May 18-July 1 Kerrville: Southwest Gourd and Fiber Fine Art Show
Kerr Arts and Cultural Center, 228 Earl Garrett St.
Open Tuesday through Saturday, this exhibit showcases gourd and fiber art from all over the country. Meet the artists at the artists reception on May 27. Kacckerrville.com
May 27-Sept. 2 Hunt: Crider’s Rodeo and Dancehall Opening Night
Crider’s Rodeo and Dancehall, 2310 SH 39
For 95 years, Crider’s Rodeo and Dancehall has been a entertainment spot along the banks of the Guadalupe River each summer, with seasonal rodeos, live music, and dancing on Saturday nights. The season kicks off on May 27 with a rodeo followed by dancing and live music by Mike Donnell. cridersrandd.com
June 2-July 28 Buda: Arts in the Park
Buda Amphitheater and City Park, 204 San Antonio St.
Pack your picnic blankets, pile everyone into the car, and join the fun at the Buda Amphitheater and City Park for a summer filled with live entertainment under the stars every Friday evening in June and July. budaamphitheater.com/artsinthepark
June 2-Aug. 25 Bandera: Riding on Faith Friday Night Summer Series Rodeo
Mansfield Park Arena, 2886 SH 16 North
This open rodeo on Friday nights features bullriding, mini-bulls, barrel racing, and roping. facebook.com/ridingonfaithrodeoseries
June 3-July 29 Bandera: Chuckwagon Dinner and Show
Flying L Ranch and Resort, 675 Flying L Drive
A barbecue dinner with all the fixin’s, live country music, dancing, and Western entertainment are part of the fun at this chuckwagon dinner and show on Saturday evenings. flyingl.com
June 3-Aug. 26 Boerne: A Day at the Farm and Farmers Market
Historic Herff Farm, 33 Herff Road
Whether you want to hike the trails, shop in the open air, get gardening inspiration, take classes on growing your food, help the Cibolo Center for Conservation maintain the land through volunteer service projects, or get new recipe ideas, the Farmers Market at Herff Farm is open rain or shine every Saturday throughout the year. cibolo.org/locations/herff-farm
June 3-Aug. 26 Boerne: Old Jail Museum Tours
Kendall County Historic Jail, 208 E. San Antonio Ave.
The Kendall County Historic Jail was constructed in 1887 and served for a century as the county jail. In recent years, the Friends of the Kendall County Historic Jail have restored the space, bringing it back to life as a one-of-a-kind museum of Kendall County history. The jail is open for tours every Saturday. thejail.org
June 23-July 8 Austin: “Box”
Ground Floor Theatre, 979 Springdale Road #122
Experience the harrowing story of Henry Box Brown, the abolitionist lecturer and early magician who escaped slavery by mailing himself to freedom. Using actual magic, this world premiere by Jarrett King imagines an unwritten chapter in the story of one of history’s most overlooked folk heroes. penfoldtheatre.org/event/box
June 25-Aug. 27 Fredericksburg: PCAA Concerts in the Park
Marktplatz, 100 block of West Main Street
Enjoy a free Sunday evening concert featuring a different genre of music each time. You’re welcome to bring your chairs, eats, and drinks. Visitfredericksburgtx.com
June 30-July 2 Wimberley: Fourth of July Rodeo
Wimberley VFW Arena , 401 Jacobs Well Road
Sanctioned by the Cowboys Professional Rodeo Association, this rodeo includes bull riding, tie-down calf roping, bareback and saddle bronc riding, steer wrestling, team roping, women’s breakaway roping, and women’s barrel racing. Admission and parking proceeds are considered a donation to Post 6441 and used to support a variety of veterans and community programs and activities. vfw6441.com
June 30-July 28 Ingram: Summer Art Market
Hill Country Arts Foundation, 120 Point Theatre Road
More than 20 artists and craftsmen display their handmade wares. hcaf.com
July 1 Brownwood: Lehnis’ Riddikulus Rails
Lehnis Railroad Museum, 700 E. Adams St.
