Day Trips & Beyond: April Events Roundup

April means it’s time for art made with sand, crazy cars parading, and other once-a-year events.

Since the altar at Goliad's Mission Espiritu Santo was moved to a more historic location in the reconstructed chapel, the cross becomes illuminated by sunlight one day a year through a round window above the main entrance. (Photo by Gerald E. McLeod)

Goliad “Illumination.” It happens but once a year. At around 7pm on April 16 the setting sun shines through a window above the entrance of Mission Espiritu Santo in Goliad State Park and settles for a few brief moments on the altar illuminating Jesus on the cross. Exactly why it happens remains a mystery. No one can find evidence that it was intentionally placed in that spot.

Spanish Franciscan missionaries arrived in Texas late in the 1600s. The original mission on the San Antonio River at Goliad was built in 1749, and abandoned in the 1830s. By the time the state acquired the historic property in 1931, the church was a pile of ruins. The structure was rebuilt by the Civilian Conservation Corps using the foundation and guesswork to follow the Franciscan architecture as close as possible. In the 1970s the altar was moved to a more historically accurate location. It took a few decades before the park staff noticed the annual event. Around 100 faithful come to witness the sight every year.
April 16, Altar Illumination, Goliad, 361/645-3405, tpwd.texas.gov

A replica of the famous Maltese Falcon sits in John’s Grill in San Francisco. A regular at the downtown eatery when he was writing the novel, Dashiell Hammett included the diner in the story. The storied restaurant still lives up to its reputation for good steaks and seafood. (Photo by Gerald E. McLeod)

Blackbird saga. Tucked away in an alcove on the second-floor of John’s Grill in San Francisco, Calif., the black Maltese Falcon sits staring back at the legions of movie and book fans who make the pilgrimage. This black bird is hardly the thing that dreams are made of, but it does have its own tale. The restaurant in the concrete canyons of downtown has a direct connection to the original book – Dashiell Hammett wrote much of the Sam Spade novel while working in the Flood Building next door and often took lunch at the eatery. In the 1930 book, the private eye orders “chops, baked potato, and sliced tomatoes.” It remains one of the most popular items among the melt-in-your-mouth steaks and flavorful seafood on the menu.

To capitalize on the restaurant’s connection to the novelist and 1941 movie starring Humphrey Bogart, the owners added the shrine and movie memorabilia to the second floor dining room in 1969. It’s easy to imagine that the restaurant has changed little since Hammett worked next door for the Pinkerton Detective Agency. Starched white tablecloths cover the tables crammed into the first-floor dining room with a small bar area in the back corner. It looks like the kind of place a hardboiled detective would hang out. The upstairs dining room is more like a banquet room with movie stills and posters hanging on the wall. The restaurant was the headquarters to the now-inactive Dashiell Hammett Society of San Francisco.

There never was a real Maltese Falcon – the jewel-encrusted, gem-stuffed bird was a figment of Hammett’s imagination. There were at least eight of the birds made for the movie – two lead falcons that weighed around 50 pounds, and six plaster models. At least three of the former movie props are known to still exist. In 2013, a lead version that appeared in the movie sold for $4 million, making it one of the most expensive movie props. In 2007, the Maltese Falcon used in publicity stills and signed by the last living actor who appeared in the movie was stolen from John’s Grill. When no one accepted the $25,000 reward for its return, the grill’s owner John Konstin, Jr. spent the money on a new version of the bird that is behind glass, extremely heavy, and bolted down. Copies of the statuette can be purchased on the internet for as little as $20.

Travel Notes:

Thank you for your service. On National Medal of Honor Day, March 25, a new museum opened in Arlington honoring the 3,547 recipients of the highest U.S. military honor for valor. The National Medal of Honor Museum is at 1860 AT&T Way off of I-30 near the Dallas Cowboys football stadium, the Texas Rangers ballfield, and Six Flags Over Texas theme park. “This is not a war museum or a history museum. It’s a biography museum,” said Cory Crowley, executive vice president of the museum’s foundation. The Congressional Medal of Honor originated during the American Civil War in 1861. Of the 77 honorees from Texas, the first was Milton M. Holland, a former slave. The museum is open daily from 10am to 5pm.

