Founders Day Festival

The Howe Founders Day Festival is an annual community celebration in Downtown Howe, Texas, featuring food, entertainment, and family-friendly activities.

The 2026 Howe Founders Day Festival will take place on Saturday, May 2, 2026, starting at 4:00 pm CDT in Downtown Howe, Texas. This festival is a long-standing tradition organized by the Howe Area Chamber of Commerce, celebrating the city’s heritage and community spirit.

Festival Highlights

Food and Drinks: A variety of local food vendors and refreshments are available for attendees.

Family Activities: Attractions include a kid train, carnival rides, and interactive games suitable for all ages.

Entertainment: A live DJ provides music throughout the event, creating a festive atmosphere.

Vendors: Local businesses and artisans participate, offering crafts, products, and services. Interested vendors can register through the Howe Area Chamber of Commerce.

Special Contests: Previous festivals have featured events like a boneless rib contest, adding a competitive and fun element for participants.

Additional Information

The festival is designed to be family-friendly and community-oriented, making it a popular event for residents and visitors alike. Attendees can enjoy a mix of entertainment, food, and shopping while celebrating the history and culture of Howe.

For those interested in vendor participation or sponsorship, registration and details are available through the Howe Area Chamber of Commerce website. Tickets and updates for the 2026 festival can also be found online to ensure you don’t miss any activities.

howechamber.com

The Howe Founders Day Festival is a signature event in the city’s calendar, offering a vibrant and engaging experience for the entire community.

The date is May 2, 2026 and time of 4pm to 8pm for the 40^th Annual Founder's Day Festival. 

 

Please help share our FB event: https://www.facebook.com/share/179kvMJv3u/

 

ON THE DAY OF THE EVENT, VENDOR SPACES WILL BE NUMBERED WITH CHALK (EXCEPT FOR GRASS). VENDOR MAPS WILL BE ON THE WINDOWS ALL THROUGHOUT DOWNTOWN.

WHERE DO WE CHECK IN?
The chamber will have a booth in the middle of the street by the alley.  We will have some folks there to help you find your location. But if you find your location, please go ahead and begin setting up if you know your location. 

WHEN DO WE SET UP?
We will shut down Haning Street around 1 pm Saturday for vendors to set up.  It will be extremely hectic so please be considerate.  There again will be vendors setting up in the middle of the street, therefore, driving your vehicle on Haning Street and unloading is not allowed.  Unfortunately, there will be some carrying involved. 

WHERE DO WE PARK?
The good news is that you get to park close because you are early.  I would suggest parking at SouthState Bank or at the Post Office across the street.  There is also some parking behind Abby's and Gabriela's Restaurants and on O’Connell Street. DO NOT PARK IN THE ALLEY ACROSS FROM DON’S SMOKEHOUSE as that is the overflow vendor area.

SHOULD I BRING A CANOPY?
We strongly suggest you do.  Some Founders Days have been HOT.  Better safe than sorry.  It's not required obviously. There was a great wind in 2021 and 2022 was extremely hot. Please bring something to stake down your tents.  

ELECTRICITY/WIFI?
No. All we are providing is the space, hence the very small vendor fee. 

DO WE HAVE TO STAY UNTIL 8?
You do not have to stay until 8 pm.  But remember, that when one starts to tear down, it causes a domino effect.  Please be considerate to other vendors who will want to stay. We have shortened the time for maximum foot traffic.


Don't forget, we'd love to have you as Howe Area Chamber of Commerce members if you're not already! You can join now at http://howechamber.com/ and click Join

See you soon!

 Check out the vendor map here:  https://www.howechamber.com/foundersday