Attention wizards and Muggles, the Lehnis Railroad Museum is having a magical day full of Harry Potter-themed fun. Stop by Ollivander’s wand shop to make your own wand, sign up for a potions class, ride the miniature train at Platform 9 3/4, and sample butter beer. (Don’t worry, it’s soda.) brownwoodtexas.gov/228/lehnis-railroad-museum
July 1-2, 15-16 Fredericksburg: Live Pari-Mutuel Horse Racing
Gillespie County Fairgrounds, 530 Fair Drive
Come out during the summer season for exciting live horse racing at the fairgrounds’ Class 3 track. Pick your favorites for quarter horse and thoroughbred racing as well as special races, trials, and futurities. gillespiefair.com
July 1 Kerrville: Kerr County Market Days and Hill Country Swap Meet
Kerr County Hill Country Youth Event Center, 3785 SH 27
Once a month, Market Days features artists and crafters bringing their own original handcrafted items to sell. Hill Country Swap Meet is a community garage sale/flea market. kerrmarketdays.org
July 1 Bandera: Bandera Market Day
Bandera County Courthouse , 500 Main St.
On the first Saturday of the month, arts and crafts vendors set up their pop-up shops along Main Street. Artists and craftspeople present original works while farmers sell produce, canned goods, and baked goods. Banderabusiness.com
July 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 Bandera: Cowboys On Main
Bandera County Courthouse , 500 Main St.
Enjoy free cowboy fun in downtown Bandera. Activities can include chuckwagon storytelling, hopping on a saddle-broke longhorn, or possibly a horse-drawn wagon tour of Bandera. Most Saturdays, the Bandera Cattle Company performs gunfights at Rattlesnake Ridge located behind the Bandera Visitors Center. banderabusiness.com
July 3-9 Lampasas: Spring Ho Festival
Various locations
Founded in 1972, the annual Spring Ho was first held the second full weekend in July, but through the years has grown into a weeklong event. Festivities include live music, shops by the creek, entertainment for kids and families, a fireworks show, and a parade. springho.com
July 4 Georgetown: Sertoma’s Fourth of July
San Gabriel Park, 445 E. Morrow St.
The Sertoma Club rings in the Fourth with live entertainment, arts and crafts vendors, a beer and wine vendor, petting zoo, food, classic and antique cars, games, rides for children and adults, and fireworks. Admission is free. visit.georgetown.org/sertomas-4th-of-july-in-the-park
July 4 Austin: H-E-B Austin Symphony July Fourth Concert and Fireworks
Vic Mathias Shores , 920 E. Riverside Drive
The Austin Symphony hosts an annual concert of patriotic music culminating in a spectacular fireworks display over Lady Bird Lake. austinsymphony.org
July 4 Bee Cave: Hill Country Galleria Independence Day Celebration
Hill Country Galleria , 12700 Hill Country Blvd. Suite T-100
Let freedom ring with a dog-friendly day full of shopping, music, barbecue, family fun, and fireworks. hillcountrygalleria.com
July 4 Hutto: Fourth of July Celebration
Brushy Creek Amphitheater , 1001 CR 137
Bring the family for live music, food trucks, children’s activities, local vendors, and fireworks. Lawn chairs are encouraged for the fireworks show.
July 4 Cedar Park: July Fourth Celebration
Elizabeth Milburn Park , 1901 Sun Chase Blvd.
Celebrate the Fourth in Cedar Park with live music, carnival rides, inflatables, concessions, fireworks, and a movie in the park immediately following the fireworks show. This is one of the bigger celebrations in the city of Cedar Park, so don’t miss out on the booming fireworks display and family fun. cedarparktexas.gov/335/july-4-celebration
July 4 Fredericksburg: Fourth of July Parade
Main Street
Originally started in 1991 by a group of community-minded friends, this small-town patriotic parade has grown over the years to be one that is loved by many. The parade begins in the morning, heading east on Main Street to the National Museum of the Pacific War. It then makes a U-turn and goes west on Main all the way to Bowie Street. Bring your lawn chairs for a great seat or use the tailgate of your pick-up. Fbgtxparade.org
Fredericksburg July 4: Fourth of July Fireworks
Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park, 432 Lady Bird Drive
The city of Fredericksburg hosts this fireworks show to celebrate Independence Day. Multiple viewing areas are available inside the park and at the Gillespie County Fairgrounds. Guests are encouraged to bring their own eats, drinks, and lawn chairs for seating. fbgtx.org
July 4 Buda: Red, White, and Buda
Buda Amphitheater and City Park, 100 San Antonio St.
