Looking for the perfect spring weekend getaway? Mark your calendar for April 12–13, 2025, and head to Chappell Hill for the 61st Annual Bluebonnet Festival—officially designated the “Bluebonnet Festival of Texas” by the state legislature!
Downtown Chappell HillDowntown Chappell Hill
Hosted by the Chappell Hill Historical Society, this iconic event features 250+ vendors, live music, and plenty of family-friendly fun. From handcrafted goods and local eats to a charming Children’s Area and dancing in the streets, it’s a celebration of Texas tradition and bluebonnet beauty.
Make the short drive to Chapelton Vineyards in Washington for an award-winning tasting experience surrounded by rolling vineyards and Texas countryside views.
Chapelton Vineyards, Washington
If you’re staying for the weekend, make time to visit Brenham, just 10 minutes up the road. Downtown Brenham offers a vibrant mix of local boutiques, art galleries, museums, and murals, plus fantastic dining—from cozy cafés to upscale eateries. It’s a great way to round out your bluebonnet weekend with even more small-town charm and Southern hospitality.
Did you know that the oldest operating cotton gin in the United States is located in Burton, Texas?
Texas Cotton Gin, Burton
Every year, this historical treasure is celebrated at the Burton Cotton Gin Festival. A day filled with FREE fun for the whole family kicks off with a parade followed by a classic car & tractor pulling contest, demonstrations, live music, shopping, family activities & contests, and all the food and refreshments you would expect from a small town of German heritage!
Experience the sights and sounds of the old cotton gin in action as festival goers witness the baling process. And don’t miss out on a tour of the Texas Cotton Gin Museum, where you can learn about the foundation of the gin and the story of how it was saved from becoming the site of a convenience store.
Downtown Burton
Saturday, April 26, 2025 | 10:00am – 6:00pm
Free Admission
10:00am Cotton Gin Festival Parade Begins
11:00am Antique Engine/Tractor Show
11:00am-12:00pm Lady B Birthday Party with Special Guests
For many surrounding schools, Spring Break runs fromMarch 10-14, and it is the perfect time to explore Brenham and Washington County! Whether you’re visiting for a family-friendly getaway or looking for unique local experiences, we’ve got something for everyone. Here’s our guide to the top must-visit spots for your Spring Break adventure:
1. Antique Carousel Ride & Local Parks
Antique Carousel, Fireman’s Park, Brenham
Take a spin on the historic Antique Carousel for just $1 in Fireman’s Park! This beautifully restored carousel is a local favorite and a must-do for families with young kids. Afterward, enjoy one of Brenham’s beautiful parks like Henderson Park or Hohlt Park, where you can have a picnic, let the kids enjoy the playground, or take a scenic walk along the trails.
Stroll through stunning gardens filled with fragrant heirloom roses. This picturesque spot is great for photos, relaxing walks, and plant shopping. Plus, admission is free!
March 8-9: Spring Celebration Weekend! Enjoy an artisan vendor market, hands-on gardening inspiration, and seasonal refreshments.
Open Daily: Monday-Saturday 9AM-5:30PM and Sunday 11AM-5:30PM
No trip to Brenham is complete without a stop at Blue Bell Creameries! Grab a $1 scoop of your favorite flavor and check out the observation deck to see how the famous ice cream is made.
Spring Break Hours: Open 8 AM – 5 PM Monday-Friday, with the Observation Deck closing at 2 PM but the Ice Cream Parlor, Visitor Center, and Country Store open until 5 PM!
Relax and enjoy a cold craft beer while the kids play outside at Brazos Valley Brewing Company. With a laid-back atmosphere, outdoor seating, and food trucks, it’s a great place to unwind.
Open Wednesday-Sunday: Wednesday-Thursday 3PM-9PM, Friday-Saturday 12PM-10PM, and Sunday 12PM-7PM
Take in the beautiful scenery and breathe in the fresh lavender at this charming farm. While lavender may not be in full bloom just yet, the gift shop offers plenty of lavender-themed goodies, and you can visit and feed the friendly goats!