Meow Wolf of Santa Fe, N.M., announced a seventh location coming to NYC. (Photo by Gerald E. McLeod)

The Big Meow. The creators of mind-bending immersive experiences, Meow Wolf, announced at SXSW that they are heading to New York City. Their seventh permanent exhibition will open at Pier 17 in the historic Seaport, bringing their maximalist mix of art, storytelling, and interactivity to one of the most iconic cities in the world. Since its scrappy beginnings in Santa Fe in 2008, Meow Wolf has redefined how audiences engage with art. The arts and entertainment company has outposts in Las Vegas, Denver, Dallas-Fort Worth, and Houston, and their sixth location is opening in Los Angeles in 2026.

Don’t be so bright. You don’t have to be a birdwatcher to know that Texas is one of the major migration routes for birds flying south for the winter and north for the summer. The peak migration happens from April 22 through May 12. The majority of migrating North American birds travel at night. Unfortunately, light emanating from our cities can disorient birds, leaving vulnerable to urban threats like collisions with buildings. Lights Out, Texas! reminds Texans that reducing the amount of non-essential outdoor lighting can help save migratory birds traveling through Texas.

Exit through the gift shop. During the month of April, the Texas-based Whole Earth Provision Company will collect donations at its six store locations to help state parks finance initiatives like enhanced visitor programs and park trail maps. For a $5 or more donation, customers will receive a limited-edition sticker pack. For a $20 donation, they receive the sticker pack plus a $5 Texas State Parks gift card, good for fees or purchases at any Texas state park. For a $50 or more donation, customers receive a THC Provisions and Whole Earth exclusive Texas parks snapback hat or a copy of Texas State Parks: The First 100 Years by George Bristol, plus a $5 Texas State Parks gift card and the limited-edition sticker pack. Supplies for the exclusive snapback hat and book are limited. Donations of any amount are welcome.

This month the Springs Resort in Pagosa Springs opens a new addition of rooms and pools. (Photo by Gerald E. McLeod)

In hot water. Beginning April 15, The Springs Resort will unveil 78 new rooms and suites, 27 new pools, and an all-new thermal spa. The therapeutic waters that give Pagosa Springs, Colo., its name were discovered hundreds of years ago by the Southern Ute Tribe and have since beckoned generations of bathers to the steaming sulphur springs on the banks of the San Juan River. The property is now owned and managed by Fort Worth-based Olympus Real Estate Group. While the resort allows day passes, hotel guests are given 24/7 access to the geothermal soaking pools. In May, a new dining option, the Wild Finch, will be added, offering healthy foods with locally sourced ingredients and seasonal dishes.

A warm shower. The Lyrid meteor shower typically occurs between April 16 and 25 every year and will peak after midnight and in the early hours of April 22, 2025. The best time to observe the Lyrids is in the predawn hours when the shower’s radiant is at its highest in the sky. The Lyrids peak with about 10 meteors per hour and occasionally surges up to 100 shooting stars per hour.

Other April Events:

Jump to a region: | Big Bend | Gulf Coast | Hill Country | Panhandle | Piney Woods | Prairies & Lakes | South Texas

BIG BEND

The McDonald Observatory outside of Fort Davis celebrates the night sky. (Photo by Gerald E. McLeod)

Davis Mountains Preserve Day Tours
The Nature Conservancy preserve is a wildlife refuge in the highest country of the Davis Mountains in far West Texas. This sky island is a unique ecosystem harboring plants and wildlife that are seen in few, if any, other places in Texas. Reservations required.
April 18, Fort Davis, www.nature.org

