Get tips on finding the best stands of bluebonnets and where to pick strawberries, plus lots of other ways to enjoy a Texas spring.
Generally speaking, wildflowers begin blooming in late February and early March around the Big Bend region in the southwest part of Texas and gradually spread toward Texarkana in the northeast corner through April. When the displays will peak in a given area is largely dependent on weather. With more than 5,000 species of wildflowers in Texas you’re pretty much guaranteed to see the highways decorated with splashes of color into the fall.
While technically it is not against the law to pick the state wildflower or any wildflower from the roadside, it doesn’t make a lot of sense. Most wildflowers won’t last long in a vase, and they need to go to seed to propagate the next year’s Technicolor crop. So it’s best to take photographs and leave footprints.
The Texas Legislature designated the bluebonnet (Lupinus texensis) as the state wildflower on March 7, 1901. Bluebonnets come in a variety of colors from white to pink, and Texas A&M University created a maroon version. The Lege amended the original statute to include all current and future species of the plant.
How to find the best displays of wildflowers:
- TXDOT wildflower hotline, 800/452-9292.
- Wildflower Identification, https://texashighways.com/wildflowers.
- Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Texas Wildflower Central, www.wildflower.org/texas.
- Ennis Bluebonnet Trail, www.bluebonnettrail.org.
- Burnet, www.burnetchamber.org/bluebonnets-in-burnet.
- Brenham, https://visitbrenhamtexas.com/things/wildflower-watch.
- Fredericksburg, www.visitfredericksburgtx.com/things-to-do/outdoors/wildflowers.
- DeWitt County, https://cuero.org/wildflower-capital.
Travel Notes:
Parks on the horizon. The Texas Parks & Wildlife Department is wasting no time putting the new funding approved by voters to good use. In late January, TPWD announced that it had laid the groundwork for a new state park in Central Texas with the purchase of 2,020 acres in Burnet County. The property includes two miles along the Colorado River and land across the river from Colorado Bend State Park. TPWD is exploring an additional 1,100-acre property in Lampasas and Burnet counties to create a new state park comprising more than 3,000 acres. TPWD purchased the 2,020-acre property utilizing a combination of a one-time funding appropriation and funds from sporting goods sales tax. The new state park will be developed through the Centennial Parks Conservation Fund, a $1 billion fund overwhelmingly approved by voters in 2023 to create a dedicated funding stream for acquiring and developing new state parks. It will be several years before the new park is open and no name has been announced.
The initial announcement of the lineup for the Old Settler’s Music Festival, April 24-27, in Dale, TX, features American folk-duo Watchhouse and bluegrass all-stars The Travelin’ McCourys. Also on the dance card are The Devil Makes Three, mandolin phenom Sierra Hull, local favorites Heartless Bastards, Tim O’Brien Band, Darrell Scott, Tray Wellington Band, Jack Barksdale, Jeff Plankenhorn, Grace Rowland (of the Deer), Katie Shore, Harvest Thieves, and Shred Lasso. Tickets are now on sale.
Strawberry alarm clock. One sure sign that spring is around the corner is when the pick-your-own strawberries begin ripening at Sweet Berry Farm outside of Marble Falls. The farm says the strawberries and ranunculus survived the recent cold snap and should be ready to pick in early to mid-March. The tulips love the cold weather and are already budding. The farm is open Thursday through Tuesday and closed on Wednesday.
Other December Events:
Jump to a region: | Big Bend | Gulf Coast | Hill Country | Panhandle | Piney Woods | Prairies & Lakes | South Texas | Out of State
BIG BEND
Hike With Homeless Dogs
Give a rescue dog from Grand Companions of Fort Davis a fun morning on the trail. Free for campers, Indian Lodge guests, or day users with permit.
March 6, 13, 20, 27, Fort Davis, https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/davis-mountains
Elemental Currents
Material, Memory, and Myth incorporates contemporary and experimental art by Christopher Blay, Laddie John Dill, and Virginia L. Montgomery.
March 7-June 8, Marfa, www.ballroommarfa.org
Big Bend Wildlife & Wine Festival
There’s not another festival quite like this one. Enjoy regional wine and local foods while listening music and wildlife experts tell about the flora and fauna of the West Texas desert.
March 11-13, Terlingua, https://bigbendspringbreak.com
Davis Mountains Preserve Open Weekend
Forming one of only three of the state’s unique sky islands—a cooler, wetter landscape with a unique ecosystem surrounded by lowland desert—The Nature Conservancy preserve is only open to the public four times a year. Join other visitors for a weekend of primitive camping, hiking, biking, equestrian, picnics, photography, birding, and other outdoor activities.
