JUNE

  Second Saturdays June through December - Bastrop
BASTROP STREET FESTIVALS... Celebrate the culture & business community of the Lost Pines on the streets of Bastrop every second Saturday, April through December, with street vendors & live music. Antiques to New Age are welcome. No food vendors.   www.bastropdba.com or (512) 321-6600.

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

  June 6 - Snook
SNOOK FEST... Join in the fun at Snook Fest’s multi-arts media, antique farm equipment display, contests, children’s barnyard, Czech & country music all day, BBQ & chili cook-off, foods & crafts. 9-5. City Park, 12 miles west of College Station, off Loop 2155. (979) 272-3021.

  June 6 - July 11 - Round Top
39th 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: (979) 249-3129, info@festivalhill.org, or www.festivalhill.org.

  June 12-14 - Blanco
5th ANNUAL BLANCO LAVENDER FESTIVAL...These lavender-celebration festivities are the highlight of a month-long event encompassing everything from food and wine to music, educational programs, lavender farm tours, crafts, art, gardening, cooking and more. Everything ties back to lavender! For more details, visit www.blancolavenderfest.com.

  June 13 - Anderson
STAGECOACH DAYS… Learn the way people lived in 1850’s Texas, ride our bright red replica stagecoach pulled by the Percheron draft horses Willie and Waylon, tour the Inn, enjoy music, and reminisce with our cowboy poet. 11am-3pm. Donations of $4 adults, $2 children accepted. Fanthorp Inn State Historic Site in Anderson. (936) 878-2214. www.birthplaceoftexas.com.

  June 13 - San MarcosKnown 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 or call (888) 200-5620.

  June 19-20 - 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 19-21 - Boerne
BOERNE BERGES FEST - Father’s Day Weekend... Celebrate Father’s Day and enjoy live entertainment, vendors, craft booths, special events including LAWNMOWER RACES, Dachshund Races, washer pitching and many others. Festival held at the Kendall County Fairgrounds. www.bergesfest.com.

  June 20-21, July 18-19 and August 15-16 - New Braunfels
OLD GRUENE MARKET DAYS... Every third weekend except Dec/Jan. Browse out-side 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. www.GreneMarketDays.com (830) 832-1721.

  June 23-27 - 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 25-28 - Luling
56th ANNUAL WATERMELON THUMP ... Four fun-filled days of melon mania, including world championship seed-spitting, musical concerts, carnival, exhibitors’ market, beer garden, parade, melon eating, music and more! www.watermelonthump.com (830) 875-3214, ext. 2.

JULY

  July 3 - Bastrop
PATRIOTIC FESTIVAL 2009... 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 4 - Washington
HEB PRESENTS “FIREWORKS-ON-THE-BRAZOS… Celebrate our nation’s independence where Texas declared her independence! Free Blue Bell ice cream treats and coca-cola drinks, live patriotic concert, and a fireworks extravaganza. Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site. For details, call (936) 878-2214, or visit www.birthplaceoftexas.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 - Fort Hood
FREEDOM FEST... Come celebrate our nation's birthday in style at Fort Hood's grand party - Freedom Fest. Enjoy a FREE concert by Dierks Bentley, FREE carnival rides, miniature stock car race, concessions, family activities, arts and crafts vendors, a military salute to the nation and much, much more. 1-10 pm. Hood Stadium. www.hoodmwr.com (254) 287-0337.

  July 4 - San Marcos
SUMMERFEST... Celebrate our nation’s independence while the entire family enjoys live music, games & 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 6-12 - Lampasas
37th 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. www.SpringHo.com.

  July 11 - Anderson
STAGECOACH DAYS… Learn the way people lived in 1850’s Texas, ride our bright red replica stagecoach pulled by the Percheron draft horses Willie and Waylon, tour the Inn, enjoy music, and reminisce with our cow-boy poet. 11am-3pm. Donations of $4 adults, $2 children accepted. Fanthorp Inn State Historic Site in Anderson. (936) 878-2214. www.birthplaceoftexas.com.

  JulJoin in a special salute to the melon in its 61st 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 11, 18 & 25 and August 1 - Brenham
“HOT NIGHTS, COOL TUNES” CONCERT SERIES… Cool off around the square in downtown Brenham. Enjoy live music every Saturday for four weeks, beginning July 11. Park benches and lush grass provide great curbside seating, and the sale of beverages & food support this great series of musical events. Each concert begins at

  July 17-18 - Fredericksburg
NIGHT IN OLD FREDERICKSBURG... Celebrate the area’s German heritage over two fun-filled days of live entertainment, arts & crafts, traditional foods, and dancing. Held at downtown’s Marktplatz at North Adams & West Main. www.tex-fest.com. (830) 997-8515.

