TexasTripper Travel Blog

Gidding Hosts Texas Word Wrangler Festival

The 3rd Annual Texas Word Wrangler Festival is scheduled for September 12 at the Giddings Public Library and Cultural Center at 276 N. Manse. This free event (scheduled from 9am-5pm) will feature twenty-six authors to read from their books, discuss their creative inspiration, and sign books.

The night before the event, the library will host a "Meet the Authors" fundraiser at the Giddings Public Library.

Events: Events and activities during the two days include:

-- "Meet the Author" Gala Event - Thursday, September 11, 2008 (tickets available at Library)
-- Book signing event with known children and adult authors and poets
-- Walk-in Coffee (Breakfast & Lunch items, free-will donation) sponsored by the Giddings New Horizons Lions Club
-- Door Prizes
-- 26 Authors in one place at one time
-- "Wheel of Fortune" Game

Authors: Texas Authors attending the event include:

• Gina Batie
• Kelly Bennett
• Thomas Blacklock
• Robert Costelloe
• Larry Dowell
• A. F. Ebbers
• Joyce Gustafson
• Lila Guzman
• Martha Hannah
• Jan Siegel Hart
• Mike Kearby
• Sherri Knight
• Debra Frontiera
• Doug Hiser
• Jeanine McGregor
• Pierce Burns
• Kimberly Burgess Taylor
• Bob Lawrence
• Larry Locha
• Joan Neubauer
• Catherine Rice
• Tweed Scott
• Robert Spoede
• Larry Turner
• Kathy Whitehead
• Nelson Zoch
• Mary Sue Zoch
  

For More Information:
• call the Library at 979-542-2716
• call the Gidding Chamber at 979-542-3455
• visit http://www.giddingstx.com

Labels: Festivals, Prairies and Lakes

posted by Paris & John @ 2:31 PM 0 comments links to this post

Austin's Batfest Moves to 1st Street Bridge

Batfest, the popular Austin festival that celebrates the city's famous bat colony, has moved this year. The festival, scheduled this upcoming weekend for Saturday from 2pm until midnight and Sunday from 2pm until 10pm, will be held on the 1st Street Bridge between Cesar Chavez and Riverside Drive.

In the past, the festival was held on Congress Avenue Bridge--now renamed the Ann Richards Bridge--which is the home of the country's largest urban bat colony. However, the traffic backup caused by the popular festival has resulted in its being moved to the next bridge over which will still provide good viewing of the 1.5 million bats when they head out at sunset.

Admission to the festival is $5 at the gate; kids 10 and under are free with an adult.

The event includes two days of live music with stages on the north and south ends of the bridge. This year's performers include Edgar Winter, Flobots, the BoDeans, and many others.

Related page: Batfest

Labels: Austin, Festivals

posted by Paris & John @ 1:23 PM 0 comments links to this post

81008: Taylor BBQ Cookoff Set for Next Weekend

It's almost time again for the Annual Taylor International Barbeque cookoff, now in its 31st year. This year's event is scheduled for August 15 and 16, 2008 at Murphy Park in Taylor. Along with the cookoff, look for an arts and crafts show and carnival.

Gates open Saturday with judging of the meats and showmanship at noon with results announced around at 5:00 p.m.

Check out our online photo gallery for shots from last year's event as well as a video with photos from the very popular cookoff.

Labels: Barbecue, Festivals

posted by Paris & John @ 3:07 PM 0 comments links to this post

Renewable Energy Festival Set for Fredericksburg

With the price of gas these days, renewable energy is on the minds of many Texans, and it will take center stage at the 9th Annual Renewable Energy Roundup & Green Living Fair from September 26-28 in Fredericksburg.

The event is coordinated by Texas Renewable Energy Industries Association (TREIA) and Texas Solar Energy Society (TXSES). Both organizations have worked to support the growth and development of renewable energy industries in Texas for over 20 years.

Price: Tickets are $10 Friday or Sunday and $12 Saturday while the 3-day pass is $20. Children under 12 are free.

For More Information:
• see the Renewable Energy Roundup and Green Living Fair page on TexasTripper

Labels: Festivals

posted by Paris & John @ 2:20 PM 0 comments links to this post

Bret Michaels to Headline Gonzalez Thunder Rally

Motorcycles and hard-rocking riffs are a potent combination, and revved up rockers are guaranteed to have "Nothin' But A Good Time" when Poison frontman Bret Michaels takes the stage as the headliner for the Gonzalez Thunder Rally. A three-day deluge of chrome and leather over 20,000 strong will descend October 10 - 12, 2008 at JB Wells Park for a party with a purpose, as proceeds from the festival benefit Norma's House, an organization which helps children of domestic abuse.

Tickets are already on sale for the event, and special VIP tickets are in demand for die-hard heavy metal fans. Not only will attendees with VIP tickets enjoy such velvet rope amenities as seating near the stage, VIP parking, a private restroom and bar, free food and a souvenir T-shirt, each VIP ticket holder is automatically in the running to win autographed memorabilia and a back stage meet and greet with the performers.

From "Talk Dirty To Me" and "Every Rose Has Its Thorn" to songs heard on his VH1 reality series "Rock of Love," Bret Michaels will rock your world on October 11th. Other acts scheduled to take the stage over the course of the three-day events are Great White, AXE and Electric Ocean.

For more information:
• visit www.GonzalezThunderRally.com

Labels: Festivals

posted by Grace Sydney @ 11:03 AM 0 comments links to this post

San Marcos Plans Summerfest for July 4

This year marks a new location with a larger stage for Summerfest, San Marcos' Independence Day celebration on Friday, July 4, a free event. This year the event will be held at the City of San Marcos' San Marcos Plaza Park.

