One of the best things about visiting the Texas Hill Country isn’t just the rolling landscapes and peaceful mornings — it’s the culture. There’s always something happening out here. Between the small-town fairs, live music festivals, and weekend wine tastings, the area around Texas Hill Country Resort comes alive year-round.
Whether you’re traveling as a couple, with family, or with friends, you’ll find that local events offer a genuine taste of Hill Country life — laid-back, creative, and rooted in tradition. From the clink of wine glasses in Fredericksburg to the roar of rodeo crowds in Bandera, there’s always a reason to get out and join the fun.
So grab your calendar — here’s your complete guide to events near Texas Hill Country Resort, organized by theme and season, plus a few insider tips for planning your perfect outing.
1. Wine Trail Weekends & Tasting Events
The Hill Country is wine country — and that means wine events are almost constant, especially in the spring and fall.
Texas Hill Country Wine Trail Weekends
This multi-weekend series (usually held in April, August, and October) features dozens of wineries across the region. You can buy a “trail passport,” which gives you tastings at participating vineyards and discounts on bottles.
Some of the most popular wineries to visit include:
- Becker Vineyards – Lavender fields, bold reds, and live jazz on select weekends.
- Messina Hof Hill Country – Elegant tastings with seasonal food pairings.
- Grape Creek Vineyards – Tuscan-style terraces perfect for sunset sipping.
It’s an excellent couples activity and an ideal excuse to spend a full day exploring scenic backroads.
If you’re staying at Texas Hill Country Resort near Blanco, you’re right in the middle of it all — close enough to Fredericksburg, Stonewall, and Comfort to make an easy day trip.
Wine & Food Festivals
Keep an eye out for these annual events:
- Fredericksburg Food and Wine Fest (October): A Hill Country classic with tastings, live music, and cooking demos.
- Texas Wine Jam (August): Combines local wineries with up-and-coming Texas musicians.
- Wine & Wildflower Journey (Spring): A scenic celebration that blends wildflower season with vineyard tours.
2. Rodeos, Fairs & Western Heritage
If you want to experience the authentic Texas spirit, nothing beats a Hill Country rodeo or county fair. These events mix live music, local food, livestock shows, and a sense of community that’s hard to find anywhere else.
Bandera ProRodeo (May)
Just a short drive from the resort, Bandera — the “Cowboy Capital of the World” — hosts its annual ProRodeo and Parade every Memorial Day weekend. You’ll see bull riding, barrel racing, roping competitions, and parades filled with classic western flair.
Kerrville County Fair (September)
A family favorite that blends carnival rides, livestock contests, and local vendors. It’s old-fashioned fun with a small-town heart.
Medina Apple Festival (Late October)
A can’t-miss local event celebrating the region’s apple orchards. Expect homemade pies, craft booths, and small-town charm everywhere you look.
And here’s the truth — you don’t even have to love rodeos to love rodeo weekend. It’s about the energy, the food, the people, and those summer evenings when everyone’s out laughing under the lights.
3. Live Music, Markets & Art Walks
There’s no shortage of creativity in the Texas Hill Country. From live acoustic sets under oak trees to art markets that take over town squares, the region thrives on its local artists and musicians.
Blanco Market Day (Every 3rd Saturday, March–November)
This small-town market fills the historic Blanco Courthouse Square with local artisans, handmade crafts, and live folk music. It’s a great place to grab a bite, pick up a souvenir, and chat with locals.
Kerrville Folk Festival (May–June)
One of the longest-running music festivals in the country, drawing folk and acoustic musicians from across the U.S. The vibe is relaxed and deeply connected to nature — pack a blanket, some snacks, and enjoy the melodies under the stars.
First Friday Art Walk Fredericksburg (Year-Round)
Every first Friday, local galleries open late with new exhibits, wine tastings, and live music. It’s an elegant yet casual evening out — perfect for a couple’s night.
Luckenbach Texas Live Music Nights
A Hill Country legend, Luckenbach is known for its laid-back atmosphere and nightly country jams. As they say: “Everybody’s somebody in Luckenbach.”
No matter when you visit, you’ll find some kind of live performance within 30 minutes of Texas Hill Country Resort — country, blues, rock, or acoustic — it’s just part of the culture here.
4. Wildflower, Harvest & Holiday Events
Every season in the Hill Country brings something special — from the wildflower blooms in spring to the cozy lights of winter festivals.
Spring: Wildflower Season (March–April)
Spring transforms the Hill Country into a patchwork of color. Events like the Wildflower Festival in Burnet and the Bluebonnet Festival in Chappell Hill celebrate the blooms with art, food, and live music.
The scenic drives around Medina, Bandera, and Blanco are breathtaking this time of year — fields covered in bluebonnets, Indian paintbrush, and coreopsis.