Special Spring Break Hours: March 10-16, 10 AM – 2 PM
Step back in time where Texas became Texas! Explore the Washington-on-the-Brazos for a hands-on history lesson.
Special Spring Break Hours:
Barrington Plantation & Independence Hall will be open Monday & Tuesday with guided tours at 10 AM, 1 PM, and 3 PM.
Living History Interpreters will be on-site in period clothing, re-creating life in the 1840s at the real home of Dr. Anson Jones, the last president of the Republic of Texas.
Watch craftsmen building a replica of the Ark of the Covenant from original boards of Independence Hall!
Open daily, 8 AM – 5 PM
Special Spring Break Events
Check out these exciting events happening during Spring Break! Click on each for more details:
Spring Celebration at Antique Rose Emporium – March 8-9, 2025
Unity Theatre Presents: The Originalists – March 8-9, 2025
Springtime in Texas means bluebonnet season! If the flowers are in full bloom, be sure to take a scenic drive along Highway 290 and visit our Wildflower Driving Map for breathtaking photo opportunities. Keep an eye out for updates on the best spots to see these iconic Texas wildflowers on our Wildflower Watch Page!
No matter what your Spring Break plans look like, Brenham and Washington County offer the perfect mix of relaxation, adventure, and small-town charm. We can’t wait to welcome you!
For more Spring Break happenings, check out out Spring Break “What’s Happening” flyer!
Spring in Washington County is a magical time! It’s not too hot, not too cold, and the colorful show that the Texas wildflowers faithfully display each year is worthy of the hype. But bluebonnets aren’t all that’s happening around Brenham in the spring! Here are NINE annual events in Washington County that you can use to plan your next visit-plus a few of the most popular things you can do every week in the spring. Make it a long weekend and enjoy all the live music, dining and shopping that the area has to offer.
Texas Independence Day celebrations will look a little different this year due to ongoing renovations at Washington-on-the-Brazos. Join us for A Toast to Texas Family Festival on Saturday, March 1, from 10am. to 4pm as we celebrate the signing of the Texas Declaration of Independence on March 2, 1836.
ANTIQUE ROSE EMPORIUM SPRING CELEBRATION WEEKEND
The Antique Rose Emporium is a must-visit year-round, but spring is something truly special! The Spring Celebration Weekend from March 7-9, 2025 includes an Artisan & Vintage Market, food trucks, and more blooming roses than you can imagine.
TEXAS RANGER DAY
The 14th annual Texas Ranger Day at the historic Burton Railroad Depot is a fun-filled event for the whole family. On Saturday, March 15, from 12 to 5pm, enjoy Old West Ranger demonstrations, blacksmithing, chuckwagon cooking, kids’ activities, depot and cotton gin tours, and live music!
TEXAS HISTORIC HOMES TOURS IN INDEPENDENCE
Step back in time with a tour of the Texas Historic Homes in Independence. Adjacent to Old Baylor Park, these historic homes and schoolhouses offer a glimpse into Texas pioneer life—perfect for history lovers! Tours are available on Saturdays, March 15 and 22, from 10am to 4pm.
Antique Festivals
The Round Top Antique shows are just down the road, and some are even in Washington County! The La Bahia Antique Show is March 21-29. Burton is also home to other antique events like Antiques at The Pavilions.
The Chappell Hill Historical Society will once again be hosting the Official State of Texas Bluebonnet Festival, April 12-13, 2025, in downtown historic Chappell Hill, Texas. Initially a small town antique festival has blossomed over the years and celebrates the official state flower, the bluebonnet. The Festival boasts more than 250 juried exhibitors (home décor, gardening, artists, craftsmen, jewelry, clothing, etc.), delicious country-style food, live entertainment and music, and tours of the historic community!
