A Cowboy Summer

Lasso up a cowboy-themed summer with rodeo, live music, and more in Bandera

This summer is the perfect time to discover for yourself why Bandera, the Cowboy Capital of the World, lives up to its name.

Yes, there are real cowboys and cowgirls aplenty and lots of ranches at which to ride horses, but it’s the cowboy spirit of the town that truly captivates. Bandera’s genuine, welcoming attitude is what that inspires folks to return again and again when they want to escape the pressures of everyday life and be surrounded by friendly folks, gorgeous nature, and fun times.

Here are just some upcoming summer activities to help you plan your next trip to Bandera:

Summer is rodeo season in Bandera. Every Friday night through July 29 at Mansfield Park, you can whoop and holler for the cowboys and cowgirls as they compete for less than the cost of a first-run movie ticket. There is no instant replay here — the action is real. And nothing is more fun to watch than the mutton bustin' and calf scramble.

After the rodeo, seek out one of the many watering holes and dance the night away to live music.

Every Saturday during the morning hours and just past lunch, witness not one but two different gunfight shows right in the heart of downtown Bandera. Don't be surprised to see a horse-drawn wagon, chuck wagon, and possibly a Longhorn as well. And the best part? All these activities are free.

In the heat of the afternoon, head to either the Frontier Times Museum or Bandera Natural History & New Spain Art Museum to escape the heat.

Or step down into Arkey Blue's Silver Dollar Bar to enjoy a lively jam session. Don't forget to enjoy an ice cream treat at the Bandera General Store as you browse through their great selection of vintage boots.

On June 29, along the banks of the Medina River in City Park, everyone is invited to the free, family-friendly Bandera Riverfest. It is reminiscent of an old-fashioned community picnic, with food vendors, a hot dog and watermelon-eating contest, car show, and Bandera's very own American Idol-style competition.

The Fourth of July is not just a one-day celebration in Bandera. This year it's being celebrated for the whole weekend, beginning on Thursday, the Fourth itself, with the annual pet parade in City Park and (human) parade in Lakehills. Cap off your evening at 11th Street Cowboy Bar with Rick Rice.

On Friday night, enjoy the rodeo and then head back to 11th Street to hear Gary P. Nunn; Saturday night brings a concert by Weldon Henson.

Expect to see plenty of cowboys and cowgirls the weekend of July 26-27, as Bandera celebrates the National Day of the American Cowboy at Mansfield Park. Rodeos happen on both Friday and Saturday night, plus a sanctioned barbecue cook-off on Saturday, cowboy poets, musicians, Western re-enactors, interactive games and activities for the kids, and so much more.

Keep up with all the latest happenings, who is playing where, and upcoming fun in Bandera here.

Photo courtesy of Bandera CVB

Summer is rodeo season in Bandera.

vacations concerts rodeo promoted

Texas getaways

6 best Hill Country and San Antonio hotels for a weekend getaway

Photo courtesy of Monarch Hotel website

The new Monarch Hotel has opened near the iconic Hemisfair.

The San Antonio area is buzzing with a number of freshly renovated hotels and brand-new accommodations that are beckoning for a weekend getaway. Head west for about three hours from Houston and settle into a romantic Hill Country retreat or check into a hip stay in the heart of the Alamo City.

From romantic Hill Country havens to buzzy downtown hotels that have just opened their doors, here are our top picks for a chic San Antonio stay this fall.

The Gunter Hotel
This downtown San Antonio hotel’s multimillion-dollar renovation wasn’t just about adding fancy new furniture; it was about honoring the property’s storied history. Inspired by Robert Johnson's history-making stay in Room 414, the Gunter serves as a love letter to San Antonio’s music heritage. Add elegant rooms and suites, refined American fare at Jots, the city’s first Paris Baguette location, and a street-level speakeasy, and you've got more than enough excuses to book a stay.

The Monarch Hotel
A new kid on the block, this Hemisfair hotel takes flight from the second you step into the lobby. But the snazzy design is second to the dining. Grab a morning pastry at the Nectarie Café, splurge on steaks at Oak & Amber, then have after-dinner drinks underneath the butterfly wing eaves of Alateo. Theme continues outdoors with the property’s La Mariposa sculpture — the perfect backdrop for a vacation selfie.

The InterContinental Hotel San Antonio Riverwalk
This underrated property scores high marks with those who seek the buzz of the city core. Located within walking distance of multiple popular restaurants and bars, the hotel itself also has a dining standout with Cavalier, offering a globally-inspired menu of coq au vin, picanha, short rib, lamb shank, and more. The social set will want to check out its frequent wellness events and movie nights and pony up for a suite with access to the posh Club InterContinental.

The Ranch Motel
During the day, this Broadway spot’s pool is home base for the see-and-be-seen crowd, with snacks served by some of Alamo City’s hottest pop-ups. After the sun sets, it feels even more exclusive thanks to a dimly lit upstairs mezcal lounge and showers stocked with Le Labo products.

Schedule a couple's massage at Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort & Villas.Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort & Villas/ Facebook

Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort & Villas
This Hill Country retreat is located near SeaWorld San Antonio, but don’t waste a minute finding Nemo. Instead, head to the crystal lagoon for some splashy fun, get a massage at the spa, and share some charcuterie at Antlers Lodge. After a full day, sink into the bed outfitted with luxurious linens — part of a massive $100 million renovation.

JW Marriott Hill Country Resort
This secluded hideaway near Stone Oak sprawls out on 600 acres. Every type of weekend warrior will find something to explore — from multiple restaurants for foodies to a 9-acre waterpark for adventurers and a 36-hole golf course. Later in the year, snuggle up and enjoy some frosty holiday activations.

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