The Texas Hill Country is one of the most scenic regions of the Lone Star State. Not surprisingly, it is also one of the most popular among visitors. More often than not, those visiting the Texas Hill Country will find one or more festivals or events taking place, regardless of the time of their visit, as region hosts a variety of events throughout the year. From marathons to music festivals, wine trails to family picnics, there is always something happening in the Texas Hill Country.
Held in the Capitol City, the Livestrong Austin Marathon is one of the most scenic races in Texas, with nearly half the course being run along Town Lake and the Colorado River. The rolling hills of Austin also make this one of the more challenging races offered in the Lone Star State.
Having run continuously since 1972, the Kerrville Folk Festival is the longest running festival of its type in North America. Lasting 18 days, the festival features over 100 songwriters, concerts, arts & crafts, kids concerts and more.
A Texas tradition since way back when Willie Nelson made Luckenbach famous, the Luckenbach 4th of July Family Picnic is one of those events everyone has to attend at least once in their lifetime. This quaint, quirky Hill Country town knows how to put on a celebration and their Independence Day celebration is perhaps the biggest of all. This free Fourth of July celebration features live music, games, foood, drink and, of course, the "World Famous" Luckenbach Lawn Mower Parade.
Held at Waterloo Park, the Austin Ice Cream Festival is a great way to cool off from the summer heat. The festival itself includes games, activities, live entertainment and, of course, ice cream.
Set to coincide with the end of the annual growing season, the Texas Hill Country Harvest Wine Trail takes up two weekends each August. With more than two dozen participating Hill Country wineries, the Harvest Wine Trail offers a variety of special events, tastings, tours and entertainment. In addition to attending seminars, taking tours of various wineries, sampling new wines, and stomping grapes, attendees of the Harvest Wine Trail will get great discounts on wine from the participating wineries.
Once again the tiny town of Luckenbach, made nationally famous by a Willie Nelson song, will be hosting its Labor Day Celebration. And, as usual, there will be plenty of good live music to go with the festivities.
Held each year at the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema on South Lamar in Austin, Fantastic Fest has become the largest genre film festival in the United States. Those in attendance are treated to a full slate of horror, sci-fi, and action movies throughout Fantastic Fest.
The annual Fredericksburg Food & Wine Fest has been held in downtown Fredericksburg since 1990. The festival includes food and wine sampling, an auction, games and live entertainment - all set in this quaint Hill Country community.
Featuring over 100 films, the Austin Film Festival includes a four-day screenwriters' conference featuring internationally known writers, directors, actors and producers. The Festival is held at the Driskell Hotel and other locations througout Austin.
For over four decades, the German-influenced Hill Country town of New Braunfels has held their annual Wurstfest, which features plenty of sausage, strudel, pretzels, polka music and more.