Head to Burton Saturday, April 26, home of the 1914 Burton Farmers Gin, and celebrate the 36th Annual Burton Cotton Gin Festival! This is a FREE, family friendly event featuring a day full of fun and history. The day begins with a parade through Burton, and continues at the grounds of the Texas Cotton Gin Museum. Shop and eat in the Arts & Crafts Vendor Area, & Food Court. Watch Folklife skills demonstrations, such as Blacksmithing and butter churning, and spoon carving!
Brenham’s German heritage takes center stage at Maifest on May 2-3. Enjoy a festive weekend featuring a parade, Junior & Senior Coronations, authentic German food, music, drinks, and carnival rides at Fireman’s Park. Festivities begin on Friday, May 2, at 5pm and continue until 11:30pm, then resume on Saturday, May 3, from 11:30am to 11:30pm!
Meet and watch artists working and creating their masterpieces in Chappell Hill on Main Street, at the Historical Society Museum, and other select Washington County locations. Presented by Chappell Hill Chamber of Commerce, Chappell Hill, Texas. Vote for your favorite and you have the opportunity to purchase works from our artists too!
Weekly Happenings
Some of our favorite spring events happen every week!
Blue Bell Ice Cream – Enjoy $1 scoops at the Blue Bell Parlor & Country Store!
There’s always something happening in Brenham! Explore daily events like live music, theater performances, and retail specials by checking our full calendar of events. Spring is our busiest season, so be sure to book your lodging early and make the most of your trip!
Start the year in Downtown Brenham at the Uptown Swirl! Bring your friends and stroll through the charming historic downtown district to sample delicious wines at the shops and businesses.
The fun happens on Saturday, January 18, 2025, from 3 to 7 pm in Downtown Brenham.
Check-in to receive your glass and bags begins at 2pm in front of the Washington County Courthouse Gazebo (101 E Alamo Street, Brenham, TX 77833).
Tickets are $35 in participating stores until December 31st. After January 1st, they are $40 in stores and $45 online.
Just sip, stroll, & shop!
Participating Merchants:
* Tickets can be purchased at participating businesses!
The days are getting shorter and the promise of lower temperatures means that it’s time for fall! The Fall happenings in Brenham and around all of Washington County make it a favorite time of year to visit.
Mark your calendar and reserve your rooms for these TEN fabulous fall happenings around Brenham in 2024!
1 . Oktoberfest at Home Sweet Farm Biergarten
SEPT 27-29 It’s time for Oktoberfest at HSF Biergarten in Downtown Brenham. The tap wall will be filled with several fine imported German beers. Come raise a glass, chug a boot, and enjoy some live music by Beau Hinze & The Back Porch Shufflers and Sparky Parker. Prost, Ya’ll!
2 . Scarecrow Festival in Chappell Hill
OCT 12-13 Visit one of the most charming communities in Texas for the Scarecrow Festival. The festival boasts more than 250 exhibitors (home décor, gardening, artists, craftsmen, jewelry, clothing, etc.), delicious country-style food, live music, and tours of the National Register Chappell Hill community. A special Children’s Activity Corner provides pony rides, a petting zoo, face painting, barrel train, and more.
3 . Boozy Book Fair at Floyd’s Lounge
OCT 17 Join us for an epic collaboration between 2 of downtown Brenham’s businesses: The Book Nook & Floyd’s Lounge. From 6-8pm, swing by Floyd’s to peruse tables of books for purchase while sipping on a delish handcrafted cocktail!
4 . Antique Shows
OCT 5-19 Round Top is just down the road, and there are several fabulous fall antique shows and year-round venues in Washington County. La Bahia Antique Show(Oct. 11-19) between Burton and Round Top is celebrating over 30 years of incredible treasures. Antiques at the Pavilions will offer a variety of dealers at the pavilions of the Texas Cotton Gin Museum, Oct. 11-19. Look for all the antique dealers in Burton, as well as the world renowned Leftovers Antiques, open year-round between Brenham and Burton on HWY 290 W.
