Events in Bay City - Matagorda County

Finding yourself in Matagorda County at any time of the year is a treat. Breathtaking nature, miles of pristine beaches, and delightful small towns await in this treasure chest of the Texas Gulf Coast. In addition to its year-round wonders, there are many annual events in Matagorda County you won’t want to miss. From the Matagorda County Fair and Livestock Show to the Lighted Christmas Boat Parade, there’s no shortage of fun here. Discover what the county has to offer by checking out the following list of annual events in Bay City, Palacios, and Matagorda. 

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February - March

Matagorda County Fair and Livestock Show

Take part in a true Texas tradition at the long-running Matagorda County Fair and Livestock Show. Featuring Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association-sanctioned competitions like barrel racing, calf roping, and bull riding, plus a barbecue cook-off, rodeo queen pageant, and other events, the fair offers plenty of family-friendly fun.

Matagorda County Fairgrounds
4511 FM 2668
Bay City, TX 77414

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March

Matagorda Surf & Turf Festival

Live music, a live auction, and unique contests are just a part of the fun at this annual seafood feast, which serves as a major fundraising event to support Matagorda’s local schools, fire department, and charities

Festival Grounds
1500 Austin Street,
Matagorda, TX 77457

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April

Full Moon Food Truck Festival

Tasty food truck fare, cold beer, and live music. What more could you ask for? Enjoy it all at the Matagorda County Birding and Nature Center in April.

Matagorda County Birding and Nature Center
1025 TX-35
Bay City, TX 77414

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March - November

Market Day on the Square

Shop for one-of-a-kind arts and crafts when more than 100 local vendors come to the historic Bay City downtown square. Browse collections of wood and metal art, plants, homemade foods, and home décor along with all the wares offered at the stores in the downtown area.

Downtown Bay City
1700 7th Street
Bay City, TX 77414

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June

Taste of Palacios Seafood Festival

Channel your inner swashbuckler and soak up the coastal vibes at this lively weekend celebration. Dig into fresh local seafood, cheer on the cookoff contenders, and dance to live music by the bay. 

Downtown Palacios
Palacios, TX 77465

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July

July Fourth Celebration in Palacios

Celebrate Independence Day at one of the Gulf Coast's most unique July Fourth festivals. Savory barbecue, an inflatable carnival, helicopter rides, and the famous La Salle Landing Reenactment precede a patriotic fireworks show.

South Bay Boulevard and East Bay Park
Palacios, TX 77465

Texas Oilman’s Invitational Fishing Tournament

A fishing tournament for a good cause. What's not to love about the Texas Oilman's Invitational Fishing Tournament? Hundreds of anglers converge on Matagorda Harbor to compete for bragging rights in Inshore, Offshore, and Bluewater categories, while tent table sponsors, local celebrities, and guests add to the fun atmosphere.

Matagorda Harbor
Matagorda, TX 77457

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November

Lighted Christmas Boat Parade & Gumbo Cookoff

Watch holiday-bedecked boats sail by in this festive Christmas parade in Matagorda Harbor. Sample the entries to the gumbo cook-off and take in the fireworks show at the end of the evening.

Matagorda Harbor
Matagorda, TX 77457

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December

Christmas Market Day

Looking for that perfect Christmas present? Head to the Bay City Civic Center in mid-December for the Christmas Market Day, where you'll find a wide variety of unique handcrafted gifts and other festive treats.

Bay Civic Center 
201 7^th Street 
Bay City, TX 77414