Celebrate the Fourth of July and Independence Day at this event that features a bike parade, live music, vendors, food, and a fireworks show to end the day. budaamphitheater.com/redwhitebuda
July 4 Kerrville: Fourth on the River
Louise Hays Park, 202 Thompson Drive
This annual Independence Day celebration consists of a concert, vendors, and the largest fireworks display in the Texas Hill Country. facebook.com/kerrvilles4th
July 4 Bandera: Pet Parade
Bandera City Park, 173 Main St.
Cowboy Capital Pet Assitance League, Inc. presents its 27th annual Pet Parade. Dress up your pets, join the procession, and enter to win the judging contest for Best of the Wild West, Most Original, Look-A-Like, and other categories. ccpalrescue.org
July 4 Bandera: Barbecue Dinner and Fourth of July Parade
American Legion Post 410, 127 Legion Drive
American Legion 410 Post in Lakehills celebrates the Fourth of July with a parade that runs down Park Road 37 through Lakehills, followed by a barbecue dinner with all the fixin’s and a live auction and country music. alpost410.com
July 7, Aug. 4 Fredericksburg: First Friday Art Walk
Various locations, Main Street
Participating fine art galleries offer extended hours so that visitors and visiting artists can enjoy the various events and exhibits planned throughout the day. This is a fantastic way to see the finest art in Hill Country while enjoying local wine and refreshments. facebook.com/first-friday-art-walk-fredericksburg-401466143219898
July 7-Aug. 12 Austin: Zilker Summer Musical
Zilker Hillside Theatre, 2206 Barton Springs Road
Pack a picnic and enjoy a free, annual musical at the Zilker Hillside Theatre. The outdoor theater troupe hosts performances Thursdays through Sundays. zilker.org
July 7-8 Mason: Rodeo and Round-Up Weekend
Mason Town Square, 201 Fort McKavitt St.
A weekend of small-town charm starts Friday at the rodeo arena, then Saturday morning at the square for the parade featuring the Topaz Court. Afterwards, head to Heritage Park, where a festival filled with games, arts, crafts, food, and shopping awaits. Saturday night is the finals for the rodeo, followed by a concert and dance at the Slab. masontxcoc.com/annual-events
July 8 Lampasas: Toughest 10K in Texas
Hancock Golf Course Pavilion, 1600 281 South
Runners come from all over the United States to attend this race, which is in its 43rd year and held during the annual Lampasas Spring Ho Festival. Hosted by the Lampasas Chamber of Commerce, the proceeds from this race get put back into the community. The race starts and finishes at the Hancock Park Golf Course Pavilion. The race also features a 5K and a 1-mile fun run. lampasaschamber.org
July 8-9 Kerrville: Summer Market
Inn of the Hills Hotel and Conference Center, 1001 Junction Highway
Come shop at the eighth annual Kerrville Summer Market. Vendors bring clothing, Texas handmade goods, gourmet food, gifts, jewelry, holiday and home décor, accessories, candles, art, photography, gifts for the guys, and other merchandise. texasmarketguide.com
July 8-9 Kerrville: Texas Gun and Knife Show
Kerr County Hill Country Youth Event Center, 3785 SH 27
Vendors sell new and used guns, knives, ammo, coins, jewelry, camping gear, accessories, and other items. texasgunandknifeshows.com
July 8-9; Aug. 12-13 Boerne: Market Days
Main Plaza, 100 N. Main St.
On the second weekend of each month, spend a day browsing the market and visiting the many downtown boutiques, galleries, and restaurants for a unique Hill Country experience. There are a variety of bargains to be found on items such as jewelry, plants, art, handcrafts, collectibles, and antiques. boernemarketdays.com/boerne.html
July 8, 22; Aug. 12, 26 Boerne: Bluegrass Jam at The AgriCultural
The AgriCultural Museum and Arts Center, 102 City Park Road
Every second and fourth Saturday of the month, bring your instrument and play along or just come to listen to the Bluegrass Jam at The AgriCultural (formerly the Agricultural Heritage Museum). theagricultural.org/bluegrass-jams
July 8, 22; Aug. 12, 26 Boerne: Kuhlmann-King Museum Tour and Programs
Kuhlmann-King Museum, 402 E. Blanco Road
The Kuhlmann-King house gives the public the opportunity to step back in time to see what a historic Boerne home looked like “way back when.” Monthly events and themes vary. bahpsboerne.org
July 11, Aug. 8 Comfort: Music in the Park
Comfort Park, 423 Main St.
