Texans love crawfish, which are delicious crustaceans that resemble small lobsters. The crawfish is a critical component of Louisiana and Cajun cuisine. Due to its proximity to Louisiana, South Texas cuisine has been influenced by Cajun and Creole cooking, therefore the crawfish is just as popular in Texas as it is in Louisiana. Known as mudbugs or crawdads in southern Texas and Louisiana, the season to eat these little critters is from late February to June. Therefore during March, April and May, there are many crawfish festivals that occur in the Lone Star State. Celebrate the season of the mudbug by visiting these 7 best crawfish festivals in Texas.
Texas Crawfish & Music Festival, Spring
This list kicks off with one of the most popular crawfish festivals in the state, the Texas Crawfish and Music Festival. Found in Spring, Texas, north of Houston, this two-day festival is more than just your average crawfish boil. Festival goers will find a great music line-up on both days of this weekend festival. Of course, there is plenty of crawfish, from spicy boiled crawfish to crawfish dishes. However you’ll also find classic Texas dishes too like barbecue and burgers. Complete with a carnival, retail vendors, and plenty of beer and wine, this affordable crawfish festival is a great way to celebrate crawfish season in the Lone Star State.
Kemah Crawfish Festival, Kemah
If you’re looking for a fun crawfish festival on the Texas coast, head to the Kemah Crawfish Festival. This three-day festival takes place under the Kemah Bridge. Crawfish is truly the main attraction here, as 6,000 pounds of crawdads are cooked every hour during the festival. However there are also a lot of other Cajun food favorites served up at this festival too, such as frog legs, boudin and even alligator. After enjoying your share of well-made crawfish, enjoy the live music acts here that range from country to zydeco.
Crawfest New Braunfels
The Texas Hill Country isn’t known for its crawfish, however that doesn’t mean there isn’t a great crawfish festival here. Crawfest New Braunfels is a three-day festival in April that is celebrated at the Comal County Fairgrounds. Crawfest New Braunfels hosts a gumbo cook-off, a 5K run and a crawfish eating contest. Country, zydeco and Tejano musical acts will grace the stage during this weekend event. With carnival rides, yard games and on-site camping, you’re bound to have an unforgettable time at this Hill Country crawfish festival.
Bayou City Cajun Festival, Houston
Enjoy a crawfish party in the Bayou City at the Annual Bayou City Cajun Festival. This Houston festival is a two-day event with free admission. Located in Traders Village, the Bayou City Cajun Festival features Cajun tunes and Cajun food. Thousands of pounds of spicy crawfish will be boiled for festival goers. However also enjoy other Cajun dishes like red beans and rice, crawfish etouffee and po-boys too. Perfect for families and crawfish lovers alike, this crawfish festival in Houston is truly a celebration of crawdads and Cajun cuisine.
Lonestar Crawfish Festival, Austin
Lonestar Crawfish Festival, located in downtown Austin, may be miles away from the coast, but there are still plenty of Cajun vibes found at this party at Stubb’s Bar-B-Q. This venue, known for its barbecue and live music, is an iconic Austin establishment. This festival features live music, typically a big headliner, and all-you-can-eat crawfish. All of the proceeds of this event go to the Busby Foundation, an organization that provides support to families affected by ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.
Houston Crawfish, Crab and Grill Festival, Houston
This food festival in Houston is full of incredible Cajun and seafood fare, from boiled crawfish to even Texas barbecue. The Houston Crawfish, Crab and Grill Festival is family-friendly, since it features a Kids Zone with face painting and other kid-friendly activities. With plenty to eat from local vendors and food trucks, arrive at this crawfish festival hungry and ready for second servings. Burn off all those extra calories by dancing to the reggae, country and zydeco tunes found at the stage here.
Crawfish Fest in Houston
Last but not least is Crawfest Fest located in Houston, Texas. An underdog in the crawfish festival arena, this crawfish festival is relatively new but continues to grow. Houstonians love crawfish, and there is no wonder why this festival has gained so much attention. Expect to find a variety of crawfish vendors that boil and cook crawfish with their own unique recipes. Therefore if you aren’t a fan of spicy crawfish, you’re bound to find a vendor here selling crawfish catered to your taste buds. This outdoor event will have live music and free admission.
