Saddle Up

Memorial Day weekend rodeos and Hill Country adventures await in Bandera

Forget the crowded beaches and overpriced theme parks — the real adventure awaits in the rolling hills of Bandera, where authentic cowboy culture meets Hill Country charm.

Just about four hours west of Houston, this small town of fewer than 1,000 residents packs more genuine Western spirit into its Main Street than most places ten times its size. Known proudly as the "Cowboy Capital of the World," Bandera offers visitors a chance to experience the American West as it truly was while enjoying modern comforts and unforgettable hospitality.

A town that makes history come alive

Bandera's commitment to preserving and celebrating its heritage has earned it national recognition. The town was selected as one of only seven rural communities nationwide to host the prestigious Smithsonian Traveling Exhibit "Crossroads: Change in Rural America," which will be displayed at Bandera Middle School from June 21 through July 26, 2025.

This honor reflects the town's unique position as a living piece of American history, where visitors can witness authentic gunfight reenactments every Saturday (weather permitting) and explore two exceptional museums that capture the essence of the frontier era.

Frontier Times Museum Bandera The Frontier Times Museum.Photo courtesy of Visit Bandera

The Bandera Natural History & Art Museum houses one of the largest New Spain art collections in the region, while the Frontier Times Museum earned recognition as the No. 6 Best Small Town Museum by USA Today in 2025. These aren't dusty repositories of artifacts — they're vibrant storytelling venues that bring the Wild West to life for visitors of all ages.

Summer festivals and Rodeo excitement

Summer in Bandera means non-stop excitement, starting with the Memorial Day weekend festivities from May 23-25. The Bandera Pro Rodeo hosts the Memorial Weekend Stampede Rodeo, complete with a festive Main Street Parade on May 24, vendor markets on the Courthouse Lawn, and live music echoing across multiple venues throughout town. It's the perfect kickoff to a season filled with authentic Western entertainment.

For those seeking weekly thrills, the Riding on Faith Summer Series Rodeo delivers authentic Western excitement every Friday night at Mansfield Park throughout the summer season, running from May 30 through July 25. Local and visiting cowboys test their skills against bucking broncos and bulls in genuine competition, giving spectators a front-row seat to one of America's most demanding and thrilling sports.

Independence Day celebrations extend well beyond the Fourth of July, starting with the Lakehills 4th of July Parade and Bandera's beloved 29th Annual Pet Parade on July 4, followed by the grand Bandera 4th of July Parade on July 5th. The patriotic spirit culminates with the National Day of the American Cowboy celebration on July 26 — where better to honor this uniquely American tradition than in its proclaimed capital?

Authentic experiences beyond the arena

What sets Bandera apart from other tourist destinations is its commitment to authentic experiences. Visitors can saddle up any day of the week for scenic horseback rides through town or venture into the Hill Country State Natural Area with local outfitters who know every trail and watering hole, and are happy to share stories of the land and its history.

Bandera Take a ride through town.Photo courtesy of Visit Bandera

Photo courtesy of Visit Bandera

The Bandera General Store has a little bit of everything.

The town's culinary scene reflects its authentic character. The legendary O.S.T. Diner serves up classic American fare that has satisfied cowboys and visitors for generations, while B-Daddy's BBQ on Main cooks up everything from sandwiches and plates to loaded spuds and brisket birria tacos.

And you can't miss visiting 11th Street Cowboy Bar, which offers Steak Night every Wednesday alongside its reputation as "the biggest little bar in the state."

Local shopping experiences include unique establishments like the Bandera General Store, Texas Salt Co., The Cowboy Store, and the whimsically named Fickle Pickle, each offering treasures you won't find in chain stores.

Music and nightlife with character

Live music flows through Bandera almost every night of the week, from the historic Arkey Blue's Silver Dollar — Texas' oldest honky-tonk — to the lively atmosphere at 11th Street Cowboy Bar. These venues serve as true community gathering places where locals and visitors come together to share stories, dance to classic country tunes, and experience the genuine small-town Texas spirit that makes Bandera so special.

Arkey Blue's Silver Dollar Bandera Drop by Arkey Blue's Silver Dollar, Texas' oldest honky-tonk.Photo courtesy of Visit Bandera

Accommodations for every adventure style

Whether you're dreaming of a classic dude ranch experience, seeking the serenity of a charming cabin, or looking for something completely unique like glamping in a yurt, Bandera offers accommodations that match every style of adventure.

