Hill Country Happenings: April 11 – April 17, 2016

Felicidades, Hill Country! There are a flurry of festivals happening next week, and yes, one of them is Fiesta 2016. With over 3.5 million visitors expected to converge on San Antonio, this annual event is sure to be another record setting year. For those of you, however, who would prefer a little less stress with your fun, here are 22 other ways you can get your festival on this upcoming week.

Monday, April 11

Photo: Facebook/hillkountry.klife

K-Life Banquet and Concert This fundraiser for local youth ministry organization is a great way to support your community and enjoy a meal, concert and a live auction and envelope fundraiser. Tickets are available for purchase at the door. $12/pp (includes meal and concert). Tables for 8 people are also available for $80. 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. Heart of Texas Events Center, 804 San Angelo Hwy., Brady, Texas. (325) 597-1895

Big Band Bash Sponsored by the Lakeway Arts Committee, the 17-piece Republic of Texas Big Band will have you dancing the night away to some oldies but goodies. The Bash takes place every second Monday of the month and is BYOB. Free. 7:30 p.m. Lakeway Activity Center, 105 Cross Creek Road, Lakeway, Texas.

Tuesday, April 12

Sun City Farmers Market For over 30 years, this farmers market has been growing and supplying the community with fresh cheese, pasture raised beef and edible and ornamental plants, plus a whole lot more. The market has three different locations throughout the week, check the website for more info. Free. 9 a.m. – Noon. Sun City Social Center, 2 Texas Drive, Georgetown, Texas. http://www.farmergeorge.market/

Celebrating John Winsor Join local musicians and friends as they honor a friend and a bandmate. There will be live music by Mike and the Moonpies and Ben Ballinger. The show is free, however donations are being collected for ‘The John Winsor Memorial Fund’ to assist the family with funeral funds. For those who would like to donate, but cannot attend, you may do so at: https://www.gofundme.com/johnwinsorfund Free. 7:30 p.m. The ABGB, 1305 Oltorf St. W., Austin, Texas. (512) 298-2242

Wednesday, April 13

Photo: www.sles-sa.org

Radney Foster & Friends Featuring Darius Rucker and Kelly Willis Hosting his 6th annual benefit concert, Radney Foster takes over the Tobin Center for a great cause. Proceeds benefit the John R. Foster Scholarship Fund, which “provides a full scholarship for a middle school student in grades 6 – 8 who exhibits a demonstrated record of academic achievement and a ‘servant’s heart’”. $30, $45, $85 and $150. 7:30 p.m. HEB Performance Hall at Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, 100 Auditorium Circle, San Antonio, Texas. www.tobincenter.org

Thursday, April 14 – Saturday, April 16

LenzFest A three day festive fundraiser benefitting the Gillespie County Historical Society/Pioneer Museum, with three events hosted at various locations throughout the city. Each event has its own start time and fee, so please visit the website for detailed information. Fredericksburg, Texas. (830) 990-8441. www.pioneermuseum.net

Thursday, April 14

Movies in the Park – The Sandlot This spring/summer series is free, courtesy of Austin Parks Foundation in partnership with Alamo Drafthouse. Hosted in parks all over Austin, attendees are invited to bring their blankets and lawn chairs for a relaxing evening under the stars. This installment will feature The Sandlot. Free. 8 p.m. Northwest District Park, 7000 Ardath St., Austin, Texas.

Friday, April 15 – Saturday, April 16

River Rock Fest & Rally On the banks of the Frio River, this two day motorcycle rally includes wild hog sacking, a poker run, and an organized motorcycle run through the Hill Country. Classic rock bands will be performing both nights. $10 Friday, $15 Saturday, or $20 advanced wristbands for both days. Friday 2 p.m., Saturday Noon. Neals Lodges, 20970 US Highway 127, Concan, Texas. (830) 232-6118.

27th Annual Llano Crawfish Open Great food, live music and a golf tournament, with proceeds benefiting Llano charities. Plenty of fun for the whole family, plus of course, crawfish! Please visit their website for entry fees and times. Note: no ice chests or pets are allowed. Entry fee. 303 Hwy. 71 E., Llano, Texas. llanocrawfishopen.com

Friday, April 15 – Sunday, April 17

Texas Corvette Association’s 24th Annual Open Car Show Expected to draw more than 350 entrants and hundreds of car enthusiasts, this year’s show offers a weekend of exciting activities for the entire family. Check out their official website for all the details. Free for spectators, various fees for showing vehicles. Main Square, 100 North Main Street, Boerne, Texas. www.texas-corvette-association.org

Saturday, April 16 – Sunday, April 17

Texas Volkswagen Classic 2016 Head out to Fredericksburg for a jam-packed weekend of camping, cruising and competition focused on the classic Volkswagen. Purchase parts, join the Saturday afternoon Hill Country cruise, or just check out all the unique items on display at this one-of-a-kind festival. $20 registration fee for car show, free for spectators. Check website for times. Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park, 432 Lady Bird Drive, Fredericksburg, Texas. www.texasvwclassic.com

Saturday, April 16

Outdoor Women Gone Wild Promoting friendship, fun and new experiences for women 14 and older, this event is a great way to bond with the gals. Tons of classes to choose from, so hurry! $65 + 1 gallon jug of water for handwashing station (some classes are additional for materials). 7:30 a.m. check in. South Llano River State Park, US Hwy. 377 South, Junction, Texas.

Spring Forward Market Day Some of the best Texas artists and small businesses will be back this spring to vend their wares alongside our silent auction, quilt raffle, bake sale and tasty lunch of Texas cuisine. Come picnic and shop with us for your holiday gift shopping! Free. 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Pipe Creek Presbyterian Church, 8589 Hwy 16 South, Pipe Creek, Texas.  (210) 391-1629 or (830) 423-6772

12th Annual Mutt Strut of San Marcos Benefiting the San Marcos Animal Shelter, this mile walk along the San Marcos river also hosts a costume contest, owner/dog look-alike contest, and best trick. All dogs must be on a leash. $20/1 dog, 1 person. 9 a.m – 1 p.m. San Marcos Plaza Park, 206 N. C.M. Allen Pkwy., San Marcos, Texas. [email protected]

18th Annual Butterfly Festival 30 minute staggered releases of locally raised specimens highlight this celebration of the butterfly. Other scheduled activities include butterfly art, nature activities, pirate and princess tents, and live music. Free. 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. EmilyAnn Theater, 1101 FM 2325, Wimberley, Texas. (512) 847- 6969 or email: [email protected]

Blanco Market Days Every third Saturday, Blanco hosts Market Days at the historic Old Blanco County Courthouse, with a variety of vendors selling all sorts of goods, from fresh produce to hand made arts and crafts. Vendor space is also available. Free. 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Old Blanco County Courthouse, 300 Main Street, Blanco, Texas. [email protected]

Jacoby’s 35th Anniversary Come celebrate 35 years of business at Jacoby Feed and Seed in Melvin. There will be fun for all ages with plant tours, workshops, door prizes, bow shooting, bounce houses, candy drop and fire truck and train rides. Don’t miss your chance to win $100 every 35 minutes. BBQ sandwiches will be available, as well as the full café menu. Free. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Jacoby Feed and Seed, 101 N. Main Street, Melvin, Texas. www.jacobyfeed.com