A note regarding COVID-19
Upcoming Events in El Paso
El Paso
Wraiths of the West Texas Wind: El Paso Ghost Tour
June 1-Aug. 31
Various locations, 114 W. Mills Ave.
Step into the shadows on an El Paso ghost tour, where whispered legends and documented hauntings blur together into a chilling journey through time. Led by passionate local guides who know these streets by heart, this experience invites you to uncover the darker chapters of the city’s story and the spirits many believe still roam after nightfall.
San Angelo
American Plains Artists Summer Show
June 20-Aug. 2
Fort Concho National Historic Landmark, 630 S. Oakes St.
Fort Concho presents this special exhibit of Western art from several dozen artists. Paintings and sculptures depict vistas, historical topics, still life, and characters of the Old West.
Elgin
Western Days Festival
June 25-27
Various locations, 1127 Main St.
Western Days is Elgin’s annual three-day homecoming festival held the fourth weekend in June, featuring community events, a grand parade, live music, food vendors, and family-friendly activities.
Belton
Fourth of July Celebration
June 27-July 4
Various locations, 101 E. Central Ave.
With an estimated 30,000+ people lining the streets and a live, televised broadcast reaching around the world, the over 100-year tradition of the Belton Fourth of July Celebration includes a 1.5-mile parade route, a festival, PRCA rodeo, a street party and concert, and fireworks.
Fairfield
Fireworks at the Fairgrounds
July 3
W.L. Moody Reunion Fairgrounds, 839 E. Commerce St.
Celebrate Independence Day with a fireworks display.
San Angelo
July 4 Salutes at Fort Concho
July 4
Fort Concho National Historic Landmark, 630 S. Oakes St.
An hourly firing of Fort Concho artillery marks the nation’s 250th birthday.
Chappell Hill
Independence Day Parade
July 4
Downtown
Celebrate Independence Day with floats galore and the famous marching kazoo band.
Fairfield
Fuzzy Peach Festival
July 17-18
Freestone County Courthouse, 118 E. Commerce St.
It’s peach season in Texas and Fairfield celebrates with the Fuzzy Peach Festival. The two-day event includes live music, a cornhole tournament, and the Little Miss Peach Pageant.
San Angelo
National Cowboy Day
July 25
Fort Concho National Historic Landmark, 630 S. Oakes St.
Enjoy a program and talk on the American Plains Artists Summer Show, followed by a skit by the Concho Cowboy Company.
Buffalo Soldier Anniversary Day
July 28
Fort Concho National Historic Landmark, 630 S. Oakes St.
This event features programs and activities to mark the anniversary of the creation, by an act of Congress, of the all-Black Buffalo Soldier units in the U.S. Army in 1866.
El Campo
Lagoon Fest
Aug. 1
El Campo Lost Lagoon, 665 CR 451
Lagoon Fest returns for its fourth year, and it’s bigger, better, and more fun than ever. Experience a full weekend of a summer celebration packed with live music, poolside action, and nonstop good vibes.
Chappell Hill
Wine and Cheese Stroll
Aug. 8
Downtown
Enjoy wines, cheeses, and local flavors while exploring charming shops and restaurants.
El Campo
Fiesta Laguna
Aug. 8
El Campo Lost Lagoon, 665 CR 451
Get ready for a poolside fiesta like no other as Fiesta Laguna returns for its second year, bringing high-energy live Tejano music, lagoon fun, and nonstop summer vibes to The Lost Lagoon.
TX Chrome Barbecue Cookoff
Aug. 14-16
El Campo Lost Lagoon, 665 CR 451
The hottest barbecue cookoff of the season benefits TX Chrome Heroes, which provides support and assistance to veterans, first responders, and hometown heroes facing health challenges, disabilities, and hardships. Prizes and live music are part of the fun.
San Angelo
Fess Parker Fess-tival
Aug. 15
Fort Concho National Historic Landmark, 630 S. Oakes St.
Join the celebration for San Angelo native and Hollywood/TV star Fess Parker with a movie, displays, living history, and a Davy Crockett look-alike contest.
