Every state and city has its own unique kind of festivities. In Houston, people celebrate in various ways and in different times of the year — sometimes in a not so common fashion. One thing I know for sure though, is that most festivals in Houston, Texas define a broad multicultural (and international) population. You could be anyone: a military pilot, a cowboy, a movie buff, a jazz enthusiast, just to name a few. It doesn’t matter who you are — you can be a part of unique festivals in Houston this year.
Most festivals happen during the more enjoyable seasons such as spring or fall. However, some events such as the Livestock Rodeo happens in as early as February and lasts until early spring. In this event, the crowd beats the cold weather with concerts as well as probably the world’s biggest barbecue contest.
As if there weren’t enough musical events in Houston in 2012, there should be one dedicated solely to jazz artists and jazz music lovers alike. Although a very new type of festival compared to the legendary rodeo or film festivals, this event owes its incarnation from Bubbha Thomas who dedicated the event to the tragic death of U.S. Congressman Mickey Leland. Bubbha directed the Jazz Education Inc. back in 1991.
Houston honors the country’s war heroes in its own unique way. Such an event happens in October, when fighter pilots gather for the Wings Over Houston Airshow. This is perhaps my favorite event, coming from a family who has participated in the Air Force service for decades. Although mostly an event to commemorate the days of the battle, young children will enjoy watching the skies as much as adults will.
Now, I have been to chili cook-off festivals but nothing compares to the Hot Sauce festival that is unique to Houston’s annual events. As saucy as it sounds, this event actually has a great purpose — to benefit cancer patients to further research for the cure at the Stehlin Foundation. It’s an awesome way to go outdoors and socialize as well.
If you love watching unique, eclectic, indie, or even foreign films brimming with creativity and undiscovered talent, you definitely should go and check out Houston’s International Film Festival. Amazing fact: it is one of the oldest and the third largest film festivals in the US. And it’s not just movies, mind you. This unique festival also features music videos, TV commercials, and thousands of feature films in various categories.
In 2012, look forward to plenty of creative stuff in Houston. Although many people swear that Austin is Texas’ most creative and eclectic city, Houston as big as it is, ranks high in the country’s list of unique events happening annually. Houstonians are proud of that!