Things to Do

Hill Country Happenings: March 19-March 25, 2017

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Tony Maples Photography

 

Spring is upon us and with that plenty of sights and sounds to enjoy around our beautiful Hill Country. Take in a festival, enjoy a trade show, rock out at a concert, visit an art exhibit, or join in the fun of a fishing tournament. The sky’s the limit this week, so take your pick of adventures to venture on.

Sunday, March 19, 2017

Rodeo 2017

Photo: Sonia Ramirez

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo March 7-26th is one of the largest and most anticipated Rodeos of Texas. With a star-studded line-up of performers, a world class carnival and some of the best bar-b-que in the state! Take a road trip down south to NRG Stadium and enjoy the award-winning art contest displays, Horse Shows, Calf Scrambles, and Livestock show. For ticket prices and schedule information visit www.rodeohouston.com

Silver Spur Gun & Blade Trade Show Get ready to come out and buy, trade, sell, or just look around among the various vendors participating. Gillespie County Fairgrounds, 530 Fair Drive Fredericksburg TX 78624 Saturday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Contact Kim Sansom by phone (806) 253-1322 or by email at [email protected] or visit www.silverspurtradeshows.com.

Music Jamboree Benefiting the historic Fischer store school community center renovation project. Silent auction fundraiser. Meal included with ticket. Fischer Hall, 701 Fischer Store Road. 5 – 8 p.m. Tickets required. Contact Loy Moe by phone (281) 851-5134 or visit www.fischerstoreschoolcc.org.

Annual Bluegrass, Bluebonnets & BBQ Come out to enjoy the scenery at Becker Vineyards. There will be Bluegrass performances, Bluebonnets, and BBQ in the beautiful Texas Hill Country, with wine and more. (PLEASE NOTE THEY ENCOURAGE YOU TO BRING YOUR SOFT CAMP CHAIRS FOR THIS EVENT!) Winery Hours are Noon-6 p.m.  There is a $15 Wine Tasting Fee. The Wood Street Bloodhounds will be performing live from 1-4 p.m. Becker Vineyards, 464 Becker Farms Road, Stonewall, Texas.

Ultimate Louisiana Party at Hudson’s on Mercer Come out for some good ole Louisiana fun and good times. There will be live music with bands and solo. This family-friendly festival features two stages with continuous music, a Vendor’s Village, “Taste of Louisiana” cuisine, artisans, artists and festival food favorites. The venue is located at 381 Mercer Street, Dripping Springs, Texas. General admission is $10 for adults, $5 children ages 2-12, with children under two free. Two-day passes and VIP packages are available. Please check the website for details at www.ulparty.com or call (225) 802-9681.

28th Heart of Texas Country Music Festival  Come out to enjoy some of the best country bands the Hill Country has to offer in the Heart of Texas Country Music Festival. “The Heart of Texas Country Music Museum located in Brady contains items from over seventy-five country music entertainers including Patsy Cline, Merle Haggard, Johnny Cash, George Jones, Hank Thompson and even Jim Reeves’ 1956 tour bus.” March 17-25, 2017. Call (325) 597-1895 or visit hillbillyhits.com.

Monday, March 20, 2017

Bret Graham Come relax and celebrate getting through another Monday with the music of Bret Graham. Bret is the regular MC at Gruene Hall in Gruene Texas for their monthly Gospel brunches according to his website. For more information about Bret his music and his background visit his website at bretgraham.com. Monday, 6 – 10 p.m. Gruene Hall, 1281 Gruene Rd, New Braunfels, TX 78130.

Tuesday, March 21, 2017

Learn to Jitterbug Swing Dance Get ready to kick up your heels and join the fun at Swing Junction. Part of an ongoing series with no partner needed. There is a $20 pre-registration discount when you sign up for two or more classes. 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. Details, pictures, video, and registrations information can be found at www.yeahman.com.

