Live the Life in Llano All Summer Long

All photos courtesy of the Llano Chamber of Commerce.

If you have ever visited the Llano area, you would have gotten a glimpse of a small-town life in a charming area of the Texas Hill Country. However, what many folks don’t know is that the Llano area’s time to shine is during the hottest days of the year, and year after year, the Llano Chamber of Commerce draws thousands of visitors to some of the most exciting events hosted here in the Hill Country.

Rock’N Riverfest

Things in Llano heat up on July 1, 2017, both on land and in the water, at Rock’N Riverfest. The highlight of the event is the jets ski races, where racers battle both waves and wake to make it to the finish line at top speed. Cheer on the racers on the banks of the Llano River or enter the race yourself by calling Bryan Gumbert at (830) 220-2870. In addition, there will be a RAT Rod Car show held in Badu Park, where you can show off your “one of a kind ride,”  a disc golf tournament, a pet parade, games, face painting, and plenty of vendors on site. For more information and to register for the disc golf tournament and pet parade visit llanorocknriverfest.com.

July Fireworks

In celebration of Independence Day, Llano will be putting on a glorious display of fireworks in Badu Park bordering the beautiful Llano River on July 1st AND July 4th. Fireworks will begin at “dark:30,” so load up those lawn chairs, pack in the blankets, and head on out to Badu Park, 300 Legion Dr., Llano, Texas 78643 for a show you won’t soon forget! For more information, contact the Llano Visitor Center and Chamber of Commerce at (325) 247-5354.

AquaBoom

Dubbed the “‘Granddaddy’ of all the Hill Country celebrations,” AquaBoom in Kingsland, Texas draws locals and visitors from around the country. Now in its 48th year, you are sure to enjoy the BBQ and chili cook-offs, water parades, a remote control air show, a patriotic concert, a street dance, a classic car show, live music, children’s activities, and tons more. This year’s theme is Red, White, and BOOM! AquaBoom will be held July 1-4, 2017 and features fireworks on July 4th. For more information, visit kingslandaquaboom.com.

The Fab 5 Concert

Take a step back in time with a performance that will knock your socks off! The Fab 5 is coming to Downtown Llano’s Lantex Theater on August 19, 2017, to pay tribute to none other than The Beatles. Get a taste of what it was like to experience the iconic ’60s band as The Fab 5 performs the Beatles Anthology Show in a way that will leave you wondering if you did, in fact, time-travel! Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at the Llano Chamber of Commerce.

Western Trappings on the Llano

Though not technically held during the summer, Western Trappings on the Llano is definitely an event worth mentioning. This year, the event will be held October 13-28, 2017 at the Llano County Historical Museum and features “the finest in custom gear and original western art,” promoting and celebrating Western culture and artists “who have captured the grandeur of the West” within their art. The event opens to the public on October 14, however, if you would like the chance to meet the artists and join in on the preview sale on October 13, you may purchase tickets here. Additionally, there will be a Cowboy Breakfast on October 14 from 8-10 a.m. If you are an artist with western flair and would like to enter into the exhibit, the deadline is July 1, 2017, at midnight.

Red Top Jail Tours

Red Top Jail was constructed in 1895, though officially it was named Llano County Jail, the inmates referred to it as “Red Top.” In 1982, the jail was condemned and a new jail was built to take its place in 2002. The City of Llano purchased Red Top to help with its restoration in 2005. Ten years later, The Friends of Llano Red Top Jail took possession of the site and the restoration was completed. Now, tours of the jail are available to the public during event weekends. Relish in the beautiful granite exterior, quarried locally in the late 1800s, and discover the mysteries that lie within.