General entry into the festival costs $5 and is free for children under the age of 12 and for seniors who are 60 and older. Tickets to the festival, including VIP tickets, can be purchased here. Although entry into the parade route is free for everyone and doesn’t require a ticket, you are required to purchase a ticket in order to attend the festival at Houston City Hall. Plan ahead by purchasing your tickets now. The festival and parade can be a bit overwhelming for first-timers, so we’ve put together a guide to help you know exactly what to expect, what to wear, and what to bring to the festival and parade ahead of your visit.