Things to Do

Hill Country Happenings: April 23-29, 2017

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Tony Maples Photography

 

It’s a fiesta week full of things to explore and discover in the picturesque towns of the Hill Country. Enjoy San Antonio’s one-of-kind Fiesta celebrating history, music, culture and more. Take in a film festival and discover the talent of Texas film artists and beyond.

Get outdoors and take in a movie or do some shopping among the quaint shops of our small but beautiful towns. Long-standing events, festivals, and celebrations await you for a week full of celebrating!

Sunday, April 23, 2017

Hill Country

Photo: Facebook/Fiesta San Antonio

Fiesta San Antonio A long-standing tradition in San Antonio, TX and the biggest celebration of traditions and history along with plenty of parades, a carnival, great line up of music and good food. An all around highlight of the town. An extravaganza you don’t want to miss. April 20 – 30, 2017. For more information about the event and ticket prices, visit www.fiesta-sa.org.

2017 Founders Day Festival The 30th Annual Founders Day is the biggest community event held in downtown Dripping Springs. “The three-day celebration kicks off with the Grand Parade and includes: free music and entertainment on two stages, the Mighty Thomas Carnival, food, beer, street dances, cook-off competitions, over 150 arts and crafts booths and business vendors,” shares its website. April 21-23, 2017. Call (512) 858-4725 for more information. www.cityofdrippingsprings.com

Liberty Hall Fair & Rodeo Star of Texas Realty group presents its 10th annual fair and rodeo. Come out to enjoy the fun of true blue rodeo complete with bull riding, barrel racing, steer roping and more! April 20-23, 2017. Harvest Ranch Arena, 8355 RR 1869. www.lhfairandrodeo.com

Old Settler’s Music Festival Benefitting the future of Americana and Roots music as shared by its website. A musical experience like no other with arts and crafts, camping, food, a great line up of artists, and more to add to the festivities. April 20-23, 2017. Admission fee required. Driftwood, at Salt Lick Pavilion with camping at Camp Ben McCullough, 18300 FM 1826. Noon-Midnight. Contact Rose Kimball at (512) 447-5851 or visit oldsettlersmusicfest.org for more information.

Dinosaur Weekend at Jellystone Park Hill Country Enjoy another great weekend at Jellystone Park Hill Country, this time hunting dinosaurs! “Join Paleontologists Yogi Bear™, Cindy Bear™, and Boo Boo™ and dig for dinosaur fossils, play Dino games, make dinosaur crafts! It will be a T-Rex-a-riffic good time,” shares their website. April 21 – 23, 2017. Jellystone Park Hill Country, 12915 FM 306, Canyon Lake, TX 78133. jellystonehillcountry.com

Great Outdoors Weekend at Jellystone Park Guadalupe Enjoy the fresh air and the picturesque beauty of the Hill Country along the Guadalupe while learning about recycling and turning trash into treasure as shared by its website. April 21-23, 2017. Jellystone Park Guadalupe, 2605 Junction Hwy 27, Kerrville, TX 78028 http://jellystoneguadalupe.com

2017 Arts Fest Enjoy the beautiful town of Wimberley, TX and be amazed at the top-notch talented artists the Hill Country has to offer. A long standing tradition with a beautiful view alongside the Blanco River. Music, food vendors, and so much more. Produced by Wimberley Valley Art League. Free. April 22-23, 2017. Saturday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Waters Point Retreat 13401 Ranch Rd 12, Wimberley, TX 78676. www.wimberleyartsfest.com

Hill Country Youth Art Show Over 1,000 Hill Country students in grades K-12 display their artistic talents for an enjoyable exhibition of one-of-a-kind artwork. March 30 – April 23, 2017. The Kerr Arts & Cultural Center, 228 Earl Garrett St, Kerrville, TX 78028. Contact (830) 895-2911. kacckerrville.com

Texas Hill Country Wildflowers Tour The most majestic tour showcasing the beauty that is the Hill Country. Bluebonnets, vineyards, and plenty of scenic and picturesque countryside for guests to gaze at. “This tour will make a stop in the historic German town of Fredericksburg, where guests will have time to have lunch and shop the many boutiques along Main Street,” shares its website. Thursday, March 30, 2017 – Sunday, April 30, 2017. 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Alamo Plaza, San Antonio, TX 78205. Contact (210)341-6000. visitsanantonio.com

Monday, April 24, 2017

Blue Monday’s with Ben Beckendorf’s Blues Boys at Silver Creek Beer Garden Wash away the Monday blues with some great local Blues artists on the outdoor patio at Silver Creek Beer Garden while enjoying some good food and a cold one! 6-10 p.m. Silver Creek Beer Garden & Grille, 310 East Main, Fredericksburg, Texas 78624. silvercreekfbg.com

Monday Evening Pickers Circle w/Jake Martin Unplugged and free event featuring the sounds of Country, Americana, Rock, Blues, and Folk music for your Monday afternoon delight. 5 – 9 p.m. Luckenbach, 412 Luckenbach Town Loop. luckenbachtexas.com

