Things to Do

Hill Country Happenings: September 25 – October 1, 2016

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Tony Maples Photography

 

It is officially fall, folks, and the temperatures will be cooling down this week, making it easier to go outside and play a little. Pumpkin patches have opened their doors, festivals are in full swing, and there is just something in the air that screams Hill Country wine. Or pumpkin spice latte. Whichever. Point is, it’s time to dust off those cowboy boots and join us for some Hill Country fun!

Sunday, September 25, 2016

Hill CountryPhoto: Pixabay

Comal County Fair & Rodeo Touted as the “Largest County Fair in Central Texas,” the Comal County Fair & Rodeo is sure to be a blast! Aside from your normal carnival and amazing food vendors, there will be mutton bustin’, a rodeo, livestock shows, a BBQ cook-off, and a parade. Admission 12 and over $7; children ages 6-11 $3; children under 6 are free. Free admission Wednesday, Thursday until 4 p.m., Friday until 6 p.m. for students, and Sunday. September 20-25, 2016. 701 E. Common St., New Braunfels, Texas. comalcountyfair.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. Comanche City Park, 1200 Comanche Trail, Comanche, Texas. Facebook/Texas Old Time Fiddlers Association

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

6256274115_69080fc78b_bPhoto: Flickr/Juushika Redgrave

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

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.

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

Wednesday, September 28, 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, September 29, 2016

utopiafestPhoto: Facebook/Utopiafest

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.

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

Friday, September 30, 2016

hot-air-balloons-439331_1280Photo: Pixabay

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

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

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 1, 2016

scarecrow-939492_1280Photo: Pixabay

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 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

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

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

Wild Game & Dinner Dance Support the Blanco County Youth Livestock Show and have yourself a scrumptious meal. Then dance the night away, maybe win a door prize, and participate in a raffle, silent auction, and live auction. Tickets $15. 5 p.m. – midnight. Blanco County Fairgrounds Show Barn, 619 U.S. 281 N., Johnson City, Texas. Contact 830-833-5335. Purchase tickets at [email protected]