JUNE

  April through December Second Saturdays - Bastrop
BASTROP STREET FESTIVALS... Celebrate the culture and business community of the Lost Pines on the streets of Bastrop every second Saturday, April through December, with street vendors and live music. Antiques to New Age are welcome. No food vendors. www.bastropdba.org and www.bastropchamber.com. (512) 303-0558.

  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: info@festivalhill.org, (979) 249-3129, or www.festivalhill.org.

  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, or call (888) 200-5620.

  June 7 - Snook
SNOOKFEST... Join in the fun at Snookfest’s multi-arts media, antique farm equipment display, contests, children’s barnyard, Czech & country music all day, BBQ & chili cookoff, foods & crafts. 9-5. City Park, 12 miles west of College Station, off Loop 2155. (979) 272-3732. For vendor info, call (979) 272-8787.

  June 12-15 - Lockhart
CHISHOLM TRAIL ROUNDUP... Join a western celebration with carnival rides & games, horseshoes & washers, “Barbecue Capital of Texas” Championship BBQ & Chili Cook-offs, arts and crafts, Saturday parade downtown, sports, auction and dances. Held at City Park. (512) 398-2818.

  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. Visit www.toursanmarcos.com. (888) 200-5620.

  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 14, July 12, August 9, September 13 & October 11 - Georgetown
2ND SATURDAY MARKET DAYS... Over 80 booths set around the Historic Downtown Square offering handmade arts and crafts, accessories, apparel, gourmet foods and much more. (512) 868-8675. www.downtowngeorgetownassociation.org.

  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. Visit www.toursanmarcos.com, or call (888) 200-5620.

  June 21-22, July 19-20, August 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 & restaurants. (830) 832-1721. www.GrueneMarketDays.com.

  June 24-28 - Elgin
WESTERN DAYS... Come experience exciting rodeo action, including barrel racing & roping events. Carnival, arts & crafts, live music, and dance on Friday night. Longest parade in Central Texas on Saturday morning. Only 19 miles east of Austin on Hwy. 290. (512) 285-4515. www.elgintxchamber.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 St. Call for prices/ reservations. (979) 830-8358. www.unitybrenham.org.

  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 or www.downtownbrenham.com.

JULY

  July 3 - 5 - Belton
84th ANNUAL 4th OF JULY PRCA RODEO & WESTERN GIFT SHOW... Enjoy three days of live PRCA rodeo action inside air-conditioned Bell County Expo Center, plus the sounds of cheers and squeals from the Crabtree Amusements Carnival. The Western Gift Show also now taking vendor applications. Belton Area Chamber of Commerce: www.beltonchamber.com, (254) 939-3551, or stephanie@beltonchamber.com.

  July 4 - Belton
89th ANNUAL 4th OF JULY PARADE & FESTIVAL ON NOLAN CREEK... Join over 30,000 people for the Patriotic Program (9am), one of Texas’s top ten parade’s (10am) as voted by Texas Highway readers, fiddler’s contest, arts/crafts, western booths, kids area, food court, petting zoo, pony rides & more. Vendor booths available. Noon-6pm. Belton Area Chamber of Commerce: www.beltonchamber.com, (254) 939-3551, or stephanie@beltonchamber.com. 

  July 4 - Comfort
4TH OF JULY CELEBRATION... Star-studded parade 10:30 am. Music and Texas-barbecue in Comfort Park at noon. Spangle Dangle Arts & Crafts and fun games for kids 11:00 am-3:00 pm. (830) 995-3131. www.comfortchamberofcommerce.com.

  July 4 - San Marcos
SUMMERFEST...Celebrate our nation’s independence while the entire family enjoys live music, games and children’s activities. Sit along the banks of the San Marcos River, and watch an illuminated river parade and spectacular fireworks display. Attendance: 8,000. Visit www.toursanmarcos.com, or call (888) 200-5620.

  July 5 - Bastrop
PATRIOTIC FESTIVAL 2008... Annual free admission festivities in Fisherman’s Park with kid’s activities & games, lots of great food, live music by Hwy 304 Band, and patriotic concert by Austin Symphonic Band during the fireworks display at dark. Saturday, 6pm-9:30pm. For more info, call Bastrop Chamber of Commerce: (512) 303-0558.

