Things to Do

Hill Country Happenings: October 16 – 22, 2016

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Tony Maples Photography

 

There is nothing better than the smell of the BBQ smoker carrying aromas of various tasty meats through the Texas fall air, except maybe a plate of smoked BBQ sitting right in front of you! This week’s events feature BBQ hog, Barbeque on the Pedernales, pumpkin patches, a chalk festival, and, of course, Hill Country wine!

Sunday, October 16, 2016

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Photo: Flickr/Fried Dough

Chalk Festival Don’t think chalk deserves a spot in the art world? Think again! This festival is a true celebration of art, family, and community. Proceeds benefit the Kerr Arts and Cultural Center. Free. 10 a.m. October 15-16, 2016. Peterson Plaza, Peterson Dr., Kerrville, Texas. kerrvillechalk.org

The Fall Festival and Great Pumpkin Maze Get yourself lost in the Great Maze before heading over to the Great Pumpkin Patch to pick out the perfect pumpkin. There will also be live music and plenty of good food to fill your belly. Admission $14; children 2 and under are free. Saturdays 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Sundays 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. September 24 – November 13, 2016. Barton Hill Farms, 1115 FM 969, Bastrop, Texas. bartonhillfarms.com

Fiesta Winery Live Music on the Patio Enjoy some live music every Saturday and Sunday while you sip on Texas Hill Country’s very own wine! Be sure to pick up a bottle or two before you leave. Saturday 3 p.m. – 6 p.m. and Sunday 2 p.m. – 5 p.m. 6260 US Hwy E 290, Fredericksburg, Texas. fiestawinery.com

Great Hill Country Pumpkin Patch Find out how cider is made, paint a pumpkin, play an instrument, tour the apple orchards, and groom a pony at this incredible pumpkin patch. There is so much to do you may have to plan on going more than once! Hay rides are unlimited. $6 per person; children 2 and under are free. Open 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Saturday – Monday. October 3-31, 2016. lovecreekorchards.com

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Photo: Pexels

Dripping Springs Songwriters Festival This event is fairly new to the festival scene, but it offers something amazing to the community. Songwriters unite to not only perform some fantastic music but to also raise funds for Kids in a New Groove, a local non-profit that provides musical instruments and musical instruction to foster children in Central Texas. October 14-16, 2016. There are six different venues where musicians will be performing in Dripping Springs, Texas. drippingspringssongwritersfestival.com

Harvest of Fall Fun! Stuff a scarecrow, eat some candy corn or some ice cream, scurry through a hay maze, pick some flowers, hop aboard the Sweet Berry Express Barrel Train or a hayride, and, of course, pick out a pumpkin or two. Open Monday-Tuesday and Thursday-Saturday from 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.; Sunday 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. September 24 – November 6, 2016. Sweet Berry Farm, 1801 FM 1980, Marble Falls, Texas. sweetberryfarm.com

Hill Country Wine Trail Month Take a self-guided tour of the Hill Country Wine Trail. Pair some delicious food with some equally delicious Hill Country wines, meander through vineyards and wineries to gain a whole new perspective on why the Texas Hill Country has the best wine on earth. A portion of the proceeds benefits Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. Individuals. $40; couples $70. Limit four wineries per ticket. Pickup and drop-off are provided at the Texas Hill Country winery of your choosing, which is designated when purchasing your ticket. October 1 – 31, 2016. Contact 872-216-9463. texaswinetrail.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.

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Photo: Pixabay

Oktoberfisch Fly Festival Relish is the beauty and wonder of the Texas Hill Country while casting a line to catch that “big one”. Who knows? Maybe you will snag a fishing prize. $25 registration. October 14-16, 2016. South Llano River RV Park, 210 Cedar Creek Rd., Junction, Texas. fredericksburgflyfishers.com

Scarecrow Invasion Scarecrows will be taking over Comfort, Texas again this year in a creative display like no other. At the beginning of October, scarecrows begin popping up here and there, until there are so many scarecrows that even the black birds won’t fly by. In the middle of the month, scarecrows will be judged in categories that range from “Only in Comfort” to “Best of Invasion”. Free. October 1-31, 2016. Throughout Comfort, Texas. comfortchamber.com

South Texas Maize Twist and turn through a mind-boggling 7-acre maze, pick some pumpkins, race down the Matter-Corn Mountain Slide, relax on a hayride, and chill by a campfire. There is plenty to do, and eat, at South Texas Maize! Admission $15; children 2 and under are free. Fridays 6-9 p.m.; Saturdays 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.; Sundays Noon – 5 p.m. September 17 – November 20, 2016. Graff 7A Ranch, 911 U.S. Hwy. 90 East, Hondo, Texas. southtexasmaize.com

Texas Big Worm Pumpkin Patch This pumpkin patch is chock full of activities and special events. Not only will you get to pick out the perfect pumpkin, but you can also take a hay ride, feed farm animals, paint a pumpkin, or get your face painted. Special events include live music, story time, contests every Saturday at 3 p.m., and a special day just for canines on October 26th. Be sure to catch a bite to eat at The Big Grill on Saturdays and Sundays. Admission is free, but there are some paid events and special activities. 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays; 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Sundays. September 30 – October 30, 2016. Texas Big Worm Pumpkin Patch, 4625 E. Hwy 29, Bertram, Texas. Facebook/Texas Big Worm Pumpkin Patch

