Things to Do

Hill Country Happenings: April 25 – May 1, 2016

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Tony Maples Photography

 

Fiesta is in full swing in San Antonio, and there are still tons of events to attend throughout the next few days, including the King William Fair on Saturday, April 23. It all culminates with the Festival de Cascarones on Sunday, April 24. So much Fiesta, so little time. *sigh* If, however, you are unable to make it out to a Fiesta event, or just want to keep on celebrating, here are some of next week’s happenings here in the Hill Country.

Monday, April 25

Silver Creek patio

Photo: www.pinterest.com

Blues Monday Smack dab on Main Street, Silver Creek Restaurant features live blues music on the patio. The menu features authentic German cuisine as well as their “Tex-clectic” cuisine. With over over 100 German bottled beers to choose from, you are certain to find the right beverage to accompany your night out. Free. 7 p.m. Silver Creek Restaurant, 310 E. Main St. Fredericksburg, Texas. (830) 990-4949.

Wednesday, April 27

A Refreshing Springtime Pasta Feast with Chef Katy Parker Watch, listen and learn as the chef-instructor demonstrates techniques and prepares recipes for you to sample. A light meal is provided. This course’s menu includes: Crab Cakes with Citrus Avocado Salad; Grilled Asparagus and Goat Cheese Linguini; and for dessert, Rustic Blueberry Galette with Lemon Curd and Whipped Cream. $55/per person. 6 p.m – 8 p.m. Faraday’s Kitchen Store, 12918 Shops Parkway, Suite 540, Austin, Texas. (512) 266-5666.

Thursday, April 28 – Sunday, May 1

OATH Turkey and Hog Hunt OATH, Inc. (Outdoor Association for Texas Heroes) is a registered 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization that  utilizes various outdoors activities centered around Faith, Family, and Community to improve the quality of life of not only our eligible Texas veterans, but also those eligible veterans from the various OATH state chapters. Donations benefit the local chapter of OATH. Visit the website to donate. Heavenly Springs, Rockport, Texas. www.oathinc.org

Cornyval Festival Head to historic Helotes for 4 days of food, dancing, music, rodeo, arts and crafts, and other exciting events. Entry fees vary throughout the festival (with some days free) so make sure to check the website for a schedule of events and their fees. Helotes Festival Association Fairgrounds, 12210 Leslie Rd, Helotes, Texas. cornyval.org

Thursday, April 28

Stoney LaRue @ Brass Hall Stoney LaRue performs live in Marble Falls, bringing Red Dirt Country to Texas. With hits such as “Oklahoma Breakdown” and “Broken Window Serenade”, Stoney’s show is a must for all fans of Texas Music. $15 and up. 7 p.m. Brass Hall, 909 3rd St., Marble Falls, Texas.

Friday, April 29 – Saturday, April 30

New Braunfels Crawfish Festival flyer with guitar and crawfish

Photo: www.guadaluperiver.com

New Braunfels Crawfest Louisiana may be the original host of crawfish festivals, but Texas has laid its claim to the famed mud bug. A crawfish cookoff, various competitions and plenty of live music set the stage for this annual festival. Tickets and time vary. Visit website for specifics. New Braunfels, Texas. www.crawfishfestivalnewbraunfels.com

Catkins Ball The Catkins Ball is an annual fundraising event held by The Community Foundation of San Saba, Inc. Proceeds from ticket sales and the auctions assist the city and county in revitalization projects designed to make San Saba an attractive destination for historical tourism. In case you were wondering, by the way, a catkins is the flower of the Live Oak tree. Please visit the official website for times and fees. Risien Park, San Saba, Texas. www.catkinsball.com

Friday, April 29 – Sunday, May 1

Vintage Market Days of Austin Vintage Market Days is an upscale vintage-inspired indoor market featuring original art, antiques, clothing, jewelry, handmade treasures, home décor, outdoor furnishings, consumable yummies, seasonal plantings and a little more. Visit official website for fees and times. Vintage Market Days of Austin – Hill Country, 29401 Ranch Road 12, Dripping Springs, Texas. vintagemarketdays.com