  July 12-13 - Lampasas
38th LAMPASAS SPRING HO... There’s something for everyone with fireworks, street dances, carnival, children’s activities, parade, arts & crafts and lots of great Texas  food. Vendors located on the bank of Sulphur Creek. (512) 556-5301.

  July 12 - McDade
WATERMELON FESTIVAL... Join in this special salute to the melon in its 60th year in McDade with a parade, watermelon auction & judging, historical museum exhibits, games, musical entertainment, foods, car show and Queen’s coronation. (512) 273-0018 or (512) 273-2578.

  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.

  July 19 & 26 and August 2 - Salado
16th TABLEROCK “SALADO LEGENDS” OUTDOOR MUSICAL DRAMA... A salute to the area’s heritage is presented as an outdoor, costumed musical drama. Performances portray the Scottish heritage of Central Texas with original music and a cast of over 200. Saturday evenings, 8:15pm performance and 7:15pm dinner. Tablerock Amphitheater on Royal Street. www.tablerock.org. (254) 947-9205.

AUGUST

  August 9 - Chappell Hill
CHAPPELL HILL LAVENDER FEST...  Enjoy a morning or afternoon of lavender cutting, crafts, local vendors and other activities. Throughout the day, tour such local venues as Lillian Farms Bed & Breakfast, choose from unique gifts at The Bluebonnet House, or visit the Chappell Hill Museum. 9am-3pm. Free Admission. www.chappellhilllavender.com. (979) 251-8114.

  August 2-3 - Salado
42nd SALADO ART FAIR IN PACE PARK... Over 100 all-media artisan booths, live music, and food. Pace Memorial Park on the banks of Salado Creek. Sat 8am-5pm; Sun 8am-4pm. $5 admission. Children 12 & under free. www.salado.com. (254) 947-5040.

  August 29-31 - Belton
CENTRAL TEXAS STATE FAIR... Enjoy three days of family entertainment with concerts, carnival, contests, displays, demolition derby, and bull riding at the Bell County Expo Center. Indoor and outdoor attractions. Exhibitor booths: $200 (10x10). Contact Keith Smith. (254) 933-5353. keiths@bellcountyexpo.com.

SEPTEMBER

  September 13-14 - Gruene Historic District / New Braunfels - 3rd ANNUAL TEXAS METAL ARTS FESTIVAL… Featuring Texas artists, including goldsmiths, tinsmiths, silversmiths, blacksmiths and sculptors demonstrating the wide range of techniques & methods used to create works ranging from fine art to folk art. Free admission. www.texasmetalarts.com. (903) 852-3311.

  September 17-20 - Brenham
WASHINGTON COUNTY FAIR... The 140th Washington County Fair is the “Oldest County Fair in Texas”. Shows, rodeos, music and fun! Nashville entertainment, carnival, crafts, food, livestock & poultry auctions, commercial exhibits and attractions. 1-888-BRENHAM. www.washingtoncofair.com.

  September 20 - San Marcos
JUNIOR TEXAS WATER SAFARI... This is a 16-mile race for young canoeists & kayakers held annually on the third Saturday of September on San Marcos River. The adventure begins at City Park and ends in Staples. Registration: 8am at City Park. Free for spectators. www.toursanmarcos.com.  (888) 200-5620.

  September 20- McGregor
McGREGOR FOUNDERS DAY FESTIVAL... In its 17th year!  All-day fest includes arts & crafts, antiques, foods, music, entertainment, dancing & kids stuff galore. Historic Main Street. (254) 840-0123. E-mail: mmullens@mcgregor-texas.com. Fax (254) 840-4703.

  September 26-27 - Kerrville
TEXAS HERITAGE LIVING HISTORY WEEKEND...Celebrating the music of Jimmie Rodgers with music, living history events, storytellers, western heritage exhibits, chuckwagons and teepees on the Schreiner University campus. 9am-3pm. The Jimmie Rodgers Texas Songwriter Symposium also held Sept 27. Free admission. (830) 792-1945. www.texasheritagemusic.org. 

OCTOBER

  October 1-4 - Round Top
ORIGINAL ROUND TOP ANTIQUES FAIR... One of the “10 Best Antique Fairs in the Country” by Better Homes & Gardens Magazine. Over 350 upscale antique vendors across four location sites. Championship barbeque and acres of free parking. $10 admission fee covers all days. For details: (512) 237-4747 or  www.roundtoptexasantiques.com.