Big Bend Open Road Race
One of the most challenging open road races in the world takes on the challenge of racing flat-out on a 118-mile stretch of U.S. Highway 285 between Fort Stockton and Sanderson with vehicles navigating the breathtaking curves and elevation changes of the Big Bend region.
April 23-26, Fort Stockton, www.bborr.com

Dark Skies Festival
In addition to the McDonald Observatory’s regular public programs, the annual festival includes special talks, tours, star parties, and more. Events are held at the observatory and locations throughout Fort Davis, Alpine, Marfa, and surrounding communities.
April 21-26, Fort Davis, www.mcdonaldobservatory.org

GULF COAST

There’s no telling what you’ll see at the Art Car Parade in Houston. (Photo by Gerald E. McLeod)

Art Car Parade
It’s only fitting that the largest and oldest art car parade would happen in Space City. Get there early to claim a free spot on the parade route through downtown.
April 10-13, Houston, www.thehoustonartcarparade.com

ELISSA Day Sails
Hitch a six-hour ride on the Official Tall Ship of Texas, an 1877 iron barque that is one of the oldest sailing ships in the world.
April 11-25, Galveston, www.galvestonhistory.org/events/elissa-daysails

Uncle Lucius at the 1859 St. Joseph’s Church
The band brings their unique blend of roots rock and country soul to the oldest German Catholic church in Texas and the oldest wooden church building in Galveston.
April 20, Galveston, www.galvestonhistory.org/events/live-at-st-joes

Birdiest Festival in America
It’s peak bird migration season along the coast and Corpus Christi takes advantage of one of the busiest flyways in the country for field trips, workshops, and educational programs.
April 23-27, Corpus Christi, www.birdiestfestival.org

FeatherFest
Being at the epicenter of the spring migration, Galveston Island is one of the top birding locations in the country. Whether experienced birders or novices, visitors can join tours and workshops with experts.
April 24-27, Galveston, www.galvestonfeatherfest.com/about-featherfest

Port Aransas hosts the largest beach sand sculpture competition in the U.S. (Photo by Gerald E. McLeod)

Texas SandFest
The beach becomes the canvas for artists creating whimsical and fantastic sculptures out of sand.
April 25-27, Port Aransas, www.texassandfest.org

San Jacinto Day Celebration
Enjoy a day of fun, reenactments, and living history activities celebrating the 189th anniversary of the Battle of San Jacinto. Reenactors dressed in period clothing will make the epic events of April 1836 come alive
April 26, La Porte, www.sanjacinto-museum.org

Migration Celebration
Kids of all ages will be excited about exploring nature at the San Bernard National Wildlife Refuge, from studying bugs to touring the refuge in a marsh buggy.
April 26-27, Brazoria, www.migrationcelebration.org

Rockport-Fulton Book Festival
Enjoy a good book on the coast.
April 26-27, Fulton, www.rfbookfestival.com

HILL COUNTRY

Llano River Chuckwagon Cook-off
Taste some Dutch oven treats while watching traditional cooking methods.
April 3-5, Llano, www.llanochuckwagoncookoff.com

San Marcos Studio Tour
More than 80 artists in the San Marcos area, from Wimberley to Martindale, open their studios to show their new works.
April 5-6, 12-13, San Marcos, www.mothershipstudiostx.com

Texas Vintage Motorcycle Fandango
Come to see the motorcycle show, maybe buy a long-sought part, and to watch the vintage races at the Gillespie County Fairgrounds.
April 4-6, Fredericksburg, www.thetexasfandango.com

Anahalt Western Roundup
Enjoy two evenings of classic country music in the historic dance hall that has hosted music since 1875.
April 11-12, Spring Branch, anhalthall.com

Folk Fest
Enjoy the music while watching the heritage demonstrations.
April 12, New Braunfels, www.texashandmadefurniture.com/folkfest

