Annual Events in Nacogdoches, Texas: A Year-Round Guide to Festivals and Local Celebrations
Nacogdoches, Texas, is more than just the oldest town in the state—it’s a community deeply rooted in tradition, history, and celebration. From cultural festivals to family-friendly events, this charming town comes alive throughout the year with activities that bring locals and visitors together. Whether you’re a longtime resident or just passing through, the annual events in Nacogdoches offer something for everyone.
This comprehensive guide highlights the best annual events in Nacogdoches, providing insights into the most exciting festivals, fairs, and traditions that define the town’s vibrant spirit. So mark your calendars and get ready to dive into the festivities that make Nacogdoches a true East Texas treasure!
1. The Texas Blueberry Festival
Arguably the most popular event in Nacogdoches, the Texas Blueberry Festival takes place every June, drawing thousands of visitors from across the state. Nacogdoches is known as the blueberry capital of Texas, and this festival is a grand celebration of everything blueberry-related.
From a blueberry pancake breakfast to blueberry pie-eating contests, this festival offers fun activities for the whole family. You’ll also find a variety of craft vendors, live music, and local businesses showcasing their products. The festival even includes a 5K fun run and a classic car show that make for a memorable day.
Must Try:
Don’t miss the opportunity to visit local blueberry farms where you can pick your own blueberries and enjoy freshly made blueberry treats like muffins and jams.
2. Nacogdoches Azalea Trail
Springtime in Nacogdoches is nothing short of spectacular, especially when the town’s famous Azalea Trail blooms into life. Typically held in March, the Azalea Trail Festival is a celebration of the town’s beautiful azalea gardens, which are among the largest in Texas.
Visitors are invited to take a self-guided tour along the Ruby M. Mize Azalea Garden, featuring more than 7,000 blooming azaleas. The festival also includes garden tours, floral design workshops, and other garden-themed activities. It’s the perfect way to embrace the beauty of East Texas in full bloom.
Insider Tip:
Be sure to attend one of the garden seminars offered during the festival for tips on growing your own azaleas and other plants suited to the East Texas climate.
3. Nine Flags Christmas Festival
The holiday season in Nacogdoches wouldn’t be complete without the Nine Flags Christmas Festival. Running from late November through December, this month-long celebration is packed with festive activities that bring the community together.
Named after the nine flags that have flown over Nacogdoches throughout its history, the festival features events such as the Christmas Parade of Lights, candlelight tours of historic homes, and the lighting of the town’s giant Christmas tree.
Other attractions include Christmas markets, live music, and family-friendly activities like Santa’s workshop. The festival is a perfect way to immerse yourself in the holiday spirit while celebrating the town’s rich heritage.
Don’t Miss:
The Lighted Christmas Parade is a local favorite and a must-see for families. The floats are beautifully decorated with twinkling lights, and Santa Claus always makes a grand appearance!
4. Nacogdoches Music Festival
For music lovers, the Nacogdoches Music Festival is one of the year’s most anticipated events. Held every March, the festival showcases a wide variety of musical genres, from country and blues to rock and folk. Local bands and artists take the stage alongside bigger names, making it a great way to discover new music and enjoy established acts.
Concerts are held in various venues across town, including outdoor stages, bars, and cafes, giving attendees the chance to experience the vibrant live music scene in Nacogdoches. With food trucks, art vendors, and late-night performances, the festival brings a lively energy to the town.
Pro Tip:
Get your tickets early, as popular shows tend to sell out fast. Look for VIP passes that offer backstage access and exclusive seating at certain venues.
5. Pineywoods Fair
Every October, Nacogdoches plays host to the Pineywoods Fair, an exciting annual event that combines agriculture, entertainment, and family fun. Located at the Nacogdoches County Expo Center, the fair features carnival rides, livestock shows, competitive exhibits, and plenty of delicious fair food.
Visitors can browse through arts and crafts booths, check out the livestock competitions, and watch live performances on the main stage. The fair also highlights the importance of agriculture in the community, with local farmers showcasing their best produce, livestock, and homemade goods.
