October Events to Explore

Fall is a magical time in the Texas Hill Country, with cooler weather and a full lineup of events that showcase the best of what our region has to offer. Whether you’re into music, art, or cars, or you’re looking for a fun family outing, these events are sure to deliver a great time. Here’s a roundup of some must-attend events happening this October.

Gruene Music and Wine Festival

New Braunfels | October 10-13

Gruene Historic District, 1601 Hunter Road

Get ready for four days of music, wine, and fun in the charming Gruene Historic District! What started as a one-day event back in 1987 has now blossomed into a multi-day celebration featuring Texas and Americana music alongside some of the finest wines made right here in the Lone Star State. Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or just love a good craft beer, you’ll find tasting tickets to satisfy your palate. And don’t miss the silent auction and prize giveaways, all for a great cause—supporting the United Way of Comal County. This is the perfect event to kick off the fall season with a glass in hand and live music in the air.

For more details, visit: Gruene Music and Wine Festival

Texas Mesquite Arts Festival

Fredericksburg | October 11-13

Marktplatz Pavilion, 100 W. Main St.

Mesquite wood takes center stage at the Texas Mesquite Arts Festival in Fredericksburg, where skilled artisans from across the globe gather to display their handcrafted pieces. This festival is a unique opportunity to see how mesquite wood is transformed into everything from large furniture pieces like dressers and beds to intricate, handcrafted ornaments and sculptures. It’s not just a showcase; it’s a chance to take home something truly one-of-a-kind and meet the artisans who pour their heart into their work. Make a weekend of it in Fredericksburg and soak in the beauty of handmade mesquite art.

Check it out: Texas Mesquite Arts Festival

Circus at Bandera City Park

Bandera | October 12

Bandera City Park, 1102 Maple St.

Looking for some family fun with a touch of wild adventure? The circus is coming to Bandera, and it promises to be an unforgettable day under the big top. Watch lions and tigers, marvel at the trapeze artists, and enjoy the thrills of trick horseback riding. For the kids, there are pony rides, bounce houses, and a giant inflatable slide. Hosted by the Bandera County Chamber of Commerce, this circus brings a slice of classic entertainment to the “Cowboy Capital of the World.” It’s the perfect way to spend a Saturday with the whole family.

Learn more: Circus at Bandera City Park

Hill Country Mile Rod Run

Boerne | October 12

Main Plaza, 100 N. Main St.

If you love classic cars and motorcycles, Boerne is the place to be for the Hill Country Mile Rod Run. Open to vehicles from 1975 and older, this event is a car lover’s dream. Stroll through downtown Boerne and admire some of the coolest rides in the Texas Hill Country while enjoying live music, local craft beer, and great food from a variety of vendors. For an added bonus, don’t miss the Friday night cruise-in, where you can see these classic beauties in action as they cruise through the streets of Boerne. It’s a weekend packed with horsepower and history.

For more info: Hill Country Mile Rod Run

October is shaping up to be a month full of unique events in the Texas Hill Country, each offering something special for locals and visitors alike. Whether you’re sipping wine in Gruene, admiring mesquite art in Fredericksburg, watching circus performers in Bandera, or checking out classic cars in Boerne, there’s something for everyone. Mark your calendars and make the most of this beautiful season in Texas!

Unveiling Hidden Stories of the Hill Country: Little-Known History and Quirky Facts

When most people think of the Texas Hill Country, they envision rolling hills, scenic vineyards, and charming small towns. But there’s a rich tapestry of forgotten history, eccentric characters, and unusual events that shape the region’s past. Here’s a dive into some of the more obscure stories and oddities that you won’t find on the usual tourist trails, perfect for those who love discovering the unusual and untold.

The Mysterious Dancing Lights of Saratoga

Deep in the forests of the Big Thicket, an eerie phenomenon has fascinated locals for over a century: the Saratoga Lights. This strange, glowing orb has reportedly been seen floating along a stretch of road near the small ghost town of Bragg, close to Saratoga. Legend has it that the lights are the wandering lantern of a decapitated railroad worker, eternally searching for his lost head. Despite many attempts to explain the lights through science, no definitive answer has been found, leaving the supernatural tales intact. If you’re brave enough to venture out to this area on a dark night, you might just witness this unexplained marvel for yourself.