On the second Tuesday of the month, embrace the warm summer weather with a free outdoor concert. Lawn chairs and blankets are encouraged, and tips for musicians are accepted and appreciated. comfort-texas.com
July 14-16, Aug. 18-20 Fredericksburg: Trade Days
Trade Days, 355 Sunday Farms Lane
Shop more than 350 vendors in seven barns and acres of antiques, collectibles, tools, crafts, shabby chic, primitives, ranch furniture, hunting accessories, candles, unique clothing, jewelry, food, and other items. fbgtradedays.com
July 14-16, 21-23, 28-29 Ingram: “The Last Roundup of the Guacamole Queens”
Hill Country Arts Foundation, 120 Point Theatre Road
In this deliciously funny Southern-fried comedy, the Verdeen cousins of Sweetgum, Texas, are up against the clock as they frantically attempt to produce the ultimate high school reunion before the old building is demolished. But they’ve got a bushel of obstacles to overcome before they can pull off this miracle. hcaf.com
July 15-16 Austin: City-Wide Vintage Sale
Palmer Events Center, 900 Barton Springs Road
Shop over 100 vendors for vintage clothing, midcentury modern decor, vintage art, collectibles, lighting, upcycled art, and unique finds at Austin’s famous vintage paradise open since 1977. citywidevintagesale.com
July 15 Blanco: Market Day
Old Blanco Courthouse, 300 Main St.
Shop from about 70 vendors offering homemade crafts, apparel, home decor, plants, baked goods, art, embroidery and crocheted items, and jewelry. Food vendors are on site, and live music fills the air. Admission is free. historicblanco.org/market-day
July 15, Aug. 5 Boerne: Moondance Concert
Cibolo Center for Conservation, 140 City Park Road
Moondance is a longstanding, beloved tradition at the Cibolo. Grab your lawn chairs, coolers, and friends, and come enjoy live music from local bands under the oak trees. This summer welcomes back some of the center’s favorite music groups and food trucks from past Moondances, and also welcomes new soon-to-be favorites. cibolo.org/moondance
July 15 Brownwood: Dino Day
Brown County Museum of History, 209 N. Broadway
Discover the prehistoric world of dinosaurs with crafts, fun activities, and special presentations. browncountymuseum.org
July 15 Fredericksburg: Night in Old Fredericksburg and Barbecue Cookoff
Gillespie County Fairgrounds , 530 Fair Drive
Night in Old Fredericksburg at the Gillespie County Fairgrounds features live parimutuel horse racing, a Lone Star Barbecue Society cookoff, and other activities all during the day. Plenty of cold beverages and food are available. gillespiefair.com
July 15 Burnet: 100 Year Boat-A-Thon
Inks Lake State Park, 3630 Park Road 4 West
Bring your own boat, kayak, canoe, or ski boat, or borrow one from the park, and celebrate 100 years of paddling at Inks Lake. Join the fun to see just how many boats can get in the lake at one time. A parade follows the new paddling trail from the Park Store to the South Fishing Pier and back. There are also races at various times for those with a need for some competition. tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/inks-lake
July 20 Bandera: Third Thursday Cowboy Camp with Lew Peterbaugh
Bandera Beverage Barn, 1407 SH 16 North
Bring your guitar to play along or simply come to listen. Pickers who play cowboy, Texas, or Western swing music are welcome to sit in. banderacowboycapital.com
July 22 Kerrville: Upper Guadalupe River Authority River Clean Up
Flat Rock Park, 3840 Riverside Drive
The Upper Guadalupe River Authority provides cleaning supplies and trash disposal for volunteers to remove trash from the Guadalupe River and the watershed. The event raises awareness about the problem of litter in the community, and volunteers receive a T-shirt and entry in a prize drawing. ugra.org/major-initiatives/river-clean-up
July 22-24 Johnson City: Market Days
Blanco County Courthouse Square, 101 E. Pecan Drive
Held the fourth weekend of the month, this open-air market features vendors and artisans selling handmade or locally produced products in the heart of Texas wine country. johnsoncitytexas.info
July 22 Bandera: National Day of the American Cowboy
Bandera County Courthouse and Mansfield Park, 500 Main St.; 2886 SH 16
Celebrate the National Day of the American Cowboy with activities at the Bandera County Courthouse lawn. Enjoy chuckwagon storytelling from cowboys on Main Street, wagon rides, pictures with a longhorn, games, shootouts from the Bandera Gunfighters, trick ropers, live music, and special Old West guests, and a medicine show. Ridin’ the River Cowboy Fellowship Rodeo takes place at Mansfield Park Arena, with the “Bulls, Barrels, and Breakaway Contest” evening event. banderabusiness.com
July 22 Bandera: Frontier Times Fourth Sunday Jamboree
Frontier Times Museum, 510 13th St.