Wednesday, March 22, 2017

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Kerr County Produce Market Day Making healthy eating affordable, Kerr County Produce opens its warehouse to the public each Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. to fill up on the fresh fruits, vegetable, and eggs. Serving the Hill Country for 35 years. Admission is Free! The Big Red Barn, 215 A Street, Kerrville, TX. Contact (830) 896-7330 or visit  www.facebook.com/kerrcountyproduce for more information.

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 – 9 p.m. Bandera American Legion Post 157, 205 12th St. Bandera, Texas. (830) 796-7528.

Head for the Hills Fest Official Pre-Party – Spafford, Funk You, & Spank Head for the Hills is a three-day music festival featuring national, regional, and local artists, and is located in the beautiful Texas Hill Country. Kiva Lounge and Bar, 202 N LBJ Dr, Ste A, San Marcos, Texas. $7 presale/$10 at the door. www.headforthehillsfest.com.

Thursday, March 23, 2017

Bandera Farmers Market Come out for fresh eggs, produce, fresh baked goods, 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 – 30, 2017 from  8 – 11 a.m. Call (830) 796-4227 or visit www.banderacowboycapital.com.

Vintage Porsche Rallye: Kerrville March 23-26 Bring your vintage beauty from 1949-1989 to the car show gathering at the YO Ranch Resort. They are planning for new drive options, entertainment, and dining experiences. For a complete rundown of the day’s events, visit www.hillcountryrallye.org, call (512) 422-0234, or email [email protected].

The Rick Cavender Band (Album Release) Gruene Hall “Entertaining and captivating audiences for over 30 years. He has become one of the great front men on the local music scene performing songs from every category imaginable with his very talented seven-piece band,” shares gruenehall.com. His new CD release titled “Renegade Fire” will include some of the best musicians from Texas and Nashville. Admission is $20. Doors open at 7 p.m. Gruene Hall, 1281 Gruene Rd, New Braunfels, TX 78130. www.gruenehall.com.

Friday, March 24, 2017

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Knights of Columbus Lenten Fish Fry Knights of Columbus in Bandera, TX will be hosting their yearly Lenten Fish Fry every Friday night during Lent beginning on March 3 through April 7 from 5 – 7 p.m. St. Plates are $9 each. Stanislaus Church, 311 7th Street, Bandera, TX. Contact Emily S. Wilkins, Director of Communications, at [email protected] or (830) 460-4712.

Retro Rock & Roll Weekend – Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park™ Hill Country Come out to enjoy a weekend with a blast from the past with Yogi Bear and Friends. Make your own musical instruments, play games, and dress to impress with your retro rock and roll outfit. Karaoke, Root Beer Floats and dancing galore. March 24-26, 2017. Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Hill Country, 12915 FM 306, Canyon Lake, TX 78133.

Liverpool Legends Beatles Tribute at Rockbox Theater “Four talented musicians and actors who were hand-picked by Louise Harrison – sister of the late George Harrison of The Beatles” to perform the songs from the entire career of The Beatles. You will feel as if Ringo, Paul, John, and George are the ones on stage wooing you with their hits! Friday at 8 p.m. and Saturday at 4 p.m. $47-$52 per person. Reserve your seats online now! Rockbox Theater, 109 N. Llano, Fredericksburg, TX. Call (830) 997-7625 or visit www.rockboxtheater.com.

Max Baca & Los TexManiacs + Flaco Jiménez + Johnny Nicholas in Fredericksburg Come out to enjoy the music of these award-winning musician’s featuring Country-Tejano-Blues-Rock. 8 – 11 p.m. Luckenbach, 412 Luckenbach Town Loop. Call (830) 997-3224 or www.luckenbachtexas.com for more information.

Saturday, March 25, 2017

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Photo: www.pixabay.com

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. This is 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.