Tuesday, April 25, 2017

Tuesday Evening Picker Circle w/ Jake McLain Enjoy some Country, Americana, Rock, Blues and Folk on a nice spring evening at 5 p.m. in Luckenbach, 412 Luckenbach Town Loop. luckenbachtexas.com

Wednesday, April 26, 2017

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Photo: Facebook/Albert Ice House and Dance Hall

Kerr County Produce Market Day Making healthy eating affordable, Kerr County Produce opens its warehouse to the public each Wednesday to fill up on the fresh fruits, vegetable, and eggs. Serving the Hill Country for 35 years. Admission is Free! 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., The Big Red Barn, 215 A Street, Kerrville, TX, 78028. facebook.com/kerrcountyproduce

Bingo at Bandera American Legion Post 157 Every Wednesday evening come out and try your luck at a good old-fashioned game of bingo. Fun for the whole family. 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. Bandera American Legion Post 157, 205 12th St., Bandera, TX 78003. Contact (830) 796-7528.

The City of Dripping Springs Farmers Market Every Wednesday, you can find the freshest locally grown or prepared food products and access local services and hand-made crafts as shared by their website. 3 – 6 p.m. at the Triangle, Hwy 290 & RR 12, Dripping Springs, TX. For information please contact the Farmers Market Manager Laurel Roberston at (512) 858-4725 or email at [email protected].

Lost Sounds of Texas Honky Tonks “A band on a mission to resurrect the traditional country music that once knocked the sawdust off the hardwood floor,” states their website. Listen to their sound of classic country music and Texas honky tonk at Albert Texas Dance Hall, 5435 S. R.R. 1623 Albert-Stonewall, TX 78671. 6:30-9:30 p.m. alberttexas.com

Hot Texas Swing Band at Gruene Hall Grab your dance partner and put on those dancing shoes for a night of country swing at Gruene Hall. 6 – 10 p.m. Gruene Hall 1281 Gruene Rd, New Braunfels, TX 78130. gruenehall.com

Thursday, April 27, 2017

Hill Country Film Festival Enjoy a four-day independent film festival complete with live screenings and a screenwriting/writing contest right in the heart of the beautiful Hill Country. April 27-30, 2017 at 6:30 p.m. Fritztown Cinema, 2254 US 87 South, Fredericksburg, TX. hillcountryff.com

Bandera Farmers Market Come out for fresh eggs, produce, fresh baked goods and rare Asian vegetables, and more shares its website. “Our outdoor market is open year-round on Main St. in Bandera, Texas in front of Sid’s BBQ. You can find us on Thursdays from 8-11 am.” March 2 – March 30, 2017. 8 – 11 a.m. Sid’s BBQ, 702 Main St, Bandera, TX 78003. Contact (830) 796-4227. banderacowboycapital.com

The Rail House Band at Gruene Hall Enjoy the Western Swing and traditional country music from this young band out of San Marcos performing at Gruene Hall. 6-10 p.m. Gruene Hall 1281 Gruene Rd, New Braunfels, TX 78130 www.gruenehall.com

Girls Night Out – Shop and Stroll Grab the girls for a fun night out of shopping and enjoy the best of Wimberley’s unique shops, galleries, and fine dining. 5-8 p.m. Wimberley Square, 1101 FM 2325 Wimberley, TX 78676. wimberley.org

Paint, Pizza, and Party at Kerrville Hills WineryJoin us for a paint-along party!  Create a display-worthy painting with an instructor while enjoying 2 glasses of delicious wine, pizza & fun,” shares its website. 6-8 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at kerrvillehillswinery.com. Kerrville Hills Winery, 3600 Fredericksburg Rd., Kerrville, TX 78028.

Thursdays at Mercer Street Dancehall Looking for some good ole dancing music to kick your heels up then Mercer Street Dancehall is the place every Thursday night. Different live bands every week. Free show, music starts at 8 p.m. Mercer Street Dancehall, 332 Mercer St, Dripping Springs, TX 78620. mercerstreetdancehall.com

The Weekend Stars Here! with Jay Wimberley Music Start the weekend early at the Phoenix Saloon to the sounds of Jay Wimberley. His music is rooted in Blues, Roots and Southern Rock and seasoned with Country, Grunge, Hip-Hip, R&B, and Soul, shares its website. Phoenix Saloon, 193 W. San Antonio St, New Braunfels, TX 78130. thephoenixsaloon.com

Friday, April 28, 2017

Vintage

Photo: Facebook/Vintage Market Days of Austin – Hill Country

Fort Martin Scott Days Go back in time to the 1830-1900 and enjoy re-enactments of military drills and enjoy activities from that period along with music and storytelling. April 28-29, 2017. Admission is free but there will be a $5 charge per car at the gate for parking. Donations accepted. Fort Martin Scott is owned and operated by the City of Fredericksburg and events are produced by the Fort Martin Scott Friends organization. 1606 E Main St, US 290 E, Fredericksburg, TX 78624. ftmartinscott.org

Wings Over the Hills Nature Festival Come out to enjoy this unique 7th annual event. “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,” shares its website. April 28-30, 2017. Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park in Fredericksburg, TX, two miles South of town off TX 16. wingsoverthehills.org