Old Settler's Music Festival
Enjoy four unforgettable days of Americana, folk, and bluegrass performances featuring headliners like Watchhouse, the Devil Makes Three, Yonder Mountain String Band, Sierra Hull, and The Travelin’ McCourys, plus camping under the stars or enjoying workshops and family-friendly activities.
April 24-27, Dale, oldsettlersmusicfest.org

Austin Psych Fest
Get ready for a slate of indie rock icons, experimental rock, and tripped-out sounds featuring homegrown rock quartet Explosions in the Sky, plus alt-rock luminaries Kim Gordon, Dinosaur Jr., and Yo La Tengo.
April 25-27, Austin, levitation.fm

Red Poppy Festival
Celebrate the city’s poppy season with family-friendly events around the courthouse square.
April 25-27, Georgetown, www.visit.georgetown.org

PANHANDLE

Rip’s Ribs Cook-off, Wine Festival and Jazz Festival
A whole lot of fun wrapped up in one event with shopping, food, wine, and music.
April 12, Eastland, www.ripsribs.com

Turkey, Texas, remembers its most famous son with a salute to Bob Wills. (Photo by Gerald E. McLeod)

Bob Wills Day
No matter who’s in Austin, Bob Willis is still the king in his hometown with three days of music and special tours of the local museum.
April 16, Turkey, bobwillsday.com

Fort Concho Frontier Days
Return to the days of yesteryear, when a horse was man’s best friend, with history demonstrations celebrating the area’s ranching heritage.
April 26, San Angelo, fortconcho.com

PINEY WOODS

East Texas Fire and Nature Festival
It’s a free event all about nature, prescribed fire, and how fire benefits humans and wildlife alike. There will be a variety of fire engines and equipment on-site and a demonstration of prescribed fire, nature-based hands-on activities aimed at families, and short, guided walks at the Nature Center Wildlife Management Area.
April 5, Tyler, tpwd.texas.gov

1836 Chuckwagon Races
You’ve never seen races like this as trail bosses hitch up the wagons for a roaring good time with a rodeo, music, and more.
April 11-13, Palestine, the1836.com

You can see the forest and the trees at the state forest centennial. (Photo by Gerald E. McLeod)

Clymer Meadow Preserve Wildflower Tours
Don’t miss a chance to walk among the wildflowers at the Nature Conservancy’s picturesque Clymer Meadow Preserve, which contains one of the last remnants of the Blackland Prairie, an imperiled ecosystem composed of numerous bird, butterfly, and wildflower species. Reservations required.
April 19, May 24, Celeste, www.nature.org

I.D. Fairchild State Forest Centennial Celebration
The largest of the five state forests, the Fairchild State Forest was acquired in 1925. The state centennial celebration honors a century of forestry science. Family-friendly activities in and around the forests are in store, including wildlife exhibits, forest therapy walks, tree seedling giveaways, and more.
April 26, Palestine, tfsweb.tamu.edu

PRAIRIES & LAKES

Music in the Park
Bring friends and family to the music series happening every Friday night in Veterans Memorial Park.
April 4-May 30, Elgin, www.elgintexas.gov

See live rodeo action up close in Giddings. (Photo by Gerald E. McLeod)

Rodeo Giddings
Enjoy the excitement of live rodeo at the Lee County Sheriff’s Posse Rodeo Arena.
April 4-5, Giddings, www.lcspgiddings.com

Roughneck Chili and Barbecue Cook-off
The music plays all day while the cooks prepare their best concoctions for the judges.
April 5, Luling, www.lulingoilmuseum.org

Sausagefest
What’s not to like about this salute to tube steak with a sausage toss, hog calling contests, arts & crafts vendors, food and drinks, and plenty of sauerkraut.
April 5, Schulenburg, www.schulenburgsausagefest.com

Scarborough Renaissance Festival
The festival runs Saturdays, Sundays, and Memorial Day Monday, and each weekend has a different theme and a variety of special events.
April 5-May 26, Waxahachie, www.srfestival.com

