Things to Do

Hill Country Happenings: October 2 – 8, 2016

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Tony Maples Photography

 

This cooler weather feels amazing, and the rainy weather is gone for now, which means it is the best time in the world to get out and experience the Hill Country! The only problem you will encounter is deciding which events to attend. There are so many!

Sunday, October 2, 2016

Hill Country Wine
Photo: Pexels

Balloon Palooza Take a ride in a hot air balloon, enjoy some incredible food and music, carnival rides and stick around for the amazing balloon glow show. Admission $12 adults, $8 children, military, seniors. VIP Package $50. Special pricing also available for police, firefighters, veterans, and their families. Opens at 4 p.m. September 30 – October 2, 2016. Helotes Festival Association, 12210 Leslie Rd., Helotes, Texas. balloonapaloozatour.com

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

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.

oktoberfest
Photo: Oktoberfest

Oktoberfest Celebrate Fredericksburg’s German heritage at Oktoberfest! There will be tons to keep you and your family entertained. Continuous oompah music, delicious food, a children’s fun area, a German Bier Tent, and the Oktoberfest Vineyard area just to name a few. Tickets $8 – $18 adults; $1 – $3 children ages 7-12. Friday 6 p.m. – midnight; Saturday 10 a.m. – midnight; Sunday 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. September 30 – October 2, 2016. Marktplatz, Fredericksburg, Texas. oktoberfestinfbg.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

UTOPIAfest What kind of music suits your style? At Utopiafest, you are sure to find some music that will appeal to your ears, and maybe discover music you didn’t even know about. This festival isn’t just any music festival. It is a camp-out festival that will have you dancing under the Hill Country skies all day and night at a natural amphitheater. Music genres featured are rock, bluegrass, Americana, Indie, Folk, Latin, and Japanese Punk. If that wasn’t enough, there will also be guided hikes, mountain biking, and yoga. Ticket prices vary. Gates open at 9 a.m. September 29 – October 2, 2016. Four Sisters Ranch, 1555 Lemond Rd., Utopia, Texas. utopiafest.com

Monday, October 3, 2016

Hill Country PumpkinsPhoto: Pexels

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

Wednesday, October 5, 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, October 6, 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.

Gruene Music & Wine Fest Two of the Hill Country’s most cherished commodities come together in one fantastic festival. Get in on the Great Guitar Auction while enjoying some great Texas wine and live Texas music alongside some delicious food samplings on the banks of the Guadalupe River. For those not into wine (gasp!), there will be some specialty beers being served up as well. Benefits the United Way of Comal County. 5:30 p.m. October 6-9, 2016. Gruene Hall and The Grapevine, Gruene Historic District, New Braunfels, Texas. gruenemusicandwinefest.com

Guadalupe County Fair & Rodeo It’s the perfect time of year for a county fair and this one never fails to impress. Not only will you find good old-fashioned fair classics, such as a carnival, classic fair food, live music, livestock shows, and games, you will find a youth dessert battle, a scarecrow contest, and a wine garden! October 6-9, 2016. Guadalupe County Fairgrounds, 728 Midway, Seguin, Texas. gcfair.org

Friday, October 7, 2016

Hill Country Pig Roast
Photo: Pexels

Pig Roast One of the very few old-school motorcycle runs in Texas will be hosting a pig roast with a mighty good cause. It will provide funding for toys that will go to the Cherokee Home for Children. Set up a tent to camp out, take a gander at some of the bikes, place bids in live and silent auctions, dance to some amazing live music, and chow down on BBQ. $30 per person. Anyone under the age of 21 must be accompanied by an adult. From 7 a.m. Friday to 1 p.m. Sunday. October 7-9, 2016. Blanco County Fairgrounds, 619 U.S. 281 N., Johnson City, Texas. jcpigroast.org

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 8, 2016

lamp-halloween-lantern-pumpkin
Photo: Pexels

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.

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

10493442664_6ef442d152_k-1Photo: Flickr/Hans Splinter

Fort Croghan Day Learn about what pioneer life was like. See real blacksmiths, find out how sugar can is made into syrup, how to bake bread in a wood burning stove, and visit a one-room school house. There will be various visitors throughout the day, including Buffalo Soldiers, Confederate Soldiers, fur trappers, and Native Americans. 9 a.m.- 3 p.m. October 8, 2016. Fort Croghan Grounds and Museum, 703 Buchanan Dr., Burnet, Texas. fortcroghan.org

Kerr County Celtic Festival & Scottish Highland Games Discover Scottish heritage through song, dance, Scottish athletics, food, art, and music. Get involved in workshops and pick up a gift or two from various vendors. Admission $10. 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. October 8-9, 2016. Hill Country Arts Foundation, 120 Point Theater Rd., Ingram, Texas. kerrcountyceltic.com

Rifles, Racks, and Deer Tracks Live music by Ben Watson, a fantastic dinner with beer and wine, and raffles for shotguns, rifles, and a Polaris Ranger! This event couldn’t be anymore Texan, but it all goes to a cause. The proceeds go to benefit the Hill Country Children’s Advocacy Center. $40 per person. Raffle tickets $20 each or six for $100. 6 – 10 p.m. Freedom Flyers Hangar, 3202 S. Water, Burnet, Texas. hccac.org

Sacred Springs Powwow Celebrate and Learn about the rich Native American culture that is still very much a part of the San Marcos area. At the Nature Culture Tent you can listen to flute players, storytellers, and see White Shaman presentations. Watch over 100 Native American dancers and two amazing powwow drum groups perform, then shop over 45 arts, crafts, and food booths. Tickets $3; children 12 and under are free. 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. October 8, 2016. Meadows Center, 201 San Marcos Springs Dr., San Marcos, Texas. indigenouscultures.org

TOTFA Fiddle Contest Think you have what it takes to the best fiddler in Texas? The Texas Old Time Fiddlers Association holds fiddling contests all around Texas, and this fall they will be making their rounds in the Texas Hill Country! Sign up to enter the contest or simply come to support Texas fiddlers all while having some good old-fashioned fun. Registration begins at 11:30 a.m.; contest begins at 12:30 p.m. Guadalupe County Fairgrounds, Seguin, Texas. Facebook/Texas Old Time Fiddlers Association