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Events in Bandera
Bandera may be known as the “Cowboy Capital of the World,” but it could just as easily be called the “Event Capital of Texas.” There’s always something going on in this charming town that prides itself on its Western heritage. From cowboy shootouts to professional rodeos and music festivals, there are plenty of annual events in Bandera to enjoy. Check out our events calendar below to see some of Bandera’s events so you won’t miss out while you’re in town.
January
Annual Bandera County Junior Livestock Show
Is there anything more Texan than a junior livestock show? Take part in this more than 80-year-old tradition, held at Mansfield Park in mid-January.
2886 Highway 16 South
Bandera, TX 78003
February
11th Street Cowboy Mardi Gras
Cajun and County music fans can’t miss this rollicking annual event. A gumbo cook-off, costume contest for humans and canines, and a Mardi Gras parade are just part of the proceedings. Many of the festivities are centered around the 11th Street Cowboy Bar, located just a few blocks from the courthouse square.
307 11th Street
Bandera, TX 78003
April
Mayhem on the Medina
Dueling cowboy gunfighters, historical reenactments, and a heaping helping of Western music is what you’ll get at Mayhem on the Medina in Bandera. Along with all the action, there are also stagecoach rides, food, crafts vendors, exhibits, and games from the 1800’s. If you love your history, you can’t miss this popular early April event.
1102 Maple Street
Bandera, TX 78003
May
Bandera ProRodeo
For three days in late May, you can see the stars of the professional rodeo scene strut their stuff at the PRCA-sanctioned Bandera ProRodeo. Held at the Mansfield Park Arena, the event includes a barbecue cook-off that is sanctioned by the Lone Star Barbecue Society.
2886 Highway 16 North
Bandera, TX 78003
Funtier Days Arts & Crafts Show
More than 75 arts and crafts vendors take over Bandera’s courthouse square as part of the town’s Funtier Memorial Day activities.
500 Main Street
Bandera, TX 78003
June and July
Cross P Rodeo Saddle/Buckle Series
Cowboys and cowgirls from across the Hill Country compete in barrel racing, bull riding, steer riding, team roping, and mutton bustin in this early June and July rodeo. A good old-fashioned country dance is held at the end of the day at Mansfield Park’s pavilion.
2886 Highway 16 North
Bandera, TX 78003
September
Celebrate Bandera
Take in Bandera’s Western heritage during this three-day event that includes a longhorn cattle drive and parade, arts and crafts vendors, music, and reenactments on the Medina River.
Bandera, TX 78003
UTOPIAfest
Listen to some of the top folk and indie bands in the country perform at UTOPIAfest, a three-day camping and music festival. The event site resides on a scenic tract of land about 30 miles west of downtown Bandera. Activities include a disc golf tournament, hiking, and yoga.
1555 Lemond Road
Utopia, TX 78884
October
Great Hill Country Pumpkin Patch
Unlimited hayrides, a hay bale maze, petting zoo, apple orchard tour, and pumpkin painting; what’s not to love about the Great Hill Country Pumpkin Patch? This popular children’s festival is the ultimate way to celebrate the arrival of autumn.
13558 State Highway 16 North
Medina, TX 78055
Pipe Creek Pumpkin Patch
Head to the Christmas Tree farm in Pipe Creek for this fall event that includes hay rides, scarecrow dressing, and the chance to see farm animals. Food and drink are available for purchase, as are other activities.
Highway 16 and Phil’s Road
Pipe Creek, TX 78063
Oktoberfest
Snack on some bratwurst and sip on a beer while you celebrate the Hill Country’s German heritage during Oktoberfest in Bandera. Wear your best Oktoberfest outfit and you just might win the costume contest, or play some games and listen to the music.
451 Highway 173 North
Bandera, TX 78003
December
Cowboy Capital Christmas and Shoppers Jubilee
For one day in early December, all of Bandera turns into a shopper’s delight. Stores have open houses while a live nativity scene, caroling, and other Christmas events occur in the Bandera courthouse square.
City Wide
Bandera, TX 78003
Cowboy Capital Christmas NIGHT Parade
Pick out a good spot along Main Street and wait for Santa in this nighttime holiday parade in early December.
Main Street
Bandera, TX 78003
Cowboy Capital Campfire Christmas
Celebrate the Christmas season Bandera style; with a campfire, hot chocolate from a chuck wagon, and show of lights on the bank of the Medina River. This free event, located at Bandera City Park, includes a living nativity presentation from the Bandera County Christian Fellowship.
1102 Maple Street
Bandera, TX 78003
