If you want to understand the soul of the Texas Hill Country, spend a weekend at a small-town festival. These events capture everything that makes the region special — friendly people, local pride, music, food, and a rhythm of life that moves just a little slower.
Every season brings its own celebrations, from spring wildflowers to fall harvests, and every town has something unique to share. Whether you love dancing under the stars, sipping wine, or watching a rodeo parade, there’s a Hill Country festival waiting for you.
Cowboy Mardi Gras – Bandera (February)
Forget Bourbon Street — Bandera, the “Cowboy Capital of the World,” hosts its own spin on Mardi Gras. The weekend fills the town with parades, costume contests, Cajun food, and live Zydeco music. Cowboys ride horses down Main Street, beads fly from floats, and the entire town comes alive in a mix of Louisiana flair and Texas grit.
If you love horses, music, and good food, Cowboy Mardi Gras is pure Hill Country fun.
Bluebonnet Festival – Burnet (April)
When spring arrives, Burnet celebrates the flower that put the Hill Country on the map. The Bluebonnet Festival has been a Texas tradition for over 40 years, drawing tens of thousands to enjoy live music, a carnival, craft vendors, and parades surrounded by fields of blooming blue.
It’s the perfect family event — you can wander the festival grounds, then take a short drive to nearby wildflower trails for photos.
Poteet Strawberry Festival – Poteet (April)
For something a little sweeter, head south to the Poteet Strawberry Festival, one of the state’s longest-running celebrations. The weekend is filled with carnival rides, strawberry shortcake, live Tejano and country music, and plenty of small-town charm.
It’s a perfect blend of Texas agriculture and fun, honoring the farmers who’ve grown these famous berries for generations.
Fredericksburg Oktoberfest – Fredericksburg (October)
With its German roots and festive spirit, Fredericksburg’s Oktoberfest is one of the biggest annual events in the Hill Country. Expect oompah bands, steins of local beer, sausage platters, and dancing under the tents downtown.
The town’s historic streets fill with laughter and music, while nearby wineries and shops join in with their own events. Book early — this one’s popular!
Texas Arts & Crafts Fair – Kerrville (September)
Artisans from across Texas gather on the banks of the Guadalupe River for the Texas Arts & Crafts Fair, showcasing handmade pottery, leather goods, jewelry, and paintings. Live demonstrations and workshops let visitors see the creative process up close.
It’s a relaxed, family-friendly festival that perfectly reflects the Hill Country’s artistic side.
Wimberley Market Days (March–December)
Not just a single festival, Wimberley Market Days is a monthly tradition running from March through December. It’s the largest outdoor market in the Hill Country, featuring hundreds of booths with antiques, crafts, food, and live music.
Locals shop, visitors explore, and everyone leaves with something they didn’t expect to find. It’s a Hill Country treasure.
Texas Hill Country Wine & Food Festival – Fredericksburg (October)
If your idea of celebrating involves wine glasses and good company, this event is heaven. The Texas Hill Country Wine & Food Festival brings together top local chefs, winemakers, and distillers for a weekend of tastings and culinary events.
It’s an ideal couples’ getaway — part indulgence, part discovery, all surrounded by the charm of Fredericksburg.
Boerne Weihnachts Parade – Boerne (December)
Kick off the holidays with a Hill Country twist at Boerne’s Weihnachts Parade. The downtown streets glow with lights as horse-drawn carriages, floats, and marching bands celebrate the season. Visitors sip cocoa, shop the Christmas market, and stroll through the town’s festive Main Street.
It’s one of the most magical events of the year and a reminder that the Hill Country knows how to celebrate all year long.
Tips for Enjoying Hill Country Festivals
- Book early — accommodations fill up fast in popular towns.
- Bring cash — small vendors sometimes don’t take cards.
- Pack light — comfy shoes, sunscreen, and a hat go a long way.
- Check local schedules — weather can shift festival dates slightly.
- Stay for the night — the best moments often happen after sunset when the crowds thin and the stars come out.
From rodeos to art fairs, food festivals to Christmas parades, the Hill Country’s celebrations capture the warmth and personality of Texas hospitality. Every festival is a story — and every small town tells it a little differently.
Make every festival weekend unforgettable with Backroads Reservations.
Find nearby cabins, cottages, and ranch stays right in the heart of the action — all listed inside the Hill Country Travel App.