Nestled in the scenic Texas Hill Country less than an hour from San Antonio, Bandera calls itself the "Cowboy Capital of the World." Music is a vital part of Bandera's community and culture; it seems like amazing players are always pickin' and grinnin' in the dancehalls, on the streets, at the rodeos or on the serene Medina River. Perhaps it's something in the water that attracts all the musicians; maybe it's the delicious barbecue or those breathtaking hill country views. Whatever it is, Bandera is indeed a magical spot where the music never stops.
Held every Labor Day weekend, the county's largest annual festival celebrates Bandera's cowboy traditions. Celebrate Bandera was named one of the Top 100 Western Events in the nation by American Cowboy Magazine and draws thousands of people from all across North America. The Music Hall of Fame main stage is located on the historical Court House Square and almost everything to do is within easy walking distance. Celebrate Bandera provides an opportunity to sample several of Central Texas' finest western swing acts in a single weekend for a price that's easy on the pocketbook (most events are free or cost less than $5, as of 2010). There's also a rodeo, a wild west show, arts and crafts festival, Intertribal Pow-Wow, and something else you don't get to see every day, even in Texas: a real cattle drive parading right down Main Street.
Celebrate Bandera Festival
P.O. Box 2825
Bandera, TX 78003
830-796-4447
celebratebandera.com
Sponsored by Pipe Creek Christian School, the Son Shine Music Festival takes place annually in mid-April at the Mansfield Park Show Barn. Son Shine features soul-stirring performances from some of the hill country's very best gospel artists. The 2010 festival was headlined by Clifton Jansky, Christian Country Music Association's Entertainer of the Year. This music festival runs concurrently with Bandera's International Goat Spectacular Cambrito and Bar-B-Que Cook-Off at nearby City Park, so there's lots to keep you and the entire family hoppin' all day long. Best of all, admission to the music festival is free.
Son Shine Christian Music Festival
Pipe Creek Christian School
1990 FM 1283
Pipe Creek, TX 78063
830-510-6131
pipecreekchristianschool.org
Every June, the Medina River is transformed into a rompin', stompin', swingin' outdoor party during Riverfest. Live music is featured throughout the day on the main stage, along with kayak races, a river rodeo, paddle boats and water games for the kids. The event kicks off with a classic car parade and swap meet, followed by an arts and crafts show, a watermelon eating contest, and the "Great Hill Country Anything That Floats Regatta." And you sure won't go hungry with that Bar-B-Que Cook-Off. The festival runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. As of 2010, admission is $10 for adults; children under 12 and military families always get in free.
Bandera Riverfest
P.O. Box 1175
Bandera, TX 78003
830-796-4447
banderariverfest.com
