When Juneteenth was officially recognized as a federal holiday in 2021, joining the ranks of Independence Day, Labor Day, and New Year’s Day, Houston rejoiced. But the city has always had anniversaries of its own that are worthy of fanfare—some rooted in history, others in playful month-and-day combinations. If you’re not already celebrating, we humbly propose adding these holidays to your calendar. Let’s party, y’all!
January 22 / Laura Day
After a difficult journey up an untamed Buffalo Bayou in 1837, the packet steamer Laura arrived at the foot of Main Street. This proved the newly founded Houston could, indeed, be a port city.
Spring / Go Texan Day
The Friday before the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo opens, everyone wears boots and jeans to work and school, showing their proud Texan spirit. It’s extra special when the day coincides with Texas Independence Day on March 2.
March 4 / Sports Legends Day
Oiler Earl Campbell, Astro Nolan Ryan, and Rocket Hakeem Olajuwon wore the number 34. Each deserves their own day, but we should consider celebrating every 3/4 in appreciation of the city’s greatest.
April 4 / Acres Home Day
Established over a century ago, Acres Homes became one of Texas’s largest Black communities, with a history that runs deep. After Houston annexed the neighborhood in the 1960s, generations relied on the “44” bus route to take them to and from Downtown. The number has become a symbol and identifier, with “four-four” now a proud shout-out and term for Acres Homes.
April 9 / Art Car Day
This signature Houston event celebrates the funky, funny, DIY spirit of H-Town, all in the name of folk art. The inaugural parade rolled out on this day in 1988, and is still going strong thanks to the leadership of the Orange Show.
June 10 / Loop Day
Houstonians may hate them, but its freeways, highways, and toll roads are quite useful, with four concentric “loops” providing drivable access to all corners of Houston. The first and most famous is Loop 610, “completed” in 1975.
June 27 / June 27TH
Produced by DeMo Sherman, DJ Screw’s iconic freestyle mixtape Chapter 012: June 27th helped popularize his signature chopped and screwed sound. Now, on a holiday sometimes confused with DJ Screw Day, Houstonians celebrate the pioneering rapper who died in 2000.
July 13 / 713 Day
Give props where props are due. Houston rapper Lil’ Keke launched 713 Day with pride for H-Town by cleverly scheduling the celebrations (7/13) on a day that coincides with the city’s most well-known original area code. After the mayor issued a proclamation, the city soon adopted the holiday, unleashing a full day (sometimes days) of parties, live performances, discounts, and $7.13 deals all over the city. Consider this both a tribute to Space City’s hip-hop legacy and Houston itself.
August 30 / Houston’s Birthday
In 1836—just months after Texas won its independence from Mexico and days after purchasing land on Buffalo Bayou—New York land speculators Augustus Allen and John Kirby Allen placed an advertisement in newspapers bragging of their new “Town of Houston.” Happy Birthday to HOU.
November 30 / Last Day of Hurricane Season
Honestly, considering our track record with natural disasters and flooding, this should be a civic holiday with a parade. Possible cocktail idea: the Hunker Down.
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