Houston comes alive in the spring with an array of exciting festivals that showcase the best of performing and visual arts, music, food, and more. From traditional celebrations to contemporary events, we've curated a list of must-attend spring festivals happening in the Houston area, so you can make the most of the season and immerse yourself in the region's unique cultural offerings.  The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival Click to expand Experience a colorful outdoor art gallery April 14-16 featuring national and international artists with a variety of mediums including painting, clay, metal, and more. Enjoy live music, entertainment, local food, beer and wine, and children's art activities for a fun family experience.   The Houston Art Car Parade Click to expand Roll around on April 15 for the Houston Art Car Parade, which attracts over 250 cars and an audience of 300,000 spectators eager to see the weird and wild roadway creations.    Puranava Indian Art & Culture Fest  Click to expand Celebrate Indian culture on April 15 featuring stage performances of Indian classical and folk dances, music, visual art & cultural exhibits and more.    Houston Latin Fest Click to expand Celebrate Latin heritage with a family-oriented music festival that provides communities Houston a gathering place to connect with others. Immerse yourself in the Latin experience on April 23 with Latin music, cuisine, art and more.    Frida Festival Click to expand With over 30,000 attendees, the Frida Festival offers a range of festivities with fashion shows, art exhibits and performances honoring the iconic Frida Kahlo. Save the date for April 19 and 29!    Japan Festival Houston Click to expand After a four-year hiatus, the Japanese Festival returns to Houston on May 6-7. Enjoy the celebration of Houston’s rich Japanese culture and the 30th anniversary of the Japanese Garden with contemporary performances, food, tea ceremonies and much more.    Houston Art Bike Festival Click to expand No car? No problem! The Houston Art Bike Parade & Festival showcases modified art bikes. Whether small changes or big transformations, you can participate on May 13.   Pasadena Strawberry Festival Click to expand Looking for country music, an epic mud volleyball tournament, an authentic Texan BBQ cook off, and the world’s largest strawberry shortcake? Book your calendars for a Texas-sized fun festival from May 18-21.  Learn more about what it’s like to live in Houston.

A new plan designed to increase access to green space, improve air quality and increase transportation options in Harris County is moving forward. The Harris County Commissioners Court recently approved an initial $53 million for Harris County Toll Road Authority’s “Tollways to Trailways” plan. It includes 236 miles of active transportation projects with the goal of increasing access to trailways, bikeways, parks, transit hubs, schools and communities.  According to HCTRA’s planning document, the agency has identified 22 “quick win” projects, projects with less hurdles and higher community benefits, with an estimated cost of $131 million. Projects include adding a west extension from Mercer Botanic Gardens to Lents Family Park to the Cypress Creek Greenway and a trail along Space Center Boulevard from Middlebrook Drive to the Battleground Golf Course in Deer Park.  Click to expand Map of proposed Tollways to Trailways projects (Courtesy: HCTRA) The initial funding approved will go toward design and implementation of some of the quick win projects and portions of the Houston to Galveston Trail project within Harris County limits. The Houston to Galveston Trail is focused on creating a safe connection between Emancipation Park and Mason Park. There are an additional 41 projects with an estimated cost of $470 million. The HCTRA says collaboration, partnerships and public input will be required for the plan to be successful.  The additional trailways will only add to the region’s expansive trail and bikeway system. In a Facebook post reacting to a Houston Chronicle editorial, Precinct 1 Commissioner Rodney Ellis praised the project writing, “I think the Tollways to Trailways project is a game-changer. Harris County can be a leader in delivering transformative transportation solutions for our residents.” Learn more about living in Houston and transportation infrastructure across the region.