Texas Presentations Antique Show Get your hands on some lost treasure at the country antique show. Over 50 vendors will set up to sell their old-time treasures. Admission $5. $1 off coupon available on website. October 15-16, 2016. Comfort Park, 403 Hwy 27, Comfort, Texas. texasantiqueshows.com

Wednesday, October 19, 2016

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Photo: Pexels

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, October 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, October 21, 2016

Kyle Hogwash This family-fun festival will teach you all you ever wanted to know about the feral hog, from feral hog management presentations to how tasty just how delicious a barbecued hog can taste. There will also be carnival rides, games, and live music. Free. Friday 3 p.m. – 11 p.m.; Saturday noon – 11 p.m. October 21-22, 2016. Gregg-Clarke Park, 1100 W Center Street, Kyle, Texas. Contact Cindy Stohr 512-938-8098. kylehogwash.com

South Texas Maize Twist and turn through a mind-boggling 7-acre maze, pick some pumpkins, race down the Matter-Corn Mountain Slide, relax on a hayride, and chill by a campfire. There is plenty to do, and eat, at South Texas Maize! Admission $15; children 2 and under are free. Fridays 6-9 p.m.; Saturdays 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.; Sundays Noon – 5 p.m. September 17 – November 20, 2016. Graff 7A Ranch, 911 U.S. Hwy. 90 East, Hondo, Texas. southtexasmaize.com

Texas Big Worm Pumpkin Patch This pumpkin patch is chock full of activities and special events. Not only will you get to pick out the perfect pumpkin, but you can also take a hay ride, feed farm animals, paint a pumpkin, or get your face painted. Special events include live music, story time, contests every Saturday at 3 p.m., and a special day just for canines on October 26th. Be sure to catch a bite to eat at The Big Grill on Saturdays and Sundays. Admission is free, but there are some paid events and special activities. 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays; 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Sundays. September 30 – October 30, 2016. Texas Big Worm Pumpkin Patch, 4625 E. Hwy 29, Bertram, Texas. Facebook/Texas Big Worm Pumpkin Patch

Saturday, October 22, 2016

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Photo: Pexels

The American Cancer Society Bark For Life of Kendall County Load up your canine friends and head out to this fundraising event that honors the life-long contributions of our canine caregivers. It presents an opportunity for people to be empowered through their canine companion partners and to contribute to cancer cures through the mission of the America Cancer Society.  At the event will be lots of fun to be had for both dogs and humans. A D.J will be present, food trucks for tasty treats, a silent auction featuring doggy goodies, and much more. Admission is $15 for one dog and their human or $25 for two dogs and their human. 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. October 22, 2016. Joshua Springs Park & Preserve, 716 FM 289, Comfort, Texas. Contact Roxanne Saldivar 210-887-6218. relayforlife.org/barkkendalltx

Barbecue on the Pedernales Experience the LBJ Ranch as guests from the 1960s would have with this ultimate BBQ event featuring live music by Tracy Byrd. Adults $75; children under 12 $15. 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. October 22, 2016. LBJ National Historical Park, at the LBJ Ranch, 144 Park Rd 49, Stonewall, Texas. Contact 830-868-7128 x222. barbecueonthepedernales.com

BOOtanica Saturdays in October Each Saturday in October is designated by the San Antonio Botanical Garden to celebrate the fall season. There will be a different theme each week with fun, hands-on activities: Monarch Madness, AgriLife Day Harvest, Let’s Get Batty, Wild About Scarecrows, and Dia de Los Muertos. Free. 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Every Saturday in October. San Antonio Botanical Garden, 555 Funston Pl., San Antonio, Texas. Contact 210-536-1400. sabot.org

The Fall Festival and Great Pumpkin Maze Get yourself lost in the Great Maze before heading over to the Great Pumpkin Patch to pick out the perfect pumpkin. There will also be live music and plenty of good food to fill your belly. Admission $14; children 2 and under are free. Saturdays 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Sundays 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. September 24 – November 13, 2016. Barton Hill Farms, 1115 FM 969, Bastrop, Texas. bartonhillfarms.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.

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Photo: Facebook/Fiesta Winery 290

Fiesta Winery Live Music on the Patio Enjoy some live music every Saturday and Sunday while you sip on Texas Hill Country’s very own wine! Be sure to pick up a bottle or two before you leave. Saturday 3 p.m. – 6 p.m. and Sunday 2 p.m. – 5 p.m. 6260 US Hwy E 290, Fredericksburg, Texas. fiestawinery.com

Fredericksburg Food & Wine Fest Celebrate fine Texas foods and wines at this festival dedicated to both. Do a little shopping, dancing, snacking, and wine tasting. $25 per person. Noon – 7 p.m. October 22, 2016. Marktplatz, Fredericksburg, Texas. fbgfoodandwinefest.com

Great Hill Country Pumpkin Patch Find out how cider is made, paint a pumpkin, play an instrument, tour the apple orchards, and groom a pony at this incredible pumpkin patch. There is so much to do you may have to plan on going more than once! Hay rides are unlimited. $6 per person; children 2 and under are free. Open 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Saturday – Monday. October 3-31, 2016. lovecreekorchards.com