New Braunfels
Honky Tonk Thursdays
Sept. 3, 10; Oct. 15; Nov. 19
Gruene Hall, 1281 Gruene Road
Texas’ oldest dance hall presents this music series spotlighting country artists on the rise. The shows give a platform to the next generation of Texas talent—artists who are building momentum and ready to make their mark. All performances are free, open to all ages, and benefit the SIMS Foundation, a nonprofit providing mental health and substance use recovery services to musicians, music industry professionals, and their families.
Del Valle
FIA World Endurance Championships (Lone Star Le Mans)
Sept. 4-6
Circuit of The Americas, 9201 Circuit of the Americas Blvd
Don’t miss the Lone Star Le Mans when it returns to Austin for the sixth and only North American race in the official World Endurance Championship season. Witness the greatest lineup of horsepower featuring world-class brands including Ferrari, Porsche, and McLaren.
circuitoftheamericas.com/event/fia-world-endurance-championship
New Braunfels
Hollydays Market
Sept. 4-6
New Braunfels Convention/Civic Center, 375 S. Castell Ave.
Shop over 130 local vendors and crafters featuring handmade gifts, boutique clothing, fall décor, home accents, specialty foods, and early holiday finds. It’s the perfect way to kick off the season and get a head start on your festive events.
Friday Afternoon Club at Gruene Hall
Sept. 4, 11, 18, 25; Oct. 2, 8, 16, 23, 30
Gruene Hall, 1281 Gruene Road
At this Gruene Hall tradition, now in its 28th year, hipsters, oldsters, suits, locals, and drifters mix it up to start their weekend rite (pun intended). This quintessential Friday happy hour celebrates the warmer weather with great beer prices, prize giveaways, and Texas tunes broadcast live by KNBT 92.1 FM Radio New Braunfels. There’s even a very special guest interview each week. A few who have been known to stop by for a chat have included Ray Benson, Steve Earle, Delbert McClinton, Radney Foster, Hayes Carll, and Ray Wylie Hubbard.
El Campo
Freedom Fest
Sept. 11-13
El Campo Lost Lagoon, 665 CR 451
Close out the summer at Lost Lagoon during the sixth annual Freedom Fest, a high-energy weekend packed with live music, lagoon fun, and red-white-and-blue vibes to wrap up the season in style.
Fairfield
Show of Wheels Car Show
Sept. 12
Freestone County Courthouse, 118 E. Commerce St.
The Show of Wheels Car Show brings classic, custom, and modern vehicles together for an exciting day of automotive fun. Enjoy a showcase of polished rides, live entertainment, local vendors, and family-friendly activities as car enthusiasts and the community come together to celebrate all things on wheels.
Chappell Hill
Airing of the Quilts
Sept. 12
Downtown
Step back in time and stroll through Chappell Hill viewing a plethora of quilts. Grandma’s attic full of quilts are all hanging in Chappell Hill for the day. Some quilts are available for sale.
El Paso
Official Grito Celebration
Sept. 12
Convention Center Plaza , 1 Civic Center Plaza
Join the El Paso community in celebrating the bigger and better than ever Vivamos Mexico: Official Grito in downtown El Paso. This free event celebrates Mexican Independence Day and honors the history of the region with one bi-national fiesta.
Caldwell
Kolache Festival
Sept. 12
Downtown, 100 W. Buck St.
Attend the 41st annual Kolache Festival on the square in downtown Caldwell, always the second Saturday in September. Along with homemade kolaches, the event includes the crowning of Miss Kolache Festival followed by the SPJST youth Beseda dancers, a kolache eating contest, the kolache baking championship, a 5K Kolache Krunch run, and polka music. Plus, there are arts and crafts booths and food vendors, a quilt show, museum exhibitions, a street rods and classic car show, an antique machinery and tractor show, and a kids activity zone.
New Braunfels
Gruene 10K
Sept. 12
Gruene Historic District, 1601 Hunter Road
Participants enjoy a leisurely or competitive run through the Texas Hill Country with medals awarded for each age group and a post-race social with food and beer for all participants. The event is sponsored by the New Braunfels Running Club and benefits a New Braunfels charity.
San Angelo
“One of a Kind: The Art and Music of Bobby Whitlock”
Sept. 17-Nov. 29
San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts, 1 Love St.
