The 2023 Bluebonnet Festivals in Texas to put on your to-do list.
Anyone who knows the beauty of Texas knows there is nothing lovelier than a spring day surrounded by wildflowers. And this is no more true than during Bluebonnet season. The Texas Legislature deemed the bluebonnet as our Texas state flower years ago. There may be a variety of bluebonnets out there, and they might look odd standing upright all alone. But when it makes a sea of blue spread out across the hilly fields all over Texas, it seems like Heaven on Earth. You’ll want to make plans to put at least one of these Bluebonnet festivals in Texas on your list to visit this spring.
If you’re looking for a bit of that heavenly beauty and a good road trip idea, April is when you need to plan your visit. Keep in mind that the Texas Hill Country has beautiful flocks of blue; East Texas does as well. Whether posing along the shoulders of Highway 290 or in the fields of Brenham in East Texas, long-standing traditions are built around family portraits surrounded by bluebonnets.
NEXT READ: Texas Wine Festivals And Events
Meadow View Nature Area: Photo taken by Michael Hogan.
Facts About The Texas Bluebonnet
- The state Legislature named the bluebonnet the Texas state flower in 1901 when only one of 2 species was found.
- There are six species of bluebonnets in Texas – all of which are the state flower.
- Texas bluebonnets are both perennials and annuals. In warmer climates, they are perennials. Though they tend to bloom more successfully in warmer climates, Texas bluebonnets can also be grown as annuals in colder climates in areas with full sun for 8 to 10 hours a day.
- A bluebonnet can grow up the 64.75 inches. These have been spotted at Big Ben National Park.
- These beautiful bonnets, named for their color and shape, bloom in clusters. The most common variety has vivid royal blue flowers, while the florets have white tips. Some varieties are pink and white. Each floret on the bluebonnet plant looks like a small bonnet.
- Texas Bluebonnets grow best in open ground and with lots of sun.
- Bees rely on bluebonnets for nectar and pollen. Don’t kill the bees – we need them.
- You will find them in fields and along the roadside in their native Texas soil, though it is possible to cultivate them in your garden. Bluebonnets can grow in several regions, though they bloom best when they grow in Texas.
If you plan to take photos of bluebonnets, the best way to photograph them is vertically (not horizontally), especially if you plan to post your photos on social media. If wanting to take family photos, be sure the sun is behind the subject; hopefully, they won’t squint – good luck with that!
What Do Texas Bluebonnet Festivals Provide?
If this is your first bluebonnet festival, you’re in for a treat. Small towns know how to bring their communities together, and an outdoor event in spring is the perfect opportunity. No matter which small-town festival you choose to attend (because most are on the second weekend of April), you’ll be surrounded by happy festival fans, beautiful countryside, and of course, fields of bluebonnets. All festivals are suitable for the whole family. Look for towns to have their celebration on Main Street in downtown areas. Main Street seems to be the area where most festivals and events happen.
Most bluebonnets festivals will have food vendors and food trucks that offer local delicious foods, fantastic wines at a few, live entertainment, lots of shopping for bluebonnet decor, and lots of activities. There is something to please the entire family.
The main question I get from Texans and non-Texans is:
Where can I find the bluebonnets in Texas?
Well, let me answer that. Let’s go!
Here Are The Bluebonnet Festivals in Texas to Visit
April offers many festivals all over the Lone Star State to celebrate the days of Blue. Below, we have shared the ones we know are happening in 2022. Don’t see your favorite? Tweet us at @TxTravelTalk, and let us know where you get your bluebonnet fix in Texas. I’m so excited to see our Texas highways filled with bluebonnets.
I wish there were more!!
Related: Cut Your Own Lavender Fields In Texas
Natalia Bluebonnet Festival & Parade
March 25, 2023
This small south Texas community is located between San Antonio and Laredo. The Festival is always the last weekend in March, from 9 am – 5 pm, and the parade starts at 11 am. Market vendors and food vendors will be there. Natalia Bluebonnet Festival & Parade
Admission is free, from what I’ve read. Parking is free, but see when and where on the website.
Burnet Bluebonnet Festival
April 7-9, 2023
The 40th Annual Burnet Bluebonnet Festival (Hill Country) is west of Austin and centered on Highway 281, next to Marble Falls in Burnet (Burn-it). It’s a pleasant drive on Hwy 281 south if coming from the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Burnet draws over 30,000 visitors each year to its annual event. Come out and enjoy 5Ks, live music, parades, and carnivals. Leashed pets are welcome.
Admission to the festival, but some activities will cost – so bring money!
Ennis Bluebonnet Trails And Festival
April 7-9, 2023
2023 Marks 71 years since Ennis held its annual festival – Ennis Bluebonnet Trails, for its community and visitors. In 1997, the State Legislature designated Ennis (East Texas) as the home of the Official Texas Bluebonnet Trail and was deemed the Official Bluebonnet City of Texas.
The Ennis Garden Club is busy preparing the Ennis Bluebonnet Trails, which offer over 40 miles of mapped driving trails. It’s also the oldest trail known in the state.
Bluebonnet lovers from all over the state have headed to east Texas for years. Ennis showcases its major festival and is ready to explode because the festival was canceled last year due to the pandemic. The City of Ennis is only an hour’s drive from Dallas.
Be sure to stop by the Ennis Welcome Center for a map of the trails. Also, don’t wait for the festival if you’re eager to see the blue flowers. The Ennis Bluebonnet Trails are April 1-30, 2023.
Admission is $5 for adults, and children 12 and under are free; parking is free.
Chappell Hill Bluebonnet Festival
April 15-16, 2023
The Chappell Hill Bluebonnet Festival in Washington County holds the “Official Bluebonnet Festival of Texas” title. This year, it will once again welcome one of the largest festivals in the Lone Star State for its community and visitors to enjoy the wildflowers, food, and festivities. The Chappell Hill Historical Society has worked all year to make this annual tradition worth seeing.
Chappell Hill is located between Austin & Houston on Hwy 290. According to my family and friends, this is one of the best bluebonnet festivals in Texas to visit. Be sure to plan also to visit its neighboring cities of Brenham, Washington, and Burton.
Admission: Free; parking is $10.
Fredericksburg Bluebonnet Festival
April 22, 2023, 12 – 4 pm
Central Texas will once again shine with blue envy. The Fredericksburg Bluebonnet Festival, put on by Best of Texas, will be located at the Bankersmith, Texas Dance Hall & Wedding Venue. Come out and celebrate Texan’s favorite flower. Expect local cheeses, excellent wines, live music, activities, vendors, and food.
Admission: $20-$55 ($10 Kids) on Eventbrite
PIN IT!
Remember, it’s not polite to pick the State Flower of Texas.
Share your Bluebonnet pics with us. Tag us on Instagram or Twitter with #TexasTravelTalk and let us see your Texas Bluebonnet moment.
My husband and I are photographers and like to plan trips based on beautiful places to photograph! We are interested in visiting Texas during the Blue Bonnet festivals and would like any information on this.
Hello! Well, you’ll have to wait until next year in spring when the blue bonnets come out. Depending on where you want to go, blue bonnets shine all over Texas. Ennis has some pretty ones.