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Hill Country Highlights: Unmissable Events and Day-Trip Adventures
From Halloween Thrills to German Festivals, Discover the Perfect Itineraries for Exploring Texas Hill Country this Season
Upcoming Events
Bandera – Nightmare on Maple Street
October 31, Bandera City Park, 1102 Maple St.
Every Halloween, the historic streets of Bandera take on an eerie transformation for “Nightmare on Maple Street.” This trunk-or-treat extravaganza promises chills and thrills, featuring door prizes, a costume contest, and the coveted “Best Trunk” award. With games and activities to keep young ghosts and goblins entertained, it’s a safe and spooky evening for all ages.
Kerrville – Family Fright Night
October 31, Louise Hays Park, 202 Thompson Drive
As the sun dips behind the hills, Kerrville’s Louise Hays Park becomes a Halloween haven for families. Join in for a delightful, fright-free evening filled with classic trick-or-treating, exciting games, and a costume contest. It’s an invitation to enjoy a night of merriment amidst the whispers of autumn in the Hill Country.
New Braunfels – Wurstfest
November 1-10, Wurstfest Grounds, 120 Landa St.
Savor ten days of hearty Texas-German fare at Wurstfest! Set along the scenic Comal River, this festival is a lively ode to Bavarian culture with food, dancing, and carnival fun for all ages. Raise a stein and soak in the best of both Texas and German traditions with a lineup of authentic music, cold beer, and festivities that run long into the evening.
Fredericksburg – Pacific Valor
November 2, National Museum of the Pacific War, 508 E. Austin St.
Step back in time at “Pacific Valor,” an evocative WWII reenactment honoring Medal of Honor recipient Sergeant Raymond Eubanks. This immersive battle demonstration plunges you into the jungles of New Guinea with simulated explosions and blank firing rifles—culminating with the powerful display of an M2-2 flamethrower. It’s a gripping homage to a hero’s sacrifice.
Bandera – Market Day
November 2, Main Street
On the first Saturday of each month, Bandera’s Main Street turns into a bustling marketplace where artisans and farmers gather. Discover handmade crafts, locally grown produce, and freshly baked goods amidst the charm of Bandera’s downtown. This is where creativity meets community in a delightful open-air setting.
Boerne – Black Rifle Block Party
November 2, Black Rifle Coffee Company, 101 S. Main St.
Celebrate Boerne’s community spirit at Black Rifle Coffee Company’s Block Party. With live music, tasty food, refreshing drinks, and a classic car show, this block party is a nostalgic nod to Boerne’s small-town roots. Neighbors and newcomers alike will feel right at home.
Fischer – Harvest Moon Dinner and Dance
November 3, Fischer Dance Hall, 701 Fischer Store Road
Under the glow of the Harvest Moon, Fischer Dance Hall invites you to a night of dining and dancing in support of the Wimberley Valley Museum. Indulge in mouthwatering BBQ from Kelly’s, sway to the tunes of Erik Hokkanen and Friends, and take part in preserving Wimberley’s rich cultural heritage in one of Texas’s oldest dance halls.
1. Bandera’s “Nightmare on Maple Street” Halloween Itinerary
• Morning: Start your day with a hearty cowboy breakfast at OST Restaurant, a Bandera institution with Western decor and a reputation for its cowboy-friendly fare. While there, explore the walls covered with old Bandera photos and memorabilia.
• Midday Adventure: Take a walk along the Medina River Trail nearby. It’s an easy, scenic trail with glimpses of Hill Country’s unique flora and fauna—perfect for a fall stroll before the Halloween excitement begins.
• Afternoon Event: Head over to Nightmare on Maple Street at Bandera City Park for trunk-or-treating, costume contests, and festive games. Arrive early to find good parking and explore the decorated trunks.
• Evening Meal: Cap off the day with some Texas BBQ at Busbee’s BBQ, where you can savor brisket or ribs and soak in the laid-back Bandera vibes.
2. Kerrville’s Family Fright Night Itinerary
• Morning Visit: Begin with a quiet morning at Stonehenge II in nearby Ingram—a quirky Hill Country landmark featuring a replica of England’s famous Stonehenge. It’s a fun, unexpected stop perfect for family photos.
• Lunch: Grab lunch at Pint & Plow Brewing Company, a cozy spot in Kerrville with a family-friendly atmosphere. Their pizzas and craft brews are local favorites.
• Afternoon at the Event: Arrive at Family Fright Night at Louise Hays Park for trick-or-treating, games, and the costume contest. Enjoy the park’s riverside setting and spacious grounds, ideal for a relaxed Halloween celebration.
• Evening Walk: Before heading home, take a peaceful walk along the River Trail, which winds along the Guadalupe River. Watch for the beautiful sunset views reflecting on the water.
3. Wurstfest in New Braunfels Itinerary
• Morning Stroll: Start your day with a visit to Landa Park near the Wurstfest grounds. Take a scenic walk around the lake, or hop on the miniature train for a leisurely loop around the park.
• Mid-Morning: For a pre-festival snack, stop by Naegelin’s Bakery, Texas’s oldest bakery, for German-inspired treats like strudels and kolaches.
• Afternoon Festival Fun: Head to Wurstfest to enjoy a day of Bavarian-inspired music, food, and fun. Savor bratwurst, explore carnival games, and raise a stein to Texas’s German heritage. Pro tip: try the “Wurst Sampler” for a taste of traditional sausages.
• Evening Wrap-Up: After a day at the festival, stroll along the Comal River or stop by a local pub, like Krause’s Biergarten, for a final toast in true Bavarian style.
4. Fredericksburg’s Pacific Valor Reenactment Itinerary
• Morning Museum Visit: Begin your day at the National Museum of the Pacific War. Before the reenactment, explore exhibits that tell the story of the Pacific Theater of WWII.
• Lunch at a Local Favorite: Grab lunch at Old German Bakery & Restaurant on Main Street, where you’ll find classic German dishes and Fredericksburg’s famous pastries.
• Afternoon Reenactment: Witness the Pacific Valor battle reenactment in the museum’s outdoor area. Arrive early to get a good spot, as the reenactment includes realistic sounds, blank gunfire, and a flamethrower demonstration.
• Evening Wine Tasting: Wrap up your day with a trip to a nearby vineyard, like Grape Creek Vineyards. Sip local wines and enjoy the rolling vineyard views as the sun sets over the Hill Country.
5. Fischer’s Harvest Moon Dinner and Dance Itinerary
• Morning Hike: Start the day with a hike at Blue Hole Regional Park in nearby Wimberley. It’s a peaceful spot with a scenic creek and trails that capture Hill Country’s autumn charm.
• Lunch in Wimberley: Stop by The Leaning Pear for a farm-to-table lunch with fresh, seasonal ingredients in a picturesque Hill Country setting.
• Afternoon at the Event: Make your way to Fischer Dance Hall for the Harvest Moon Dinner and Dance. Before the dinner, enjoy the historic dance hall ambiance and mingle with locals.
• Evening Dance: After a BBQ dinner catered by Kelly’s, dance the night away to live music from Erik Hokkanen and Friends. The traditional country tunes and lively crowd make this event an unforgettable experience.
Stay Connected with Us
Thank you for joining us on this journey through Texas Hill Country. We hope you enjoyed discovering the hidden gems and unique experiences this beautiful region has to offer. Stay tuned for more insights, travel tips, and local spotlights in our next edition. Don’t forget to share your Hill Country adventures with us!
Jeremy
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