You never need an excuse to throw a party in Texas. From peaches to oatmeal, these small towns celebrate just about everything. Take a day trip to these unique events and soak up the fun. These are the eight best small-town festivals near Austin that you’ve never heard of.
- The Stockdale Watermelon Jubilee
Stockdale Chamber of Commerce/Facebook This fantastic festival started in 1937. Today, it takes place during the third weekend of June. Come by and munch on juicy, sweet watermelon, watch the spectacular parade, and cheer on your favorite pup in the dog races. Stockdale is only an hour and a half away from Austin. Plan your trip and enjoy the merriment!
- Blanco Lavender Festival
Blanco Lavender Festival/Facebook Blanco isn’t called the “Lavender Capital of Texas” for nothing. Every June, this lovely town celebrates all things lavender. Munch on floral cookies, shop for delightful soaps and essential oils, and sip on refreshing summer beverages. This year’s festival takes place June 7th - 9th.
- Berges Fest in Boerne
Berges Fest/Facebook What began as a simple ice cream social in 1967 has blossomed into a city-wide celebration with music, food, and games. Let your inner child run free as you play, dance, and chow down. Boerne’s Berges Fest takes place every Father’s Day weekend at the historic Herff Park.
- Stonewall’s Peach JAMboree
Peach JAMboree – Stonewall, TX/Facebook This thrilling summer event celebrates all things peach. Stonewall’s annual jamboree kicks off with an exhilarating rodeo and ends with a local pageant. Who will become this year’s Peach Queen? Come to the Stonewall Peach JAMboree June 20-22nd to find out!
- Gillespie County Fair
Gillespie County Fair & Festivals, Inc./Facebook You can’t call yourself a Texan until you’ve experienced the oldest county fair in the state. That’s right – this fabulous small-town fair will be celebrating its 131st year in 2019. Come out and devour some fried food on a stick and dance to the music. You’ll have so much fun at this beloved event. This year’s Gillespie County Fair takes place August 22nd - 25th.
- Oatmeal Festival in Bertram, Texas
Oatmeal Festival/Facebook While nearby towns host chili cookoffs, Bertram celebrates all things oatmeal. This quirky event was inspired by the name of the nearby town, and locals couldn’t resist a good joke. Now in its 41st year, the Bertram Oatmeal Festival is a sight to see. With races, live country music, and plenty of tasty food, this kooky event is always a blast. This year’s festival takes place August 30th and 31st.
- Llano River Chuck Wagon Cook-off
Llano River Chuck Wagon Cook-off/Facebook Every April, the city of Llano takes a trip back in time. Visitors can experience the authentic flavors of chuckwagon chili, biscuits and steaks. After the hearty feast, festivalgoers can dance to their heart’s content along the fairgrounds. What’s not to love?
- The Texas Mushroom Festival
Texas Mushroom Festival/Facebook Even though the town of Madisonville is about 2.5 hours away, this fantastic festival makes the drive completely worth it. Bring your whole family and get ready for a wonderful outing. Parades, booths, performers, and delicious food are everywhere you turn. This year’s event takes place October 19th.
What’s your favorite local festival? If you’re looking for more fun, you won’t want to miss this epic ice cream festival in Austin.
Stockdale Chamber of Commerce/Facebook
This fantastic festival started in 1937. Today, it takes place during the third weekend of June. Come by and munch on juicy, sweet watermelon, watch the spectacular parade, and cheer on your favorite pup in the dog races. Stockdale is only an hour and a half away from Austin. Plan your trip and enjoy the merriment!
Blanco Lavender Festival/Facebook
Blanco isn’t called the “Lavender Capital of Texas” for nothing. Every June, this lovely town celebrates all things lavender. Munch on floral cookies, shop for delightful soaps and essential oils, and sip on refreshing summer beverages. This year’s festival takes place June 7th - 9th.
Berges Fest/Facebook
What began as a simple ice cream social in 1967 has blossomed into a city-wide celebration with music, food, and games. Let your inner child run free as you play, dance, and chow down. Boerne’s Berges Fest takes place every Father’s Day weekend at the historic Herff Park.
Peach JAMboree – Stonewall, TX/Facebook
This thrilling summer event celebrates all things peach. Stonewall’s annual jamboree kicks off with an exhilarating rodeo and ends with a local pageant. Who will become this year’s Peach Queen? Come to the Stonewall Peach JAMboree June 20-22nd to find out!
Gillespie County Fair & Festivals, Inc./Facebook
You can’t call yourself a Texan until you’ve experienced the oldest county fair in the state. That’s right – this fabulous small-town fair will be celebrating its 131st year in 2019. Come out and devour some fried food on a stick and dance to the music. You’ll have so much fun at this beloved event. This year’s Gillespie County Fair takes place August 22nd - 25th.
Oatmeal Festival/Facebook
While nearby towns host chili cookoffs, Bertram celebrates all things oatmeal. This quirky event was inspired by the name of the nearby town, and locals couldn’t resist a good joke. Now in its 41st year, the Bertram Oatmeal Festival is a sight to see. With races, live country music, and plenty of tasty food, this kooky event is always a blast. This year’s festival takes place August 30th and 31st.
Llano River Chuck Wagon Cook-off/Facebook
Every April, the city of Llano takes a trip back in time. Visitors can experience the authentic flavors of chuckwagon chili, biscuits and steaks. After the hearty feast, festivalgoers can dance to their heart’s content along the fairgrounds. What’s not to love?
Texas Mushroom Festival/Facebook
Even though the town of Madisonville is about 2.5 hours away, this fantastic festival makes the drive completely worth it. Bring your whole family and get ready for a wonderful outing. Parades, booths, performers, and delicious food are everywhere you turn. This year’s event takes place October 19th.
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