Tejas Fest Brings Texas Flavor to Downtown Victoria
Published: 11:46 am Sunday, October 4, 2026
The third annual Tejas Fest returned to downtown Victoria this weekend, transforming DeLeon Plaza into a lively hub of entertainment, attracting hundreds of attendees. The festival, which ran from Friday to Saturday, featured live music, fresh street food, cowboy demonstrations, stilt walkers, and even cute Chihuahua races.
Families gathered together, children enjoyed face painting, and local musicians set the mood as lawn chairs lined the streets. Tejas Fest has become synonymous with the Texas spirit, yet it originated as a city initiative aimed at providing free and accessible entertainment for the community.
“It’s been a great time,” said Joel Novosad, director of Discover Victoria. “It’s a blessing to see it all come together, and makes all the hard work pay off to see people enjoying themselves.” By keeping the event free, families could enjoy various activities without financial concerns.
“This is like a big community reunion,” Novosad added. “We’ve heard stories from people reconnecting after years apart, all while making great memories with their families.”
The festival also shone a spotlight on local businesses, food trucks, and artisans, enhancing the community’s economy. “All of the food vendors are from the Crossroads, except for the ice cream folks who come every year,” Novosad noted. “It’s beautiful seeing it all come together.”
At its heart, Tejas Fest celebrates the rich culture of South Texas, featuring Tejano, Texas country, and regional rock music, alongside food and handmade goods that provide a wealth of experiences for attendees.
Importantly, the festival fosters invaluable connections among residents, a crucial component of the city’s initiative to encourage community bonding through shared experiences in downtown. Tejas Fest, along with events like Bootfest and the Nite Tunes concert series, plays a key role in strengthening ties across the Victoria community.
