Staff Report

Thousands of people are gearing up to gather in Dripping Springs’ historic downtown district to celebrate the city’s heritage and pioneer spirit. 

Dripping Springs will hold its 33rd annual Founders Day Festival on Mercer Street from Friday, April 22 to Sunday, April 24. 

Hosted by the city of Dripping Springs and the Founders Day Commission, the festival will feature food vendors, a beer booth, cook-off competitions, over 150 arts and crafts booths and business vendors, free music and entertainment, a “Drippin’ Through the Decades” themed parade held on Friday and the Mighty Thomas Carnival. 

On-site ticket purchases are 40 tickets for $40. Advance carnival tickets are on sale now and can be purchased for half-price (40 tickets for $20) at South Star Bank, Lone Star Capital Bank, Prosperity Bank, Wells Fargo Bank, Sunflower Bank, Broadway Bank, Texas Regional Bank, Martin’s Wellness DS Pharmacy or Dripping Springs City Hall.  

The carnival will be open on Friday from 4 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. and Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Purchase a wrist band for $25 on-site on Sunday to ride all day. 

Organizers suggest attendees park in the Dripping Springs High School parking lot. The Rotary Club will provide a free shuttle service to and from the parking lot on Saturday. Go to the City of Dripping Springs website for a list of temporary street closures during the festival. 

Volunteer slots are available to assist with the parade, vendor set up and site assistance, entertainment and sponsorship hosting and breakdown on Sunday. If you would like to sign up as a volunteer, go to www.cityofdrippingsprings.com/founders-day/pages/volunteers. 

Proceeds from the festival will be donated back into the community and directly benefit local non-profit organizations, churches, school and park programs, youth groups and charities. For more information about the festival, go to www.foundersdayfestival.com.