Cofran's Texas . . .
Hill Country Portal

Life in the Texas Hill Country seems at times like a continuing festival. Just look at the list below of major events & festivals throughout our area. The range of themes is as varied as the locations.

This Calendar below is just for festivals & featured, major events, but only in the Hill Country. It is not for events outside our geographic area. See area definition at: Hill Country Region

And, this calendar is only for true festivals and major featured events.

See all of our special Hill Country topic calendars: Click: All Calendars

See detailed navigation menu at the top of every page.

For each town, be sure to also check out the profile page in this Portal site to see full details for that town.

Plan your own festival trail or event trail through the Texas Hill Country with this convenient list. Be sure to verify dates and times before heading out.

When you visit the festivals listed here, please tell them you found their information in the Hill Country Portal web site.

To submit your event listing information (free), just fill out this handy on-line submission form:

>> Free Event Listing Form

QUICK CLICK INDEX BY MONTH: Jan; Feb; Mar; April; May; June; July; Aug; Sep; Oct; Nov; Dec;
Focus Topic Calendars; Top of Page & Main Menu; Submit Your Event (Free)

Jan 1, 2026 - POLAR BEAR DIVE: at Mansfield Dam Park, 4370 Mansfield Dam Park Rd, nearest Lagkeway (including Volente and Hudson Bend), Map. Web. 11a-3p. Join the Austin Aquanauts for a scuba dive or a surface plunge in Lake Travis; warm fluids and hot water for wetsuits provided. FMI: 512-451-4607

Jan 1, 2026 - POLAR PLUNGE: Cedar Park, at Veterans Memorial Pool, 2525 W New Hope Drive. Map. Web. 10a. Kick off the year by sliding down the drop slide or jumping off the dive platform into the chilly dive well, followed by a hot cocoa bar. FMI: 512-401-5500

Jan 1, 2026 - POLAR BEAR PLUNGE & 5K: Wimberley, at Blue Hole Regional Park, 333 Blue Hole Lane. Map. Web. 9:15a-12:30p. Shake off the winter doldrums with a scenic 5K run followed by a bold plunge into the icy waters of Cypress Creek. FMI: 512-660-9111

Jan 1, 2026 - VOLKSSPORTVEREIN FRIEDRICHSBURG NEW YEAR'S DAY WALK: Fredericksburg, at Sunday House Inn, 501 E Main Street. Map. Web. 8a-2p. A traditional 7-12km walk through historic Fredericksburg and St. Mary’s Cemeteries to start the year. FMI: 830-997-6523

Jan 1, 2026 - ANNUAL BLACK-EYED PEA COOK-OFF: Hye, at William Chris Vineyards, 10352 US-290. Map. Web. 1-4p. Celebrate New Year's Day with live music, Texas wine, and a culinary competition featuring creative black-eyed pea dishes for good luck. FMI: 830-998-7654

Jan 1, 2026 - ANNUAL POLAR PLUNGE: Leander, at Robin Bledsoe Swimming Pool, 601 S Bagdad Road. Map. Web. 10a-12p. A frosty community tradition featuring a group plunge, warm drinks, and prizes for the bravest participants. FMI: 512-528-2997