Sherwood Forest Faire
Travel back in time to a medieval village for a day of heroic fun and old-world merriment with shopping, food, jousting, falconry, archery, and more.
April 5-20, McDade, www.sherwoodforestfaire.com

Spring Brewfest
Sample local beers, wines, meads, and ciders in one place.
April 12, Nacogdoches, www.nacbrewclub.org

Learn how cotton comes to market at the Cotton Gin Festival. (Photo by Gerald E. McLeod)

Official Bluebonnet Festival of Texas
It’s been kind of a thin year for the state flower, but the Bluebonnet Capital of Texas still honors the bluebonnet with music, vendors, and family fun.
April 12-13, Chappell Hill, chappellhillhistoricalsociety.com

Spring Plant Sale
The Texas Discovery Gardens at Fair Park brings out the tough-to-find Texas native plants, caterpillar host plants, and nectar-producing flowers to attract hummingbirds to your backyard for a special sale.
April 12-13, Dallas, txdg.org/plant-sale

Cotton Gin Festival
This old-fashioned country fair has everything you’d expect, plus getting to see one of the last operational 1925 cotton gins gin a bale of cotton.
April 26, Burton, www.texascottonginmuseum.org

Wine & Roses Festival
Celebrate the new spring vintages with grape stomping competitions, food demonstrations, and tastings of the award-winning wines.
April 26, Bryan, messinahof.com

Tour the Woodland House, one of the houses that Sam Houston lived in. (Photo by Gerald E. McLeod)

Texas Country Reporter Festival
Meet some of the people featured on the popular Texas travel show while browsing vendors and listening to free music.
April 26, Grand Prairie, www.texasmonthly.com

Texas Ladies State Championship Chili Cook-off
The ladies show how it’s done in this annual test of chili recipes in Max Starcke Park.
April 12, Seguin, www.tlscco.com

General Sam Houston Day
The museum grounds come alive with historical demonstrations, music, activities, and tours of homes Houston lived in.
April 26, Huntsville, samhoustonmemorialmuseum.com

SOUTH TEXAS

Birds of a feather flock to the Rio Grande Valley.

"Confluence of Cultures: Nuestra Gente, Cultura y Comida"
This exhibition brings together 20 San Antonio-based artists who explore the merging of cultures of their home through paintings, drawings, prints, sculptures, and installation pieces. The gallery in downtown is open Tuesday-Friday, 9am-5pm.
April 1-Jan. 16, 2026, San Antonio, www.sa.gov

Spring Chirp
During the spring, bird migration visitors can join one of 13 expeditions, including a rare opportunity to tour the Norias Division of the King Ranch.
April 9-12, Weslaco, www.springchirp.com

Strawberry Festival
Music, rodeo, and a carnival highlight this annual salute to the local strawberry crop.
April 11-13, Poteet, www.strawberryfestival.com

Party like it’s 1984 in San Antonio. (Photo courtesy Fiesta San Antonio)

San Antonio Book Festival
Over 100 notable local, regional, and national authors will be participating, including nationally renowned authors such as Martín Espada, Stephen Graham Jones, Erin Entrada Kelly, Nita Prose, and Cristina Rivera Garza. The free festival takes place at the Central Library and UTSA Southwest Campus in downtown.
April 12, San Antonio, sabookfestival.org

Fiesta San Antonio
The largest annual party in the Alamo City is famous for its elaborate parades, fun parties, and big dances.
April 24-May 4, San Antonio, www.fiestasanantonio.org

Alsatian Festival of Texas
In 1844, Henri Castro, an empresario of the Republic of Texas, brought several dozen families to the area from Alsace to populate his land grant along the Medina River 20 miles west of San Antonio. The festival features traditional Alsatian food, beer and wine, a sing-along, and dancing in Koenig Park.
April 26, Castroville, sites.google.com/view/alsatianfestivaloftexas/home

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.