Bandera proves that the best vacations aren't always about checking items off a tourist list — sometimes they're about slowing down, connecting with authentic culture, and experiencing a way of life that remains refreshingly unchanged. In a world of manufactured experiences, Bandera offers something increasingly rare: the real thing.

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Plan your next visit and see what's happening every day of the week in Bandera here.

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Now hear this

New Texas museum shines spotlight on Tejano music history

Totally Tejano Hall of Fame and Museum, San Antonio, tejano music

Photo by Edmond Ortiz

Roger Hernandez serves as board president of the Totally Tejano Hall of Fame and Museum.

For a city that proudly calls itself the capital of Tejano music, San Antonio has long been missing a permanent place to honor the genre’s pioneers and preserve its history. That gap officially closed In December with the opening of the Totally Tejano Hall of Fame and Museum at 1414 Fredericksburg Rd.

The music couldn’t have found a better steward than its founder and board president. Roger Hernandez has had his finger on the pulse of Tejano music for decades. His company, En Caliente Productions, has provided a platform for countless performing artists and songwriters in Tejano, conjunto, and regional Mexican music since 1982.

Hernandez says his wife, who ran a shop at Market Square years ago, would often get questions from visitors about the location of a physical Tejano music museum, a thing that simply did not exist. In 2022, he banded together with friends, family, and other local Tejano music supporters to make the nonprofit Hall of Fame a reality.

“I decided I've been in the music scene for over 40 years, it's time to do a museum,” Hernandez recalls.

Hernandez says a brick-and-mortar Tejano music museum has long been needed to remember musical acts and other individuals who grew the genre across Texas and northern Mexico, especially those who are aging. Recently, the community lost famed Tejano music producer Manny Guerra and Abraham Quintanilla, the renowned Tejano singer/songwriter and father of the late superstar Selena Quintanilla-Perez. Both deaths occurred roughly one week after the Totally Tejano museum opened to the public.

“They're all dying. They're all getting older, and we need to acknowledge all these people,” Hernandez says.

The Totally Tejano Museum — named after Hernandez’s Totally Tejano Television Roku streaming — has 5,000 square feet of space packed with plaques, photos, promotional posters, musical instruments, and other memorabilia honoring the pioneers and stars of the beloved genre. Mannequins wear stage outfits from icons like Laura Canales and Flaco Jimenez, and a wall of photos remembers late greats. Totally Tejano Television plays legendary performances on a loop, bringing the exhibits to life.

The newly opened Totally Tejano Hall of Fame and Museum includes a growing collection of memorabilia. Photo by Edmond Ortiz

Hernandez says the museum will soon welcome permanent and rotating exhibits, including traveling shows, a Hall of Fame section, and an area paying homage to Chicano music crossovers, such as the late Johnny Rodriguez, the South Texas singer-songwriter who blended country with Tex-Mex music. Plans call for the organization to hold its inaugural Hall of Fame induction in February 2026.

Eventually, a 2,000 square feet back room will be converted into additional display space and host industry gatherings, community symposiums, and record and video release parties. The museum also plans to add a gift and record shop and a music learning room where visitors can listen to early Tejano music and browse archival photos. Hernandez is already talking with local school districts about educational field trips.

Much like Tejano itself, the museum is a grassroots production. Hernandez and fellow board members have used their own money to rent, renovate, develop, and maintain the museum space. The board also leads the selection of the Hall of Fame honorees and curates the exhibits.

Hernandez has been heartened by the museum’s reception, both from media outlets and music fans around Texas and beyond.

“We had a radio station come in this morning from Houston to interview us,” he says. “People have come in from Lubbock, Texas. We have had people from Midland, Texas. We have another person who emailed us who’s coming in from New York. People are learning all about us.”

That includes many of the musicians who helped shape the genre. Johnny Hernandez, Sunny Ozuna, Elida Reyna, and Danny Martinez from Danny and The Tejanos are among the luminaries who have already graced the halls.

The Totally Tejano Hall of Fame and Museum is now open 10 am-6 pm, Tuesday-Sunday, and closed Monday. Admission is free, but donations are encouraged. Fans can call 210-314-1310 for more information.

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