For More Than 80 Years, This Small Town Has Hosted One Of The Longest-Running Festivals In Texas

I hope you aren't allergic to peanuts because the Floresville Peanut Festival in Texas is all about them. This small-town festival honors America's favorite sandwich ingredient, which grows abundantly in the region. Guests enjoy a parade, carnival rides, and - of course - tons of delicious, peanutty food. You can't miss it!

Every year on the second full weekend of October, the small town of Floresville "goes nuts" for the annual Floresville Peanut Festival.

Established in 1938, the festival pays homage to the humble peanut, which has played a vital role in Southwest Texas agriculture for nearly 100 years.

The dates for this year's festival are October 12-14, 2023.

Both admission and parking are free, and the action happens on the grounds of Floresville's beautiful Courthouse Square (where you'll find an aptly-placed peanut statue that is a memorial to Joe T. Sheehy, who introduced peanut farming to the area).

Even before the official opening day of the festival, activities are already taking place. For example, the Goober Games are held on Tuesday, allowing the younger folks to participate in events such as sack races, face painting, and more.

Thursday evening kicks off the carnival, which features fun games and exhilarating rides. If you can't make it into town early, however, don't fret - the carnival stays through Saturday evening.

Friday afternoon is dedicated to the kid's parade, and that night sees the square filled with vendors, food booths, and arts and crafts.

Also on Friday night is a free street dance with a stacked lineup of live bands.

If you can only attend the festival for one day, let it be Saturday.

The parade, which begins promptly at 10 a.m., is not to be missed. Colorful floats abound, some carrying the town's various royal courts (including the festival king and queen, who are crowned on Thursday).

Saturday also includes more vendors, arts and crafts, games, and music performances, plus all-day food and beverage concessions.

Of course, among the food offerings are on-theme items like peanut brittle and roasted peanuts. Yum!

Don't forget to stock up on official merch so you can rep the Floresville Peanut Festival year-round!

Visit the Floresville Peanut Festival website or the Floresville Peanut Festival Facebook page for more information about the festival. If you need a place to stay, the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Floresville has you covered.

Have you ever attended the Floresville Peanut Festival in Texas? If so, tell us about your experience in the comments! Floresville is close to San Antonio, so why not take a stroll down the iconic San Antonio River Walk while you're in the area?