  October 4 - Calvert
VICTORIAN FESTIVAL... A Main Street Fair features shopkeepers & street vendors in period dress (free admission; 10am-5pm). Dress Victorian add to the fun! Sip tea & sample Victorian delicacies at the Victorian Tea (2pm)  at an historic home’s lovely garden. Enjoy live music, formal dance, costume contest & dinner at the Victorian Gala (7pm). (979) 364-2559. www.calverttx.com. 

  October 4 - Brenham
HERITAGE HOME TOUR... Tour the 1843 Giddings-Wilkin House as Brenham’s oldest home, beautifully decorated with many original furnishings. Then stroll the verandah at the exquisitely restored Giddings Stone Mansion, built in 1869. Both properties are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. 1pm-4pm; $5. For details: (979) 836-1690 or www.mansion-brenham.com.

  October 10-12 - Gruene Historic District/ New Braunfels - 22nd ANNUAL GRUENE MUSIC & WINE FEST... This Americana event benefiting United Way features the best in live Texas music, food and wines at Gruene Hall and The Grapevine. Special events also include The Great Guitar Auction and Gospel Brunch with a Texas Twist. (830) 629-5077. www.gruenemusicandwinefest.org. 

  October 11 - Brenham
BRENHAM FESTIVAL OF FINE ARTS ...Outdoor exhibits in historic downtown Brenham on the square. Juried work of talented Texas artists from the region and state. Live music, great food and other activities. Brenham Fine Arts League’s third Fine Arts Festival celebration. Call (979) 865-8979, or visit www.brenhamfineartgallery.com. 

  October 11 - Anderson
TEXIAN DAY… Experience a day at an 1850’s stagecoach inn. Hear hammers of the blacksmith ring out, watch spinners and weavers ply their trade, listen to beautiful dulcimer music, and enjoy great eats by our own chuck wagon cook. Also, don’t miss our favorite cowboy poet. 10am-3pm. Fanthorp Inn State Historic Site. FREE. For details:  visit www.birthplaceoftexas.com. (936) 873-2633.

  October 11 - Brenham
AUTUMN FEST AT THE MONASTERY ...Enjoy family fun, a variety of games and contests, cart rides and more! Get up close and personal by brushing the miniature horses that the monastery is known for. Make and take home your own ceramics & shop for holiday items in the Arts Barn. 10am-4pm. For details, call (979) 836-9652, or visit www.monasteryminiaturehorses.com. 

  October 11-12 - Chappell Hill
CHAPPELL HILL SCARECROW FESTIVAL... Stroll through this historic town and enjoy over 300 juried vendor booths of home decor, gardening, jewelry & pet accessories. Plus great food, entertainment, and numerous children’s activities, including pumpkin decorating contests. Come for the “best family fun in the state.” www.chappellhillmuseum.org. (979) 836-6033 or (800) 225-3695.

  October 25 - Elgin
21st HOGEYE FESTIVAL... Texas’ biggest small-town block party. 10am to 6pm. “The Sausage Capital of Texas” presents live music, handmade arts & crafts, hog-calling, Car Show, kid’s activities, BBQ Pork Cook-off, royal coronation & more! Historic Down-town. Booths: $100-$125; Food $200-$225; Kids $85-$95. No refunds; no resale items. On Hwy 290, just 19 mi. east of Austin. (512) 285-5721, ext 17. www.elgintx.com.

  October 25-26 - Gruene Historic District /New Braunfels
16th ANNUAL TEXAS CLAY FEST... Respected potters and sculptors from around Texas display, sell their wares and demonstrate a variety of techniques. Hands-on activities available for children. www.texasclayfestival.com. (830) 629-7975.

NOVEMBER

  November 1-2 - Georgetown
12th ANNUAL HILL COUNTRY ARTS & CRAFT FAIR... Sat 9am-4pm & Sun 11am-4pm. Two days with over 90 booths of exciting ideas for holiday giving. Don’t miss this one! For eleven years, the crowds have come to enjoy some of the best shopping in Central Texas. Stay for lunch (food vendors on site). #2 Texas Drive, Georgetown (5 miles west of I-35 on Williams Dr. or FM-2338). (512) 864-1209.