The Real Reason Luckenbach Became Famous (And It’s Not Just the Song)

Most people recognize Luckenbach, Texas, thanks to the iconic country song by Waylon Jennings. But the story of how this tiny, unincorporated community became a cultural landmark is far stranger and more interesting. Founded in the 1800s by German settlers, Luckenbach was on the verge of becoming another forgotten ghost town when in 1970, a man named Hondo Crouch purchased it. Crouch, a self-proclaimed “Imagineer,” was a humorist and trickster who immediately declared Luckenbach to be a free, independent state, complete with an honorary mayor (himself) and tongue-in-cheek laws. Under his wild leadership, the town became a haven for artists, musicians, and eccentrics, eventually catching the attention of Jennings. Today, Luckenbach remains a quirky testament to Hondo’s vision of a place where “everybody’s somebody.”

The Forgotten German POW Camps of Central Texas

While many people are familiar with the German heritage of the Hill Country, few know that during World War II, parts of Texas were home to German prisoners of war. Camps scattered around the region, including in places like Hearne and Bastrop, housed thousands of POWs who were captured in North Africa and Europe. What’s even more surprising is how these prisoners were often well-treated and integrated into local communities. Many worked on farms due to labor shortages caused by the war. In fact, some prisoners even returned after the war to settle in Texas permanently, charmed by the hospitality and vast open spaces they experienced during their internment. Forgotten remnants of these camps can still be found today, with only a few historical markers acknowledging their existence.

The Texas Camel Experiment: Hill Country’s Unexpected Desert Adventure

Camels in Texas? Yes, it happened. In the mid-1800s, as part of an experimental U.S. Army project, camels were imported to the region to help establish supply routes across the harsh terrain. The Texas Hill Country was a key area for testing the viability of these hardy animals, which were thought to be better suited to the arid conditions than horses or mules. The camels performed remarkably well in their duties, but after the Civil War broke out, the experiment was abandoned, and many camels were either sold or released into the wild. For years afterward, sightings of wild camels roamed the region, becoming the stuff of local legend. The town of Camp Verde still commemorates this bizarre chapter of Texas history with its annual Camel Festival.

The Legend of the Enchanted Springs

Long before Hill Country became synonymous with winemaking and live music, indigenous tribes believed the area held mystical properties. One such location is the “Enchanted Springs” near Boerne, rumored to possess healing waters. Native American legends speak of warriors who would bathe in the spring to recover from wounds, and settlers later claimed the water cured various ailments. Though the spring has since been largely forgotten, many believe it still bubbles beneath private land, its legendary powers fading into local lore. A handful of historical accounts suggest early settlers would travel miles just to dip their toes in the water, hoping for a miracle.

Willow City’s Hidden Outlaw History

Willow City may be known today for its scenic wildflower loop, but during the late 1800s, it was the backdrop for a thrilling chapter of Texas’s outlaw history. The area was once home to a notorious band of rustlers who made their living stealing cattle and horses from nearby ranches. Led by the infamous outlaw Johnny Ringo (who later gained fame in Tombstone, Arizona), the gang used the rugged terrain to evade capture. In one legendary standoff, Texas Rangers cornered the gang in a hidden canyon, leading to a fierce gunfight. While the rustlers were eventually driven out, legends of hidden loot and secret hideouts persist among locals to this day.

The Texas Hill Country is full of stories that go far beyond its natural beauty. Next time you visit, keep an eye out for these hidden histories and lesser-known facts, and remember—there’s always more to discover beneath the surface.

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

If you know someone who might benefit from our services, please send them to blissvacay.com to see if they qualify.

Thanks for being such a valuable part of our community!

See the properties we have available in the Hill Country.

Feel free to make this a two-way conversation! If you have any comments or suggestions, just reply to this message and I'll receive it.