Local Spring Festivals Near Brenham, TX

From German heritage and small-town traditions to cotton farming and the iconic Texas bluebonnet, festivals around Brenham offer a chance to experience Washington County's culture and history. 



Whether you’re traveling with family, planning a weekend getaway, or looking for an excuse to enjoy live music and good food, these three festivals are well worth the visit.

Brenham Maifest

Every spring, locals look forward to Brenham Maifest. First held in 1881, this annual celebration is recognized as the oldest festival in the state of Texas.

What began with German immigrants to the area has become a beloved tradition that honors the city’s German heritage, community, and youth. 

When: First weekend of May

Where: Fireman’s Park and downtown Brenham

What can you expect?

Maifest brings plenty of traditional festival fun to Brenham. Visitors can enjoy:

• A colorful parade through downtown
• Junior and Senior Maifest royalty coronations
• German-inspired food and drinks
• Beer tastings
• Live music and dancing
• Carnival rides
• Local vendors and festival activities
• Family-friendly games and entertainment
  

Burton Cotton Gin Festival

Did you know Texas is home to the oldest operating cotton gin in America? The folks in Burton, Texas do! The Burton Cotton Gin Festival is an annual celebration of the region’s agricultural traditions (especially cotton).

As you’d expect from a festival hosted by a local museum, the Burton Cotton Gin Festival combines education and experience for a day of history and fun. 

When: Mid-April (exact date varies)

Where: The Cotton Gin Museum of Texas in Burton, Texas

What can you expect?

If you’ve never seen a historic cotton gin in operation, this is your chance. The festival offers a full day of activities centered around Burton’s agricultural and small-town life.

Visitors can enjoy:

• A parade through Burton
• Guided tours of the cotton gin
• A demonstration of the gin processing a bale of cotton
• Blacksmithing and other folklife demonstrations
• Antique farm equipment
• Tractors, engines, and classic cars
• Arts and crafts vendors
• Food vendors
• Live music
• Games and contests
  

Bluebonnet Festival

Come see Texas’ famous bluebonnets at the Bluebonnet Festival. Every year, the Chappell Hill Historical Society hosts the official Bluebonnet Festival of Texas. It’s a celebration of springtime, wildflowers, and small-town Texas charm.

With over 250 exhibitors, live entertainment, food, and thousands of flowers on display, it’s the perfect way to spend a spring day in the Brenham area. 

When: April (exact date varies) 

Where: Historic Chappell Hill, Texas 

What can you expect?

Visitors can enjoy:

• Historic Chappell Hill Downtown
• Hundreds of arts and crafts exhibitors
• Food vendors
• Live music and entertainment
• Family-friendly activities
• Bluebonnets and other spring wildflower displays
• The Beautiful Texas countryside