Peaches on the tree in Fredericksburg

Fredericksburg

Travel Region

Hill Country

Population

30,000

This thriving Hill Country community melds Old World heritage with small-town charms and big-city perks. Throughout the year, throngs of festival-goers descend on events celebrating everything from the oohs and aahs of wildflower season to the oompahs of Oktoberfest.

The town makes a great home base for excursions to Enchanted Rock, the LBJ parks, and other Hill Country wonders.

Upcoming Events

Hill Country Film Festival

June 1-4

Hoffman Haus, 608 E. Creek

"The Best Little Film Festival in Texas" is a celebration of independent film in the Texas Hill Country. The festival screens over 85 independent films (short and feature length) as well as hosts revealing Q&As, filmmaker panel discussions, and opportunities for attendees to rub elbows with filmmakers. Locations include the Hoffman Haus and Admiral Nimitz Ballroom.

hillcountryff.com

Little Pioneers Homestead Adventures

June 1-29

Pioneer Museum, 312 W. San Antonio St.

The Gillespie County Historical Society and the Pioneer Museum introduce Little Pioneers, which includes activities that take place every Thursday and teach children pioneer ways. Children ages 10 and under can enjoy a different hands-on craft each week. Parents learn along with their children.

pioneermuseum.org

First Friday Art Walk

June 2, July 7, Aug. 4

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

Craft Beer Festival

June 10

Marktplatz, 100 block of West Main Street

Save the date for the second annual fundraising festival designed to bring Texas craft beer breweries to town. Enjoy Texas craft beer, meet brew masters, relax in the Marktplatz Biergarten, attend Brew and Taste cooking sessions, visit food concessions and a home brewers DIY area, participate in the Stein Hoist competition, and hear live music.

fbgcraftbeerfestival.com

Trade Days

June 16-18, July 14-16, Aug. 18-20

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

PCAA Concerts in the Park

June 25-Aug. 27

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

Live Pari-Mutuel Horse Racing

July 1-2, 15-16

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

Fourth of July Parade

July 4

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

Fourth of July Fireworks

July 4

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

Night in Old Fredericksburg and Barbecue Cookoff

July 15

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

Hill Country Auto Swap Meet and Flea Market

July 28-30

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/

Live Pari-Mutuel Horse Racing

Aug. 12-13, 26-27

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

Gillespie County Fair

Aug. 24-27

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

Gillespie County Fair Parade

Aug. 26

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

The June 2023 cover of Texas Highways Magazine

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