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

  June 5 - Snook
SNOOK FEST... Join in the fun at Snook Fest’s Big Roundup. Antique farm equipment display, contests, children’s barnyard, Czech & country music all day, BBQ & chili cook-off, foods and crafts. Snook School Class Reunion—all classes. 9-5. City Park, 12 miles west of College Station, off Loop 2155. (979) 272-3021.

  June 6 - July 11 - Round Top
40th 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 10-13, June 17-20, June 24-27 - Brenham - UNITY THEATRE PRESENTS “ON GOLDEN POND”... A romantic, American family comedy that goes beyond the usual story of young love. In youth-obsessed culture, here is a refreshing, intelligent and very funny play about a couple in their “golden years” and still deeply in love. Thursdays 7:30pm, Fri/Sat 8pm, Sundays 4pm. Unity Theatre, 300 Church St. (979) 830-8358. www.unitybrenham.org.

  June 11-12 - Cameron
MILAM COUNTY NATURE FESTIVAL ... El Camino Real Master Naturalist Chapter hosts its first Nature Fest at Wilson-Ledbetter Park. Speakers include Andrew Sansom of the River System Institute; Lee Ann Linam & Marsha May of TPW; and Flo Oxley from Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. Enjoy a nature photography contest, demonstrations on building bluebird trails, and child-friendly projects. http://masternaturalist.tamu.edu.

  June 11-13 - Blanco
LAVENDER FESTIVAL... Enjoy tours of six area lavender farms, cooking demonstrations, lavender products, outdoor market at Old Blanco Courthouse, speakers, samples of Texas-produced gourmet food/wine/beer , musical entertainment and Friday evening street dance. www.blancolavenderfest.com. (830) 833-5101.

  June 12, July 10, August 14, Sept 11, Oct 9 Georgetown - 2ND SATURDAY MARKET DAYS... Over 80 booths set around the Historic Downtown Square offering handmade arts & crafts, accessories, apparel, gourmet foods and much more. 9am-4pm. (512) 868-8675. www.thegeorgetownsquare.com.

  June 12 - 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. Call (888) 200-5620, or visit www.toursanmarcos.com. 

  June 18-19 - San Marcos
JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION... 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. Call (888) 200-5620, or visit www.toursanmarcos.com. 

  June 19-20, July 17-18 and August 21-22 - 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 and over 25 specialty shops and restaurants. (830) 832-1721. www.GrueneMarketDays.com. 

  June 22-26 - 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 24-27 - Luling
57th Annual WATERMELON THUMP... Four fun-filled days of melon mania, musical concerts, world championship seed-spitting, carnival, exhibitors’ market, beer garden, parade, melon eating, music & more! (830) 875-3214, ext. 2. www.watermelonthump.com.

JULY

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

  July 3 - Chappell Hill
ANNUAL 4TH OF JULY PARADE… “Best Small Town Parade in America!” Featuring floats, cowboys, antique cars, the renowned Marching Kazoo Band. Creative entries welcomed. Prizes! Sponsored by the Chappell Hill Chamber of Commerce. 10:00am. Downtown Chappell Hill. 1-888-BRENHAM. www.chappellhillmuseum.org.

  July 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 - Brenham
“HOT NIGHTS, COOL TUNES” CONCERT SERIES… Cool off around the square in downtown Brenham. Enjoy live music every Saturday for five weeks. Park benches and lush grass provide great curb-side seating, and the sale of beverages and food support this great series of musical events. Each concert begins at

  July 4 - San Marcos
SUMMERFEST... Celebrate our nation’s independence while the entire family enjoys live music, games, children’s activities and a parade. Sit along the banks of the San Marcos River and watch the spectacular fireworks display. Attendance is free. (888) 200-5620. www.toursanmarcos.com.

  July 4 - FortCome celebrate our nation’s birthday in style at Fort Hood’s grand party--Freedom Fest. Enjoy FREE live entertainment, FREE carnival rides, miniature stock car race, concessions, family activities, arts and crafts vendors, a military salute to the nation and much, much more. 1pm-10pm. Hood Stadium. www.hoodmwr.com. (254) 286-5342.

  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. www.birthplaceoftexas.com.

  July 4 - Georgetown
27th ANNUAL FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION AT SAN GABRIEL PARK... Bring your family & friends to enjoy a Home Town Parade, entertainment starts 11am. One of the best fireworks shows in Central Texas about 9:30pm. Plenty to do! 70-80 craft vendors, all varieties of food from 15-20 vendors, kiddie rides, petting zoo, antique and restored cars. Booths available. Write: info@georgetownsertoma.org.

  July 5-11 - Lampasas
38th LAMPASAS SPRING HO... There’s something for everyone with fireworks, street dances, carnival, children’s activities, parade, arts and crafts and lots of great Texas food. Vendors located on the bank of Sulphur Creek. www.SpringHo.com.

  July 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. www.birthplaceoftexas.com. (936) 878-2214. 

  July 10 - McDade
WATERMELON FESTIVAL... Join in a special salute to the melon in its 62nd year in McDade with a parade, watermelon auction & judging, historical museum exhibits, games, musical entertainment, foods, car show & Queen’s coronation. (512) 273-0018. (512) 273-2578.

  June 12-13 - Brenham
SUMMER ANTIQUES SHOW... A wide variety of exhibitors with antiques, collectibles and treasures! Antique dealers from Texas and across the nation with country furniture, glassware, vintage quilts/ textiles, western & country items, Texana, plus Farmers Market, homemade baked goods, kettle corn, pre-served pickles, potted flowering plants/herbs. KC Hall on 577, 1/4-mile north of Hwy 290 East. Sat 9am-5pm. Sun 10am-4pm. $5. (979) 865-5618 or 1-888-BRENHAM.

