Special Events Archives - Visit Brenham Texas

Uptown Swirl in Downtown Brenham

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!

Online Tickets Available Here

Smithsonian Traveling Exhibit In Brenham

In Texas, Museum on Main Street (MoMS) is a special partnership of the Smithsonian Institution and Texas Historical Commission (THC) that serves the small-town museums and citizens of rural America. Brenham was chosen as 1 of 7 towns in Texas to host the Smithsonian traveling exhibit, Crossroads: Change in Rural America. This exhibit offers small towns a chance to look at their own paths to highlight the changes that affected their fortunes over the past century. The exhibit prompts discussions about what happened when America’s rural population became a minority of the country’s population, and the ripple effects that occurred.

This exhibit will be shown in Brenham in Morriss Hall at The Barnhill Center (106 South Douglas Street) from December 7, 2024 – January 19, 2025, and will be open 7 days a week. Hours can be found here!

Local Exhibits

Along with the main attraction of the Smithsonian exhibit, visitors can enjoy local exhibits, immersive experiences, and activities that highlight the unique history and culture of Washington County!

Brenham Heritage Museum, Downtown Brenham

Belle’s Alley

208 South Park Street, Brenham, TX 77833

Just steps away from Toubin Park in Downtown Brenham is Belle’s Alley. This new, permanent exhibit was created for everyone to learn about the undertold story of the numerous Freedom Colonies that were established in Washington County between 1865-1930 by the formerly enslaved. These colonies took root during a volatile time of our history and became places where Blacks could feel safe, develop a sense of community, and begin living their lives as freedmen. An interactive scavenger hunt is also created for this exhibit. This exhibit is open to the public at all hours!

Camptown Soundwalk Experience

Starts in Jerry Wilson Park at 900 E. Alamo Street, Brenham, TX 77833

The second Freedom Colonies Exhibit is the Camptown Soundwalk Experience, located in Camptown east of Downtown Brenham. Did you know that Camptown was named because it was the original site where Federal troops were stationed in Brenham during Reconstruction, and that more than 70 businesses called Camptown home? The Camptown Soundwalk Experience includes 7 stops along a walking path through this historic community, with panels sharing historical information at each with QR Codes to an immersive audio tour that incorporates stories, and sounds, to take you back into the history of each stop. This is a new, permanent exhibit that is open to the public at all hours!

Century of the Simon Exhibit

The Barnhill Center – 106 South Douglas Street, Brenham, TX 77833

A Century of Simon Exhibit, Downtown Brenham

A Century of Simon Exhibit takes visitors on an interactive journey through the long colorful history of the Simon Theatre. The experience starts in 1881 when the Simon family entered the entertainment business in Brenham, which led them to build and operate the Simon.

The history takes visitor through the Simon’s early vaudeville days, Hollywood’s Golden Era, movie trends and censorship, the Great Depression, WWII, and its eventual decline, as with most other American downtown districts. Finally, the Simon’s Great Revival story is told, which restored the magnificent building and began its current robust operation. Personal stories are shared from those who attended during all eras. Visitors are invited to take photos in front of an authentic vaudeville stage backdrop, and possibly leave their own memories and stories.

Introducing: Washington County Soundwalk Experience

Like the Camptown Soundwalk Experience developed for the new permanent local exhibit in Brenham, an immersive audio tour encourages visitors to listen to stories of important sites in Burton, Chappell Hill, Independence and at Washington-on-the-Brazos. On these walking tours at each location, visitors can scan QR codes to listen to each Soundwalk. This gives each community another opportunity to share the stories that are part of what made them what they are today.

All these Soundwalks will be introduced and available for your listening enjoyment by the opening of the Smithsonian on December 7, and we’re grateful to those in each community who have worked to help put this experience together!

Activities & Experiences

One man herding a longhorn and the other man is behind them walking. Two small, historic home are in the background with lots of trees and greenery. Washington-on-the-Brazos. — Washington-on-the-Brazos, Washington

In addition to the exhibits and soundwalks, we have created a variety of of activities for you to enjoy! For nature and history lovers, explore beautiful Washington County and find the numerous historical markers we have by using our Historical Markers Guide. For art lovers, finding our many murals throughout Downtown Brenham can be easy with our Mural Map. Don’t forget that Brenham is also a wonderful place to shop, eat and explore. Bring the family, have a girls trip, or even a romantic getaway, but definitely plan to stay because there really is something for everyone!