Rock musician Bobby Whitlock was best known as a songwriter and performer, co-founding Derek and the Dominoes with Eric Clapton, and having performed on George Harrison’s 1970 triple album “All Things Must Pass.” In his later years, he found painting to be outlet for creative expression. Having worked in collaboration with Whitlock and his wife and longtime musical partner, CoCo Carmel, the San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts presents an interactive exhibition of Whitlock’s dynamic paintings, together with music and memorabilia from the course of his long career.
Concho Valley Archaeology Fair
Sept. 19
Fort Concho National Historic Landmark, 630 S. Oakes St.
Explore the past 2,000 years of the Concho Valley with displays, children’s activities, and demonstrations.
New Braunfels
Old Gruene Market Days
Sept. 19-20, Oct. 17-18, Nov. 21-22, Dec. 5-6
Gruene Historic District, 1601 Hunter Road
Nearly 100 vendors offer uniquely crafted items and packaged Texas foods.
River Revival Music Fest
Sept. 24-27
KL Ranch Camp, 5455 River Road
Set against the backdrop of the pristine Guadalupe River, this unforgettable weekend blends scenic camping, craft beer, and live music from across the Lone Star State.
Fairfield
Santa in September
Sept. 26
W.L. Moody Reunion Fairgrounds, 839 E. Commerce St.
Santa in September brings a little early holiday cheer to the community. Visit with Santa to kick off the season of giving in a cheerful way. It’s a great September surprise for kids.
El Paso
Way Out West Festival
Sept. 26
Convention Center Plaza, 1 Civic Center Plaza
Way Out West Fest celebrates 10 years as one of the city’s most anticipated country music festivals. Featuring multi-platinum country artist Cole Swindell as this year’s headliner, the festival brings together live music across multiple stages, regional food and drink experiences, interactive activations, contests, dancing, and the vibrant energy that defines El Paso’s entertainment scene.
New Braunfels
Sundrop Springs Fall Festival
Sept. 26-Nov. 21
Sundrop Springs, 953 Hueco Springs Loop Road
Sundrop Springs is a new family tradition that brings entertainment during the best time of year. Enjoy a hayride, pumpkin patch, mazes, and delicious food.
El Paso
Chalk the Block
Oct. 3-4
Downtown, 114 W. Mills Ave.
Over 45,000 people visit this chalk art competition each year, where more than 100 local and touring artists from all disciplines compete. There’s also art installations, live dance and theatrical performances, art and food vendors, and access to hands-on activities and exhibits.
El Campo
Prairie Days Festival
Oct. 3
Alamo Park, West First Street
This festival celebrates El Campo’s heritage with live music, a beer garden, food and craft vendors, a kids zone, community 5K run, shopping, entertainment, and hometown fun all day long.
New Braunfels
Friends of the New Braunfels Public Library Book Sale
Oct. 8-10
New Braunfels Civic Center, 375 S. Castell Ave.
Shop a huge book sale with thousands of books of every genre, plus CDs, DVDs, books of special interest, and collectibles. The sale raises tens of thousands of dollars to support the New Braunfels Public Library.
Gruene Music and Wine Festival
Oct. 8-11
Gruene Historical District, 1612 Hunter Road
The Gruene Music and Wine Festival began as a one-day event in 1987 with the purpose of promoting Texas and Americana music while raising funds for the United Way of Comal County. Over the years, it has become a multi-day celebration not only of Texas and Americana music, but also wine, made right here in Texas.
Gruene Music and Wine Festival
Oct. 8-11
Gruene Historic District, 1601 Hunter Road
This award-winning event celebrates its 40th year. Located in the heart of the Gruene Historic District, the festival showcases the best in Texas wine and live music and is held each year during Columbus Day weekend. It continues to make a meaningful impact by supporting multiple local charities through United Way of Comal and Guadalupe counties.
San Angelo
Fort Concho After Dark
Oct. 9-10
Fort Concho National Historic Landmark, 630 S. Oakes St.
Take an evening walking tour of the historic site with true and scary stories told based on actual events from the 1870s.
A Murder at Fort Concho
Oct. 16-17
Fort Concho National Historic Landmark, 630 S. Oakes St.