Hill Country Indian Artifact Show “Some of the finest Native American artifacts from Texas and the US including arrowheads, pottery, beads, cases, and books.” There will be food, prizes, and more! 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission $6 per person, Children 14 and under free. Pioneer Pavilion in Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park, Highway 16 South, Fredericksburg, TX. Call (830) 626-5561 or visit www.hillcountryindianartifacts.com.

Hill Country Lawn & Garden Show Enjoy the 19th Annual Lawn & Garden show featuring plants and supplies to complete every garden. Plants range from native, exotic, herbs, vegetables, and more. Demonstrations, raffles, food, and fun for the whole family. Burnet Community Center, 401 E Jackson St, Burnet, TX 78611 Call Irene Dauphin (254) 498-6009 or visit www.burnetcountyhighlandlakesmastergardener.org.

5th Annual KCFA Community Garage Sale Need to do some spring cleaning or shop around for a unique treasure? Then come out to the Kendall County Fair Grounds in Boerne, TX. Rent a booth or just browse through all the vendors. 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. Call Marilyn Culak at (830) 537-4096 or email [email protected]. Visit www.kcfa.org.

Cowboys on Main Enjoy the old west cowboy lifestyle on Main Street in Bandera, TX. Every Saturday from 1 to 4 p.m. Free. Call (830) 796-4447 for more information,

Bandera Cattle Company Gunfighters Gunfight re-enactments at Bandera Visitors Center.  126 Hwy 16 S. Bandera, TX 78003. 830-796-3045 Every Saturday at 12:00 pm and 2:00 pm Free.

Spring Family Festival at the Farm Welcome Spring in with fun activities for the whole family. There will be face painting, egg hunts, a petting zoo, garden tours, and even photos with the Easter Bunny. Cibolo Nature Center and Farm, 140 City Park Rd Boerne, TX. 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Admission is $5 per person or $10 per family. Call (830) 249-4616 or email [email protected] for more information.

Freedom Fest Country Music Festival Benefitting the Military Heroes Campaign, an evening of great country music from JB and the Moonshine Band, Christian Sparks, Daniel Fry and The Lowly Servants to mention a few. Admission is $20. Doors open at 3 p.m. and the show starts 4 p.m. (Event ends at 11:59 p.m.) Cheatham Street Warehouse, 119 Cheatham St, San Marcos, TX. www.ticketfly.com.

Dog Rodeo at Fischer Bring your furry four-legged friends for some fun in the sun. A contest, costume walk, dog training tips, and more. Free. Fischer Park, 1820 Old McQueeney Road, New Braunfels, TX. Call (830) 221-4350 or visit innewbraunfels.com.

Big Bass Fishing Tournament Fish beautiful LBJ Lake on March 25th to benefit First Responders. A great fishing tournament for a good cause where size really does matter! Benefits the Sunrise Beach Volunteer Fire Department. $250. Lake LBJ at McNair Park. 6 a.m.-3 p.m. www.sbbigbass.com.

Fairytale Ball Fundraiser The Gala of the season is here. A fun and unique fundraiser with a delicious four-course meal catered by Rails A Cafe at the Depot. There will also be live music and silent and live auctions. Your ticket goes on to support Playhouse 2000 and the free artistic programs offered to over 5,000 youth. Cailloux Theater, 910 Main Street, Kerrville, TX. Call (830) 896-9393 or visit playhouse2000.com.

25th Annual Art Show and Sale Join other art enthusiasts at the art mecca of the Hill Country, Bunkhouse Gallery. Over 30 artists will be displaying more than 400 paintings, jewelry, ceramics, and more. There will be live music and wine-tasting. 573 Old Spicewood Dr., Cypress Mill, TX. Call (512) 517-3453 or email [email protected].

Hot Rod Nights In its 7th season, the best old fashioned Americana street party features live music, good food, and a great place to hang out with friends and meet some new ones. Bring your classic hot rod for all to admire. Soda Pops, 103 N. Main, Boerne, TX. Contact (830) 331-8799 or visit www.sodapopsboerne.com.