MARCH

  March 1-2 - Washington
TEXAS INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION... Celebrate the 172nd anniversary of Texas Independence! Historic re-enactors portray life in 1836 through period craft demonstrators and music. Visit with Texas authors and historians at the Washington Emporium Gift Shop. 10am-5pm both days. Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site, FM 1155. Free admission. www.birthplaceoftexas.com.(936) 878-2214.

  March 1, June 7, Sept 6 & Dec 6 - Rockdale - QUARTERLY MARKET DAY... Entertainment all through town on the first Saturday of March, June, September, December. Booths located all through town on Hwy 79. Antiques, arts/crafts, glass-ware, jewelry,  wind-chimes, art and much more! Call Rockdale Chamber of Commerce for information:  (512) 446-2030.

  March 17-18 - New Braunfels
OLD GRUENE MARKET DAYS... Every third weekend except Dec/Jan. Browse out-side booths of authentic artists and craftsmen in this turn-of-the-century town set on the beautiful Guadalupe River. Also visit Historic Gruene Hall & over 25 specialty shops and restaurants. www.GrueneMarketDays.com. (830) 832-1721.

  March 17-22 - Fredericksburg
SPRING BREAK AT PIONEER MUSEUM... Take the family back to frontier days visiting blacksmiths, weavers, bakers, quilters, rope makers and fence builders at work. Museum grounds on Main Street include the historic Kammlah House and barn, a Sunday house, smokehouse, blacksmith shop and one-room schoolhouse. 10am-5pm daily. (830) 997-2835. www.pioneermuseum.com.

  March 28-30 - Marble Falls
BLUEBONNET BLUES & FINE ARTS FESTIVAL... Headliners include W.C. Clark, Anson Funderburgh, Whitey Johnson, Ruben Ramos and Zac Harmon. Enjoy additional music venues-- Texas and Mississippi blues, Tejano blues and Cajun blues. For more info & tickets, visit www.bluebonnetblues.com, or call (800) 864-5175.

  March 29-30 - Washington
“TRUE TEXAS WOMEN”... Explore the lives of women who helped to settle Texas. Relive those hectic days as Texas evolved from a Mexican colony to an inde-pendent republic and ultimately the 28th state in the Union. Barrington Living History Farm, Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site, FM 1155. Sat 10am-4pm and Sun 11am- 4pm. Call for fees. (936) 878-2213. www.birth placeoftexas.com. 

APRIL

  April 5 - Brenham
HERITAGE HOME TOURS ...Visit Brenham’s oldest house—the Giddings-Wilkin House, complete with many original furnishings. Stroll the verandah and rooms of the 1869 Giddings Stone Mansion. Both properties are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Admission $5. 1-5pm. www.brenhammansion.com. (979) 836-1690. 

  April 5 - Comfort
SPRING TRADE DAY MUSIC FEST... Some of the best artists & craftsmen of the Hill Country gather at Comfort Park on Hwy 27. Fabulous antique shopping at booths inside large & smaller pavilions and under shade trees in park. Also enjoy barbecue & family fun activities. 10am-4pm. (830) 995-3131. info@comfort-texas.com. www.comfortchamberofcommerce.com.

  April 5-6 - Brenham
PLEASANT HILL WINERY 11th ANNIVERSARY... Come celebrate with Pleasant Hill Winery. Wine tasting and anniversary cake. Pleasant Hill Winery, 1441 Salem Rd. in Brenham. Sat 11am-6pm; Sun noon-5pm. Free admission. www.pleasanthillwinery.com. (979) 830-VINE (8463). info@pleasanthillwinery.com.

  April 5-6, 12-13, 19-20, 26-27 - Brenham -  ANTIQUE ROSE EMPORIUM OPEN HOUSE... Roses, roses and more roses. Receive a free bouquet of flowers. Tours of the growing fields, live music, other special events. Antique Rose Emporium, 9300 Lueckemeyer Rd. Sat 9am-6pm & Sun 11am-5:30pm. (979) 836-9051. arebuzz@industryinet.com.

  April 11-13 - Burnet
25th BLUEBONNET FESTIVAL... “The Bluebonnet Capital of Texas” hosts arts & crafts, entertainment, parade, scholar-ship pageant, fun runs, car show, pet parade, air show, golf tournament, destruction derby, carnival, bike tour, gunfighters and dance. (512) 756-4297.

  April 12 - Canyon Lake
MARKET DAYS...Over 100 vendors with holiday gifts, arts, crafts, collectables, food. Free parking, admission and entertainment. Over 100 vendors. 10x10. $30 outdoor space. Limited $40 indoor space. Canyon Lake Recreation Center. Saturday, 9am-4pm. www.crrcofcanyonlake.org.