History Related Events Happening in Washington County

For a full list of events, check out our Event Calendar. For more information on Christmas events, go to our Holiday Happenings Blog!

All Trails Lead to Houston Exhibit

October 2024 – January 2025: Brenham Heritage Museum

Brenham Fire Museum and Brenham Heritage Museum at sunset — Brenham Fire Museum and Brenham Heritage Museum, Downtown Brenham

Brenham Heritage Museum Speaker Series

November 5 & 19, December 3 & 17, January 7 & 21: Bus Depot Gallery

Polish Koledy in Chappell Hill

December 28, 2024 – Details TBA

Outside of Chappell Hill Historical Society Museum — Chappell Hill Historical Society Museum, Chappell Hill

Sam Houston Speech Reenactment

January 11, 2025: Historic Simon Theatre at The Barnhill Center

Cemetery Hayride Tours

January 12, 2025: Independence

Film Round-up with Texas Archive of the Moving Image

January 18, 2025: The Barnhill Center

Exterior of The Barnhill Center at sunset — The Barnhill Center, Downtown Brenham

For constant updates on everything happening during the Smithsonian exhibit, follow our Facebook Page!

10 Fall Happenings Around Brenham

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. ThLa Bahia A ntique 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!

6 . Texas Arts & Music Festival

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.

10 . Weekly Fall Happenings

WEEKLY EVENTS Some of our favorite fall happenings are so good, we have to share them every week! Antique carousel rides ($1 each), free entry to the Brenham Fire Museum (Saturdays in October & November), and the live demonstrations every weekend at Barrington Plantation, which is located within Washington-on-the-Brazos historical site are a few.

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!

Texas Arts and Music Festival

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.

For more information, visit the TAMF website.

Photography by Natalie Lacy Lange

The Washington County Fair

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 .

Saturday, September 14 at 8 PM – Texas Unlimited Band

Wednesday, September 18 at 10 PM – De Parranda

Thursday, September 19 at 8 PM – Jeff Woolsey and the Dancehall Kings

Friday, September 20 at 10:30 PM – Pecos & the Rooftops with 8:30 PM Tanner Usrey

Saturday, September 21 at 10:30 PM – Carly Pearce with 8:30 PM Jon Stork

Advanced season passes will be available for purchase from a Fair Queen Candidate or online at https://www.washingtoncofair.com/p/tickets-deals

This family-friendly week of events truly offers something for everyone. Visit Brenham and hold on to your hats for the Washington County Fair!

For more information about tickets, schedule and more go to WCF.

Hot Nights, Cool Tunes

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.

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!

July 6th, 2024 – Suede

Brenham Main Street is kicking off the 20th year by bringing back one of the most loved groups. The Austin-based classic rock ‘n roll band SUEDE returns to the courthouse square.

Sponsored by Dahmann & Associates, Brenham National Bank, Seidel & Shroeder, and Must Be Heaven

July 13th, 2024 – The Pictures

Voted "Best Austin Wedding Band Music" by Austin A-List, the second week of Hot Nights, Cool Tunes will feature The Pictures.

Sponsored by Briannas Fine Salad Dressings, Deep in the Heart Farms, Valmont, and Brannon Industrial Group.

July 20, 2024 – Brown Sugar

Returning this year, Brown Sugar Band is the most requested Hot Nights, Cool Tunes performers! This 6 piece member band comes together as one and gives you a musical moment to be remembered for years to come!

Sponsored by Upchurch Yates Law Firm, Citizens State Bank, Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative, Woodson Lumber

July 27, 2024 – The Spicolis

The classic MTV tribute band out of Houston, The Spicolis who feature hits from the 80s. This is the fourth year the Spicoli’s have performed in Brenham, and they are always a crowd-pleaser!

Sponsored by Brazos Valley Schools Credit Union, RCR Rail Company, Strand Associates, and Mike Hopkins Distributing.

Hot Nights, Cool Tunes concert series is brought to you by

The City of Brenham and KTEX 106.1

Make a weekend out of it, and stay in Brenham and Washington County! Click here for lodging.

Burton Cotton Gin Festival

Did you know that the oldest operating cotton gin in the United States is located in Burton, Texas?

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.