Earth Day Movie in the Park Showing: Pete’s Dragon Bring the family and enjoy a movie under the stars. Pick a spot, grab a snack and sit back and enjoy a memorable experience outdoors. Movies begin at dark. Main Plaza 100 North Main Boerne, TX. ci.boerne.tx.us

Vintage Market Days of Austin – Hill Country A treasure of an event you don’t want to miss. An upscale, indoor market full of one-of-kind gems to add to the beauty of your home. Clothing, jewelry, furniture, home décor and more! Admission is $10 Friday Early Buying Event, $5 Saturday and Sunday. Admission good for an entire weekend once purchased. April 28-30, 2017. Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Dripping Springs, at Ranch Park, 1042 Event Center Drive. vintagemarketdays.com

Randall King Band at Conway’s Dance Hall “His writing reflects his appreciation of his songwriting heroes, Haggard, Whitley & Jackson, and is characterized by a voice that rings true country,” shares Conway’s website about the Randall King Band. Conway’s Dance Hall, 262 W Jahn St, New Braunfels, TX 78130. Purchase tickets at conwaysdancehall.ticketfly.com

Saturday, April 29, 2017

SpringFest

Photo: Facebook/Lake Travis SpringFest

New Braunfels Farmers Market Start your day off early with a trip to the New Braunfels Farmer Market. Pick up your fresh eggs, grass-fed meats, baked goods, and more. Not your ordinary farmers market. “Enjoy a relaxing Saturday morning listening to live music, eating delicious food, and enjoying time with friends and family,” shares its website. 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. 186 S Castell Ave, New Braunfels, TX 78130. innewbraunfels.com

Cowboys on Main Enjoy the old west cowboy lifestyle on Main street in Bandera, TX 78003. Free. Contact (830) 796-4447. Every Saturday from 1 – 4 p.m.

Jo Ely Band at Gruene Hall   For 20 years Jo Ely has captivated fans with his Texas Rock brand of music. He was nicknamed a gypsy cowboy, visionary song poet, and house rocker on fire, and of course, a Texas legend, shares Gruene Hall, “his often sold-out crowds won’t allow for much dancing at his show, but his music, his songs, and his all-star band will move your feet and rock your soul.” 9 p.m. 1281 Gruene Rd, New Braunfels, TX 78130. gruenehall.com

Bandera Cattle Company Gunfighters Gunfight re-enactments at Bandera Visitors Center. Free. Every Saturday from 12 and 2 p.m. 126 Hwy 16 S, Bandera, TX 78003. Contact (830) 796-3045.

Thru the Chute Boat Race & River Expo Learn to build a cardboard vessel to launch through the City Tube Chute on the Comal River and learn how to stay safe while enjoying river recreation. Cost to enter is $45 per vessel. Spectators are FREE. 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. City Tube Chute, 100 Liebscher Drive, New Braunfels, TX. nbtexas.org

Wimberley Garden Club Tour some of the most beautiful gardens you will come across with educational opportunities to enhance your green thumb on landscaping, gardening, and taking care of your lawn. Tickets are $20 per person. Cash or Check only. Group sales are available – 8 tickets for $100. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Tickets are available at the Wimberley Visitor Center 14100 FM 2325 Wimberley, TX 78676. wimberleygardenclub.org

SpringFest 2017 “The Lake Travis Chamber of Commerce will bring SpringFest back to the Hill Country Galleria. Presented by St. David’s Emergency Center, SpringFest will be bigger and better than ever,” shares its website. Music, activities, and a variety of vendors. The biggest festival you’ve come across in a small town! 11 a.m.-8 p.m. The Backyard-Live Oak Amphitheater in the Galleria. www.laketravisspringfest.com

Heritage Gala Saturday A fundraising event to support The “Pound House” Farmstead and Museum. A whimsical evening with silent and live auctions, dinner, and music held in a festive tent on the Pound House grounds. 6-10 p.m. Dr. Pound Historical Farmstead, 570 Founders Park Road, Dripping Springs, TX. drpoundhistoricalfarmstead.org

15th annual Texas Eggfest Do you go eggstatic over grilling? Then this is your festival. “Celebrating it’s 15th year, the festival will be held at the historic Camp Ben McCulloch, showcasing the down home Texas culinary scene that includes well-known chefs and pit masters, a Texas-style Big Green Egg Grand Tasting, a Texas Craft Beer Garden, Eggfest University cooking classes, as well as a “Makers + Mom & Pop” vendor marketplace,” shares its website. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Nestled just outside Austin in the rolling hills of Driftwood. texaseggfest.com

20th Annual Buda Wiener Dog Races Bring your furry four-legged friend out to the races and enjoy a day of cook-offs, bake-offs, pet parades and more. April 29-30,2017. Buda City Park, Buda, TX.  budalionsclub.com

The Texas Bucket List 100th Episode “Join us in Luckenbach at noon on April 29 as we kick off our 100th episode party and toast to many more great years here in the Lone Star State and many more episodes of The Texas Bucket List,” shares its website. “A show dedicated to all things Texas in a town that’s legendary in the Lone Star State.” 1-4 p.m. Luckenbach, 412 Luckenbach Town Loop. luckenbachtexas.com