Country Inn & Suites By Carlson, Houston Intercontinental Airport East, TX

Via Colori, a unique street painting festival benefiting the Center for Hearing and Speech, showcases more than 175...

Via Colori, a unique street painting festival benefiting the Center for Hearing and Speech, showcases more than 175 artists creating original artwork on the streets around Sam Houston Park. Festival-goers can watch artists create their masterpieces from beginning to end, and there are children's activities and food, beverages and entertainment, so everyone can enjoy this exciting weekend. Individual squares are also available for purchase ($500 - $1,500), so you can leave your own mark on the festival.

Hours: Sat, Nov 17, 2012: 10am - 6pm Sun, Nov 18, 2012: 10am - 5pm

Every Thanksgiving evening, thousands of locals and guests from all over flock to uptown Houston for the annual Uptown...

Every Thanksgiving evening, thousands of locals and guests from all over flock to uptown Houston for the annual Uptown Holiday Lighting. This fun, family-friendly event ushers in the holiday season with more than 500,000 decorative lights, festive seasonal music, holiday characters (including a special appearance by Santa) and an exciting fireworks display. The event is held along Post Oak Boulevard, which is lined by 80 brightly lit holiday trees and numerous seasonal decorations.

Hours: Thu, Nov 22, 2012: 4pm

One of Houston's larger festivals and its preeminent arts celebration, iFest salutes a different country each year,...

One of Houston's larger festivals and its preeminent arts celebration, iFest salutes a different country each year, along with its attendant culture. The festival extends across two consecutive weekends in late April and takes place at venues throughout the city, including Sam Houston Park and City Hall. Musical performances get plenty of focus, but you'll also find arts and crafts for sale, a children's zone, and dance performances. Highlighted nations have included India, Jamaica, Mexico, and Ireland.

Hours: Sat, Apr 20, 2013 Sun, Apr 21, 2013 Sat, Apr 27, 2013 Sun, Apr 28, 2013

This popular annual event offers an inside look at Houston's world-class Theater District, which is home to nine...

This popular annual event offers an inside look at Houston's world-class Theater District, which is home to nine performing arts organizations. The Houston Theater District Open House gives you to opportunity to experience backstage tours of some of Houston's famous performing arts venues, and representatives from local organizations are on hand for meet-and-greet events and mini-performances. Other family-friendly extras include face painting, Buffalo Bayou boat rides and a "musical instrument petting zoo."

Hours: Sun, Aug 26, 2012: Noon - 4pm

Everybody loves a parade, and this Thanksgiving Day procession is a favorite. Beginning at 9am, approximately 3000 folks...

Everybody loves a parade, and this Thanksgiving Day procession is a favorite. Beginning at 9am, approximately 3000 folks gather to march through downtown streets, regaling spectators along the 20-block route with huge balloons, marching bands, colorful floats, and more. Kids, of course, can't get enough of the festivities, but adults also find themselves caught up in the excitement. Even if you can't make it to the real thing, find comfort in the fact that the whole event is televised for people at home.

Hours: Thu, Nov 22, 2012: 9am

Since its 1972 premiere, this marathon has grown by leaps and bounds and now greets participants from all over the...

Since its 1972 premiere, this marathon has grown by leaps and bounds and now greets participants from all over the world. The single-day event is a city mainstay, and the closed marathon course is unique in Texas. These days, folks can also compete in a half-marathon and a 5K fun run. The fast, flat course takes runners through some of Houston's better known areas and finishes up downtown near George R. Brown Convention Center on Rusk Street. Entertainments take place along the entire course of the marathon.

Hours: Sun, Jan 13, 2013: 7am

Celebrate America's birthday at Freedom Over Texas, which features the largest land-based fireworks display in the...

Celebrate America's birthday at Freedom Over Texas, which features the largest land-based fireworks display in the country. This event offers fun for the whole family, featuring four stages of music and the men's and women's statewide volleyball tournament championships, held at the Bud Light Texas Volleyball Championship Court. Kids can stay entertained at the All American Kids Zone, which offers rides, games, face painting, jugglers and more.

Hours: Wed, Jul 4, 2012: 4pm - 10pm

Set in beautiful Memorial Park, the Bayou City Art Festival -- Memorial Park offers an enjoyable weekend for art lovers...

Set in beautiful Memorial Park, the Bayou City Art Festival -- Memorial Park offers an enjoyable weekend for art lovers of all types. You can experience works in 19 artistic media from more than 300 artists from all over the globe in this juried fine art event, held each spring in Memorial Park. Adding to the festive atmosphere are wine cafés, restaurants, a performing arts stage, a Creative Zone for children and much more.

Hours: Event times vary; call for details March 2013

The Houston Pride Parade and Festival is the largest annual GLBT event in the Southwest, and it features the country's...

The Houston Pride Parade and Festival is the largest annual GLBT event in the Southwest, and it features the country's original nighttime pride parade. The festival begins at 11 a.m. and offers food and entertainment as well as booths for community service and non-profit organizations, clothing, accessories, souvenirs and gifts. The famous parade begins at 8:45 p.m. and features an exciting array of floats, costumes and performances celebrating Houston's GLBT community.

Hours: Sat, Jun 23, 2012

For decades now, Houston residents have turned out to partake of Greek culture and tradition. This four-day festival...

For decades now, Houston residents have turned out to partake of Greek culture and tradition. This four-day festival boasts a busy slate of live music, folk dancing, and fabulous food. Children's activities make sure everyone in the family is accommodated, and a free shuttle helps take the hassle out of parking. Presale tickets include admission to the festival and a dinner plate; a gift shop and cathedral tours are also available. Whatever you do, make sure not to miss the pastries!

Hours: Thu, Oct 4, 2012: 5pm - 10pm Fri, Oct 5, 2012: 11am - 3pm, 5pm - 10pm Sat, Oct 6, 2012: 11am - 10pm Sun, Oct 7, 2012: Noon - 6pm