  July 18 & 25 and August 1 - Salado
17th ANNUAL 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 Salado & Central Texas with original music & a cast of over 200. Saturday evenings 8:15pm performance & 7:15pm dinner. Tablerock Amphitheater on Royal Street. www.tablerock.org. (254) 947-9205.

  July 18-19, July 25-26, August 1-2 and August 8-9 - Brenham
CRUSH FOR FUN AT PLEASANT HILL WINERY… Crush for Fun 2009! Get purple feet, a special T-shirt (“I picked. I stomped. I made some wine.”), and a picture to show your friends. Enjoy a glass of Pleasant Hill wine; food available. Sat 11am-6pm, Sun noon-5pm. Pleasant Hill Winery, 1441 Salem Rd., Brenham. (979) 830-8463. www.pleasanthillwinery.com.

AUGUST

  August 1-2 - Salado
43rd 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 9am-5pm; Sun 9am-5pm. $5 admission. Children 12 & under free. www.salado.com. (254) 947-5040.

  August 8 - Chappell Hill
CHAPPELL HILL LAVENDER FEST ... Enjoy a morning or afternoon of lavender cutting, crafts, local vendors and many other activities. Throughout the day, tour other local venues in the Chappell Hill area. 9am- 3pm. Free Admission. Chappell Hill Lavender Farm, 2250 Dillard Rd, Chappell Hill. For details, call (979) 251-8114 or visit www.chappellhilllavender.com.

SEPTEMBER

  September 7 - Elm Mott
LABOR DAY WEEKEND SORGHUM HARVEST... Homestead at Brazos de Dios hosts a sweet sorghum harvest celebration Monday, 10am-5pm. Enjoy the Homestead Crafts Village, old-fashioned syrup-making, workshop tours, traditional craft demonstrations, gristmill, horse-drawn hayrides, family music & tasty foods. West off IH-35, five miles north of Waco. (254) 754-9600. www.cfee-school.com.

  September 12 - Caldwell
25th ANNUAL KOLACHE FESTIVAL ... Purchase kolaches on the Courthouse Square, listen to six Czech bands, quilt show, kolache-eating contest & bake show, classic car show, Czech flag ceremony & genealogy, food/craft vendors, Kraitcher House 1891 Museum & antique tractor show. 9am-6pm. www.BurlesonCountyTX.com. (979) 567-0000.

  September 12 - Anderson
STAGECOACH DAYS… Learn the way people lived in 1850’s Texas, ride our bright red replica stagecoach pulled by the Percheron draft horses Willie and Waylon, tour the Inn, enjoy music, and reminisce with our cowboy poet. 11am-3pm. Donations of $4 adults, $2 children accepted. Fanthorp Inn State Historic Site in Anderson. (936) 878-2214. www.birthplaceoftexas.com.

  September 12-19 - BrenhamThe 141st Washington County Fair is the “Oldest County Fair in Texas”. Shows, rodeos, music and fun! Nashville entertainment, carnival, crafts, food, livestock and poultry auctions, commercial exhibits and attractions. Call 1-888-BRENHAM, or visit www.washingtoncofair.com.

  September 12-13 - Gruene Historic District / New Braunfels - 6th 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 19 - McGregor
McGREGOR FOUNDERS DAY FESTIVAL... In its 18th 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 19 - 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 & ends in Staples. To register:  8am at City Park. Free for spectators. (888) 200-5620. www.toursanmarcos.com.

  September 19-20, October 17-18, November 21-22, December 5-6 - New Braunfels www.GRUENEMARKETDAYS.com... Shop the exceptional handmade quality of sculptors, potters, jewelers, unique crafts-man and specialty Texas-made foods, while enjoying live entertainment and 25 specialty stores & restaurants. Historic Old Gruene. www.GrueneTexas.com (830) 832-1721.

  September 25 & September 27 - Kerrville
TEXAS HERITAGE LIVING HISTORY WEEKEND... Celebrate the music of Jimmie Rodgers on Sept 25 with music, living history, storytellers, western heritage exhibits, chuckwagons, teepees & hands-on learning about Texas culture. Located on Schreiner University Campus, 9am-3pm. Also on Sept 27, enjoy the Texas Folklore Panel in Union Church & the Jimmie Rodgers Texas Song-writers Symposium. FREE admission. (830) 792-1945. www.texasheritagemusic.org.

