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Texas Arts and Music Festival

The tenth annual Texas Arts & Music Festival in historic Downtown Brenham is just around the corner! Join us October 17-19, 2025, for a family-friendly weekend of art, music, street food, and activities in the streets of Downtown Brenham.

Nighttime scene of downtown Brenham, Texas, during a community event. People stroll along the streets lined with historic buildings, vendor tents, and shops lit up with colorful signs and string lights, creating a lively festival atmosphere. — Texas Arts & Music Festival, 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, the festival will host a juried art show and art auction 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.

Live band performing on an outdoor stage at the Texas Arts and Music Festival in downtown Brenham, Texas. Musicians play guitar, fiddle, bass, and drums in front of colorful mural backdrops, with banners and festival signage displayed behind them. — Texas Arts & Music Festival, Downtown Brenham

Texas Arts and Music Festival will feature live music throughout the day on Saturday, October 19 with Brenham Children’s Chorus starting things off 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, Shekere will play from 6 to 7:30 p.m. This group brings the infectious rhythms of Latin music straight from Texas to the stage! With vibrant percussion, irresistible grooves, and soulful melodies, they create a high-energy, dance-worthy experience that celebrates the spirit of Latin culture. If you’re ready to move, Shekere will take you there.

This year’s headliner will be Shinyribs, playing from 8 to 9:30 p.m. This group defies genres as a sonic melting pot of Texas Blues, New Orlesans R&B funk, horn-driven Memphis Soul, country twang, border music, big band swing, and roots- rock. This nine-piece (sometimes 10-piece) supergroup was named ‘Best Austin Band’ at the Austin Chronicle’s Austin Music Awards in 2017 and 2018.

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.

Artist painting a large colorful mural of a longhorn cow on a downtown Brenham wall, standing on a yellow lift with paint supplies. The mural features bold lettering, bright colors, and detailed artwork in progress. — Texas Arts & Music Festival, Downtown Brenham

Aerial view of a nighttime concert in downtown Brenham, Texas, with crowds gathered in the street listening to live music on an outdoor stage. Colorful murals and building lights illuminate the scene, while food trucks and vendor tents line the area. — Texas Arts & Music Festival, Downtown Brenham

Artists and volunteers paint a large outdoor mural of bluebonnets in downtown Brenham, Texas. Buckets of paint and supplies line the sidewalk as children and adults add colorful details to the floral artwork. — Texas Arts & Music Festival, Downtown Brenham

The Children’s Business Fair is on Saturday from 10am – 1pm. The Art Village will be open on Saturday, 10am-8pm and Sunday, 10am-5pm. Artists and Craftsmen from across Texas will be set up offering their unique handmade creations to the public.

Art Village at the Texas Arts and Music Festival in Brenham, Texas. The collage shows colorful vendor booths displaying handmade clothing, shoes, ceramics, photography, and unique art pieces. Shoppers browse stalls filled with paintings, textiles, and crafts under tents in a lively outdoor market setting. — Texas Arts & Music Festival, Downtown Brenham

Scenes from the Texas Arts and Music Festival in downtown Brenham, Texas. On the left, artists work on scaffolding and ladders to paint a colorful mural on the side of a building. On the right, a live band performs on an outdoor stage at night in front of a mural backdrop decorated with string lights. — Texas Arts & Music Festival, Downtown Brenham

Colorful mural in downtown Brenham, Texas, featuring large flowers and the words “KEEP Growing.” On the left, an artist works on the mural from scaffolding, and on the right, the completed artwork is shown in full against a bright blue sky. — Texas Arts & Music Festival, Downtown Brenham

Artist paints a large downtown Brenham mural featuring a pink bear and a pop art-style woman with blonde hair on the side of a building. A ladder and paint supplies are set up while pedestrians walk by on the street. — Texas Arts & Music Festival, Downtown Brenham

Artist working on a large black-and-white mural in downtown Brenham, Texas, depicting two armadillos with cosmic designs of planets and stars on their shells. Paint supplies, ladders, and chairs are set up in front of the wall under a bright blue sky. — Texas Arts & Music Festival, Downtown Brenham

Shoppers stroll through vendor booths set up along a downtown street during a daytime market in Brenham, Texas. Tents display handmade goods, crafts, and local products, while families and visitors explore the lively outdoor event under a sunny sky. — Texas Arts & Music Festival, Downtown Brenham

Artist on a ladder painting a colorful mural in downtown Brenham, Texas, featuring a large cardinal bird, flowers, and green leaves. The artist is adding the words “love yourself” to the vibrant wall art. — Texas Arts & Music Festival, Downtown Brenham