Guests receive clues and attempt to solve the murder case by visiting with various characters from the 1870s.
New Braunfels
Día de los Muertos Festival
Oct. 17
Downtown , 500 Main Plaza
Celebrate Día de los Muertos and Hispanic culture in New Braunfels. Expect live music, face painting, and a kids’ area with games, activities, and craft making. There are also vendors selling food, beer, and arts and crafts.
Bellaire
Houston Area Wood Carvers Show, Competition, and Sale
Oct. 17
Faith Lutheran Church, Fellowship Hall, 4600 Bellaire Blvd.
Houston-area wood carvers display one-of-a-kind art and compete for awards. On display are caricature, realistic, and stylized carvings including birds, animals, Santas, and cowboys. Relief and chip carvings and pyrography are also displayed. Watch the whittling contest in the afternoon.
San Angelo
“En Plein Air Texas: Spirit of the Ranch”
Oct. 22-Jan. 10
San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts, 1 Love St.
Award-winning plein air artists from all over the United States were selected to live and paint for three weeks on local ranches, giving an artistic perspective on the unique, diverse, and breathtaking beauty of the region.
El Paso
Día de los Muertos Desfile and Festival
Oct. 24
Downtown , 125 W. Mills Ave.
The ninth annual Día de los Muertos Desfile and Festival is a celebration of life for those who have departed. The event is free and includes arts and cultural activities, altars and exhibits, local vendors, and performances. The parade features 60 entries of floats, performers, and local organizations.
New Braunfels
Texas Clay Festival
Oct. 24-25
Gruene Historical District, 1724 Hunter Road
Featuring the work of over 80 Texas potters and clay artists, the festival offers the opportunity to view and purchase a wide variety of pottery, from traditional to sculptural by the top clay artists in the state.
Texas Clay Festival
Oct. 24-25
Gruene Historic District, 1601 Hunter Road
At the 33rd annual festival, respected potters and sculptors from around Texas display their works, sell their wares, and demonstrate a variety of techniques. Hands-on activities are available for children.
San Angelo
Fort Concho House of Horrors
Oct. 30-31
Fort Concho National Historic Landmark, 630 S. Oakes St.
A historic building turns into a scary haunted house for Halloween.
New Braunfels
Wurstfest
Nov. 6-15
Wurstfest Grounds, 178 Landa Park Drive
A unique annual celebration rich in German culture and full of Texas fun includes food, music, dancing, carnival rides and games, beer, special events, and the finest in Bavarian-style entertainment.
Holidays in Gruene: Photos with Cowboy Kringle
Nov. 7-8, 14-15, 21-22, 27-29; Dec. 5-6, 12-13, 19-20
Gruene Historic District, 1601 Hunter Road
Create a lasting Christmas memory by getting pictures with Gruene’s own brand of Santa. Reserve a spot in advance for photo packages, Christmas cards, and other special order items. Photos taken Nov. 21-22 benefit a local nonprofit.
Come and Taste It: Meet Texas’ Best Winemakers and Brewers
Nov. 12, Dec. 17
The Grapevine, 1612 Hunter Road
The Grapevine Garden welcomes visitors to taste favorite Texas wines and craft beers. This event features live music and complimentary tastings by up to three wineries and three breweries, hand-selected by the Grapevine staff.
Downtown Lighting and Santa’s Arrival
Nov. 20
Downtown, 500 Main Plaza
The Main Plaza in downtown New Braunfels hosts the official kickoff of the holiday season when thousands of twinkling lights are turned on and Santa makes his arrival.
Weihnachtsmarkt
Nov. 20-22
New Braunfels Civic Center/Convention Center, 375 S. Castell Ave.
Enjoy an exclusive Christmas shopping experience at Weihnachtsmarkt, a German-style Christmas market with a Texas twist. The market offers authentic German collectibles and ornaments, unique decorations, specialty items, fabulous gifts, apparel, and antiques.
Fairfield
Jingle All The Way
Dec. 19
Freestone County Courthouse, 118 E. Commerce St.
Jingle All the Way is a festive community celebration filled with holiday cheer, family-friendly fun, and seasonal activities for all ages. From merry moments to bright smiles, it’s the perfect way to celebrate the season together.