Summer: Peach and Lavender Festivals (June–July)
Don’t miss the Blanco Lavender Festival — a local favorite that fills the town square with lavender products, food, and live entertainment. And if you love fresh fruit, the Fredericksburg Peach Festival is the definition of summer sweetness.
Fall: Harvest & Oktoberfest (September–November)
When the temperatures drop, the festivals pick up.
- Fredericksburg Oktoberfest: Lederhosen, bratwurst, beer, and polka — it’s the most festive event of the season.
- Kerrville Chalk Festival: Artists transform sidewalks into stunning chalk murals.
- Texas Mesquite Arts Festival: Perfect for woodcraft enthusiasts and art collectors alike.
Winter: Holiday Magic (December–January)
Hill Country towns shine bright for the holidays. Some of the best displays and winter festivals include:
- Fredericksburg Christmas Nights of Lights – the whole town glows every evening.
- Bandera Cowboy Christmas Parade – a festive western-style celebration with horses and carolers.
- Blanco’s Lighted Parade & Courthouse Lighting – cozy, small-town magic at its finest.
The holidays here feel like stepping into a Texas Christmas postcard — minus the snow but full of charm.
5. Planning Tips: Tickets, Parking & Shuttles
Hill Country events range from quiet market days to major festivals that bring thousands of visitors, so a little planning goes a long way.
Book Early
If you’re visiting during spring wildflower season or major wine weekends, accommodations fill up fast. Secure your stay at Texas Hill Country Resort early for the best rates and site availability.
Tickets
- Many festivals offer discounted tickets online — buy ahead to skip long lines.
- For free local events, check social media or town websites for parking or shuttle details.
Parking & Transportation
- Most small towns provide free parking near the courthouse square or designated lots.
- For larger festivals (like Oktoberfest or the Kerrville Folk Festival), use shuttles to avoid the hassle.
- Always bring cash — some rural areas have limited card service.
Dress for the Weather
Texas weather can flip on you — sunny one minute, chilly the next. Pack layers, a hat, sunscreen, and a refillable water bottle.
And if you’re planning to sample wine or craft beer, be smart: share tastings or designate a driver. Many wine trails even offer private shuttles that make it easy to explore safely.
6. Year-Round Community Happenings
Even when there’s not a big festival on the calendar, the Hill Country’s small towns are never dull.
Weekly farmers markets, evening concerts, and art pop-ups keep the rhythm of local life going year-round. In places like Bandera and Medina, you’ll often find:
- Friday night dances at local halls
- Outdoor movie nights in summer
- Charity barbecues with live country bands
- Pop-up antique markets in the cooler months
Part of the fun of staying at Texas Hill Country Resort is discovering these unadvertised gems — the events you only hear about when a friendly local says, “Hey, y’all should come to the dance tonight.”
7. How to Make the Most of It
You don’t have to cram every festival into one trip — the beauty of the Hill Country is that there’s always something happening.
Here’s a simple approach to enjoy it all without rushing:
- Pick one major event (a festival, rodeo, or concert) to plan your weekend around.
- Add one small-town outing, like a farmers market or art walk.
- Leave one day open just to relax and explore the scenery — the rivers, wineries, or hiking trails near your resort.
By mixing event energy with peaceful downtime, you’ll get the full Hill Country experience — both lively and laid-back.
FAQs About Events Near Texas Hill Country Resort
Q: When is the best time of year for festivals in the Hill Country?
A: Spring and fall are the busiest seasons, with wildflower festivals, wine trails, and outdoor events.
Q: Are events family-friendly?
A: Absolutely. Many local festivals have kids’ zones, live music, and food vendors for all ages.
Q: Can I walk or bike to events from Texas Hill Country Resort?
A: Some nearby markets and small-town events are within short driving or biking distance. For larger events, plan to drive or use a shuttle.
Q: Do I need to buy tickets in advance?
A: For major festivals like Oktoberfest or wine trail weekends, yes. Smaller markets and art walks are usually free.
Q: What’s the best event for first-time visitors?
A: The Blanco Lavender Festival in June is a great introduction — local food, art, and the sweet smell of lavender everywhere.
Wrapping It Up
The Hill Country isn’t just a place — it’s a rhythm. It’s sunrise over the river, music drifting from a nearby barn dance, and a sky full of stars after a long festival day.
From wine trail weekends to rodeo nights, every event here tells a story about community, creativity, and good Texas living.
When you stay at Texas Hill Country Resort, you’re not just near the action — you’re part of it. With easy access to local towns, scenic drives, and year-round festivities, you’ll find something special happening no matter when you visit.
So pack your boots, grab your hat, and get ready to make a few new memories — Hill Country style.