  April 12-13 - Chappell Hill
OFFICIAL BLUEBONNET FESTIVAL OF TEXAS... Celebrate spring and enjoy the wildflowers at the Bluebonnet Festival of Texas. 250-plus vendor booths, food, live music and entertainment, children’s activities. Sat 10am-6pm, Sun Noon-5pm. Free ad-mission. www.chappellhillmusuem.org. (979) 836-6033 or (800) 225-3695.

  April 18-20 - Fayetteville
BLUEGRASS MUSIC FESTIVAL & GRAND JAM... Band concerts in the historic SPJST Dance Hall, lots of jammin, banjo & mandolin workshops, vendors, Roots Music movies, musical instrument/gear buy-sell-swap, and a custom guitar raffle. Courthouse Square. Free admission. www.texaspickinpark.com.

  April 18-20 - Burton
19th ANNUAL BURTON COTTON GIN FESTIVAL… The cotton era comes alive! Gin tours, parades, auctions, live music, folklife demos, tractor pull, petting zoo, contests & much more! Burton Cotton Gin & Museum, 307 N. Main, Burton. Fri 6pm - midnight; Sat 9am-1am; Sun 9am-6pm. (979) 289-3378. www.cottonginmuseum.org. burtoncottongin@earthlink.net.

  April 18-20 - Burton
19th BURTON COTTON GIN FESTIVAL… The cotton era comes alive! Gin tours, parades, auctions, live music, folklife demos, tractor pull, petting zoo, contests & much more! Burton Cotton Gin & Museum, 307 N. Main, Burton. Fri 6pm - midnight; Sat 9am-1am; Sun 9am-6pm. (979) 289-3378. www.cottonginmuseum.org. burtoncottongin@earthlink.net.

  April 20 - New Braunfels
SWEETFEST... Savor decadent delights where calories don’t count and good intentions do. Comal County Child Welfare Board fundraiser to help abused & neglected children in foster care. Featured entertainer LaDonna Gatlin is a sister to the legendary Gatlin Brothers. Tickets: $20 includes desserts. Seekatz Opera House, 265 W. San Antonio St. 
(830) 626-3558.

  April 25-26 - Cameron
CAMERON DEWBERRY FESTIVAL ...Cameron pulls out all the stops with Dew-berry Cobbler & Cake Fair, barbecue cook-off, food booths, music, carnival, arts and crafts show, Youth Fishing Tournament, and entertainment. It’s where the fun begins! www.cameron-tx.com. (254) 697-4979.

MAY

  May 2-3 - San Marcos
VIVA! CINCO DE MAYO... Texans compete for the coveted title of State Menudo Champion. The event features three days of exciting live music, arts and crafts, and a downtown parade. Admission fee. Visit www.toursanmarcos.com, or call (888) 200-5620.

  May 3 - Brenham
COUNTRY FLAVORS FESTIVAL... 10am-5pm. Family entertainment, crafts, contests, jewelry, children’s activities, Lil’ Mr. & Miss Scoop, quality arts/crafts, live music, unique shopping in historic down-town. Enjoy an ice cream smorgasbord (all the ice cream you can eat—all day—just $6) and other local “flavors”—sausage, wines, etc. Free admission/parking. (979) 836-3339. www.downtownbrenham.com. festivals@downtownbrenham.com.

  May 3-4 - Comfort
COMFORT VILLAGE ANTIQUES SHOW... Discover over 50 exhibitors of fine American antiques in Comfort Park for this renowned annual antique show. Rain or shine! Admission $5.00. (830) 995-2884. www.texasantiqueshows.com. 

  May 3-4 - San Marcos
HERITAGE HOME TOURS / TOURS OF DISTINCTION... For over 30 years, the Heritage Association of San Marcos has proudly presented a remarkable collection of elegant historic and spectacular contemporary homes. Tour fee. Call (888) 200-5620, or visit www.toursanmarcos.com.

  May 3 - Taylor
TAYLOR’S BLOOMIN’ FESTIVAL... A Main Street festival featuring family entertainment, children’s activities, arts & crafts, horticulture and agricultural demonstrations, cars, tractors and 5K Run. www.taylormainstreet.com. (512) 352-5448.

  May 9-10 - Brenham
118th MAIFEST CELEBRATION... Enjoy one of the oldest German festivals in Texas! Colorful parades, spectacular pageants, food, crafts and exhibits. Enjoy polkas, waltzes & country music. Parade 10 am. All other activities at Fireman’s Park. Free admission. www.maifest.org. 1-888-273-6426. www.BrenhamTexas.com.

  May 17 - Washington
CHILDREN’S FISHING DERBY... Children 6 to 12 years of age experience the fun of fishing and learn about the outdoors. 8:30am to noon. Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site, FM 1155. Reservations required. Call for fees. (936) 278-2214. www.birthplaceoftexas.com. 

