Martin Luther King Jr. Grand Parade

Houston
January 15, 2018

Celebrating its 24th anniversary, the event is touted as the third-largest parade in the U.S., behind the Rose Parade and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. In addition to a broadcast viewing audience of more than 4 million, 300,000 spectators are expected to attend in person to view 15 parade floats and 30 marching bands in honor of the man and his nonviolent approach in the civil rights movement.

Photo: Walter Albertin/Library of Congress, Prints & Photographic Division, NYWT&S Collection, LC-USZ62-122985

Brackenridge Winter Carnival and Snow Day

Edna
January 20, 2018

Even if winter doesn’t bring snow to the Texas Gulf Coast, Edna’s Brackenridge Park will on Jan. 20 for the eighth annual Brackenridge Winter Carnival and Snow Day. Every year, the city hosts a day of winter wonder for residents who wouldn’t normally get to experience the icy thrill of the season. The forecast predicts 80,000 pounds of snow—enough to make plenty of snowballs, snowmen, and snow angels in the park’s two snow play areas. Additionally, guests can experience two snow slides (a 30-foot slide provides sledding experience for kids of all ages, but the younger crowd can also enjoy a tamer 20-foot slide), carnival games, inflatables, a s’more-making station, face painting, hayrides, and concessions. Camp on-site the night before for half-off admission.

Photo: courtesy Kevin Stillman

San Antonio Cocktail Conference

San Antonio Cocktail Conference
January 10–14, 2018

For five days in January, in the recuperative lull between New Year’s and Valentine’s Day, San Antonio hosts a smashing soiree that both raises money for children’s charities and celebrates the craft cocktail movement. Founded by Mark Bohanon (whose namesake steakhouse may be the swankiest spot in San Antonio to sip a daiquiri) and the late Sasha Petraske (the New York bartender widely credited with kick-starting the modern cocktail revival), the conference makes it easy to duck in for a quick nip of cocktail culture or stay for a weekend-long eye-opener. The conference sells individual tickets to seminars, tastings, and events, so you can join in on a little, or a lot.

Photo: courtesy San Antonio Cocktail Conference

• Dallas: Day 1 Dallas (January 1)
• Fort Worth: Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo (January 12–February 3)
• Austin: Martin Luther King March and Festival  (January 15)
• Galveston: Polar Plunge (January 20)
• Luckenbach: Luckenbach Blues Festival (January 20)
• Denton: Denton Black Film Festival January 25–28)
• San Marcos: Celtic Fest (January 27–28)

All of these events and more can be found at the online Texas Highways Events Calendar page 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Commemorate San Antonio’s Tricentennial celebration with this original artwork for the January 2018 issue cover: “Viva San Antonio” by San Antonio-based printmaker and artist, Cruz Ortiz. This 18" x 24" piece is the perfect way to show off your Texas pride and celebrate the Alamo City’s monumental anniversary.
Buy your print!