On the fourth Sunday of each month, the Frontier Times Museum hosts this afternoon jamboree with live music, storytelling, and fun for all ages. frontiertimesmuseum.org
July 28-30 Fredericksburg: Hill Country Auto Swap Meet and Flea Market
Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park, 432 Lady Bird Drive
Car enthusiasts can find just about anything at this annual event. A “car corral” has vintage autos for sale in various states of restoration and there’s a flea market. Among the many items for sale are vehicles and parts, tools, auto accessories, hats, books, clothes, and various souvenirs. earhartproductions.com/hill-country-swap-meet/
July 29 Boerne: Hot Summer Nights Antique Tractor Pull
The AgriCultural Museum and Arts Center, 102 City Park Road
The Boerne AgriCultural Museum and Arts Center hosts their summer antique tractor pull event. Come out and watch antique tractors from around Texas as they compete to pull the heaviest weight the furthest distance. theagricultural.org/tractorpull
May 27-Sept. 2 Hunt: Crider’s Rodeo and Dancehall Opening Night
Crider’s Rodeo and Dancehall, 2310 SH 39
For 95 years, Crider’s Rodeo and Dancehall has been a entertainment spot along the banks of the Guadalupe River each summer, with seasonal rodeos, live music, and dancing on Saturday nights. The season kicks off on May 27 with a rodeo followed by dancing and live music by Mike Donnell. cridersrandd.com
June 2-Aug. 25 Bandera: Riding on Faith Friday Night Summer Series Rodeo
Mansfield Park Arena, 2886 SH 16 North
This open rodeo on Friday nights features bullriding, mini-bulls, barrel racing, and roping. facebook.com/ridingonfaithrodeoseries
June 3-Aug. 26 Boerne: A Day at the Farm and Farmers Market
Historic Herff Farm, 33 Herff Road
Whether you want to hike the trails, shop in the open air, get gardening inspiration, take classes on growing your food, help the Cibolo Center for Conservation maintain the land through volunteer service projects, or get new recipe ideas, the Farmers Market at Herff Farm is open rain or shine every Saturday throughout the year. cibolo.org/locations/herff-farm
June 3-Aug. 26 Boerne: Old Jail Museum Tours
Kendall County Historic Jail, 208 E. San Antonio Ave.
The Kendall County Historic Jail was constructed in 1887 and served for a century as the county jail. In recent years, the Friends of the Kendall County Historic Jail have restored the space, bringing it back to life as a one-of-a-kind museum of Kendall County history. The jail is open for tours every Saturday. thejail.org
June 25-Aug. 27 Fredericksburg: PCAA Concerts in the Park
Marktplatz, 100 block of West Main Street
Enjoy a free Sunday evening concert featuring a different genre of music each time. You’re welcome to bring your chairs, eats, and drinks. Visitfredericksburgtx.com
July 7, Aug. 4 Fredericksburg: First Friday Art Walk
Various locations, Main Street
Participating fine art galleries offer extended hours so that visitors and visiting artists can enjoy the various events and exhibits planned throughout the day. This is a fantastic way to see the finest art in Hill Country while enjoying local wine and refreshments. facebook.com/first-friday-art-walk-fredericksburg-401466143219898
July 7-Aug. 12 Austin: Zilker Summer Musical
Zilker Hillside Theatre, 2206 Barton Springs Road
Pack a picnic and enjoy a free, annual musical at the Zilker Hillside Theatre. The outdoor theater troupe hosts performances Thursdays through Sundays. zilker.org
July 8-9; Aug. 12-13 Boerne: Market Days
Main Plaza, 100 N. Main St.