March 12-14, Fort Davis, www.nature.org/en-us/get-involved/how-to-help/events/tx-davis-mountains-open-days
Mission Trail Art Market
The Mission Valley’s premier art and crafts sale features professional artisans from across the El Paso region. The market happens on the third weekend of the month March through November.
March 21, San Elizario, https://missiontrailartmarket.com
GULF COAST
Budding Out Plant Sale and Festival
This is a premier plant sale offering rare and hard to find plants from the John Fairey Garden nursery and selected plant vendors offering plants suitable for plant collectors and beginning gardeners. The day includes a selection of artisans, food, drink, garden-related presentations, and free tours of the garden.
March 15, Hempstead, https://jfgarden.org/events
South Texas Polka and Sausage Festival
What could possibly go better together than polka music by the Shiner Hobo Band and tube steak at the KC Hall celebrating the area’s Czech and German heritage?
March 21-23, Hallettsville, https://kchall.com/south-texas-polka-sausage-fest
FLOWriety Fire Night
Enjoy a stunning night of fire manipulation featuring a performance circle focusing on fire entertainment, flow arts, and live music at Smither Park from 6pm to 10pm.
March 22, Houston, www.full.orangeshow.org/special-events
Night Light 2025
Buffalo Bayou Partnership and Aurora Picture Show present a free evening of video artwork inspired by the space and infrastructures along the waterway.
March 29, Houston, www.buffalobayou.org/event/night-light-2025
Brew on the Bayou
Join Gulf Coast Bird Observatory for an evening of brews from local breweries and wines from 5pm to 9pm. Listen to live music, grab a bite from the food trucks, watch a raptor show, or take a ride on a pontoon boat.
March 29, Lake Jackson, www.gcbo.org/connect/brew-on-the-bayou
Goliad Massacre and Living History Program
On March 27, 1836, the Mexican army executed 342 Texian soldiers outside of the fort. Visitors will walk through reenactor camps, and wander the historic grounds of Presidio La Bahia.
March 29, Goliad, https://thc.texas.gov/events/39th-annual-goliad-massacre-and-living-history-program
HILL COUNTRY
Saturday Night Rodeo
Live rodeo at the Tejas Rodeo Company has become a Texas tradition since 2006. Get there early to enjoy dinner at their steakhouse/saloon/mini-museum.
March 1-Nov. 29, Bulverde, www.tejasrodeo.com
Two Step Dance Lessons
Put on your dancin’ boots and join the fun and easy lessons perfect for anyone looking to learn the basics of Texas-style dancing. Stick around and show off your moves at Tuesday night’s free concert.
March 11, Gruene, www.gruenehall.com
Come and Taste It – Meet Texas’ Best Winemakers &
Brewers
This a chance to sample Texas wineries and breweries while enjoying an evening of live music.
March 20, Gruene, www.grapevineingruene.com
Banff Mountain Film Festival
Featuring the best outdoor adventure films from the Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival this year’s festival has an afternoon matinee and an evening show each with its own lineup of films.
March 22, Austin, www.wholeearthprovision.com
Wine & Wildflower Journey
Purchase a self-guided passport to 45-plus Hill Country wineries for $100 for couples and $65 for individuals and receive free tastings at each location plus discounts on purchases.
March 24-April 18, various locations, https://texashillcountrywineries.org
Donkey Grass
Come rain or shine there will be music in the field across from the old Fischer Dancehall. Peter Rowan headlines a lineup of solid musical talent.
March 27-30, Fischer, https://cabin10.ticketspice.com/donkey-grass-2025
Llano Earth Art Fest and World Rock Stacking Championships
The popular festival returns to Crenwelge Park on the banks of the Llano River with less structure, but the same enthusiasm, spirit, and must-see displays of Earth Art.
March 28-30, Llano, www.llanoearthartfest.org
Bluem 2025
This is a family-friendly event filled with activities for all ages, such as yard games, rock climbing, arts and crafts, archery, food vendors, and lots of wildflowers.
March 29, Spicewood, https://lcraparks.com/events/bluem-2025
PANHANDLE
Preview of Larry McMurtry Literary Center
To give McMurtry’s fans a preview of the former Booked Up bookstore before the building undergoes major repairs and renovations the showroom and front area of the former bookstore will open to the public for a limited time with books from McMurtry’s personal collection available for a $25 donation. The building will open on following weekends through the end of March.
