COWBOY CAPITAL OF The World

Spring into summer with concerts, cowboys, and more in Bandera

If you're looking for a getaway that's not too far from home, take a look at the Cowboy Capital of the World: Bandera.

Located about four hours west of Houston, just northwest of San Antonio, Bandera is loaded with Texas’ signature charm and has something for everyone in the family.

This Hill Country town is also your live music destination for spring. Here's a look at what’s coming up over the next few months to help plan your future trip.

Music for all
The can’t-miss headlining acts at the 11th Street Cowboy Bar have Charlie Robison of "My Home Town" fame performing on April 14, and a full line-up every weekend thereafter:

April 21 – Wade Bowen
April 28 – Josh Ward
April 29 – Neal McCoy
May 12 – Diamond Rio
May 13 – Michael Martin Murphey
May 19 – Joshua Ray Walker
May 20 – Marty Haggard
June 9 – Lorrie Morgan
June 10 – Junior Brown

On Memorial Day weekend, help Arkey celebrate the 55th anniversary of his Arkey Blue's Silver Dollar Bar.

25th Annual Riverfest
Join in on the family fun April 29 for the 25th anniversary of Bandera Riverfest, happening from 10 am-6 pm.

The International Barbecue Cookers Association (IBCA) will be there hosting its top-tier barbecue cook-off, plus there will be a “land yacht” golf cart competition, plenty of live music, arts and crafts, kids' activities, and more.

Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children.

Enjoy nature's wonders
If you’re looking for a way to tire out the kids, head to the nearby Hill Country State Natural Area for 5,400 acres of camping, horseback riding, backpacking, fishing, and more.

Gaze at dreamy, starlit skies and open spaces with miles upon miles of trails for cycling and hiking. The park is the perfect place to escape from the stress of modern living and relax into the arms of Mother Nature.

Local events
Other fun events around town include the weekly Cowboys on Main on Saturdays from 10 am-2 pm. Visitors and locals can hop aboard wagon rides and take photos with Redneck the longhorn, and also watch 1800 reenactment gun shows at 11 am and 1 pm.

Fiesta Market Days at the Pipe Creek Dancehall on April 15-16 feature live music, offerings from local vendors, food, and fun for the whole family.

And don't forget about the Bandera Pro Rodeo on Memorial Day weekend, May 26-28. Stake out a good spot for the parade, which begins at 11 am on March 27.

Photo courtesy of Bandera CVB

Cowboys on Main happens on Saturdays.

Tickets for the Rodeo are $12 for adults, $6 for children ages 6-12, and free for children aged 5 and under.

To start planning your getaway, visit banderacowboycapital.com.

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TEXAS TRAVELS

Historic Texas landmark reopens after $54 million restoration

Photo courtesy of Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site

The newly restored Washington-on-the-Brazos lets guests step inside history.

A defining landmark in Texas history is welcoming visitors once again. Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site has reopened following a $54 million restoration aimed at preserving and reinterpreting the birthplace of the Republic of Texas.

While the Alamo may be today's most potent symbol of the Texas Revolution, Washington-on-the Brazos holds an equally sacred place in Texas history. In March 1836 — just four days before the fall of the Alamo — 59 delegates gathered there to sign the Texas Declaration of Independence, draft the state's constitution, and name General Sam Houston as the commander of the new republic's military.

The project was led by the Texas Historical Commission in partnership with the Washington-on-the-Brazos Historical Foundation and supported by funding from the Texas Legislature. The revamped site, about a one-and-a-half hour drive from Houston, aims to enhance the visitor experience with interactive features that tell the story of Texas and the diverse populations who called the fledgling republic home.

An 1800s drug store sits on the site.Photo courtesy of Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site

Photo courtesy of Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site

The newly restored Washington-on-the-Brazos lets guests step inside history.

The extensive two-year renovation enhances how visitors experience the site through immersive exhibits and storytelling. A newly reimagined Star of the Republic Museum showcases rare artifacts and multimedia theaters, while the Washington Town Site introduces reconstructed historic buildings and archaeological displays. Guests will also find an upgraded visitor center and expanded family gallery featuring children's toys from the 1830s.

Other features include updated gallery exhibits, outdoor interpretive installations, and high-tech interactive displays. A new brick entrance gate now creates a welcoming entrance to the historic site, while the updated conference center will maintain the site's commitment to community meeting spaces.

"As a Texas Historical Commission state historic site, it is our mission to share the important history of this site with visitors from around the world ... we are confident this project will provide an unparalleled visitor experience," explained Texas Historical Commission (THC) Chairman John L. Nau, III, in an earlier release.

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