Things to Do
Hill Country Happenings: September 4-10, 2016
Wind down your Labor Day weekend with a few festivals, fairs, and rodeos before heading home for a little R&R on Labor Day. The holiday was, after all, created to give hard working citizens throughout the nation a day off just for that. You can read up more on the history of Labor Day here while you lounge around in your pajama pants. However, the coming weekend offers events that are sure to get you heading for the hills.
Sunday, September 4, 2016
Photo: Facebook/Celebrate Bandera
Celebrate Bandera There is always a celebration going on in Bandera, but this is the only one that celebrates the city itself. Enjoy activities that define Bandera’s cowboy culture, such as a Longhorn cattle drive, barrel racing, bull riding, roping, a mounted shooter competition, reenactments, dancing, and live music. September 2 – 4, 2016. Bandera, Texas. celebratebandera.com.
Gunner Thames Memorial Rodeo This isn’t just any rodeo, this is a rodeo that benefits the youth of the community in memory of a child the community holds very dear to their hearts. The community goes an extra step further to honor their local Law Enforcement Officers by inviting them to attend the rodeo at no cost. $15 adults; $5 children; law enforcement free. 7:30 p.m. September 3 – 4, 2016. Chester Franklin Arena at Veterans Park, 401 Jacobs Well Road, Wimberley, Texas. wgunnerthames.com
Hodgepodge Market Peruse through a hodge-podge of handmade crafts, antiques, vintage items, and unique gifts. Maybe get a head start on your Christmas shopping? Admission $2 or free with 2 or more cans of food for the Golden Food Pantry; children 12 and under are free with paid adult. Saturday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. September 3 – 4, 2016. Kuykendall Event Center and Arena, Llano, Texas. Facebook
Kendall County Fair The Kendall County Fair is back with carnival fun, live entertainment, and tons of good carnival food! Mosey on over to the rodeo to see some serious roping skills, mutton bustin’, barrel racing, and bull riding. September 1 – 4, 2016. Kendall County Fairgrounds, 1307 River Rd, Boerne, Texas. kcfa.org
Photo: Pexels
Kerrville Fall Music Festival Wine and music come together for a magical union that celebrates songwriting and winemaking. Wine seminars and concerts by day followed by more concerts and wine drinking by night. A variety of food options will be offered, from BBQ to vegetarian meals. 3-day Ticket $115. 1-day ticket options available. September 2 – 4, 2016. Quiet Valley Ranch, 3876 Medina Hwy., Kerrville, Texas. kerrville-music.com
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.
PalominoFest & Pro Rodeo Labor Day Weekend Celebration Not only will you get to experience some amazing live music, you will get the chance to cheer on some of the best Pro Rodeo stars in Texas! Have a blast at the carnival and fill your belly with some tasty treats when you need a break from the excitement. Single Day Pass $12; Mega Multi-day Pass $15. September 1 – 4, 2016. Uvalde County Fairplex, 215 Veterans Ln, Uvalde, Texas. palominofest.com
Wednesday, September 7, 2016
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, September 8, 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, September 9, 2016
Photo: Facebook/Wine Road 290
Kiolbassa & Kabernet Hop in the care and ride along Wine Road 290 to sample some of the best wines, food, and smoked sausages in the Texas Hill Country. There is no ticket to buy, most wineries have a “tasting fee” they normally charge. 2 p.m. until closing. Fredericksburg Wine Road 290 wineries, Fredericksburg, Texas. wineroad290.com
Saturday, September 10, 2016
Bluebonnet Air Show Air shows are amazing. Air shows featuring old military craft with Texas names are phenomenal! Watch as the “Twisted Texan”, the “Yellow Rose”, and “Pecos Bill” show off their moves while zipping through the sky. Adults $15; Seniors and military $10; Children 6 -17 $5; Children under 6 are free. 12 – 4 p.m. Burnet Regional Airport, US 281 S, Burnet, Texas. bluebonnetairshow.com.
Bulls vs. Boys Professional Bull Riding Watch as some the top talent in the Professional Bull Riders (PBR) circuit competes against the biggest, baddest bulls around. General admission $20; Reserved seats $25; Box seats $40; Children under 12, active military, and EMS personnel $10. 7:30 p.m. Gillespie County Fairgrounds, 530 Fair Dr off TX 16, Fredericksburg, Texas. gillespiefair.com
Dripping With Taste Wine & Food Festival Noon-6p. Tantalize those taste buds with some of the finest Texas wines, ales, spirits, and food in the area. Do a little shopping, enjoy some local live music, and get a picture at the photo booth. Under the age of 21? While you won’t be allowed to participate in the tastings, you will still be welcome to enjoy the food, shopping, and demos. Online advance tickets $40; $50 at the gate; Under 21 $30. Noon – 6 p.m. Ranch Park, 29401 RR 12, Dripping Springs, Texas. drippingwithtaste.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.
Photo: Flickr/Joseph Novak
Hill Country Heartbeat Don’t miss out on this fundraising event for the Blanco Volunteer Ambulance Corps. Chow down on some mouthwatering BBQ, get your thrills on a few rides, enter into two raffles, and dance to a live concert. $20 donation. 4:30 – 8:30 p.m. The dance is from 7 – 8:30 p.m. Yett Memorial Park, 1813 US 281 S, Blanco, Texas. hillcountryheartbeat.org
Kids Day Out Get the kids out of the house and out from behind those video games to participate in archery, steer head roping, and casting a rod and reel. They also have the chance to learn about fish tanks and gemology, and safety. Kids can get their face painted, enjoy a hot dog, and a bunch more. 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. YMCA of the Highland Lakes, 1601 S Water, Burnet, Texas. burnetchamber.org
Second Saturday Gallery Trail On the second Saturday of each month, art gallery owners in Wimberley keep their doors open just a little while longer to let the community view featured art created by local and national artists. Sip on a little wine and take in the beauty of creativity on display throughout Wimberley. Free. 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. The Square and around town, Wimberley, Texas. Facebook/ Wimberley’s Second Saturday Gallery Trail
Spicewood Destruction Derby The SVFD-EMS organizes this fundraising event every year. Enjoy some food and refreshments while watching derby cars speed around the track. Be sure to purchase your special Derby mementos! Admission $10 adults; $5 kids 12 and under. Gates open at 4 p.m., and race starts at 6 p.m. Spicewood Fire Hall, 9805 TX 71, Spicewood, Texas. spicewoodvfd.org