On the second weekend of each month, spend a day browsing the market and visiting the many downtown boutiques, galleries, and restaurants for a unique Hill Country experience. There are a variety of bargains to be found on items such as jewelry, plants, art, handcrafts, collectibles, and antiques. boernemarketdays.com/boerne.html
July 8, 22; Aug. 12, 26 Boerne: Bluegrass Jam at The AgriCultural
The AgriCultural Museum and Arts Center, 102 City Park Road
Every second and fourth Saturday of the month, bring your instrument and play along or just come to listen to the Bluegrass Jam at The AgriCultural (formerly the Agricultural Heritage Museum). theagricultural.org/bluegrass-jams
July 8, 22; Aug. 12, 26 Boerne: Kuhlmann-King Museum Tour and Programs
Kuhlmann-King Museum, 402 E. Blanco Road
The Kuhlmann-King house gives the public the opportunity to step back in time to see what a historic Boerne home looked like “way back when.” Monthly events and themes vary. bahpsboerne.org
July 11, Aug. 8 Comfort: Music in the Park
Comfort Park, 423 Main St.
On the second Tuesday of the month, embrace the warm summer weather with a free outdoor concert. Lawn chairs and blankets are encouraged, and tips for musicians are accepted and appreciated. comfort-texas.com
July 14-16, Aug. 18-20 Fredericksburg: Trade Days
Trade Days, 355 Sunday Farms Lane
Shop more than 350 vendors in seven barns and acres of antiques, collectibles, tools, crafts, shabby chic, primitives, ranch furniture, hunting accessories, candles, unique clothing, jewelry, food, and other items. fbgtradedays.com
July 15, Aug. 5 Boerne: Moondance Concert
Cibolo Center for Conservation, 140 City Park Road
Moondance is a longstanding, beloved tradition at the Cibolo. Grab your lawn chairs, coolers, and friends, and come enjoy live music from local bands under the oak trees. This summer welcomes back some of the center’s favorite music groups and food trucks from past Moondances, and also welcomes new soon-to-be favorites. cibolo.org/moondance
Aug. 4-5 Camp Wood: Nueces Canyon Old Settlers Reunion
Lindbergh Park, SH HWY 55 at Fifth and Sixth streets
Enjoy this free, family-friendly event in downtown Camp Wood. The 62nd annual event features a parade, live music, and a dance. On Friday, there’s the Nueces Canyon ex-students and teacher reunion at Lindbergh Park, with live music. Saturday starts with a parade in downtown Camp Wood. Following the parade, events in Lindbergh Park include the king and queen coronation, the annual pie and salsa contests, and a decades-old washer and horseshoe tournament (fee for washers and horseshoes). Plus, there are several live music and entertainment groups taking to the stage until 4 p.m. Then, vendors offer an excellent selection of artwork, crafts, woodwork, leatherwork, jewelry, candles, paintings, hats, baked goods, stonework, taxidermy, new clothing, handbags, and a variety of food. nuecescanyonchamber.org
Aug. 4-6, 11-13, 18-20 Kerrville: “A Murder is Announced”
Cailloux Theater, 910 Main St.
Often considered one of the best Miss Marple mysteries by Agatha Christie, this thriller was adapted by Leslie Darbon. caillouxperformingarts.com
Aug. 5 Georgetown: Blazin’ Beer Crawl
The Georgetown Square, 103 W. Seventh St.
A self-paced walking event, the Blazin’ Beer Crawl features craft beer tastings inside retail stores and restaurants. Ticket holders get a map of all of the participating locations and can choose which order to sample and visit merchants. Hot and spicy snacks are available at various participating locations. Restaurants have specials for the day, and food trucks are set up for additional options. mainstreet.georgetown.org/beercrawl
Aug. 5 Bandera: Bandera Market Day
Bandera County Courthouse , 500 Main St.
On the first Saturday of the month, arts and crafts vendors set up their pop-up shops along Main Street. Artists and craftspeople present original works while farmers sell produce, canned goods, and baked goods. banderabusiness.com
Aug. 5, 12, 19, 26 Bandera: Cowboys On Main
Bandera County Courthouse , 500 Main St.
