Family, friends and visitors all enjoy popular events that are planned throughout the year. Wine Walks, Fun Runs, Festivals and Fairs put smiles on faces young and young at heart!

Start Date
End Date

Farmer & Artisan Market

 Friday, April 3rd, 2026 :: 3:00pm - 6:00pm
 Main Street Brenham

First Fridays Farmers & Artisan Market is an open-air market with local artisan/craft, cottage food, farm-to-market, small business, and retail vendors.

Annual Easter Egg Hunt

 Saturday, April 4th, 2026 :: 10:00am - 1:00pm
 Antique Rose Emporium

Save the date for an Egg-citing Adventure Sunday, April 4, 2026 beginning at 10:00am. Children ages 1-2, 10:30am; ages 3-5, 10:45am; ages 6-9, 11am; ages 10-12, 11:20am.

Gamblers, Horse Racers, and Sports of All Classes: Horse Racing in Washington

 Saturday, April 4th, 2026 :: 10:00am - 4:00pm
 Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site

Join us on Saturday, April 4th for an exciting 19th century horse racing exhibition! This year’s event will feature 5 races on the track at 10:30am, 11:30am, 1:00pm, 2:00pm, and 3:00pm. You’ll enjoy the atmosphere of race day, with period games like faro, refreshments, stick horse races for kids, and wagon rides by Iron Horse Guest Ranch! As part of an exciting new partnership with the Texas Racing Commission, Racing Steward Darline Knight will be giving talks throughout the day about the modern horse racing industry in Texas. You won’t want to miss this amazing event!

Speaker Series present Nobel Laureate Dr. James P. Allison

 Tuesday, April 7th, 2026 :: 5:00pm - 7:00pm
 Barnhill Center at Historic Simon Theatre

Nobel Laureate Dr. James P. Allison is chair of the MD Anderson Immunology Department and Founding Director of the James P. Allison Institute. He is renowned for his research on T Cell regulation and cancer immunology strategies. Doors open at 5 p.m. with reception and hors d’oeuvres, presentation follows in the Hasskarl Auditorium. Individual tickets $50.

Chappell Hill Bluebonnet Festival

 Saturday, April 11th, 2026 :: 9:00am - 6:00pm
 Chappell Hill Historical Society & Museum

Make plans now to join the community for this year’s annual Bluebonnet Festival!
Experience one of Texas’s most beloved spring traditions featuring:
✅Over 250 juried exhibitors showcasing home décor, gardening, art, crafts, jewelry, clothing, and more.
✅Delicious country-style food from local vendors
✅Live entertainment and music throughout the weekend
✅Tours of the historic community and its beautifully preserved buildings
Hosted by the Chappell Hill Historical Society, a non-profit volunteer organization dedicated to preserving the town’s history and heritage, the festival promises a high-quality, family-friendly event in the heart of the downtown National Historic District.
📍Nestled among the scenic landscapes of Washington County, Chappell Hill offers friendly faces, a relaxed atmosphere, and a perfect setting for a weekend of fun and tradition.
📍Festival Location
Up and down Main Street, Poplar Street, and the property behind the Visitor’s Center
Festival Hours
⌚️Saturday, April 11, 2026: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
⌚️Sunday, April 12, 2026: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
❓Frequently Asked Questions❓
1. Please leave your pets at home!
2. ATMs are available at several locations throughout the festival and Chappell Hill.
3. Handicapped parking available.
4. No admission fees.
5. Parking fee: $10 per vehicle.
6. No bus, RV, or oversized vehicle parking available.
7. The Children’s Court is located on the Poplar Lot between Providence St. & Poplar St.
8. Food vendors available on both Poplar Lot and Main Street.
9. Stay tuned to this page for updates, weather information, and festival announcements.
Come celebrate spring, community, and Texas heritage at the Chappell Hill Bluebonnet Festival 2026!

Spring Cleaning

 Saturday, April 11th, 2026 :: 10:00am - 4:00pm
 Barrington Living History Farm

Spring cleaning was a yearly ritual that modern conveniences have obliterated the need to do. Preparing a home for warmer weather by chasing out cobwebs and dirt, scrubbing walls and floors, was much more laborious in the 1850s than cleaning today! Help sweep, wash windows, beat rugs and mattresses, and wash and wax furniture as needed. Contact us at Barrington-Plantation@thc.texas.gov or 936-878-2214 x248 for more information.

Ladybug Release at Antique Rose Emporium

 Saturday, April 11th, 2026 :: 10:30am - 11:00am
 Antique Rose Emporium

At 10:30am and again at 4:00pm, families of all ages are invited to help us release thousands of live ladybugs into the gardens. Before each release, we’ll host a short 10–15 minute, kid-friendly presentation where little gardeners (and curious grown-ups!) can learn why ladybugs are such powerful allies in the garden and how they help with natural pest control. We’ll also have coloring sheets available for kiddos to enjoy. Want to bring the magic home? Live ladybugs will be available for purchase in our Gift Shop so you can start your own backyard pest patrol.