Houston, TX

Get your motor runnin' at the Art Car Parade every May, a showcase of real working cars artfully reinterpreted and decorated by avant-garde artists. Dan Aykroyd served as the Grand Marshall for the 2010 parade, which featured more than 250 cars.

Web: www.orangeshow.org

Listen to a great weekend lineup of your favorite bands at the Houston Free Press Summerfest each June. The outdoor music festival is always a bargain ticket, and you'll find plenty of food, activities and new friends during the show.

Web: www.freepresssummerfest.com

Join the scene at the Houston Fringe Festival, held over four weekends beginning in August. The annual performing arts festival offers the best independent theater, film, dance, music and visual arts.

Address: 5102 Navigation Blvd., Houston TX 77011
Phone: 832-426-4624
Web:www.houstonfringefestival.com

Discover new films every November at the Cinema Arts Festival Houston, the only U.S. film festival that features films by and about artists. It's art, for art's sake.

Address: 2101 Winter St B11., Houston TX 77007
Phone: 713-523-2220
Web: www.cinemartsociety.org

Celebrate all things Texas at the annual Texian Market Days Festival each October. The day-long living history celebration includes hands-on activities, battle re-enactments, live entertainment, food, craft vendors and more. Held at the 480-acre George Ranch Historical Park.

Address: 10215 FM 762 Rd., Richmond TX 77469
Phone: 281-343-0218
Web: www.texianmarketdays.com