May in Texas is warm and sunny, making it an ideal time to explore the Lone Star State, and with fewer crowds.
May’s weather is ideal, and there are fewer crowds because the kids are still in school until the end of the month. So, fun things to do in Texas in May will be full of weekend outdoor activities, events, and Mother’s Day specials. The spring flowers are still blooming, and several annual events are happening.
May is a great time to plan some fun in Texas. If you’re lucky, the wildflowers will still be out.
Fun Things To Do in Texas in May
Spring is still the season, with many wildflowers blooming and beautiful scenic drives everywhere. We may get some rain, but that never stops a party! Plus, outdoor events and festivals, including Cinco de Mayo, are sprouting up everywhere.
However, if you plan to visit Texas in May for fewer crowds, consider doing so before the Memorial Day weekend. That’s when everything changes in May, and crowds start to appear.
Things To Do In Texas In May in North Texas
Fort Worth Mayfest at Trinity Park
April 30-May 3, 2026, at Trinity Park
The annual Fort Worth Mayfest 2026 is on its way.
Black Heritage Celebration at the Dallas Arboretum
May 16, 2026 – https://www.dallasarboretum.org/events-activities/black-heritage-celebration/
Cinco de Mayo – Grand Prairie, TX
May 2, 2026 – Cinco de Mayo
Paluxy Music Festival – Glen Rose, TX
May 22-24, 2026
Expect food, fun, and live country music at the 2-day event. Glen Rose Festivals
South Texas
The best time to visit South Texas is usually in May, because the scorching heat has not arrived yet. However, May can get hot the further south you travel.
Alamo Watermelon Festival and Cookoff
May 9th in Alamo, TX
Check out the Watermelon Festival in Alamo, TX on Facebook.
Gulf Coast
The beaches are starting to swarm with tourists towards the end of May. Why not combine Cinco de Mayo and the beach for one big vacation? Think Galveston and Freeport.
Buc Days Festival – Corpus Christi
April 30 – May 10, 2026
It is a Pirate-themed festival that everyone in the family will enjoy. You’re sure to have a great time with various family activities, carnivals, parades, and the BBB on the Bay competition. Buc Days.
Cinco de Mayo Celebration – Freeport, Texas
Food trucks, live entertainment, and cultural activities at Freeport Historical Museum.
El Campo in May
Crawfish Cookoff and Car Show
Lost Logoon Anniversary and Mother’s Day Celebration
Memorial Day Fireworks – South Padre Island
Memorial Day Weekend
Check out the restaurants and bars in the Entertainment District for the best fireworks viewing.
Galveston Historic Home Tours
Two Weekends in May
Texas Crab Festival
May 7-9, 2026, at Crystal Beach – Galveston
This festival will include 90+ vendors, live music, a dance contest, wiener dog races, and, of course, a crab gumbo cookoff. See. texascrabfestival.org
Central Texas / Texas Hill Country
Pecan Street Spring Arts Festival – Austin, TX
First of May
The oldest and largest art festival in Central Texas. Family-friendly with music, food, vendors, artists, and craftspeople – all on Sixth Street. Pecan Street Festival.
ATX Television Festival – Austin, TX
End of May
The first festival devoted to television’s history and future.
Waco Surf – Waco, TX
May in Bandera, TX
Lots happening in Bandera this month – from market days to cowboy breakfasts and much more.
Market Day
Morning Ride with Cowboy Breakfast
Thursday Cowboy Camp
Memorial Day Weekend Stampede Rodeo and Parade
Things To Do In May In Boerne, TX
Boerne is rockin’ with plenty to do for the whole family in May.
A Handmade Market
Bluegrass Jam at the Agricultural
Memorial Day Tribute: The Woodwind Winds in Concert – Cave Without A Name
Fredericksburg
May’s Trade Days. This is where I’d be! I love good trade days, and this one is it!
Crawfish Festival is May 22-24, 2026, at Marktplatz. See fbgcrawfishfestival.com.
Things To Do In May in Kerrville, TX
You’d better prepare for loads of fun in Kerrville in May—family-friendly stuff! I spent a few days in town in October, when all the fall decorations were out. We visited the most fun place in the city, the Market at The Ridge. The whole place was decorated in Halloween and fall decor. I can only imagine what it will look like in spring. Read everything we did here: How to Spend A Perfect Weekend in Kerrville, TX.
You’ll want to bring the entire family out for a 5K run and walk, youth orchestra concerts, market days, art shows, folk festivals, Shakespeare in the Park, and more. Look up the Visiting Bureau there.
Folk Festival in Kerrville
May 21-June 7, 2026
The Folk Festival is one of the oldest music festivals in the country. Expect great music, featured performances, and workshops for all ages. Location is the Quiet Valley Ranch on Medina Hwy.
East Texas
Piney Woods Wine Trail Festival
May 8-9, 2026
Host town Lindale, TX, can hardly wait to bring the Piney Woods Wine Trail Festival back to its town. The hometown of Miranda Lambert is undoubtedly going to live up to country style.
Historical Pilgrimage Home Tours of Jefferson
April 30-May 3, 2026
Come out to see four of Jefferson’s historical homes open their doors and gardens. See Jefferson Pilgrimage 2026.
Things To Do In May In Palestine, TX
Palestine, TX, is whipping up fun things in May
See the Fairy Garden Trail at the Davey Dogwood Park
Ride the Piney Woods Vintage Train
Gospel Bluegrass Festival
Brenham Maifest
Mother’s Day Weekend in 2026
The oldest festival in Texas. See the schedule for Brenham Maifest.
Chappell Hill’s Art Walk
Date: Saturday, May 23, 2026, Downtown
The Chappell Hill Annual Art Walk is an annual event where artists from Washington County and beyond can display and sell their work. The Chappell Hill Chamber of Commerce presents the event. Visitors can expect to see artists at work, meet the creators, and potentially purchase their artwork. The Art Walk is located in downtown Chappell Hill, including Main Street, the Historical Society Museum, and other select locations.
Things To Do In May in West Texas
Cinco de Mayo Celebration – Alpine, Texas
A local tradition featuring a themed downtown parade, music, dancing, and a car show on historic Murphy Street. Check it all out at Visit Alpine, Texas.
You might find some wonderful things to do at Texas Wine Festivals and Events.
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