As summer rolls into Texas, the state’s vibrant arts scene is once again lighting up with a mix of festivals, exhibitions, and performances. From visual arts to live performances, Texas is becoming a central hub for cultural expression in the Southwest. In 2025, art lovers are especially thrilled by the series of summer festivals and exhibitions that celebrate local talent, diversity, and the unique cultural heritage of the Lone Star State.
A Growing Festival Circuit
Texas has long been home to a wealth of cultural events, but in recent years, the summer festivals across the state have become larger, more diverse, and more widely attended. Among the top festivals in 2025, the Water Lantern Festival in Fort Worth (held on June 6-7) is drawing substantial attention. This year’s event saw thousands of attendees lighting lanterns and releasing them into the waters of Lake Worth, symbolizing peace and unity. For many Texans, the festival is a moment of introspection and community bonding.
The event’s growth over the past five years is a testament to Texas’ ever-expanding festival culture. Local residents and out-of-state visitors flock to Fort Worth’s lakeside to watch the glowing lanterns reflect on the water as the sun sets, followed by a communal celebration that includes music, food, and various cultural performances. Organizers emphasized their commitment to sustainability, introducing eco-friendly lanterns made of biodegradable materials, which resonated with attendees seeking environmentally conscious events.
Following closely behind in the calendar is the San Antonio Summer Market Days, set for June 21. This festival highlights local artisans and craftspeople who showcase their wares in the iconic Tower of the Americas. Over 100 artists participated in the 2024 event, and this year, expectations are even higher. The event is widely regarded as one of the premier craft and artisan showcases in Texas, offering everything from handcrafted jewelry to textiles, sculptures, and hand-painted pottery. The market also highlights live performances by local musicians and food vendors, making it a multi-sensory experience that celebrates the artistic vibrancy of San Antonio.
Simultaneously, the Gruene Market Days in New Braunfels on June 21-22 is another cultural cornerstone that provides an opportunity for locals and tourists alike to purchase unique, handmade items. Located in the historic Gruene district, the event offers a nostalgic experience with live music echoing through the quaint streets, alongside vendor stalls showcasing everything from rustic home decor to hand-dipped candles and locally sourced honey.
Art Exhibitions in Major Texas Cities
In addition to festivals, Texas’ major cities are home to a number of world-class art exhibitions that will be available to the public this summer. The Dallas Museum of Art (DMA), which continues to be a beacon for international art lovers, is showcasing its new exhibition “Impressionism Through the Lens.” This highly anticipated exhibit features never-before-seen photographs taken by renowned artists in the 19th and early 20th centuries, exploring the intersection of photography and painting. The DMA’s ongoing commitment to offering dynamic, boundary-pushing exhibits has solidified its status as a leader in Texas’ cultural landscape.
Similarly, in Houston, the Museum of Fine Arts (MFAH) is presenting a retrospective of works by Texas-native artist Jasper Johns, whose bold use of flags, numbers, and popular imagery has earned him a place in the annals of modern American art history. MFAH’s exhibit highlights not just the artist’s iconic works but also lesser-known pieces that offer a glimpse into the evolution of Johns’ creative process. This exhibition will run until the end of the summer, with accompanying talks and guided tours, providing deep insight into Johns’ groundbreaking contributions to the art world.
For those interested in more experimental art, the Blanton Museum of Art in Austin is hosting a cutting-edge contemporary exhibition titled “Digital Reimagining: Art in the Age of Technology.” This exhibition offers a fascinating look at how artists are using digital tools to manipulate visual art, making a statement on the ever-increasing role of technology in artistic expression. From VR-based installations to interactive art pieces, the Blanton Museum is leading the charge in presenting forward-thinking, technology-driven art that challenges traditional notions of media.
Supporting Local Artists and Communities
Texas’ emphasis on community engagement in the arts is a reflection of its deep-rooted commitment to preserving local traditions while embracing innovative approaches to art-making. Many smaller towns and communities across the state are offering artist workshops, local theater performances, and pop-up galleries to allow Texans to engage in hands-on art experiences.
The El Paso Museum of Art, for example, has launched a “Community Collaboration Project” where local residents contribute to a large-scale art installation that will be displayed in the museum’s central hall. The museum has emphasized the importance of creating spaces where community members, particularly youth, can actively participate in the creation of art and become more deeply connected to their local cultural institutions. These types of initiatives reflect the growing recognition of art as a vital part of a community’s identity and a catalyst for positive social change.
In Fort Worth, The Modern Art Museum is promoting an innovative exhibit called “The Artists of Tomorrow,” which is featuring emerging Texas-based artists who are making waves in the contemporary art world. The exhibit aims to support the next generation of artists by providing them with a platform to showcase their work to a larger audience. This initiative is especially important given the increasing cost of studio space in major cities and the difficulty many artists face in securing exhibitions.
Economic Impact of Texas Arts Festivals
The impact of these festivals on the Texas economy is profound, with tourism revenue and local business support both seeing substantial growth. A report by the Texas Commission on the Arts showed that arts festivals in Texas brought in over $2.3 billion in tourism-related revenue in 2024 alone. Local economies thrive on the influx of visitors who spend money on lodging, food, shopping, and transportation, with many of these dollars circulating back into local communities and businesses.
These events also provide opportunities for local artisans and vendors to expand their customer base, leading to increased sales and visibility. The ripple effect of arts festivals is far-reaching, creating jobs not just in the arts but also in retail, hospitality, and event management sectors.
As more and more visitors are drawn to the state for its diverse cultural offerings, it is clear that Texas is becoming a key player in the national arts scene. The state’s ability to blend tradition with innovation, all while providing opportunities for emerging artists, positions Texas as a leading hub for arts and culture in the United States.
For both residents and visitors, summer 2025 is shaping up to be a celebration of Texas’ artistic spirit. Whether you’re attending an outdoor festival, visiting an art museum, or discovering new local talent, there’s no shortage of ways to immerse yourself in the thriving arts community of Texas.