Children draw colorful chalk art on the street during a downtown Brenham festival. A box of chalk sits nearby while families and visitors browse vendor booths set up under tents in front of historic brick buildings. — Texas Arts & Music Festival, Downtown Brenham

Artist on a lift paints a large mural of a tree with sprawling branches on the side of a downtown Brenham building. A couple walks by on the street, with historic storefronts and parked cars lining the block under a blue sky with wispy clouds. — Texas Arts & Music Festival, Downtown Brenham

Crowds enjoy a downtown Brenham street festival with rows of vendor tents selling art, crafts, and local goods. Families and visitors browse booths and gather on the sidewalks in front of historic brick buildings under a clear sky. — Texas Arts & Music Festival, Downtown Brenham

Mural in downtown Brenham, Texas, depicting Sam Houston holding the Texas and United States flags. The artwork, also features a black bird, a mockingbird, and red stars against the yellow wall of a historic building. — Texas Arts & Music Festival, Downtown Brenham

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

8 Ways To Stay Cool Around Brenham

Summer heat in Texas is no joke—but don’t sweat it! We’ve gathered our favorite ways to chill out and stay refreshed around Brenham & Washington County while the temperature is rising.

1. Ice Cream—of course!

young boy eating ice cream and smiling at Blue Bell Creameries — Blue Bell Creameries, Brenham

Nothing says summer relief like a delicious scoop of Blue Bell Ice Cream. Right here in Brenham, proudly known as the Ice Cream Capital of Texas, you can indulge in some of the best ice cream in the country. Visit their museum, explore their charming Country Store, or just savor your favorite flavor and cool down the sweetest way possible!

Want more options for a scoop? You’re in luck—there are plenty of other local spots around town where you can enjoy Blue Bell. Check out our guide to 7 Places in Brenham to Get a Scoop of Blue Bell Ice Cream to make sure you don’t miss any of the sweet stops!

2. Splash Around at Blue Bell Aquatic Center

The sunset over the Blue Bell Aquatic Center — Blue Bell Aquatic Center, Brenham

Dive into fun at the Blue Bell Aquatic Center! With multiple pools, water slides, and play areas, it’s the perfect spot for kids and adults alike to beat the heat. Bring your sunscreen, pack a picnic, and plan to spend the day enjoying this refreshing local favorite!

3. Henderson Park Splash Pad

Children play in a colorful splash pad on a sunny day, with water jets spraying and large musical-themed structures creating a fun and vibrant atmosphere at Henderson Park in Brenham, Texas. — Splash Pad at Henderson Park, Brenham

For a cool-down that’s free, head to Henderson Park’s splash pad. The kids will love splashing around in the fountains while you relax nearby. Pack a lunch to make it an enjoyable family outing beneath the shaded picnic areas!

4. Cool Off at Lake Somerville

Sunset over Lake Somerville, with the sun casting warm orange and pink hues across the water. Silhouettes of trees frame the view, and the sky is reflected in a calm body of water in the foreground. — Lake Somerville, Somerville

If you’re looking for a classic summer lake day, Lake Somerville is just the spot. Go for a swim, paddle a kayak, or relax in the shade along the shoreline. With multiple parks and recreation areas surrounding the lake, it’s easy to find your ideal way to unwind. Pack a cooler, bring your floaties, and spend the day lakeside!

5. Chill Out in Downtown Brenham

Must Be Heaven, Downtown Brenham

Take refuge from the heat by exploring the vibrant shops and restaurants of Downtown Brenham. Grab an iced coffee, lemonade, ice cream or craft cocktail at one of our local cafes or bars, and savor it in air-conditioned comfort!

6. Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site

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

Nature lovers, don’t miss the chance to cool off at Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site. Find shade among the trees, stroll along breezy walking trails, and enjoy stunning views of the Brazos River. It’s the perfect spot to unwind, relax, and escape the heat in nature.

7. Visit Our Local Wineries or Brewery

The modern, two-story tasting room at Chapelton Vineyards glows at sunset, with large glass windows, a stone chimney, and guests enjoying wine on the upper deck. The winery sits on a spacious green lawn surrounded by trees and a peaceful hill country setting. — Chapelton Vineyards, Washington

Nothing cools you down like sipping a crisp wine or cold craft beer in a picturesque setting! Wineries like 36 North Vineyard, Chapelton Vineyards, Texas Star Winery, and Haak Wines offer refreshing tastings in cool comfort. Or, if you’re more of a beer lover, head over to Brazos Valley Brewery for a chilled pint in their laid-back taproom or shaded beer garden. Whether you’re sipping indoors or under the trees, it’s a relaxing way to beat the heat.