Enjoy free cowboy fun in downtown Bandera. Activities can include chuckwagon storytelling, hopping on a saddle-broke longhorn, or possibly a horse-drawn wagon tour of Bandera. Most Saturdays, the Bandera Cattle Company performs gunfights at Rattlesnake Ridge located behind the Bandera Visitors Center. banderabusiness.com
Aug. 12-13 Austin: City-Wide Vintage Sale
Palmer Events Center, 900 Barton Springs Road
Shop over 100 vendors for vintage clothing, midcentury modern decor, vintage art, collectibles, lighting, upcycled art, and unique finds at Austin’s famous vintage paradise open since 1977. citywidevintagesale.com
Aug. 12-13, 26-27 Fredericksburg: Live Pari-Mutuel Horse Racing
Gillespie County Fairgrounds, 530 Fair Drive
Come out during the summer season for exciting live horse racing at the fairgrounds’ Class 3 track. Pick your favorites for quarter horse and thoroughbred racing as well as special races, trials, and futurities. gillespiefair.com
Aug. 12-13 Kerrville: Hill Country Gun Show
Hill Country Veterans Center, 411 Meadowview
New and used guns, knives, coins, cutting boards, and ammo are some of the goods sold at this show, with all proceeds going to local area veterans. gunshowtrader.com
Aug. 12 Brackettville: Welcome to the Dark Side
Kickapoo Cavern State Park, 20939 RR 674
Enjoy an evening cavern tour, with hopefully a bat flight to view. Then watch the Perseids meteor shower alongside a stargazing event. A second event takes place during the eclipse of the moon on Oct. 14. tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/kickapoo-cavern
Aug. 17 Bandera: Third Thursday Cowboy Camp with Lew Peterbaugh
Bandera Beverage Barn, 1407 SH 16 North
Bring your guitar to play along or simply come to listen. Pickers who play cowboy, Texas, or Western swing music are welcome to sit in. banderacowboycapital.com
Aug. 18-20, 25-27; Sept. 1-3 Ingram: “The 39 Steps”
Hill Country Arts Foundation, 120 Point Theatre Road
Alfred Hitchcock adapted the book by John Buchan about a man caught up in an international spy ring. This play, based on Hitchcock’s movie, is a frenetic parody farce that’ll have you on the edge of your seat. Hcaf.com
Aug. 19 Blanco: Market Day
Old Blanco Courthouse, 300 Main St.
Shop from about 70 vendors offering homemade crafts, apparel, home decor, plants, baked goods, art, embroidery and crocheted items, and jewelry. Food vendors are on site, and live music fills the air. Admission is free. historicblanco.org/market-day
Aug. 24-27 Fredericksburg: Gillespie County Fair
Gillespie County Fairgrounds and Exhibition Hall, 530 Fair Drive
The oldest continuous county fair in Texas marks its 135th year. Enjoy four big days filled with fun events, including a carnival and midway, fair food, livestock judging, agricultural and household exhibits, arts and crafts, antique tractor shows, live music and dancing, and live pari-mutuel horse racing. gillespiefair.com/gillespie-county-fair
Aug. 25-27 Austin: Professional Bull Riding Team Series: Austin Gambler Days
Moody Center, 2001 Robert Dedman Drive
See an action-packed team bull riding competition with some of the world’s best bull riders, including the local Austin Gamblers bull riding team. austingamblers.com
Aug. 26 Austin: Big Brothers Big Sisters Ice Ball
JW Marriott Austin, 110 E. Second St.
Join Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) for Austin’s brightest gem, the Ice Ball Gala. It’s a night of elegance, inspiration, and revelry that makes a difference for children in the community. With cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, a seated dinner, live and silent auctions, and live music, it’s an exciting evening that changes children’s lives for the better, forever. bigmentoring.org/ice-ball
Aug. 26-26 Johnson City: Market Days
Blanco County Courthouse Square, 101 E. Pecan Drive
Held the fourth weekend of the month, this open-air market features vendors and artisans selling handmade or locally produced products in the heart of Texas wine country. johnsoncitytexas.info
Aug. 26 Fredericksburg: Gillespie County Fair Parade
Main Street
One of the Texas Hill Country’s biggest parades has more than 200 units, marches down Main Street, and kicks off the 135th annual Gillespie County Fair. Bring chairs and arrive early. gillespiefair.com
Aug. 26 Kerrville: Kerrville River Roadster Show
Louise Hays Park, 202 Thompson Drive
This event is open to cars of all sizes, colors, and speeds. Bring the family out to enjoy a beautiful night under the stars with cars, music, food, and fun. kerrvilletx.gov
Aug. 27 Bandera: Frontier Times Fourth Sunday Jamboree
Frontier Times Museum, 510 13th St.
On the fourth Sunday of each month, the Frontier Times Museum hosts this afternoon jamboree with live music, storytelling, and fun for all ages. frontiertimesmuseum.org
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