May is the beginning of Summer and there are so many places to go. If you are in Texas one of the places to go and visit to learn about history and the people is the Sam Houston Folk Festival.
May 12 – 14 | Huntsville, TX
It’s no stretch to say Texas may not exist today if not for Sam Houston. Until his incredible victory at the Battle of San Jacinto, Texas independence was anything but certain. The General Sam Houston Folk Festival celebrates the life and contributions of the military and political legend to the mighty state of Texas by offering festival goers an immersive experience of frontier life in Houston’s day. Held on the 15-acre grounds of the Sam Houston Memorial Museum and Homestead, this living history event brings the past to life in ways no textbook ever could. A full cast of costumed characters – including the general himself, his family members, and Deaf Smith, one of Houston’s scouts – act out vignettes and interact with guests. Exhibits and performers representing the people groups of Houston’s day that helped shape present-day Texas culture are also featured, including Hispanics, African Americans, and Native Americans, the latter in the form of the award-winning Sahawe Indian Dancers. Guests won’t just be hearing actors
describe life in the 1800’s; they’ll be seeing live demonstrations of 19th-century activities up close and personal. Cannon and rifle fire, black smithing, glass-blowing, woodworking, cross-stitching and more are on tap from experienced reenactor’s like the Cane Island Volunteers, returning to the festival this year after performing at the inaugural event all the way back in 1988. At the Children’s Tents, kids can play games and make crafts like friendship bracelets, cornhusk dolls, and candles. In addition, this being a folk festival, you’ll be treated to live folk, country, and bluegrass music. A hammered dulcimer group and a Celtic string band jam out, as well. Admission to the Folk Festival also includes the 18th Texas State Knife & Tomahawk Championship on Saturday and Sunday staged on the festival grounds. Knife Throwers Hall of Fame world champion Chris Miller and his wife Sarah host the event that crowns a state champion. If you’re a fan of the sport, make sure to catch the knife and whip show on the Main Stage. Join more than a quarter of a million visitors who have journeyed here over the years to remember a true Lone Star legend at the last place he called home. One of the most beloved living history festivals in Texas, the General Sam Houston Folk Festival in Huntsville celebrates the life and accomplishments of General Sam. This year’s event features an exciting mi
x of returning favorites and new programs that captivate visitors of all ages. Costumed actors regale audiences with accounts of life in the 1800’s, trained reenactor’s fire 19th-century cannons and rifles, the award-winning Sahawe Indian Dancers dazzle with their energetic moves, and much more. All of this takes place through three days in May on the grounds of the Sam Houston Memorial Museum and Homestead. Come for one day or all three and experience the colorful world of the Texas frontier. Admission: Adult (13+) $5; Child (4-12) $3; under three are free.
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