By Kim Hilsenbeck
Warm weather, longer days and the excitement of spring are the perfect backdrop for fests and fun around Hays County and beyond. Below is a sampling of some of the events happening in April and May. Grab the family, put on some sunscreen and head out to the fests.
Every Friday in April, Concert in the Park in Wimberley
These donation-admission outdoor concerts take place from 6-8p.m. at Blue Hole Regional Park in Wimberley
Schedule:
April 3 – Cody Bryan Band
April 10 – Christy Hays
April 17 – The Rankin Twins
April 24 – Carrie Elkin
April 16-19, Old Settler’s Music Fest in Driftwood
Every year, this nationally recognized music festival features more than 30 bands on four stages at the Salt Lick Pavilion and Camp Ben McCulloch. Thursday nights are special at Old Settler’s with a “Settle In” show on the Camp Ben stage from 4:30 to midnight. Friday afternoon features another bonus for campers – the Camp Ben Jam from noon to 3 p.m. at the Camp Ben Stage. Friday and Saturday, three different stages operating from 4 pm to midnight on Friday and 10:30 a.m. to midnight on Saturday across the street at the Salt Lick Pavilion. Enjoy camping, music workshops, vendors and more, including activities for children.
April 18, Butterfly Festival at the EmilyAnn Theatre
Fun for the entire family. Watch a live release of 3,500 butterflies throughout the day, with releases every 30 minutes. Enjoy an opening ceremony with flag raising, a Commemorative Air Force flyover (weather permitting), butterfly art, live entertainment, concessions, an Earth Day celebration, butterfly store, games and exhibits. Admission is free, though donations are gratefully accepted. Game and concession tickets available. For more information, visit www.emilyann.org.
April 18-19, Wimberley Arts Fest
For seven years, the Wimberley Valley Art League has produced this festival and each year it gets bigger and better. From humble beginnings around The Square, the event now has 87 artists of all media, continuous live music, food and more.
April 18-19, Buda Fine Art Express
Organized by the Chrysalis Art Foundation, the Buda Fine Art Express is keenly focused on offering artists unique selling opportunities. The juried art event features artists from across Texas using a variety of mediums including paint, sculpture, glass, pottery, photography, mixed media and jewelry. Guests can visit with the artists to discuss art purchases for their home or office. Takes place at the Buda City Park Pavilion.
April 24, Lake Kyle Jubilee
The Kyle Parks and Recreation Department is inviting families in the City of Kyle and northern Hays County to join them for a fun event highlighting Lake Kyle Park and what it has to offer. There will be food vendors and live music all evening as well as games and crafts and fishing. Cost is $5 per car pre-sale parking passes and $2 per person on the day of the event.
Music Schedule:
*All shows are acoustic
5:30 -6:15 p.m. – Chrissy Phillips
6:30-7:30 p.m. – Matt Deaton
7:45-8:45 p.m. – Travis Parker 9:00 -10:00 p.m. – Cody Canada
April 24-25, Founders Day in Dripping Springs
The Annual Founders Day Festival honors and celebrates the founding of the Dripping Springs community in 1850 by the Moss, Wallace, and Pound families. The 28th Annual Founders Day, the community’s biggest event, will be held in downtown Dripping Springs the last weekend in April. The three-day celebration kicks off with the Grand Parade and includes free music and entertainment on two stages, the Mighty Thomas Carnival, food, beer, street dances, cook-off competitions, over 150 arts and crafts booths and business vendors.
April 25-26, Buda Country Fair and Wiener Dog Races
Hosted by the Buda Lions Club, the Wiener Dog Races are an annual tradition in Buda. This year’s theme is “Buda Lions are Wiener Gump.” In addition to the high energy races, visitors to the fair will experience cook-offs, a bake-off, a spelling bee, a pet parade and a washer tournament. Live music, food and other vendors will be on hand. Takes place at Buda City Park. Buses will run from Cabela’s.
May 3, Farmgrass Fest in Niederwald
Farmgrass is an official 501(c)3 nonprofit with the mission of promoting the mental and physical well-being of local, independent farmers. Ticket proceeds benefit the Growers Alliance of Central Texas’ Farmers Emergency Medical Fund. The mainstage lineup included The Gravy Brothers + Special Guests, Whiskey Shivers, The Lost Pines, Brennen Leigh & Noel McKay’s High Plains Jamboree and Fog & Bone. The event takes place at the Simmons Family Farm.