  May 17 - San Marcos
TEXAS NATURAL & WESTERN SWING FESTIVAL... Sit back & relax on the banks of the San Marcos River! Enjoy the sounds of Texas Western Swing legends under the starlit Texas sky. Visit the natural marketplace brimming with foods & crafts made from Texas’ finest natural products, or have a Texas-style picnic in the park with family & friends. Free. (888) 200-5620. www.toursanmarcos.com.

  May 16-18 - Bellmead
BELLMEAD CIVIL WAR REENACTMENT... Reenactors provide dramatic living history through battle skirmishes, a Civil War field-hospital, costumed sutlers, ladies of the mid-1800’s, cavalry, artillery, and campsite scenes. (254) 799-2436.

  May 23-26 - Kerrville
37th OFFICIAL TEXAS STATE ARTS & CRAFTS FAIR... Featuring 180 fine juried art crafts by Texans, this renowned show over Memorial Day weekend also includes, music, dance, food, the Texas Star Talent Contest, and activities for all ages. www.tacef.org. (830) 896-5711 or (888) 335-1455.

JUNE

  June through July - San Marcos
SUMMER IN THE PARK CONCERT SERIES... Enjoy summer sunsets with live musical entertainment every Thursday at Veramendi Plaza & San Marcos Plaza. Pack a picnic basket & take the family out for a night of fun for all ages. Free admission. www.toursanmarcos.com. (888) 200-5620.

  June 1-July 13 - Round Top
38th INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL-INSTITUTE… 100 young artists from around the world study and perform in a series of orchestra and chamber music concerts with renowned international faculty, conductors & soloists. Thurs-Sat 8pm; Sun 4pm. The International Festival-Institute, Hwy. 237 at Jaster Rd., Round Top. For admission & reservations: www.festivalhill.org. (979) 249-3129. info@festivalhill.org.

  June 14 - San Marcos
TEXAS WATER SAFARI... Known as the world’s most challenging boat race, this 260-mile canoe race begins at Aquarena Center and continues to the Gulf Coast. San Marcos has been the starting point for this annual event since 1963. It’s a favorite for canoeists, kayakers & spectators. Call (888) 200-5620, or visit www.toursanmarcos.com.

  June 14 - Anderson
STAGECOACH DAYS… Sway to the gentle rhythms of dulcimer music and listen to our cowboy poet. Stagecoach rides. See how people lived in mid-1800s Texas. 11:00am-3:00pm. Fanthorp Inn State Historic Site, Anderson. Call for fees: (936) 873-2633.

  June 19-21 - San Marcos
JUNETEENTH CELEBRATIONS... Enjoy the oldest known annual celebration of the ending of slavery. Festivities include
an old fashioned picnic, BBQ cook-off, and fun for the entire family. Free admission. www.toursanmarcos.com. (888) 200-5620.

  June 21-22, July 19-20, Aug 16-17 - New Braunfels - OLD GRUENE MARKET DAYS... Every third weekend except Dec/Jan. Browse outside booths of authentic artists & craftsmen in this turn-of-the-century town set on the beautiful Guadalupe River. Also visit Historic Gruene Hall & over 25 specialty shops and restaurants. (830) 832-1721. www.GrueneMarketDays.com. 

  June 26-29 - Luling
55th ANNUAL WATERMELON THUMP... Four fun-filled days of melon mania, including world championship seed-spitting, concerts, carnival, exhibitors’ market, beer garden, parade, melon eating, music and more! www.watermelonthump.com. (830) 875-3214.

  June 26-29, July 3-6 & July 10-13 - Brenham - “FOREVER PLAID”... This “heavenly” musical follows the singing group, “The Plaids,” through a fatal car crash. They are miraculously revived to play the concert that never was. Entertaining, with comedy and classic, toe-tapping ’50s songs. Thurs-Fri 8pm, Sat 2:30pm & 8pm. Unity Theatre, 300 Church Street. Call for prices and reservations. www.unitybrenham.org. (979) 830-8358.

  June 28 & July 5, 12, 19, 26 - Brenham
“HOT NIGHTS, COOL TUNES” CONCERT SERIES… Cool off around the square in downtown Brenham. Enjoy live music every Saturday for five weeks, beginning June 28. Park benches and lush grass provide great curbside seating, and the sale of beverages and food support this great series of musical events. Each concert begins at 7pm. Free admission & parking. 1-888-BRENHAM. www.downtownbrenham.com.

JULY

  July 12 - Anderson
STAGECOACH DAYS… Sway to the gentle rhythms of dulcimer music and listen to our cowboy poet. Stagecoach rides. See how people lived in mid-1800s Texas. 11:00am - 3:00pm. Fanthorp Inn State Historic Site, Anderson. Call for fees: (936) 873-2633. v