The days are getting longer and the sun is shining, which means that it is time to plan your summer trip to Brenham, Texas! Come spend a few nights at one of our wonderful lodging properties because there is no shortage of fun during the summer months. Make your summer to-do list for Brenham & Washington County today!
Summer Events
Main Street Chappell Hill Artwalk – May 23, 2026; Come to Chappell Hill to shop and meet the artists in a variety of stores while they create original artwork throughout the day.
Summer Sip & Art Walk – June 6, 2026; stroll through unique shops in historic Downtown Brenham while tasting signature drinks and enjoying a variety of featured art.
Cotton Gin Classic Car & Truck Show – June 13, 2026; Annual Car & Truck Show held in the shadow of the oldest operating cotton gin in America, located in Burton, TX. In case of inclement weather, the date will be June 20, 2026.
WCJA Juneteenth Ceremony & Parade – June 20, 2026; Annual Juneteenth Parade in Downtown Brenham held by Washington County Juneteenth Association.
Annual Judge Eddie E. Harrison Juneteenth Heritage Celebration – June 27, 2026; Washington-on-the-Brazos is proud to celebrate Juneteenth as a part of Washington County’s long history of marking the end of slavery in Texas. This year’s focus will be Charting New Ground: African American Trailblazers. There will be musical performances from local church choirs, food, vendors, informational and cultural heritage booths, and lots of fun! The event is free and open to the public.
Summer Showcase – July 11, 18, & 25, 2026; Head to Alamo Alley in Downtown Brenham for Summer Showcase, where local musicians take the stage from 5–6:30 PM before Hot Nights, Cool Tunes for a free live music pre-show presented by Visit Brenham and the Texas Music Friendly Committee.
Hot Nights, Cool Tunes – Saturday evenings July 11, 18, & 25; Bring your lawn chair and gather in the Commerce Street parking lot in historic Downtown Brenham to listen to the sounds of live music and walk through the classic car show. Admission and parking is FREE!
Chappell Hill Independence Day Parade & Festivities – July 4, 2026; It’s the best small town parade you’ll experience! Come on out to celebrate Independence Day in Chappell Hill.
Stars Over Washington County – July 4, 2026; In celebration of America’s 250th, the gates at Washington County Expo open at 6 p.m. Free admission to the July 4 celebration. Vendors, patriotic music, and presentations. Concert begins at 8 p.m. with Escape: A Tribute to Journey. Fireworks begin at 9:20 p.m.
Chappell Hill Wine & Cheese Swirl – August 8, 2026; Stroll the shops along Chappell Hill’s charming Main Street and taste a variety of wines and chocolate pairings.
Movies in the Park Summer Series – June 1, July 12, & July 31, 2026; Bring the kids and watch movies including Zootopia, Shrek, and Madagascar at Fireman’s Park, the Blue Bell Aquatic Center, and Henderson Park. All movies will start approximately 10 minutes after sunset.
Summer Activities for Kids
Blue Bell Creameries is a must-visit when you are in Brenham! Usually the Ice Cream Parlor and Country Store are only open on weekdays, but during the summer months of June-August, they are also open on Saturdays from 10am-4pm. To experience everything Blue Bell has to offer, including the parlor, visitor center, country store and observation deck, please come on weekdays from 8am-5pm.
Other fun activities include swimming at the Blue Bell Aquatic Center, roller skating at Silver Wings Ballroom, exploring Where Texas Became Texas at Washington-on-the-Brazos, and horseback riding at Rockin’ Star Ranch. Located next to Brenham Heritage Museum, The Brenham Fire Museum will be open on Fridays, 12:00-4:00; Saturdays, 11:00-2:00.