Festivals and Outdoors Activities

Outdoors

HummerBird Celebration: The ruby-throated hummingbird is front and center during this 24th annual event celebrating all fall migrants. Visit more than 80 vendors, learn about bird banding, listen to speakers, or take a nature tour.
Thursday-Sept. 16. Rockport. www.rockporthummingbird.com or 800-242-0071. $10-$50.

Bison Celebration Days: Help restore the Texas State Bison herd by attending three days of outdoor activities, re-enactments, barbecue lunches and a benefit concert featuring Asleep at the Wheel.
8 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday-Sept.16. Briscoe. www.tpwd.state.tx.us or 806-455-1492. Park fees apply; $20-$25 for benefit concert.

Chihuahuan Desert Fiesta: Explore the area on guided walks with park staff, go on a hayride, or take in the educational exhibits of this festival.
9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday. Franklin Mountains State Park, El Paso. www.tpwd.state.tx.us. $5 for park entrance, free to Texas Park Pass holders.

Festivals

Texas State Forest Festival: Who has the best hush puppies in Texas? This festival aims to find out.
Sept. 19-23. Lufkin. www.texasstateforestfestival.com. $6-$20.

Fall Festival: How can you go wrong with an Eve's Seduction Dessert Competition? The two-day festival includes a parade, food vendors, arts and crafts, bull riding and a photography contest.
Sept. 21-22. Eden. www.edentexas.com or 325-869-2211.

State Fair of Texas: Get ready for a visit with 60-year-old Big Tex, music by Kevin Fowler and lots of fried food. Don't miss the art and crafts, auto show or livestock show.
Sept. 28-Oct. 21. Dallas. www.bigtex.com/sft or 214-565-9931. $10-$39.95.


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