  July 24 & 31 and August 7 - Salado
18th 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 and Central Texas with original music and a cast of over 200. Saturday evenings 8:15pm performance & 7:15pm dinner. Tablerock Amphitheater on Royal Street. (254) 947-9205. www.tablerock.org.

  July 24-25, July 31-Aug 1, Aug 7-8, Aug 14-15 Brenham - CRUSH FOR FUN AT PLEASANT HILL WINERY… Crush for Fun 2010! 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 7 – Industry
THE TOMMY RICHTER SCHOLARSHIP FUNDRAISER...   Festivities include the Antique Tractor / Automobile / Engine and Equipment Show, 4-8pm. Also enjoy live & silent auctions, kid’s activities and hamburger meal, 5-7pm. Held at Industry's Welcome Hall. Industry is located in Austin County, west of Bellville & east of Fayetteville. For more info, contact JSRtxhorns@aol.com or (713) 724-1047.

  August 7-8 - Salado
44th 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 13-14 - Honoring Navasota’s famous blues musician & songster—the late Mance Lipscomb. Enjoy a dozen nationally-known blues stage performers. Friday night music 5pm-midnight. All Day Saturday Blues Fest 10am-midnight. Grimes County Fairgrounds.  www.navasotabluesfest.org. (936) 825-6600.

  August 14 - 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. (979) 251-8114. www.chappellhilllavender.com.

SEPTEMBER

  September 6 - Elm Mott
LABOR DAY WEEKEND SORGHUM FESTIVAL... The Homestead at Brazos de Dios hosts a sweet sorghum harvest celebration at its Homestead Crafts Village with morning cane pressing, midday syrup-making, traditional craft demonstrations, gristmill items, horse-drawn hayrides, special music at noon, and tasty foods. 10am-5pm. West off IH-35, five miles north of Waco. (254) 754-9600. www.CFEEschool.com.

  September 11 - Caldwell
26th ANNUAL KOLACHE FESTIVAL... Celebrate Caldwell’s Czech heritage with Czech music, dancing and kolaches on the downtown square. Visit the quilt show, antique tractor show, car show and Czech demonstrations. Craft & food vendors. Free. 9am-6pm. (979) 567-0000. www.BurlesonCountyTX.com.

  September 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 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 11-12 - Gruene Historic District/ New Braunfels - 7th ANNUAL TEXAS METAL ARTS FESTIVAL... Featuring Texas artists, including goldsmiths, tinsmiths, silversmiths, blacksmiths and sculptors demonstrating the wide range of techniques and methods used to create works ranging from fine art to folk art. Free admission. (903) 852-3311. www.texasmetalarts.com. 

  September 15-18 - Brenham The 142nd 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 18 - San Marcos
JUNIOR TEXAS WATER SAFARI... This 16-mile race for young canoeists & kayakers is held annually on the third Saturday of Sept-ember 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 18 - McGregor
McGREGOR FOUNDERS DAY FESTIVAL ... In its 19th year! All-day fest includes arts/crafts, antiques, foods, music, entertainment, dancing & kids stuff galore. Historic Main Street. (254) 840-2806, ext. 111. E-mail: mmullens@mcgregor-texas.com. Fax: (254) 840-2950. 

  September 26 - Giddings
22nd WENDISH FESTIVAL... Enjoy special entertainment at the Texas Wendish Heritage Museum by La Grange Roadrunners Square Dance Club and Kovanda's Czech Band. Events include cross-cut saw & washer pitching contests, museum tours, heritage skills demos, kid's contests, antique cars & farm equipment, coffeecake bake-off and Wendish costumes/crafts. (979) 366-2441. www.texaswendish.org or wendish@bluebon.net.

  September 29 - October 2 - 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: visit www.roundtoptexasantiques.com, or call (512) 237-4747.

OCTOBER

  October 8-10 - New Braunfels
24th ANNUAL GRUENE MUSIC AND WINE FEST... This Americana event benefiting United Way of Comal County features the best in live Texas music and the best in Texas food & wine at Gruene Hall and The Grapevine. All three days will be filled with vintner & music events, wine, beer and food samplings, and the Great Guitar Auction. For tickets & information, visit www.gruenemusicandwinefest.org, or call (830) 606-1601.

  October 9 - Burnet
FORT CROGHAN DAY FESTIVAL... The 1870-1880s period is celebrated on the grounds of historic Fort Croghan with old-time skills demonstrations, including lye soap making, molasses-making, and quilting. Free admission & free parking. (512) 756-8281.

  October 9 - 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 9-10 - 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.” Visit www.chappellhillmuseum.org, or call 1-888-BRENHAM.

  October 22-24 - KerrvilleExhibits, petting zoo, cook-off, bull riding, dance, carnival & midway, children’s activities, stage entertainment, vendors, food and beverages, something for everyone! Hwy 27 East in Kerrville. www.kerrcountyfair.com (830) 257-6833.

  October 23 - Elgin
23rd HOGEYE FEST... Texas’ biggest small-town block party. 10am to 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 & more! Historic Downtown. Booths $100-$125. Food $200-$225. Kids $85-$95. No refunds; no resale items. On Hwy 290, just 19 miles east of Austin. www.elgintx.com. (512) 285-5721, ext 17. 

  October 23-24 - Gruene Historic District /New Braunfels - 18th ANNUAL TEXAS CLAY FEST... Respected potters & sculptors from around Texas display, sell their wares and demonstrate a variety of techniques. Hands-on activities available for children. (830) 629-7975. www.texasclayfestival.com.

  October 30-31 - Gruene Historic District -  New Braunfels - 27th 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) 862-3524 to register. www.tourdegruene.com. v