March 8-9, Archer City, www.lmcmurtrylitcenter.org
Writing the Nonfiction Book Proposal … Not Just Talking About It, with Glenn Stout
The workshop is designed for nonfiction proposals of narrative journalism, history and/or memoir. Glenn Stout is the author, editor, or ghostwriter of more than 100 books for both the adult and juvenile audience.
March 13-16, Archer City, www.lmcmurtrylitcenter.org
PINEY WOODS
Dogwood Trails Celebration
The official Dogwood Trails Capital of Texas invites visitors to enjoy the delicate beauty of the dogwood trees in Davey Dogwood Park and around Palestine and Anderson County, the last two weekends in March and first weekend in April.
March 21-April 6, Palestine, www.visitpalestine.com
Azalea & Spring Flower Trail
Each season more than ten miles of residential gardens and historic home-sites are covered with azaleas, tulips, wisteria, dogwood, and more in a floral wonderland and photographer’s paradise.
March 21-April 6, Tyler, www.visittyler.com
Old Time Dulcimer Festival
The festival kicks off with a Thursday evening concert, followed by two days of workshops and jam sessions.
March 27-29, Palestine, https://oldpalmusic.com
PRAIRIES & LAKES
Tulipalooza
A burst of color comes to North Texas benefitting local charities. Hundreds of thousands of tulip bulbs are imported from Holland and planted at Getzendaner Memorial Park in December. And this year, they’ll be joined by daffodils. They’ll be in full bloom and ready for pictures and picking.
March 1-16, Waxahachie, https://tulipalooza.org
Sherwood Forest Faire
Visit a medieval-style village in the Lost Pines with over 100 buildings on 25 acres, including stages, pubs, merchant shoppes, a complete castle, and more with 150 shows per day and 170 vendors.
March 1-April 20, McDade, www.sherwoodforestfaire.com
A Toast to Texas Family Festival
Celebrate the anniversary of signing of the Texas Declaration of Independence on March 2, 1836 with historic reenactments, chili cook-off, entertainment, and demonstrations.
March 1, Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site, https://thc.texas.gov/events/toast-texas-family-festival-0
Longhorn Ballroom Jubilee
Originally opened as Bob Wills’ Ranch House in 1950, the historic dance hall has hosted artists from Willie Nelson to the Sex Pistols over the last 75 years. Join the party that is so big it happens over three months. The Band of Heathens, the new Bob Wills’ Texas Playboys, and the Toadies kick off the celebration.
March 2, Dallas, www.longhornballroom.com
DMA FREE First Sundays: Access for All
The first Sunday of each month the Dallas Museum of Art offers free admission from 11am to 5pm.
March 2, Dallas, https://dma.org/visit/DMA-Free-First-Sundays
Storytelling Festival
A weekend pass gets you more than 26 hours of storytelling. Some single event and single day tickets will be available.
March 6-9, Denton, https://festival.tejasstorytelling.com
Heart of Texas Country Music Festival
Johnnie Bush, Jeannie C. Riley, Moe Bandy, Justin Trevino, and others headline a week traditional country music.
March 13-22, Brady, www.heartoftexascountry.com
Marburger Farm Antique Show
Join a festival-like atmosphere with curated shopping featuring hundreds of dealers over 43 acres offering everything from vintage furniture to art and collectibles.
March 25-29, Round Top, https://roundtop-marburger.com
Big Barn Dance
Returning to Bryan’s beautiful Travis Bryan Midtown Park for the second year this is an extension of the beloved annual music celebration held in Taos, NM. The lineup features Gary P. Nunn, Warren Hood, Dale Watson, and other favorites.
March 27-29, Bryan, https://bigbarndance.com/home-bryan
SOUTH TEXAS
Latina Spring Film Series: The In Between
The Mexican American Civil Rights Institute and MonteVideo celebrate Women’s History Month with Latina Spring, a curated selection of inspiring films by Latina and Indigenous women directors.
March 4, San Antonio, https://events.getcreativesanantonio.com/event/latina-spring-film-series-the-in-between
OUT OF STATE
Arkansas Derby Day
Most Kentucky Derby prep races exist primarily to serve as steppingstones toward the Run for the Roses. The historic Arkansas Derby technically serves the same purpose, but the 1 1⁄8-mile race is also an important test in its own right, cranking out elite racehorses with stunning regularity including three triple-crown winners.
March 29, Hot Springs, Ark., www.oaklawn.com/racing
Gerald McLeod has been traveling around Texas and beyond for his “Day Trips” column for more than 30 years. Keep up to date with his journeys on his archive page and follow him on Facebook.
This article appears in February 28 • 2025.