13th Annual Benefit Ride for SNAP Join the State Natural Area Partners famous benefit ride complete with auction.Registration begins at 5 p.m. Friday, April 29 at the Chapa Group Camp. Cowboy stew supper will be provided from 6 p.m. until gone. Rider fees vary, please see their Facebook page for details. Bandera Texas State Natural Area, Bandera, Texas. www.facebook.com

6th Annual Wings Over the Hills Nature Festival “A celebration of natural flight saluting the unique winged wildlife of the Texas Hill Country offering opportunities for education and entertainment for the whole family.” Fees for speakers and field trips apply, so please visit the official website for registration details. Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park, 3 miles South on Hwy. 16 S. from downtown, Fredericksburg, Texas. www.wingsoverthehills.org

Friday, April 29

Lampasas Trade Days Held the last weekend of every month, this marketplace is a spot where you can slow down, ask questions,visit, talk to collectors and antiques dealers. Meet the craftsmen and artists who create these one-of-a-kind items.Merchandise ranges from antiques, collectibles, glassware, quilts, crafts, folk and fine art, new home furnishing, shabby chic furniture, new clothing, jewelry, candles, handbags, electronics, iron works, outdoor decor, plants, tools, military items, great food concessions and more. Free. 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Marigolds Antiques & More, 2646 E Hwy 190 Lampasas, Texas.

Saturday, April 30

Castroville COC Beer and Wine Festival

Photo: www.facebook.com

Castroville Beer and Wine Festival Join us for our annual Beer and Wine Festival. We will have a selection of beer and wine and appetizers. We will have a silent auction with some fabulous items. $45. 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. Landmark Inn Historic Site, 402 Florence St., Castroville, Texas.

Canyon Lake Area Chamber of Commerce BBQ Cook Off BBQ connoisseurs come together at the Canyon Lake BBQ Cook-off to compete for the gold in this grilling competition. Contestants partake in several categories including brisket, pork spare ribs, chicken and cook’s choice. There are also Unique Pit, Showmanship and People’s Choice Awards given to a few lucky competitors. $7/admission per car; $1/food sample tickets. 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. San Antonio Joint Base, 698 Jacobs Creek Park Rd., Canyon Lake, Texas.

18th Annual Lavender Festival Check out the 18th annual and best ever Becker Vineyards Lavender Festival. Sip and swirl with live music, artisans and lavender fields in bloom. There will be plenty of entertainment for everyone, from lavender products to cooking demos, and much more. The winery is open for Tastings and General Tours throughout the day. Free. $5 parking fee. Becker Vineyards, 464 Becker Farms Road, Stonewall, Texas.

A Froggin’ We Will Go Join Park Ranger Laura for a look at the world of frogs and toads. Following a presentation at the amphitheater behind the Discovery Center, you’ll head to the river in search of the frogs and toads themselves. Be sure to: bring a flashlight, wear shoes that can get wet, and bring your sense of adventure! Free with a Texas State Park Pass or a $7 daily pass (children ages 12 and under are free). 8:30 p.m. – 10 p.m. Guadalupe River State Park – Texas Parks & Wildlife, 3350 Park Road 31, Spring Branch, Texas.

Gary P. Nunn Live  What can be more legendary than a legend performing live at a legendary Hill Country dance hall? Gary P. Nunn will be performing many of his hits, including “London Homesick Blues”, which had been used as the theme song for the popular television show Austin City Limits for two decades. $20/pp. 9 p.m. 412 Luckenbach Town Loop, Fredericksburg, Texas.

Sunday, May 1

A Marvelous Party: A Night With Sinatra In honor of Ol’ Blue Eyes’ 100th birthday, A Marvelous Party is going Sinatra! A live jazz trio provides ample swing while a full cast of crooners takes you back to the music that made the Sultan of Swoon one of the most beloved and influential artists of the twentieth century: Fly Me to the Moon, The Way You Look Tonight, My Way and many others. $75 per person, or $500 for a table of eight.  Dinner, entertainment and wine & beer service are included in the price of admission. 6:30 p.m. Kindred Oaks 2100 C.R. 176, Georgetown,Texas.