Must-See:
Be sure to check out the livestock auction and the 4-H animal exhibits, which highlight the work of young local farmers.
6. Freedom Fest
Celebrate Independence Day in Nacogdoches with Freedom Fest, a Fourth of July event that brings the community together for a patriotic celebration. Held in Festival Park, this event features live music, food trucks, and family-friendly games and activities.
The highlight of Freedom Fest is the spectacular fireworks show, which lights up the East Texas sky at dusk. Families can bring blankets and lawn chairs to enjoy the evening’s festivities in a relaxed, picnic-style setting. With local bands providing live entertainment and food vendors offering everything from BBQ to ice cream, it’s a true American celebration.
Best Part:
The fireworks display over Lanana Creek is a breathtaking way to cap off the night. Arrive early to get a good spot for the show!
7. Nacogdoches Film Festival
Movie buffs won’t want to miss the annual Nacogdoches Film Festival, held in February. This multi-day event celebrates both independent films and Hollywood classics, with a special focus on Texas-based filmmakers. Screenings take place in various venues around town, including Stephen F. Austin State University.
In addition to film screenings, the festival features Q&A sessions with directors, writers, and actors, giving attendees a behind-the-scenes look at the filmmaking process. Workshops are also available for aspiring filmmakers, covering topics like screenwriting, directing, and producing.
Must Attend:
Check out the awards ceremony at the end of the festival, where prizes are given for the best films in several categories, including Best Texas Short and Best Documentary.
8. Heritage Festival
The Heritage Festival is a nod to Nacogdoches’ long and storied past. Held every April, this event offers a living history experience, with re-enactments, historical demonstrations, and cultural exhibits that bring the town’s heritage to life.
Taking place at the Millard’s Crossing Historic Village, the festival includes a wide range of activities, from blacksmithing and quilting demonstrations to pioneer games for children. Local historians and reenactors dressed in period costumes showcase what life was like in early Texas.
Don’t Miss:
Be sure to visit the heritage craft booths where local artisans sell handmade items that reflect the town’s rich cultural history.
9. Día de los Muertos Fiesta
Nacogdoches celebrates the rich traditions of Mexican culture with its annual Día de los Muertos Fiesta, typically held in late October or early November. This colorful festival is a tribute to the Day of the Dead and includes vibrant altars, face painting, music, and traditional Mexican foods.
Visitors can stroll through downtown Nacogdoches to view the beautifully decorated altars set up by local families and artists, each paying homage to loved ones who have passed. The event also features live mariachi music, folk dancers, and plenty of tamales, tacos, and pan de muerto (a traditional Mexican sweet bread).
Best Part:
Don’t miss the Día de los Muertos parade, where participants dress in traditional Catrina costumes and the streets come alive with colorful floats and lively music.
10. Nacogdoches Pro Rodeo & Steer Show
Held every March, the Nacogdoches Pro Rodeo & Steer Show is a thrilling annual event that showcases the best of Texas cowboy culture. Taking place at the Nacogdoches County Expo Center, this three-day event features traditional rodeo competitions, including bull riding, barrel racing, calf roping, and more.
In addition to the rodeo action, the event also includes a steer show, where local youth showcase their livestock. The rodeo draws contestants from across the state, making it one of the most anticipated events of the year for rodeo fans.
Must Watch:
The bull riding competition is always a crowd-pleaser, offering heart-pounding excitement as skilled riders try to stay on these powerful animals.
Conclusion
From the bustling excitement of the Texas Blueberry Festival to the serene beauty of the Azalea Trail, Nacogdoches, Texas, offers a year-round calendar of annual events that showcase the town’s vibrant culture, rich history, and community spirit. Whether you’re a fan of live music, love to explore local crafts, or are looking for family-friendly activities, there’s always something happening in this East Texas town.
Attending these events is more than just a way to have fun—it’s a chance to immerse yourself in the local culture, meet new people, and experience the hospitality that makes Nacogdoches so special. So, pack your bags, mark your calendar, and get ready to enjoy the best annual events Nacogdoches has to offer!