8. Explore Independence

A woman wearing sunglasses, a black tank top, and denim shorts walks her happy, dark brown dog through a lush, flower-filled pathway at the Antique Rose Emporium. Hanging baskets of colorful flowers frame the archway overhead on a bright, sunny day. — Antique Rose Emporium, Independence

Take a short scenic drive to the charming historic community of Independence. Stroll through the peaceful grounds of Old Baylor Park, where shaded walking paths and historic ruins offer a quiet retreat from the sun. While you’re there, stop by the Antique Rose Emporium—a stunning garden center where you can wander through fragrant blooms and take in the colorful, shaded landscapes. It’s the perfect way to enjoy the outdoors without melting in the heat!

Stay cool, Brenham—we’ll see you out there!

Brenham’s Perfect Picnic Places

The weather is just right to enjoy a breeze and beautiful blooms around Brenham. In addition to taking in the scenic views, this is the perfect time to grab a big blanket, your favorite lunch and head to one of these Washington County picnic spots.

Antique Rose Emporium

This 8-acre retail garden in Independence features antique roses, native plants, perennials, herbs, water gardens, and wildflowers. With inspiration at every turn, take time to stroll the beautiful grounds before or after your picnic.

Fireman’s Park

Historic Fireman’s Park is home to an antique carousel (open weekends, March through October), shaded playgrounds, and a large pavilion with tables. This beautifully landscaped park in the heart of Brenham also has a kitchen available to rent if your picnic is for a large group.

Henderson Park

Henderson Park is located just blocks away from Downtown Brenham across the street from Fireman’s Park. This 22 acre Park features a splash pad and is a part of a 2-mile Hike n’ Bike Trail. The kitchen, as well as the fields at Henderson Park, can be rented for parties, events, and tournaments.

Hohlt Park

One of the prettiest public parks in the state, Hohlt Park offers 80 acres of shaded trails, playgrounds, fields, and plenty of places to spread out for a picnic. If you forgot a blanket, you’ll find picnic tables and covered pavilions for an easy option.

Jackson Street

Find a walking trail, playground, pickleball courts, basketball courts, and plenty of shaded picnic tables and a pavilion/kitchen at Jackson Street Park.

Old Baylor Park

Located in Independence, Texas, this historic site of Baylor University’s original female campus offers beauty and a breeze year round. Sit beneath the massive live oak trees at one of the picnic tables or on your favorite blanket as you take in a piece of Texas history.

Old Baylor Park at Windmill Hill

On the east side of FM 50 in Independence (next to the Antique Rose Emporium), a reconstructed bell tower marks the archeological ruins of the Baylor campus for males.

Rose Park (Across from City Hall)

Just steps from the Visitor Center in Downtown Brenham is a small rose park, complete with inviting animal-shaped topiaries and a table for a picnic.

Toubin Park

Nestled between two Downtown Brenham buildings is Toubin Park, which offers a slice of Brenham’s historical infrastructure and architecture. Self-guided tours through this historic Downtown Brenham pocket park can be enjoyed any time of the day. Park benches are available for a light picnic or snack between meals.

Washington-on-the-Brazos

Picturesque Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site is located on the Brazos River. Expansive park grounds provide a beautiful setting to picnic, sightsee, and bird-watch. The Star of the Republic Museum, Independence Hall, and Barrington Plantation offer visitors a unique insight into the lives and times of the men who fought and won Texas’ independence from Mexico.

290 Rest Stop

Between Burton and Brenham on HWY 290 is one of Texas’ most scenic rest stops. A shallow seasonal creek with a rock bed runs alongside the rest stop’s picnic tables. This beautiful spot is a local favorite for portraits at any time of year.

Pre-Packaged Lunches

Brenham & Washington County have so many wonderful restaurants where you can get food to go. Check out the full list of restaurants here!

Patio Dining Around Brenham

Brenham is known for being family friendly and pet friendly, so it’s no surprise that there are many outdoor dining & drinking options throughout Washington County! When the weather is just too inviting to stay indoors, try one of these restaurants for patio dining and drinking.

30 NORTH GASTROPUB

30 North Gastropub in Downtown Brenham boasts hand-tossed gourmet pizzas, paninis, wings, spiral fries and a full bar. TVs in the bar and on the patio make it a great meeting place to watch the big game.

36 NORTH VINEYARD

36 North Vineyard This new vineyard outside of Brenham has a tasting room, bakery and coffee shop, large rear deck under a pecan tree and plenty of ground to picnic and explore. 36 North offers a variety of Texas wines ranging sweet to dry and Craft beer from local breweries. Enjoy a glass around the fire pit, play some games or relax under the 130 year old Live Oak.