5 . Wine & Wander in Burton
OCT 17 Come shop with some great dealers and vendors, enjoy heavy appetizers, sip local wines from Busted Oak Cellars, all while listening to the soulful music! Next stops on the trail include Bluebonnet Leather Shop, Burton Short Stop Icehouse, Bluebonnet Leather Shop, Flown the Coop, Junk in Yer Trunk, TXJunkr, and more!
OCT 18-20 The Texas Arts & Music Festival is the source of Downtown Brenham’s beautiful murals! This free, family-friendly event takes place in Downtown Brenham October 18-20, and includes live music, live mural installation, an art village, pop-up galleries, and much more. Music headliner for Saturday night will be Jomo & The Possum Posse!
7 . Mask-erade on Main
OCT 26 Join us for a spooktacular free family-friendly event in Historic Downtown Brenham, Saturday, Oct. 26. Grab the kids and costumes and head downtown for Trick-or-Treating at your favorite Main Street Brenham businesses! There will be plenty of family fun to sink your fangs into!
There will be food trucks, face painting, and more!
8 . Christmas Magic at Hermann Furniture & The Giddings Stone Mansion
NOV 1-3 The store will be decked wall to wall with all the seasonal decor. We will have door prizes, pop-up shops, wine and hors d’oeuvres. Our designers will be on hand to help with floral or any interior decor needs. The festivities this year will include a luncheon at the Giddings Stone Mansion on Saturday, November 2, from 11:30 – 12:30. Tickets are $30 per person, and reservations are required. Tickets sell quickly, so call early for your reservation: 888-836-7237. We’ll have some of our favorite brands in the store with us for the weekend, including Juliska, Caspari, Matouk, Silhouettes, Paula’s Palate, and custom monogramming for linens. At the emporium we’ll have Carmie’s Dips, and Honey Guy.
9 . Fall Festival of Roses at Antique Rose Emporium
NOV 2-3 The experts at Antique Rose Emporium host the Fall Festival of Roses during the first weekend of November. Explore the inspiring display gardens and attend seminars to grow your gardening knowledge. In addition to the seminars and endless fall garden inspiration, enjoy food trucks and shopping in the heart of Independence, Texas.
In addition to these fall happenings around Brenham, we have many daily events that include live music, theatre, and retail specials. See our full calendar of events here. Fall is prime time to visit the area, so make reservations with your favorite lodging partner soon!
The ninth annual Texas Arts & Music Festival in historic Downtown Brenham is just around the corner! Join us October 18-20, 2024, for a family-friendly weekend of art, music, street food, and activities in the streets of Downtown Brenham.
Each year the Texas Arts & Music Festival brings live music and world-renowned mural artists for live art installations for the public to enjoy. This year for the first time, the festival will host a juried art show alongside the expected slate of activities. The show is eligible for any artist to enter and will be open during festival operating hours on Saturday and Sunday, with an added invite-only opening Friday evening.
Texas Arts and Music Festival will feature live music throughout the day on Saturday, October 20 with Brazos Valley’s own Kane Alvarado opening with a rock and blues set from 2 to 3:30 p.m.
Willow Creek Junction will follow from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Based out of Magnolia, the band offers a balanced repertoire of original compositions and cover renditions embodying the essence of Texas Country.
Next will be the Americana and Indie Rock musical stylings of Susto from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Originally from South Carolina, he now lives in Austin, and his music reflects his new southwest style.
This year’s headliner will be Jomo and the Possum Posse, playing from 8 to 9:30 p.m. Self-described as “The Greatest Band in the World. Possibly Ever”, the group combines a unique style of original music with comedy and honky-tonk. The concert, along with the festival, are family-friendly and FREE to the public. Bring your lawn chair and enjoy live music and delicious food and refreshments from local restaurants and food trucks.
The Art Village will be open on Saturday, 10am-8pm and Sunday, 10am-2pm. Artists and Craftsmen from across Texas will be set up offering their unique handmade creations to the public.
