook-Off

May 20, 2023

Hico, TX

Get ready for a sizzling event that will satisfy your taste buds. The 20th Annual Texas Steak Cook-off is coming on Saturday, May 20, 2023. This exciting event is a celebration of all things steak, held in the charming town of Hico, Texas.

The Texas Steak Cook-off is a unique event that brings together some of the best cooks and grill masters around the state. These skilled chefs will compete to see who can create the most delicious and perfectly cooked steak.

The event starts on Friday, May 19, with the COOK-OFF KICKOFF PARTY. This includes the Burger Bash and Street Dance, where visitors can enjoy a variety of burgers and other tasty treats. You can also dance the night away to some great live music, making it a perfect way to start the weekend.

On Saturday, the main event takes place. Visitors can watch the steak cook-off competition, which features a variety of categories and levels of difficulty. You can also sample some of the delicious steak dishes and sides available from vendors.

But the Texas Steak Cook-off isn't just about the food – plenty of other activities to enjoy. Visitors can browse the arts and crafts vendors, participate in the steak eating contest, and even try grilling their steak at the steak cook-off tent.

And for those who want to take a break from the action, there are plenty of other attractions to explore in Hico. From historic buildings and museums to boutique shops and restaurants, there's something for everyone in this charming town.

So mark your calendars for Saturday, May 20, 2023, and head to Hico, Texas, for the 20th Annual Texas Steak Cook-off. Whether you're a steak lover or just looking for a fun and unique event, you will want to attend this sizzling celebration.

Address: Historic Downtown Business District of Hico, Texas

Get ready for BBQ heaven! Explore the Best Texas Barbecue Cook Offs this Spring.

Pasadena Strawberry Festival

May 18 - May 21, 2023

Pasadena, TX

Prepare for four days of fun, food, and festivities at the 50th Pasadena Strawberry Festival! From May 18 to May 21, 2023, the festival celebrates all things strawberry and will surely be an excellent time for everyone.

The festival runs four days, from Thursday to Sunday, with different daily hours. Thursday kicks off the celebration at 3 pm and runs until midnight. At the same time, Friday and Saturday start at 10 am and run until midnight. Sunday is a shorter day, running from 10 am to 6 pm. So there's plenty of time to fit in all the strawberry fun and excitement!

One of the main draws of the Pasadena Strawberry Festival is the delicious food. Various food vendors sell everything from strawberry shortcakes to deep-fried strawberries. But, of course, there will also be plenty of carnival-style food like funnel cakes, corn dogs, and more.

But that's not all! The festival also offers live music, a carnival, a BBQ cook-off, a beauty pageant, and even a parade. So there will be something for everyone to enjoy, whether you're a music fan, food, or just good old-fashioned family fun.

And, of course, plenty of fresh strawberries will be available for purchase. So whether you want to take some home to enjoy later or snack on them while you're at the festival, you will want to experience the delicious strawberries that are the centerpiece of this event.

The Pasadena Strawberry Festival is a great way to kick off the summer season and celebrate the 50th anniversary of this special event. So take advantage of the fun!

Address: Pasadena Convention Center and Municipal Fairgrounds, Pasadena, TX

Here are 7 of the best strawberry farms for strawberry picking in Texas

12th Annual Basil Fest

May 21, 2022

San Antonio, TX

The 12th Annual Basil Fest is set to take place on May 21, 2022, in San Antonio, Texas, hosted by the San Antonio Harb Market Association. 

This family-friendly festival celebrates the herb of summer, basil (how long does basil last?), with various events, including seminars, cooking demonstrations, and a Chef's Challenge. The festival also features vendors and artisans offering herbs, herbal products, and crafts for purchase, along with activities for children. 

The festival's highlight is the "Chef's Challenge," where local chefs compete to create a basil-based recipe. Guests can sample the results and vote for their favorite by donation, with all proceeds going to a non-profit group. The festival promises to be an exciting event for all basil lovers and foodies in San Antonio.

Address: Pearl Farmer's Market, San Antonio, TX

Fredericksburg Crawfish Festival

May 26 - 28, 2023

Fredericksburg, TX

Get ready to experience a taste of Louisiana right in the heart of Texas at the Fredericksburg Crawfish Festival. This fun-filled event occurs Memorial Day Weekend from May 26-28, 2023, at Marketplatz in Fredericksburg, TX.

As soon as you arrive, you'll be transported to the bayou with the smell of boiled crawfish wafting through the air. The festival celebrates all things Cajun, from the food to the music and culture.

Of course, the main attraction at the Fredericksburg Crawfish Festival is the crawfish itself. In addition, visitors can indulge in various Cajun-inspired dishes, including boiled crawfish, gumbo, jambalaya, and more. And with plenty of cold beverages to wash it all down, you will have a delicious and satisfying meal.

But that's not all – the festival also features a range of live music performances from local and regional musicians. Visitors can dance and groove to the sounds of zydeco, Cajun, and blues music throughout the weekend.

In addition to the food and music, there are plenty of other activities to enjoy at the Fredericksburg Crawfish Festival. You can browse through vendors selling unique arts and crafts or take a spin on the carnival rides. There are also plenty of games and activities for the kids, making this a great family-friendly event.

So if you're looking for a fun and unique way to spend Memorial Day Weekend, head to Marketplatz in Fredericksburg, TX, and join in on the Cajun good time at the Fredericksburg Crawfish Festival.

Address: Downtown Marktplatz, Fredericksburg, TX

Summary

Whether you're a Texas native or a visitor to the state, there's no better way to experience the local culture than attending a food festival. Not only will you get to sample some of the best food around, but you'll also get to enjoy live music, carnival rides, and other fun activities.

Check out some of Texas' best food festivals this April and May, like the Fredericksburg Crawfish Festival, Pasadena Strawberry Festival, and the Texas Crab Festival. These festivals are a great way to get outside, try something new, and make unforgettable memories with friends and family.

So mark your calendars and get ready to indulge in the best Texas offers. These food festivals are not to be missed!

Embrace a thrilling blend of music, culture, cuisine, and entertainment as Texas awakens with a remarkable lineup of events in 2023.

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