Jan 1, 2026 - FIRST DAY HIKES AT TEXAS STATE PARKS: Start your new year with a walk in the park! Multiple locations across the Hill Country. Web. Thu, various times, but double check event times at this park website before you head out. Celebrate the new year with guided and self-guided hikes at participating parks. Explore nature, history, and scenic views with family-friendly activities and ranger-led experiences. Parking & admission: Free with park entry. FMI: Texas Parks & Wildlife, 512-389-8900, info@tpwd.texas.gov . Consder bringing sufficient water, nibbles to eat, hiking shoes, hat, weather appropriate clothing, sunglasses, hiking kit, trail map, phone. If you choose a self-guided hike, be sure to look for tables or stop at HQ for hike information and maps. After your hike, stop back by to report on your hike and collect a memento of your visit. Also see helpful park profiles on our special Portal focus topic page at: Hill Country Parks, Lakes, Rivers
• BLANCO STATE PARK: 10a: Self-guided hike learning about the young men who built the park nearly 100 years ago. 101 Park Road 23. Map. Web. 8a-4p. Kick off the year on the trail at your own pace; stop by the HQ for a commemorative "First Day Hike" sticker. FMI: 830-833-4330
• COLORADO BEND STATE PARK: 9:45a: Guided hike to the tallest and most famous waterfall in Central Texas.
• DEVIL'S SINKHOLE STATE NATURAL AREA: 10a: Guided or self-guided nature walk.
• ENCHANTED ROCK STATE NATURAL AREA: 10a: Ranger-guided hike to the summit.
• GARNER STATE PARK: 10a: Guided hike to the top of Old Baldy with scenic overlooks of the Frio River and Hill Country. Concan, at Garner State Park, 234 RR-1050. Map, Web. 10a-Noon. A challenging guided hike to the summit of Old Baldy for breathtaking overlooks of the Frio River and the surrounding canyons. FMI: 830-232-6132
• GOVERNMENT CANYON STATE NATURAL AREA: 9a: Family-friendly hike; 9:30a: Bluff Spurs Trail; 10a: 5-mile guided hike to dinosaur tracks; 1p: Additional guided hike.
• GUADALUPE RIVER STATE PARK: Self-guided & self-paced hike available all day (8a-4:30p).
• HILL COUNTRY STATE NATURAL AREA: 9:30a: Summit hike with Ranger Augie to West Peak Overlook — aiming for 2,000 steps and panoramic views. 10600 Bandera Creek Road. Map, Web. 9:30a-Noon. Join Ranger Augie for a summit hike to the top of West Peak Overlook for scenic views and a 2,000-step challenge. FMI: 830-796-4413
• HONEY CREEK STATE NATURAL AREA: Guided walks available; registration required.
• INKS LAKE STATE PARK: 10a: Self-guided hike; Noon: Additional self-guided hike.
• LOST MAPLES STATE NATURAL AREA: 9:30a: Hike to the infamous Monkey Rock; 3:30p: Second hike.
• LYNDON B. JOHNSON STATE PARK & HISTORIC SITE: 9:30a: Bird walk; Noon: Guided hike focused on mindfulness and intention in nature.
• MCKINNEY FALLS STATE PARK: 9a: Self-guided hike; 9:30a: First Day Fun Run; 9:45a: Additional hike.
• OLD TUNNEL STATE PARK: 10a: Self-guided half-mile trail hike; 1p: Guided hike.
• PEDERNALES FALLS STATE PARK: 8:30a: Falls Loop river walk; 10a: Madrone-Juniper Ridge Loop; 11a: Hackenburg Loop; 3p: Guided fossils and scenic views hike.
• SOUTH LLANO RIVER STATE PARK: 10a: Guided 1.3-mi hike through the beautiful pecan bottomland along South Llano River. Meet at River Trailhead Parking Lot. Dress for weather, wear appropriate shoes, and don't forget water!

Jan 12–14, 2026 - HILL COUNTRY WINE SYMPOSIUM: Horseshoe Bay, at Horseshoe Bay Resort, 200 Hi Circle North. Map. Web. Tue–Thu, sessions daily. Premier gathering for wine professionals and enthusiasts featuring seminars, panels, and a Winemaker Dinner. Includes scholarship awards and “Texas Wine Rising” presentations.

Jan 17, 2026 - LUCKENBACH BLUES FESTIVAL: Luckenbach, at Luckenbach Texas, 412 Luckenbach Town Loop. Map. Web. Sat, 1–6:30p. 19th annual festival dedicated to Marcia Ball. Seated dancehall show with Soul Wagon, Kelly’s Lot, and Aaron Stephens. Proceeds benefit HOME.

Jan 17, 2026 - FREDERICKSBURG BOOK FESTIVAL: Fredericksburg, at multiple downtown venues including the Pioneer Museum grounds, Marktplatz pavilions, and participating Main Street shops (3 locations). 9a–5p. Web. A full-day literary celebration featuring author talks, book signings, panel discussions, children’s reading programs, and indie-publisher showcases. Includes nationally recognized writers, including Pulitzer Prize–winning author Lawrence Wright, who will discuss his books, screenplays, and magazine work. Organized as the second annual Fredericksburg Book Festival, the event connects readers with Texas authors, promotes regional storytelling, and supports the Hill Country’s literary arts community. FMI: 830-997-6513

Jan 17-18, 24-25, Feb 1, 2025 - KERRVILLE RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL: Kerrville, at River Star Arts and Event Park on the grounds of the Hill Country Youth Event Center, 3785 TX-27 East. Map. Web. Facebook. 10a-5p. Rain or shine. FMI: 214-632-5766, kerrvillerenfest@gmail.com

Jan 24, 2026 - YMCA CHUCK WAGON CHOW DOWN: Burnet, at YMCA of the Highland Lakes, 1601 S Water St, Burnet, TX 78611. Map. hlsl.org. Sat, 5:30p. Annual fundraiser benefit by Highland lakes Service League, BBQ, auction, raffles, wine pull, live music.