The Texas Arts & Music Festival is the perfect weekend to enjoy all that historic Downtown Brenham has to offer! Check out our lodging partners, and plan your weekend now.
Washington County is home to the oldest county fair in Texas!
The Washington County Fair offers an entire week of exciting events: a rodeo, carnival, live music & concerts, a variety of livestock shows, arts & crafts, special attractions, contests, commercial exhibits and more.
The festivities kick off on Saturday, September 14, with a trail ride followed by a parade in Downtown Brenham.
Tuesday, September 17, is the opening evening of the carnival. There are rides for toddlers up to the most adventurous riders.
Head to the rodeo arena for mutton bustin’, wild steer saddling, bull riding, and other rodeo events throughout the week. The CPRA Rodeo begins at 7:30 pm, Thursday through Saturday. Click here for a complete list of rodeo events.
Browse the antique tractor exhibit, along with the youth livestock barns to complete the county fair experience! There are also arts & crafts exhibits, as well as a country store to purchase from your favorite exhibitors.
Live music is playing in the pavilion throughout the week .
Hot Nights, Cool Tunes is one of the highlights of the summer in Washington County! And it is not just a one-time event. Bring your lawn chair and your friends, and join the fun each Saturday evening in July for live music on the historic square in Downtown Brenham. Admission and parking are free. Food and drinks are available for purchase at local downtown businesses. The west end of Alamo Street features a classic car show by Stray Katz Car Club, which is always a family favorite.
Downtown BrenhamDowntown Brenham
The music begins with local talent on the stage in Alamo Alley, 5:00-6:30pm. Wine & beer will be available to purchase, and air conditioned restrooms are available just steps away at The Barnhill Center back entrance. Bands TBA soon.
The headliner bands start playing at 7:00 pm and ends around 9:00 pm at the corner of Alamo and Baylor on the square. Come early for shopping, food, car show, and the local music!
Alamo Alley, Downtown BrenhamDowntown Brenham
July 5th, 2025 – Suede
Main Street Brenham is kicking off the 21th year by bringing back one of the most loved groups. The Austin-based classic rock ‘n roll band SUEDE returns to the courthouse square.
Bringing the best of ‘90s country to the streets of Downtown Brenham, the third week of Hot Nights, Cool Tunes features 90 PROOF, a Dallas-Fort Worth band known for their high-energy covers of classic country hits from the decade that defined the genre.
The classic MTV tribute band out of Houston, The Spicolis who feature hits from the 80s. This is the fifth year the Spicoli’s have performed in Brenham, and they are always a crowd-pleaser!
A very colorful scene unfolds the first weekend in May with Maifest, a celebration highlighting Brenham’s German heritage. Brenham Maifest includes a parade and Junior & Senior Coronations and features authentic German food, music and drink, and carnival rides at historic Fireman’s Park. This year's festivities are May 2-3, 2025.
Maifest is the oldest festival in Texas. Except for several years during World Wars I and II, this event has been held annually since 1881.
Thursday, May 1, 2025
5:00pm Carnival Opens
Friday, May 2, 2025
5:00pm Festival Opens │ Carnival Opens
5:30pm - 8:30pm Music by The Czechaholics
7:00pm Senior Coronation
8:30pm - 11:30pm Music by The Brown Sugar Band
12:00am Festival Closes
Saturday, May 3, 2025
10:30am Parade through Downtown Brenham
11:00am Festival Opens │ Carnival Opens
11:00am - 2:00pm Music by The Oompahs
1:30pm Cornhole Tournament
2:00pm Bierverkostung - Beer Tasting
2:00pm - 5:00pm Music by Das Ist Lustig
5:00pm - 8:00pm Music by Isaak Klaus and The Lederhosen Junkies
6:30pm Junior Coronation
9:00pm - 12:00am Music by David Reynolds Band
12:00am Festival Closes
Look for displays of coronation attire at Downtown Brenham businesses in the weeks leading up to Maifest!
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