From championship rodeos and Texas traditions to downtown parties and fido-friendly festivities, nearly every month in Beaumont brings a special event and another opportunity to enjoy mouth-watering food, live entertainment, outdoor pursuits and more. Be sure to visit our events calendar for up to date information. 

January 

Drillers Reunion - Each year, the Spindletop/Gladys City Boomtown Museum marks the anniversary of the Lucas Gusher at Spindletop with the Drillers Reunion. The museum blows the replica gusher on site and stages period re-enactments and other activities. Visitors are encouraged to come in period costume. More information is available at www.spindletop.org.

Mardi Gras of Southeast Texas - this four day fete packs the streets of downtown, nearby Port Arthur. Take a turn on carnival rides, sample food, dance or browse the vendor craft booths. Don't miss the two-mile Aurora Grand Parade. The dazzling procession includes marching bands, drill teams and New Orleans-inspired floats ferrying krewe members tossing those coveted Mardi Gras beads.  mardigras.portarthur.com 

February 

Boomtown Film & Music Festival - The Boomtown Film & Music Festival offers a weekend of independent films, cutting-edge music, vendors, food, parties and more in various venues around Beaumont. More information is available by emailing boomtownfest@gmail.com.

March

YMBL South Texas State Fair & Rodeo - The granddaddy of local events, the YMBL South Texas State Fair & Rodeo in Beaumont is second to only the State Fair of Texas in attendance. For the past 70 years, fair-goers have enjoyed the excitement of a championship rodeo and livestock show, thrilling rides and challenging games on the Midway, and exhibits stocked with lots to see and buy. Live music of all sorts and food favorites such as funnel cakes and barbecue are served up with the perennial crowd-pleaser, fried alligator. Sponsored by the Young Men's Business League of Beaumont, the fair runs 10 days in March at Ford Park. More information can be found at www.ymbl.org.

March

The Gusher Marathon, Half Marathon & 5K - Also held in March, The Gusher Marathon, Half Marathon & 5K is a qualifier for the Boston Marathon that shows off the sights of Beaumont. With three race distances - marathon, half marathon and 5K - there's a race for every runner's expertise. 

May

Mediterranean Festival - Early May, "Med Fest" features authentic food and entertainment throughout the day. Shop the Bazaar for ethnic clothing, jewelry, spices, and get a glimpse into the diverse cultures of the Mediterranean. Church tours are held to explore the Orthodox church, with a look into the architecture and faith. Guests enjoy camel rides, a petting zoo, bungee jump, a rockwall and live entertainment. 

Also in May, don't miss the Beaumont Botanical Garden's Maypole Festival. The event features art, food, games and the traditional blessing of the crops and maypole dance. 

July

The City of Beaumont's annual Independence Day Celebration is held at Riverfront Park, where food vendors offer "fair-style" foods such as barbecue, boudain, hot dogs, pork kabobs, funnel cakes and more. The free celebration includes live musical entertainment leading up to the dramatic fireworks display at nightfall.

September

Beaumont's Craft Beer Festival - Enjoy live music and sample the suds of more than 30 local and national craft breweries at this festival. 

Neches River Ralley - Paddlers in this family-friendly event float from the Neches River to Lake Bayou and intro the Big Thicket National Preserve. BigThicket.org

October

Dogtober Fest - Named Texas' Best Downtown Event by the Texas Downtown Association, Beaumont Main Street's Dogtober Fest offers plenty of opportunities for families and their favorite canines to enjoy great food, lively music and more. Contests throughout the day along with shopping and pet-friendly activities. 

Oktoberfest - Celebrate Oktoberfest with polka music, a beer garden and plenty of food. This free event is held in Beaumont's Roger's Park. 

December

Christmas in Beaumont is a picture-perfect affair as several of the historic homes in Beaumont dress up for holiday open houses. The John Jay French Museum, Chambers House and McFaddin-Ward House offer Christmas holiday tours with special decorations, refreshments and music to fit the occasion.