Fair Enough
As Fredericksburg celebrates its 175th anniversary, there is arguably no better time or place to celebrate the city than at the Gillespie County Fair. As the oldest county fair in Texas, dating to 1881, this annual August event is a summertime tradition and a hallmark of the season. Over the years, droughts, wars, and pandemics have occasionally put the event on hold, but the fair has carried on despite it all.
The fair celebrates its 133rd anniversary Aug. 26-29. On Friday morning, a parade kicks off the weekend’s festivities, including antique tractor pulls, livestock shows, agricultural exhibits, and live music. The Gillespie County Fair is also one of the last events to feature parimutuel horse racing. Aromas from the livestock barn mingle with the sweet smells of cotton candy and other classic fare including the pies, cakes, and cookies entered in the bake-off. For those who grew up attending the county fair, there’s nothing more nostalgic.
“My interest started at a very young age,” says Edward Stroeher, president of the Gillespie County Fair & Festivals Association. “Seeing those carnival rides arrive was the best time of year.”—Sallie Lewis
Gillespie County Fair
Aug. 26-29
Gillespie County Fairgrounds,
530 Fair Drive, Fredericksburg.
BIG BEND COUNTRY
ALPINE
Viva Big Bend
Through Aug. 1
Featuring over 50 bands at more than 10 venues in Alpine, Marfa, Marathon, and Fort Davis, Viva Big Bend showcases the state’s natural beauty, independent spirit, and musical culture. Various locations. vivabigbend.com
GULF COAST
FREEPORT
KidFest
Aug. 7
Kidfest features a waterslide, a petting zoo, games, hot dogs, music, a rock-climbing wall, and hours of festivities. Freeport Historical Museum, 311 E. Park Ave. 979-233-0066; facebook.com/freeportkidfest
GALVESTON
The Texas Tenors in Concert
Aug. 14
The Texas Tenors present a concert celebrating music legends over two performances. Social distancing is implemented and masks are required. The Grand 1894 Opera House, 2020 Postoffice St. 800-821-1894; thegrand.com
GALVESTON
AIA Sandcastle Competition
Aug. 21
Watch more than 80 teams of architects compete for the best sandcastle design on Saturday. Sandcastles remain on the beach for viewing on Sunday. East Beach, 1923 Boddeker Road. aiasandcastle.com
LAKE JACKSON
Apron Strings: Ties to the Past
Through Aug. 11
This museum exhibit features 51 vintage and contemporary ways that the apron has been