QUICK CLICK INDEX BY MONTH: Jan; Feb; Mar; April; May; June; July; Aug; Sep; Oct; Nov; Dec;
Focus Topic Calendars; Top of Page & Main Menu; Submit Your Event (Free)

Feb 5-7, 2026 - COWBOY MARDI GRAS: Bandera, at 11th Street Cowboy Bar, 307 11th Street. Map. Sponsor Web. Three days of Cajun flair in the Cowboy Capital with a downtown parade, live Zydeco and country music, and a Gumbo Cook-off. Experience a unique Texas-Cajun fusion. FMI: 830-796-4849



Feb 7, 2026 - LLANO TROUT RELEASE PARTY: At Grenwelge Park, 103 E Haynie St, Llano, TX 78643. Map. Web. Sat, 10a–2p. Celebrate release of 2,000 rainbow trout into the Llano River. Enjoy casting and fly-tying demos, Q&A with TPWD Angler Education, and fishing fun for the whole family. Free hot dogs, chips & drinks. Parking & admission: Free. Must follow all TPWD regs, see Texas Parks & Wildlife Dept. FMI: Llano Main Street,

Feb 7, 2026 - SOMEONE SPECIAL DANCE: Kerrville, at Happy State Bank Expo Hall, 3785 Hwy 27. Map. 5-8p. A family-friendly community dance welcoming all family members for a night of music and memory-making. Advanced ticket purchase is required. Sponsor Web. FMI: 830-257-7300

Feb 13–14, 2026 - BOERNE CHOCOLATE WALK: Boerne, at Historic Downtown Boerne (Main Plaza). Map. Web. Fri–Sat, 10a–5p. Shop the Hill Country Mile with tote bag and map, collecting chocolate treats at participating shops. Tickets on sale Jan 13.

Feb 14, 2026 - MISTICK KREWE OF OKEANOS MARDI GRAS PARADE: San Marcos, historic downtown districts. Map. Web. Sat, 12p. Annual carnival parade with floats, music, and bead-throwing through historic streets. Family-friendly Mardi Gras celebration.

Feb 21–22, 2026 - BOERNE HOME & OUTDOOR LIVING SHOW: At The Bevy Hotel (Menger Ballroom), 101 Herff Rd, Boerne, TX 78006. Map. Web. Sat, 10a–5p; Sun, 11a–4p. Home improvement, outdoor living, gardening, and contractor resources with hands-on demos and expert exhibitors. Parking & admission: Free. FMI: RJC Productions, 832-265-2001, info@rjcproductions.com

Feb 26, 2026 - HILL COUNTRY ECONOMIC SUMMIT: Kerrville, at Kerr County Hill Country Youth Event Center, 3785 TX-27 E, 1/2 mi E of VA Hospital. Web. 8a-1:30p. As a vibrant, area business, the Kerrville Area Chamber of Commerce knows you have goals for your business and a desire to tell your story. That's why we are excited to invite you to join the annual Hill Country Economic Summit as a sponsor or participant. This will serve to bring Kerrville and the surrounding communities a current economic update and a State of the Union on important happenings within our region. Hear from renowned speakers discussing important topics you won't want to miss. FMI: 830-896-1155, info@kerrvillechamber.biz

Feb 27, 2026 - LEANDER LOCAL FEST: Leander, at Premier Athletic Complex, 8220 183A Toll Road. Map. Sponsor Web. Fri, 3-7p. Presented by the Leander Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center. Enjoy a full day of local culture, interactive exhibits, and community excitement. Discover the growth and innovation happening across the city while connecting with neighbors at this vibrant celebration of all things Leander. FMI: 512-265-6491

Feb 27-Mar 1, 2026 - LLANO EARTH ART FEST (LEAF): Llano, at Grenwelge Park, 100 E Haynie Street. Map. Web. Welcome to the World Rock Stacking Championship, this festival features incredible "earth art," live music, workshops, and food vendors along the banks of the Llano River. FMI: 325-247-5354

