Summer Showcase in Downtown Brenham

Brenham knows how to do summer right—and there’s no better way to start your Saturday nights in July than with live music, local talent, and free ice cream floats. That’s right—before the big shows of Hot Nights, Cool Tunes, the music begins with Summer Showcase! 

What is Summer Showcase? 

A lively outdoor concert takes place in Alamo Alley in Downtown Brenham, Texas. A local band performs on a small stage under a covered awning, surrounded by greenery and string lights. Audience members of all ages relax in folding chairs, lean against railings, or sit on low walls, enjoying the music. The scene is vibrant and casual, with families, couples, and friends gathered on a sunny summer afternoon. A stroller, coolers, and sun hats add to the laid-back, community feel of the event.
Alamo Alley, Downtown Brenham

Summer Showcase is a special concert series that shines a spotlight on local musicians as part of Brenham’s official Texas Music Friendly Community designation. Each Saturday in July, a new artist will take the stage in Alamo Alley (next to 115 W. Main St.) from 5:00–6:30 PM, warming up the crowd before the main concert kicks off in Downtown Brenham!

Did Someone Say Free Ice Cream? 

Hand holding a triple-scoop Blue Bell ice cream cone in front of a painted Texas flag wall. The ice cream features three colorful flavors, and the person has lavender nail polish and a gold watch.
Alamo Alley, Downtown Brenham

Yes, please! We’ll be serving up free Blue Bell ice cream floats at every Summer Showcase performance—while supplies last. It’s our sweet way of helping you beat the heat and celebrate Brenham’s new title as the Ice Cream Capital of Texas! Grab a float, find a seat, and enjoy the music under the Texas sky.

2025 Summer Showcase Lineup 

Here’s who you can catch on stage this year: 

July 5Henry Williams 
Smooth vocals and soulful sound—Henry brings laid-back vibes to start your July with style! 

July 12Lightning Ben 
A local favorite known for high-energy blues and rock. You don’t want to miss this one!   

July 19Blaggards 
Get ready for Celtic rock with Texas attitude—Blaggards always bring the party! 

July 26Cathey Bolin 
A powerhouse vocalist with country roots and a heart full of soul. A perfect way to wrap up the month! 

Come Early, Stay Late 

Families and visitors stroll down a blocked-off street in Downtown Brenham, Texas during a classic car show. Vintage cars with open hoods line both sides of the road, while people admire the vehicles and enjoy the evening atmosphere. Historic buildings and local shops frame the scene, and the sky is clear with a soft glow from the setting sun. A couple holds hands with their two young sons in the foreground, adding to the family-friendly, small-town charm of the event.
Downtown Brenham

Make an evening of it! Before and after the Showcase, take a stroll through Downtown Brenham’s shops, grab a bite at one of our local restaurants, and stick around for the Hot Nights, Cool Tunes main event on the Courthouse Square. 

Summer Showcase Location

An evening scene in Alamo Alley in Downtown Brenham, Texas, softly lit by string lights suspended overhead. A group of four people stands in the foreground, taking in the view of a nearby classic car show, where vintage vehicles with open hoods are parked along the adjacent street. The alley is lined with trees, planters, and cozy seating areas, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The soft glow of the lights and the relaxed crowd evoke a charming, small-town summer night.
Alamo Alley, Downtown Brenham

Alamo Alley, next to 115 W. Main St., Brenham, TX 
(Just steps away from the Brenham & Washington County Visitor Center!) 

Why We Do It 

Brenham is proud to be a Music Friendly Community, and the Summer Showcase is just one of the ways we support and celebrate our local musicians. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just discovering a new favorite, this series is a great way to connect with the creative energy of our community! 

Mark your calendars, grab your friends, and we’ll see you in Alamo Alley this July! 

Want more summer fun? Check out Hot Nights, Cool Tunes for the full concert lineup and event details. 

Summer Showcase is hosted by Visit Brenham, with ice cream generously donated by Blue Bell Creameries and soda provided by Keurig Dr Pepper.

Ways to Celebrate National Ice Cream Month in Brenham

July is National Ice Cream Month, and there’s no better place to celebrate than the Ice Cream Capital of Texas—Brenham! Whether you’re a scoop purist, a float fan, or just in it for the festive fun, we’ve got something sweet lined up all month long. Here’s how you and your crew can cool off and enjoy the month in Brenham:

Sundae Stroll

All of July | Downtown Brenham

Take a stroll through Downtown Brenham and check out the decorated ice cream cones displayed at participating businesses. Cast your vote for your favorite by picking up a voting pamphlet at the Brenham & Washington County Visitor Center. It’s a fun way to explore the shops, snap some cute photos, and support local businesses!

A local band performs on an outdoor stage in downtown Brenham, Texas. The musicians, dressed in casual summer attire, play guitars and harmonicas under a covered pavilion. A red brick building and a painted Texas flag backdrop set the scene, while families with strollers and onlookers gather nearby to enjoy the live music on a sunny day.
Alamo Alley, Downtown Brenham

Summer Showcase

Saturdays in July | 5 PM – 6:30 PM | Downtown Brenham

Come out early before Hot Nights, Cool Tunes and enjoy free Blue Bell ice cream floats in Alamo Alley. It’s the perfect pre-show treat to beat the heat and kick off your Saturday night downtown.

A large crowd gathers in downtown Brenham for the Hot Nights Cool Tunes summer concert series. People sit in lawn chairs and on picnic blankets under the shade of trees, enjoying a live band performing on a brightly lit stage. Historic buildings and local storefronts surround the scene as families, couples, and friends take in the lively evening atmosphere. String lights hang overhead, adding to the festive small-town charm.
Hot Nights Cool Tunes, Downtown Brenham

Hot Nights Cool Tunes

July 19 | During the concert | Downtown Brenham

We’re celebrating National Ice Cream Day a little early this year with hand-dipped Blue Bell ice cream served during the concert! Bring your lawn chairs, grab a scoop, and enjoy a night of live music and small-town charm.

Three cups of Blue Bell ice cream sit on a marble countertop, each filled with a different flavor and topped with a white plastic spoon. In the background, a blurred American flag and softly lit indoor seating area create a cozy and patriotic atmosphere. The focus is on the colorful scoops, highlighting the classic, creamy texture of the beloved Texas-made treat.
Blue Bell Creameries, Brenham

National Ice Cream Day at Blue Bell Creameries

July 20 | 12 PM – 3 PM | Blue Bell Creameries

Stop by the Blue Bell Parlor to celebrate the big day with free ice cream! The Blue Bell Country Store will also be open—stock up on Blue Bell gear, gifts, and sweet souvenirs. There’s no better place to enjoy the holiday than right here in Brenham, home to one of the most beloved ice cream brands in the country.

Sweet Specials all july

Downtown Brenham is celebrating National Ice Cream Month with ice cream-themed specials all month long! From refreshing treats to creative desserts, local businesses are serving up limited-time offers you won’t want to miss.

Mescalito Coffee

$2 Affogatos 
$2 Homemade Ice Cream Sandwiches

Must Be Heaven

Buy a slice of apple pie and get a free scoop of ice cream (à la mode!) – the ultimate classic summer combo!

Whether you hit every event or just stop by for a scoop, there’s no wrong way to enjoy National Ice Cream Month in Brenham. So grab your spoon, and treat yourself to a taste of why we’re proud to be the Ice Cream Capital of Texas!