Our Exclusive Events Calendar
Every month we scour the region looking for a broad selection of “must-do” activities to share with our readers. Below you’ll find our curated, budget-savvy collection of upcoming events. The listings are divided into two sections: Community Calendar and Visual & Performing Arts. (As the month goes along, we will share more events in our private Facebook group.)
Remember: Wise wildflowers always double-check location, date, time, and ticket information before traveling, especially over long distances or during inclement weather.
Sections:
Community Events Calendar
Visual & Performing Arts Highlights
Related Content:
Free, Recurring Cultural Events
Hill Country Event Listings by Community
May 1
Tricentennial Commemorative Week (San Antonio)
Continues through May 5
It’s a week long celebration of San Antonio’s 300th year with events planned across the Alamo City. More details at SanAntonio300.org.
May 4
Hill Country Run Motorcycle Rally (Luckenbach)
Continues through May 5
Grab your helmet and your favorite bike to explore the heart of the Hill Country. Vvvvroom! $55 per person. Full schedule and registration information available at HillCountryRun.com.
May 5
Pecan Capital Trade Day (San Saba)
Shop for locally made goods and get to know the friendly folks in the San Saba area in front of the historic courthouse. Free. 8:00 a.m. to 2 p.m. Website. [Editor’s note: For similar upcoming events in the Hill Country, see our Market & Trade Days listings.]
Boerne Hauptstrasse Quilt Fest (Boerne)
Hit the Hill Country Mile for this popular annual event showcasing beautiful handmade quilts on the Main Plaza and along Main Street. Free. 9:00 a.m. to 4 p.m. Hosted by the City of Boerne.
Historic Kindermasken Parade (New Braunfels)
This downtown parade featuring children in traditional German dress began way back in 1856! Free. 11:30 a.m. For more details, including how children can participate, see the Museum of Texas Handmade Furniture’s website.
Antique Show (Comfort)
Continues through May 6
This roving antique show is another Hill Country tradition, one known for quality items and trustworthy, knowledgeable vendors. $5 (free for kids 12 and under). Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For a $1-off coupon on admission, see TexasAntiqueShows.com.
Pecan Street Festival (Austin)
For over forty years this arts and crafts festival has been running in downtown Austin, making it one of the oldest such festivals in the nation. Expect great handmade items and fabulous live music. Free. For the event schedule, visit PecanStreetFestival.org.
May 6
Maynicures Kick-Off Party (San Antonio) – SPONSORED EVENT LISTING
Come out to The Witte for an afternoon of DIY manicures, Kendra Scott shopping, food, non-alcoholic drinks, and more–all to support awareness about children’s mental health issues. Free, but a $10 donation is suggested. Registration required. 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. For more details, see 1in5minds.org.
May 12
Boerne Art Waddle (Boerne)
With a nod to the town’s famous webbed-footed fowl, this popular annual art walk introduces visitors to visual artists living in “The Flats” section of Boerne. Free. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For a map of the area, see ArtWaddleBoerne.org.
May 17
Culinaria Festival (San Antonio)
Continues through May 20
Foodies rejoice! It’s time again for one of the area’s most popular wine and food festival. For a complete list of events during this year’s celebration, visit CulinariaSA.org.
May 19
Blanco Classic Car Show (Blanco)
Something about those winding, lazy Hill Country backroads make our area a favorite with the classic car show. But who would complain? Seeing those old beauties buffed up and running is fun for all ages. Free. For more information, see BlancoClassicCarShow.com.
May 28
Memorial Day Observance (Fredericksburg)
As Spring draws to a close the nation’s thoughts turn to those lost in service to our country. And we can think of no better way to mark this solemn holiday than at Fredericksburg’s famous war museum’s Memorial Courtyard. Free but seating is limited. For more details, see the Pacific War Museum’s website.
Phew! Much like October, April in the Hill Country tends to be an extraordinarily busy time of year, especially for the visual and performing arts crowd. The month of May follows with a lighter schedule, unless you’re up in Kerrville for the town’s legendary annual folk festival (May 24 to June 10).
That said, we’ve got some ideas for you from across the region.
Visual Arts
Why not catch up on exhibitions that you might have missed, especially before they close? Take for instance the San Antonio Museum of Art’s exhibition of art from viceregal Mexico which ends on May 13. Looking for something more contemporary? Mockingbird Mobile Cinema is exploring the grittier side of motherhood on May 5 in San Antonio. Up in Austin, Big Medium has its annual West Austin Studio Tour (May 12 & 13, 19 & 20)
(Psst… don’t forget to check out our free cultural events listings for art walks and free museum admission dates.)
Performing Arts
Guess what, NPR fans!?!? Wait, Wait . . . Don’t Tell Me is coming to Austin’s Bass Concert Hall on May 3. At San Antonio’s Tobin Center, Opera San Antonio is poised to open La Bohème (May 17 & 19). The Gipsy Kings take the stage at the Majestic (May 16).
Of note on the dance hall circuit, Gruene Hall is hosting Jerry Jeff Walker (May 12 and 13), Three Dog Night (May 18) and Patty Griffin (May 19) plus the Americana Music Jam (May 20). Floore’s Country Store in Helotes has Lyle Lovett and His Large Band (May 4).