Brazos Valley Brewing Company

If you love good beer, good music, and the people that they bring together, Brazos Valley Brewing Co. is for you. This independent craft brewery and taproom is located a block from historic Downtown Brenham. In addition to their prize-winning beer, they offer wine, cider, seltzers, and non-alcoholic options. They have ample patio seating, outdoor games, and even a park-sized playground for kids to enjoy.

BROSSA’S CIBO E VINO

If you love fresh, authentic Italian flavors, handcrafted pastas, and a cozy neighborhood vibe, Brossa’s Cibo e Vino is for you. This local gem serves rustic classics, paired perfectly with a diverse wine selection. Each dish is thoughtfully prepared, offering a delicious taste of Italy right here at home.

CHAPELTON VINEYARDS

Located in the scenic rolling hills between Washington and Chappell Hill, Chapelton Vineyards offers captivating countryside views while you enjoy the wine and fresh air.

FLOYD’S LOUNGE

Located in historic Downtown Brenham, Floyd’s Lounge offers great wines, beer & craft cocktails. With a seasonal list of offerings, you can always find something new to try. Floyd’s has one of the largest patios in Washington County, and they partner with local food trucks for dining options.

GRAPEVINE ON MAIN

Grapevine on Main in charming Chappell Hill is a wine bistro and a perfect gathering place for friends. Grapevine on Main provides old town charm and a quaint atmosphere with indoor and outdoor seating. Catch steak night on Thursdays and live music on weekends.

LAJEFA Homestyle Birria + Salud

LaJefa Homestyle Birria is a family run specialty food truck dedicated to serving homestyle Birria, located in Downtown Brenham. Inspired by authentic Mexican cuisine and Jalisco roots, LaJefa specializes in beef birria and weekly specials based on popular homestyle dishes. Sharing the patio is Salud, a craft cocktail bar and perfect compliment to LaJefa’s cuisine.

Las Americas Latin Cuisine

Las Americas Latin Cuisine combines Latin flavors with a traditional and modern flare. International casual favorites like pupusas and street tacos are alongside fancier fair like Chilean sea bass to create a varied menu to please almost anyone. Open for lunch, dinner and Sunday Brunch.

LOS PATRONES MEXICAN GRILL

Nestled in beautiful Burton, you’ll find Los Patrones Mexican Grill, offering delicious Mexican Food, steaks, seafood, and a full bar.

MAIN STREET UNCORKED

Main Street Uncorked is an upscale martini, wine, jazz bar and eatery in Downtown Brenham that offers live music on the patio most weekends.

MESCALITO COFFEE

Located inside The Grand Leader building in Downtown Brenham, Mescalito Coffee shares the space with sister-companies To Pieces Bakeshop and Ballad of the Bird Dog. With a patio in the front facing the town square and more outdoor seating on the balcony in the back overlooking the arts district, the views along with the food & drinks will make this place a favorite! Be Sure to check out the fabulous murals on the side of the building when you visit!

MUST BE HEAVEN

Must Be Heaven has been serving sandwiches, quiche, salads, and homemade pies to groups of all sizes in this charming historic downtown building since 1982. After you try one of their delicious sandwiches, save room for the famous house made pies or a treat from the antique ice cream parlor serving hand-dipped Blue Bell ice cream. Sidewalk seating offers a perfect place to people watch and enjoy your lunch.

NINETY-SIX WEST

Ninety-Six West is an eclectic tapas fusion restaurant on the square in Downtown Brenham, featuring weekly farm to table locally sourced specials, an abundant rotating craft beer list and an extensive domestic and foreign wine list and cellar on premise. Think casual upscale chic in a contemporary space with abundant outdoor seating, local art and a creative chef.

Pioneer Smokehouse

At a historic train depot in Downtown Brenham, Pioneer Smokehouse serves Texas pit-smoked barbecue, ice cold beer, and fun for the entire family. Pioneer offers plentiful seating outside. Country atmosphere right in the heart of Downtown Brenham.

TEXAS STAR WINERY

large group of people sitting at tables on a large covered porch. — Texas Star Winery, Chappell Hill

Texas Star Winery is nestled in beautiful Chappell Hill. Enjoy award-winning wines in a charming tasting room or out under the trees. Live music offered on some weekends.

THE TILTED WINDMILL

The Tilted Windmill in Downtown Brenham is an eclectic cafe with an extensive coffee & tea collection and in-house Bakery. They serve breakfast and lunch, and they offer indoor seating and outdoor patio dining.

Truth Bbq

Named in the Top 3 BBQ places in Texas Monthly’s latest Top 50 BBQ List, Truth BBQ is known across the state and nationally as one of the best Texas BBQ joints. Truth is located on the outskirts of Brenham and offers outdoor seating to accommodate the crowds. Grab a cold beer while you wait, and be sure to add one of their incredible desserts to your order!