Feb 28–Mar 1, 2026 - HILL COUNTRY HOME & OUTDOOR LIVING SHOW – NEW BRAUNFELS EDITION: At New Braunfels Civic/Convention Center, 375 S Castell Ave, New Braunfels, TX 78130. Map. Web. Sat–Sun, 10a–5p. Home upgrades, gardening, outdoor inspiration, and senior lifestyle resources. Over 200 vendors and show attractions. Parking & admission: Free. FMI: RJC Productions, 832-265-2001, info@rjcproductions.com

QUICK CLICK INDEX BY MONTH: Jan; Feb; Mar; April; May; June; July; Aug; Sep; Oct; Nov; Dec;
Focus Topic Calendars; Top of Page & Main Menu; Submit Your Event (Free)

Mar 19-28, 2026 - HEART OF TEXAS COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL: Brady, at 4 venues: Ed Davenport Civic Center (816 San Angelo Hwy); TruCountry Hotel Ballroom (202 W Main); Heart of Texas Events Center (804 San Angelo Hwy); Heart of Texas Country Music Museum (1701 S Bridge St). Event Web, Visit Brady Web. Multiple shows and dances offer a great time for fans of traditional country music. Golf tournament, guitar show, silent auctions. Annual event. BYOB. The museum has concessions at each event that includes setups, sodas, ice, popcorn, snacks and usually sandwiches. Proceeds benefit Heart of Texas Country Music Museum. Tkt required: $0-35/event. Organizer: Heart of Texas Music Association. FMI: 325-597-1895. racy@hillbillyhits.com

Mar 21–22, 2026 - KERRVILLE HOME & OUTDOOR LIVING SHOW + SENIOR EXPO: At Kerrville Youth Center (AKA the Ag Barn), 3805 TX-27, Kerrville, TX 78028. Map. Facebook. Sat–Sun, 10a–5p. A 2-in-1 event featuring home improvement, outdoor living, gardening, landscaping, trusted contractors, and senior wellness resources. Family-friendly and informative. Parking & admission: Free. FMI: Kerrville Home Show, 830-555-0000, info@kerrvillehomeshow.com

QUICK CLICK INDEX BY MONTH: Jan; Feb; Mar; April; May; June; July; Aug; Sep; Oct; Nov; Dec;
Focus Topic Calendars; Top of Page & Main Menu; Submit Your Event (Free)

Apr 17–19, 2026 - OLD SETTLER’S MUSIC FESTIVAL: Driftwood, at Camp Ben McCulloch, 18301 FM-1826. Map. Sponsor Web. 10a. Ranked in the top five of USA Today’s list of North America’s 10 best festivals, offering a fun and family-friendly experience for music enthusiasts. Unique atmosphere features a laid-back, community-oriented vibe with top-tier live music and camping just outside of Austin. FMI: info@oldsettlersmusicfest.org

QUICK CLICK INDEX BY MONTH: Jan; Feb; Mar; April; May; June; July; Aug; Sep; Oct; Nov; Dec;
Focus Topic Calendars; Top of Page & Main Menu; Submit Your Event (Free)

May 21-June 7, 2026 - KERRVILLE FOLK FESTIVAL: Kerrville, at Quiet Valley Ranch, 9 mi S of town on TX-16. Map. Web. Performances by 100+ singer songwriters and their bands. Interspersed between weekends are workshops in songwriting and booking and management for touring artists performance and recording. Draws 32 of the best of America's emerging songwriters. Award winners are recognized at a special concert on the second weekend. Workshops, and song circles. Bring your tent or RV. Camping is free with a ticket for 3 or more consecutive days. Campgrounds are famous for songwriters campfires, an internationally heralded feature of our festival since 1974. FMI: 830-257-3600, info@kerrvillefolkfestival.org

QUICK CLICK INDEX BY MONTH: Jan; Feb; Mar; April; May; June; July; Aug; Sep; Oct; Nov; Dec;
Focus Topic Calendars; Top of Page & Main Menu; Submit Your Event (Free)

Dec 4–6 & 11–13, 2026, Fri–Sun, Times TBA - NEW BRAUNFELS RENAISSANCE FAIRE: At Heritage Village, 1370 Church Hill Dr, New Braunfels, TX 78130. Map. Web. Returning to the Hill Country for its annual December run, this immersive Renaissance-era festival features costumed characters, themed entertainment, artisan merchants, live music, food & drink, and hands-on activities for all ages. Set within the historic Heritage Village grounds, the event recreates a lively medieval marketplace atmosphere. Parking, admission & hours: See event web or social media for updates.

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