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.

Sam Houston Mural

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

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. 

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. 

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. 

 

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.

 

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.

 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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.

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. 

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!