OCTOBER

  October 1-4 - Temple
TEXAS EARLY DAY TRACTOR & ENGINE FESTIVAL... Step back in time in a turn-of-the-century village complete with displays of rare tractors, engines, equipment and historic structures. This 48-acre fairground presents demonstrations, antique tractor parade & pull, threshing, corn grinding, wire fence weaving, festival foods, and flea market. (800) 479-0338 or (254) 298-5900. www.tedtea.org.

  October 2-4 - Fredericksburg
OKTOBERFEST... Think sausage, beer & dancing as a full line-up of German bands play for your enjoyment! Celebrate the area’s German heritage, including arts/crafts, authentic costumes, kid’s fun area, Texas Hill Country wines, food booths, two stages of performers and oompah. www.oktoberfestinfbg.com. (830) 997-8515.

  October 9-11 - New Braunfels
23rd ANNUAL GRUENE MUSIC & WINE FEST... This Gruene Historic District event benefiting local charities features the best in live Texas music, food & wines at Gruene Hall and The Grapevine. All three days are filled with vintner and music events, wine & food samplings and the Great Guitar Auction. For more info: www.gruenemusicandwinefest.org (830) 629-5077. info@gruenemusicandwinefest.org.

  October 17 - Temple
CZECH FESZT... Experience Czech heritage, Temple style! This salute includes live music, Beseda dancers, great food, kolache baking contest and lots of activities for the entire family. Downtown. (254) 773-1574. www.spjst.org.

  October 10 - Anderson
STAGECOACH DAYS… Learn the way people lived in 1850’s Texas, ride our bright red replica stagecoach pulled by the Percheron draft horses Willie and Waylon, tour the Inn, enjoy music, and reminisce with our cowboy poet. 11am-3pm. Donations of $4 adults, $2 children accepted. Fanthorp Inn State Historic Site in Anderson. (936) 878-2214. www.birthplaceoftexas.com.

  October 10 - Anderson
TEXIAN DAY… Experience a day at an 1850’s stagecoach inn. Hear hammers of the blacksmith ring out, watch spinners & 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 cow-boy poet. 10am-3pm. Fanthorp Inn State Historic Site. FREE. For details: (936) 873-2633 or www.birthplaceoftexas.com.

  October 10 - 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 and shop for holiday items in the Arts Barn. 10am-4pm. For details, call (979) 836-9652, or visit www.monasteryminiaturehorses.com.

  October 10-11 - Chappell Hill
CHAPPELL HILL SCARECROW FESTIVAL... Stroll through this historic town, and enjoy over 300 juried vendor booths of home decor, gardening, jewelry and pet accessories. Plus great food, entertainment, and numerous children’s activities, including pumpkin decorating contests. Come for the “best family fun in the state.” (979) 836-6033. (800) 225-3695. www.chappellhillmuseum.org.

  October 17-18 - Fredericksburg
MONARCH BUTTERFLY RELEASE & CELEBRATION... Experience four monarch flight releases onto their migratory route from Texas to Mexico. Also learn about life stages of the butterfly, participate in tagging, tour the 3000 sq. ft. Butterfly Haus sanctuary & more. Held at Wildseed Farms, Hwy 290 East. (830) 990-8080. www.wildseedfarms.com.

  October 23-25 - Kerrville COUNTYExhibits, petting zoo, cook-off, bull riding, dance, carnival & midway, children’s activities, stage entertainment, vendors, food & beverages, something for everyone! Hwy 27 East in Kerrville. www.kerrcountyfair.com  (830) 257-6833.

  October 24 - Elgin
22nd HOGEYE FESTIVAL... Texas’ biggest small-town block party. 10am-6pm. “The Sausage Capital of Texas” presents live music, handmade arts/crafts, carnival, cow-patty bingo, car show, kid’s activities, BBQ Pork Cook-off, royal coronation. Historic Downtown. 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 24-25 - Gruene Historic District /New Braunfels - 17th ANNUAL TEXAS CLAY FEST... Respected potters and sculptors from around Texas display and sell their wares and demonstrate a variety of techniques. Hands-on activities also available for children. www.texasclayfestival.com  (830) 629-7975.

  October 31 - November 1 - Gruene Historic District /New Braunfels - 26th ANNUAL TOUR DE GRUENE BICYCLE CLASSIC... Participants enjoy a leisurely ride through the Texas Hill Country or competitive time trials with prizes for the best course records. Celebrity slow race & antique /classic bicycle show at Gruene Hall in Gruene Historic District. Call (210) 828-6856 to register. www.tourdegruene.com.

NOVEMBER

  November 7-8 - Georgetown
13th ANNUAL HILL COUNTRY ARTS & CRAFT FAIR... Saturday 9am-4pm & Sunday 11am-4pm. Two days with over 90 booths of exciting ideas for holiday giving. Don’t miss this one! For ten 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.  v