Bucket lists have become part of the overall conversation simply because they denote what tends to be the things we want to do most in life. Of course, you want your list to “go big”, which naturally means the Lone Star State and Texas festivals. With a state as large as Texas, you are certain to come across some of the most unique festivals anywhere.

The biggest problem folks in Texas or visitors from out of town face is knowing what festivals are worth checking out. First and foremost, it’s important to establish that they’re all awesome.

However, if you’re looking for some bonafide Texas festivals that merit inclusion in your bucket list, you want to be sure the festivals you attend give you a bit of all that Texas has to offer.

Here are five Texas festivals you just have to check out:

South By Southwest (SXSW) – While the beginnings for this music festival were humble, SXSW has become a massive cultural phenomenon that essentially changes the landscape & population of Austin, TX during its run. If you’re a music lover, and said love of music has eclectic leanings, SXSW is a no-brainer because you are privy to the greatest variety of music styles in one space.

Charro Days – Though most folks tend to identify south Texas somewhere near San Antonio, it turns out there is still a few hundred miles further you can go toward an area of Texas known as the Rio Grand Valley. Go to its southmost point, and you’ll find the city of Brownsville, home of Charro Days, billed by some as possibly one of the oldest cultural celebrations in Texas. Born from a need to lift spirits during the Great Depression, Charro Days celebrates the cultural & geographical impact of the town’s kinship between Texas & Mexico.

Brenham Friendship Quilt Guild “Quilt Show” – Starting in 1993 in Brenham, TX, the guild has steadily grown, and then in 1995, the guild hosted their first quilt show with a few hundred attendees. Now, the show spans two days & welcomes nearly 1,000 people.

H-E-B “Fireworks on the Brazos” – It’s the perfect combination of Texas Independence roots & the birth of the U.S. all in one. Taking place at Washington on the Brazos State Historic Site, known also as the place “Where Texas Became Texas” in 1836. Patriotic music to accompany the fireworks display as it dazzles visitors.

Chappell Hill Christmas Fayre – Small-town charm during the holidays is what warm, fuzzy movies are made of. Head to historic downtown Chappell Hill, TX for their annual Christmas Fayre. Enjoy a teddy bear parade, visiting with Santa, caroling, nativity scenes, train rides, downtown lighting, as well as live reindeer! It’s as though a Christmas card came to life!

Sure, bucket lists can be a little morose, but think of them more as guides to the fun & exciting things in life we want to experience. As such, these Texas festivals are a sure-fire way to make you & your loved ones smile.