Events in Nocona

Nocona offers some of the best events in the North Texas Hill Country. Nocona hosts several annual events throughout the year that the whole family can enjoy. In addition to these events, we've got monthly jam sessions in the Justin Building in historic downtown, concerts all over town, and fun outside activities year-round.

February
Mardi Gras Nocona Style
In February, Nocona has its own Mardi Gras week. It's New Orleans-style fun with some small-town charm from Nocona. This is the time of year when Mardi Gras comes alive with floats, kid's activities, beads, costumes, king cakes, gumbo, and so much more. Purple, green, and gold colors paint Nocona, bringing Mardi Gras sights and sounds.

The festivities kick off on the Saturday prior to the week of fun with the Mardi Gras Ball. It's a Mardi Gras gala, complete with fancy costumes, masks, a Cajun-style meal, music, and the reigning Mardi Gras King and Queen!

The Krewe de Barkus Pooch Parade happens next, on Sunday, right after the Ball. This dog-friendly parade prances through downtown Nocona. Dress up to win the coveted "Best Dressed" award. Parade members, their pups, and parade-goers are encouraged to dress up. It's all about spreading awareness for pet rescue and adoption. Proceeds go to Nocona Lucky Paws Animal Shelter.

Monday through Thursday evenings host family-friendly activities including a Kids’ Court with interactive games and Cajun-style meals. (Check our website for specific details and updates.)

Krewe de Couyons ATV Parade happens on Friday of this eventful, exciting week, where 4-wheelers decorated in green, gold, and purple cruise down the street throwing beads and candy to the crowd. 

Mardi Gras day begins on Saturday. First up is the 5K Run sponsored by Nocona High School Band. This will be followed by the shoebox parade, children's parade, parade of costumes, and the BIG parade in the afternoon. This parade will showcase floats, cars, clowns, motorcycles, dancers, bands, horse clubs, and more. Bring your kids to enjoy the traditional spectacle of Mardi Gras, Nocona Style.
Downtown, Nocona 76255

May
Nocona Bullfest
It’s all about the bulls! The Annual Nocona Bullfest takes place each May. This year it has moved to nearby Saint Jo, Texas. This event brings some of the best bull riders and bucking bulls and promises nonstop, edge-of-your-seat excitement. Kids can ride on ponies and participate in calf scrambles. Entertainment also includes a wild donkey race, a lady’s steer scramble, music, and concessions. Arrive early to make time for all these activities and more. (Check our website for specific dates and details.)

Chisholm Trail Round-Up Rodeo
The Chisholm Trail Rodeo has been an annual weekend event since 1952. Sanctioned by the UPRA and TCRA, this rodeo is in mid-June at the Chisholm Trail Rodeo Arena. Mutton bustin', grand entry riders, bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, steer wrestling, team and breakaway roping, barrel racing, and bull riding all make for an event you won’t want to miss. 

In 2019, this rodeo was ranked 17th out of 433 UPRA rodeos in money paid out to contestants. 2020 saw the rodeo go from two to three nights. This expansion resulted in the 2nd highest payout ($97,490) to participants out of 433 UPRA events in Texas. (Check our website for specific dates and details.)
Fairground
Nocona, TX 76255

July
4th of July on Lake
Hosted by the Nocona Lions Club, this massive fireworks show at Lake Nocona never disappoints. “Oohs” and “Ahhs” can be heard all around as the entire lake explodes with spectacular displays of colorful, festive lights, crackles and pops, and smoke in celebration of our country. (Check our website for specific dates and details.)
Lake Nocona

September
Annual Wheels & Grills Cook-off
Wheels & Grills is a two-day, annual cook-off competition. This Barbecue Battle has multiple food and drink categories of competition, including the Great Steak cook-off, chicken, brisket, rib, salsa, stuffed jalapenos, Bloody Mary, and more. Come out and camp, cook, and enjoy some of the friendliest, most welcoming company in Texas! If you want to compete, but don’t have the culinary skills, there is a cornhole tournament and a car show for you to experience. Enjoy the entire experience of BBQ, cornhole, cars, and captivating enjoyment. (Check our website for specific dates and details.)

October
Clay Street Fall Festival
It’s the spookiest time of the year! Halloween's downtown area is full of ghosts and goblins looking for treats to eat. In our small-town, we enjoy fun traditions like costume parades, lively games, and Trunk or Treat. Come enjoy a spooktacular scene.
Nocona, TX 76255

December
Nocona Small Town Christmas
Experience small-town Christmas the first Saturday in December. Stroll down the historic downtown area where the streets are lined with lights and decorated Christmas trees with holiday music filling the air. This festive atmosphere celebrates with old-fashion Christmas charm. Discover decorated carolers, a parade, concerts, hayrides, kid’s activities, and more. You will surely catch the holiday spirit while awaiting the arrival of Old Saint Nick riding in on Nocona’s Volunteer Fire Department firetruck.
Nocona, TX 76255