Burton Cotton Gin Festival – Burton, Texas

April 20, 2024 | 10:00am – 6:00pm

Spring Happenings Around Brenham

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 Celebration

Texas Independence Day Celebration will look a different this year due to the extensive renovation projects happening at Washington-on-the-Brazos. Instead of the traditional celebration with vendors, performances and large-scale living history demonstrations, the celebration will begin on Independence Eve, with a concert on Friday night (March 1) and a few activities on Saturday, including a chili cook-off, ceremonies, and a gun salute. It will be a different Texas Independence Day than in the past, but once the renovation is complete in 2025, the traditional celebration will resume.

📍 23400 Park Road 12, Washington, Texas 77880
⏱️ Friday & Saturday, March 1-2

Texas Ranger Day, March 9

The 13th annual Texas Ranger Day at the historic Burton Railroad Depot is a day of family fun! Festivities include: Demonstrations by the Old West Rangers and the Legends of the Texas Rangers, folklife demonstrations including blacksmithing and chuckwagon cooking; kids activities; tours of the historic Railroad Depot; Burton Farmers Cotton Gin Tours (10am & 2pm); and live music.

📍 Burton Railroad Depot, 507 N Railroad Street, Burton Texas
⏱️ Saturday, March 9, 2024, noon to 5pm

Antique Rose Emporium Spring Celebration Weekend

The Antique Rose Emporium is gorgeous year round, but there is no time like spring, of course! The Spring Celebration Weekend includes an Artisan & Vintage Market, food trucks, and more blooms than you can imagine!

📍10000 FM 50, Brenham, Texas 77833-6453
⏱️ Saturday-Sunday, March 9-10, 2024

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 22-30. Burton is home to other antique events like Antiques at The Pavilions, as well as seasonal venues including Bayberry’s Antiques. Year round vintage & antique shopping includes The Nesting Company and Flown the Coop, both in Burton, and Leftovers Antiques‘ year round location between Brenham and Burton.

⏱️ March 16-30, 2024

Texas Historic Homes Tours in Independence

Located adjacent to Old Baylor Park in Independence, the Texas Historic Homes are open for tours on select weekends during the spring season. Observe the Texas Pioneer life at these historic homes and schoolhouse. Perfect for anyone who enjoys Texas history!

📍 Independence, Texas
⏱️ Saturdays, March 23 & 30, 2024; 10:00am-4:00pm

Texas Bluebonnet Festival in Chappell Hill

The Chappell Hill Historical Society will once again be hosting the Official State of Texas Bluebonnet Festival, April 13-14, 2024, 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.

📍 Chappell Hill, Texas
⏱️ Saturday April 13, 2024; 9:00am-6:00pm
⏱️ Sunday April 14, 2024; 10:00am-5:00pm
Free admission, parking $10

Burton Cotton Gin Festival

Head to Burton, home of the 1914 Burton Farmers Gin, and celebrate the 35th 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.

📍 Burton, Texas
⏱️ April 20, 2024, 10:00am – 6:00pm

Brenham Maifest

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.

📍 Parade: Downtown Brenham, Texas;
⏱️ Saturday, May 4, 2024, 10:30am
📍 Other Festivities: Fireman’s Park
⏱️ May 3-4, 2024

Chappell Hill Art Walk

📍 Chappell Hill, Texas
⏱️ Saturday May 25, 2024

Weekly Happenings

Some of our favorite spring happenings are so good, we have to share them every week! Antique carousel rides ($1 each), free entry to the Brenham Fire Museum (open Saturdays and the entire week of Spring Break), and the live demonstrations every weekend at Barrington Plantation, which is located within Washington-on-the-Brazos historical site are a few. And you can’t miss Blue Bell, of course! The Parlor and Country Store are open weekdays, serving $1 scoops with a smile.

In addition to these spring happenings around Brenham, we have many daily events that include live music, theatre, and retail specials. See our full calendar of events here. Spring is the busiest season to visit the area, so make reservations with your favorite lodging partner soon!

Brenham Maifest: The Oldest Festival in Texas

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.

Check back soon for the full schedule of events, including all of the festivities at Fireman's Park.

Senior Coronation: Friday, May 3, 7:00pm Fireman's Park
Parade: Saturday, May 4, 10:30am, Downtown Brenham
Festivities including live music, German heritage activities, antique carousel rides: Saturday, May 4, during the day at Fireman's Park
Junior Coronation: Saturday, May 4, 7:00pm Fireman's Park

Look for displays of coronation attire at Downtown Brenham businesses in the weeks leading up to Maifest. The Brenham Heritage Museum also features a "Celebrate 134 Years of Maifest" exhibit with more details about this colorful event.

To purchase coronation tickets in advance go to Maifest's website.