Things to Do

Hill Country Happenings: August 14 – 20, 2016

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Tony Maples Photography

 

The Texas Hill Country will be host to oodles of events that will allow families to enjoy the last little bit of summer left before the school year kicks off. There is a little bit of something for everyone! Check out this week’s events, which include farmer’s markets, celebrations, a county fair, and benefits.

Sunday, August 14, 2016

eventsPhoto: Wikimedia.org/LBJ Presidential Library

Boerne Market Days On the 2nd weekend of every month, Boerne holds their fabulous Market Days. There, treasure seekers are bound to find a grand assortment of antiques and modern objets d’art. To keep up your energy while shopping, there are plenty of tasty treats to choose from and upbeat music playing. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Main Plaza, Boerne, Texas. visitboerne.org

Lakefest Drag Boat Races Catch a rush of adrenaline while watching over 120 boats race to the finish on Lake Marble Falls. This is sure to be the wildest ride you’ve seen all year! Starts at 7 a.m. Aug 12-14, 2016. Johnson Park and Lakeside Park, entrance at Yett and Main St, 307 Buena Vista Drive, Marble Falls, Texas. marblefallslakefest.com

LBJ Birthday Celebration Head out to the Sauer-Beckmann Living History Farm to celebrate the life of our 36th president! Find out what life was like for Lyndon B. Johnson and about the things he held dear. Participate in old-time activities, pack a picnic, and enjoy the day! Free. August 11-27, 2016. Sauer-Beckmann Living History Farm, 501 State Park Rd 52, Stonewall, Texas.

New Cowboy Church Attend this Sunday morning worship service to celebrate God’s grace, love, and mercy. Service is held at the Fredericksburg Marktplatz, so be sure to bring a chair, some donuts, and a coffee. Enjoy a little down-to-earth fellowship with your community and receive a free copy of Dan Kelley’s book “God Wrote You a Love Letter.” Since the church is run by volunteers, no offering plate is passed, just post-its, which Kelly explains he will talk about in the service. Just come as you are! 10 a.m. Fredericksburg Marktplatz, Fredericksburg, Texas.

Pari-Mutuel Horse Races Haven’t been to a horse race in awhile? This summer, Gillespie County Fairgrounds is hosting horse racing the whole family can enjoy featuring a full slate of live quarter horse races, thoroughbred races, other special races, and trials. Race weekends include dancing, entertainment, a variety of food, and drinks. The Race Barn, a pari-mutuel simulcast building, will be open for greyhound, thoroughbred, and quarter horse races from all over the country. Adults $7; Children 6 – 12 $5; children under 6 are free. Gates open at 11 a.m. Races from 1 – 6 p.m. August 13-14, 2016. Gillespie County Fairgrounds, 530 Fair Dr off TX 16, 2 miles south of Fredericksburg, Texas. 830-997-2359. gillespiefair.com

Wednesday, August 17, 2016

eventsPhoto: Blanco Chamber of Commerce

4.0 Wine Cellars Back to School Bash By far one of the coolest back to school bashes ever! At 4.0 Cellars Back to School Bash enjoy 1/2 Price Wine Tasting, live Music, light snacks, and discounted wine offerings. Educators and ISD employees who present their school ID will be entered for a chance to win a $250 Wal-mart Gift Card. Sweet! Open to the public. 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. 4.0 Cellars, 10354 E. U.S. Hwy 290, Fredericksburg, Texas. fourpointwine.com

Blanco County Fair & Rodeo Kick-off the county fair season at the Blanco County Fair & Rodeo! There will be all sorts of fun to be had including a 42 Tournament, goat roping, livestock shows, exhibits, parade and a BIG carnival! Tickets are free on Wednesday. August 17 – 20, 2016. Blanco County Fairgrounds, 619 U.S. Hwy 281, Johnson City, Texas. bcfra.org

Dripping Springs Farmer’s Market Head to the farmer’s market to shop for local, fresh food and help support your local farmers! 3 p.m. – dusk. Every Wednesday, year round. The Triangle, Hwy 290 & RR 12, Dripping Springs, Texas. cityofdrippingsprings.com

Thursday, August 20, 2016

Bandera Farmer’s Market Head to the farmer’s market to shop for local, fresh food and help support your local farmers! There will be farm fresh eggs, wholesome organic produce, rare Asian vegetables, fresh-baked goods, and tons more. 8 – 11 a.m. Sid’s Bar B Que, 702 Main Street, Bandera, Texas.

Friday, August 19, 2016

eventsPhotos: Facebook/Highland Lakes Camp & Conference Center

Highland Lakes Men’s Conference Men unite to enjoy some exciting activities and special guest speakers. August 19-20, 2016. Highland Lakes Camp and Conference Center, 5902 Pace Bend Rd N, Spicewood, Texas. Call 512-264-1777 for more information. hlccc.org

Lone Star Gourd Festival The Texas Gourd Society is hosting its annual Lone Star Gourd Festival. There will be gourd art demonstrations, a gourd art competition, a gourd fine art raffle, vendors, and gourd art classes.  Adults $5; children 17 and under are free. Free parking. 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Sunday. August 19-21, 2016. New Braunfels Civic Convention Center, New Braunfels, Texas. texasgourdsociety.org

Saturday, August 20, 2016

4th Annual Ken Stoepel Ford/Lincoln Open Car Show Ooh and ahh over some sweet classic rides and enjoy some live entertainment by The Flashbacks at the River and The Fuzztones at the Canteen. The fun starts at 10:30 a.m. Roddy Tree Ranch, 820 Texas 39, Hunt, Texas. roddytree.com

Acacia Clay Shoot Benefit This will be an exciting outdoor event you won’t want to miss! Take part in this shooting competition or simply stand by and watch. There will be a cash bar, entertainment, and a raffle for a Ruger 380 with laser Fausti 12 gauge O/U. All proceeds go to Acacia Medical Mission to help those who are underinsured or can’t afford insurance to get the medical care they need. Shooters (including lunch): $175; Non-Shooters (including lunch): $50. Joshua Creek Ranch, 132 Cravey Rd, Boerne, Texas. joshuacreek.com

The Farmer’s Market at Cibolo Shop fresh local produce, farm fresh eggs, breads, jams, jellies, local honey, and Texas Hill Country arts and crafts at the historic Herff Farm. Enjoy free live music, gardening classes, cooking demonstrations, and children’s craft activities! Free. 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Cibolo Nature Center, 140 City Park Rd, Boerne, Texas.