Living the Dream
Taking place on Jan. 20, the MLK Grande Parade in Houston celebrates the legacy of civil-rights icon Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Starting in Midtown and following a 1-mile route, the 26th annual parade is expected to feature more than 15 floats and 30 marching bands from around the South. With an annual turnout of 300,000 spectators, it’s one of the largest single-day multicultural events in the United States to honor the life of King. It’s also one of the most-watched parades in the country after the Rose Parade and Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, drawing nearly 4 million television viewers. A Battle of the Bands follows the parade with high schools showcasing their marching band expertise and spirit. After the parades have come and gone, the work continues with the MLK Parade Foundation, whose purpose is to encourage racial harmony through education and activism involving schools, churches, and the general public.
BIG BEND COUNTRY
ALPINE
Plein Air Painters of the Four Corners
Jan. 17-March 22
Members of the Plein Air Painters of the Four Corners exhibit their images of Big Bend landscapes at Museum of the Big Bend, located on the Sul Ross State University campus. An opening reception will be held Jan. 18. Museum of the Big Bend, 400 N. Harrison St. 432-837-8143; museumofthebigbend.com
EL PASO
WinterFest
Through Jan. 5
Now in its fourth year, WinterFest has become one of El Paso’s most anticipated annual events. Festivities include the Celebration of Lights, downtown art and farmers market, free movie showings, and story time. Downtown Arts Festival Plaza, 125 W. Mills Plaza. 915-231-1100; epwinterfest.com
MONAHANS
Resolution Run
Jan. 11
Start the year off right and in a scenic setting. This event features 5K and 10K runs and a 1-mile health walk. Monahans Sandhills State Park, 2500 E. I-20, Exit 86. 432-943-2187; monahans.org
ODESSA
Sandhills Stock Show and Rodeo
Jan. 3-11
Events throughout the week include rodeo festivities and a livestock show. Ector County Coliseum, 218 W. 46th St. 432-366-3951; sandhillsssr.com
GULF COAST
BAY CITY
Wild Game and Wine Camofest
Jan. 25
Indulge in wild game, wine, and craft beer, plus live entertainment, vendors, shopping, and activities for kids. Sixth Street and Avenue G. 979-245-8081; baycitycamofest.com
BEAUMONT
Critters and Creatures Day
Jan. 25
For a day of exploration and discovery, kids can meet creepy-crawly friends from around the region. Beaumont Children's Museum, 701 Main St. 409-347-7919; beaumontchildrensmuseum.org
CLUTE
Planetarium Show
Jan. 7, 14, 21, 24, 28
The planetarium features a 30-foot dome equipped with a Spitz Star Ball projector to produce the night sky as it appears to the naked eye. A large variety of high-tech equipment gives a close-up feel for things like comets, exploding stars, and black holes. Center for the Arts and Sciences, 400 College Blvd. 979-265-7661; brazosportcenter.com
CORPUS CHRISTI
Winter Lecture Series
Jan. 22-Feb. 26
Learn about a variety of nature and horticulture topics that define the South Texas environment. South Texas Botanical Gardens and Nature Center, 8545 S. Staples St. 361-852-2100;
