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

Catch live music at Arkey Blue's Silver Dollar.

vacations concerts rodeo promoted

summer vacations

Texas falls out of gear as a top summer road-trip destination

Photo by Heidi Kaden on Unsplash

Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo is a popular stop for road trippers heading out of Texas.

Two years after Texas accelerated to the No. 1 spot as the top state for summer road trips, it's now losing some steam.

The Lone Star State has ranked 8th on WalletHub's 2025 list of "Best & Worst States for Summer Road Trips," with Minnesota climbing through the ranks to claim the No. 1 spot this year.

Each year, the report compares all 50 states to figure out which are the most wallet-friendly, safe places to travel with plenty of fun activities for all. The report analyzes factors that road trippers prioritize for their trip plans, such as the average gas prices in each state, the type of attractions in each state, and more.

Despite Texas' overall drop in the national ranking, the state still performed particularly well in the category of "attractions," ranking No. 4 nationwide. WalletHub has previously praised Texas' family-friendly activities such as zoos and amusement parks, while the beach remains a popular choice for travelers that need a coastal getaway.

Sunflower Beach, Port Aransas Texans love the beach. Photo courtesy of Sunflower Beach

Texas also earned a high rank - No. 10 - for its various vacation costs, with the report specifically calling out high gas prices and inflation rates as major concerns for travelers this summer.

"[Gas prices have] remained high this year, with the national average at over $3.130 per gallon now," the report's author wrote. "On top of that, [travelers will] need to consider accommodations, activities and dining, all of which continue to be impacted by inflation."

Texas didn't do nearly as well when it comes to safety, ranking 39th for the second year in a row (though the report didn't explain why). Factors included the road quality in each state, the number of car thefts per 1,000 residents, the number of uninsured drivers, and the rate of violent crimes per 1,000 residents.

Despite Texas' relatively low safety ranking, WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo says states like Texas were dubbed the best places for road trips because they "keep costs low while providing the best driving experience and most fun activities."

The top 10 best states for summer road trips in 2025 are:

No. 1 – Minnesota
No. 2 – New York
No. 3 – Ohio
No. 4 – Utah
No. 5 – Louisiana
No. 6 – Florida
No. 7 – Idaho
No. 8 – Texas
No. 9 – North Carolina
No. 10 – Pennsylvania

summer road trips texas vacation wallethub report wallethub WalletHub