The Parade: The annual Children's Parade is scheduled for 5 p.m. Line-up will begin at 4:45 p.m. Costumed kids will be judged in "most patriotic" and "cutest divisions" with prizes awarded in each category and a "best overall" named.

Music: This year's musical lineup will feature the high-engery Austin band JUMPSTART with all types of music. Opening the musical entertainment at 4 p.m., Alton Rex and the Crabby Grass Boys will be making their fourth Summerfest appearance. Immediately after the Patriotic Program and the Children's Parade, San Marcos native David Ybarra and his LA Blues Band will take the Summerfest stage at 6:15 p.m. JUMPSTART will play its popular music mix from 8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., leading up to Summerfest's expanded fireworks exhibition. Closing the day for Summerfest with a performance immediately after the fireworks is the local band Trio-Faze, who plays a mix of original rock, soul and blues.

Fireworks: The fireworks show will be staged from the parking lot on the west side of Bobcat Stadium on the Texas State University-San Marcos campus.

Food & Fun: Food and activity booths will open at 4 p.m. A variety of food and other items will be available from on-site vendors. No glass containers or alcohol are allowed at San Marcos Plaza Park.

Parking: Parking for Summerfest will be available at Texas State's Bobcat Stadium and Coliseum parking lots.

For more information:
• visit www.summerfestsanmarcos.com

Labels: Festivals, Hill Country

posted by Paris & John @ 4:48 PM 0 comments links to this post

Messina Hof Plans 31st Annual Harvest Celebration

It's almost time for the 31st annual Harvest Celebration at Messina Hof in Bryan. Get ready to stomp some grapes!

This year's harvest events are:

Moonlit Harvest
Friday, July 18, 2008
Here's your chance to pick and stomp grapes, get a souvenir t-shirt to imprint with your purple feet, and enjoy a Vineyard Cuisine dinner at The Vintage House. Price: $69.95 plus tax and gratuity.

Harvest Daytime
Saturday, July 19, 2008 – Sunday, August 17, 2008 (Saturday and Sunday only)
You'll have your choice of four options at different prices:

Option 1: All day activities: including picking, stomping, t-shirt, lunch, food and wine pairing seminar
8 a.m.
Price - $69.95 plus tax and gratuity on Saturdays
$59.95 plus tax and gratuity on Sundays

Option 2: Picking, stomping plus t-shirt
8 a.m.
Price - $39.95 plus tax and gratuity

Option 3: Picking, stomping and lunch
8 a.m.
Price - $39.95 plus tax and gratuity

Option 4: Food and wine pairing seminar
1:30pm
Price - $19.95 plus tax and gratuity

Murder Mystery Dinners
Saturday, July 19, 2008 – Saturday, August 15, 2008
All Murder Mystery Dinners begin at 6:30 PM and cost $69.95 plus tax and gratuity.

Mystery Dinner themes:

July 19 - “Pirate Murder Mystery”
July 26 – “Celebrity Celebrations”
August 2 – “Storm Survivors”
August 9 – “Case of the Missing Matchmaker”
August 15 – “Murder on the Mound”

Harvest Vintner’s Dinners
Friday, July 25, 2008 – Saturday, August 16, 2008
All Vintners’ Dinners begin at 6:30 PM. Cost of the dinners range from $69.95 to $125 plus tax and gratuity.

Harvest Vintner’s Dinners:

July 25 – French Chateau Wines
August 1 – Beringer Wines
August 8 – Terlato Wines
August 16 – Grand Finale – Italian Wines

For more information or to register:
• call (800) 736-9463 ext. 34.

To reserve a Harvest Festival package:
• visit http://www.messinahof.com/docs/MH_%20Harvest_Reg_Form_08.pdf

For information or reservations for the Villa Bed & Breakfast at Messina Hof:
• call (800) 736-9463 ext. 22

Labels: Festivals, Prairies and Lakes

posted by Paris & John @ 4:13 PM 0 comments links to this post

Amazing Texas Author to be Featured at Clute's Mosquito Festival

There's a new Texas guidebook coming out this month: Amazing Texas (Jefferson Press). Recently TexasTripper caught up with the author to ask her more about this unique guide to a unique state; check out our interview just posted on TexasTripper.

Author T. Jensen Lacey will be signing books at the The Great Texas Mosquito Festival in Clute on July 24.

Labels: Festivals

posted by Paris & John @ 2:37 PM 0 comments links to this post

Willie's Place Set to Open This Week

The long-awaited opening of Willie's Place (as in Willie Nelson) will take place later this week in the town of Carl's Corner near Hillsboro. You might be familiar with this facility; it operated for many years as a truck stop named Carl's Corner on the southbound side of I-35. After an extensive renovation and expansion, it is now reopening as Willie's Place at Carl's Corner. It's appropriate that the reopening take place on the July 4 weekend because in its Carl's Corner days, this was the setting for several of Willie Nelson's famous picnics.

The events kicked off on June 30 with a sold out private benefit but the coming days bring several public events. On July 1 and 2, the facility's Whiskey River Saloon will be host to David Allan Coe & Ray Wylie Hubbard from 8pm to midnight.

On July 3 in the Willie's Place Theater, the day will be filled with free music. Here's the schedule at present:

10am Mike Siler
1pm Heather Myles
6pm Merle Haggard
8pm Ray Price
10pm Willie Nelson

Along with three stages, Willie's Place has a restaurant, gift shop and general store, facilities for truckers, and Willie's biodiesel fuel.

For More Information:
• visit http://www.biowillieusa.com

Labels: Festivals, Prairies and Lakes

posted by Paris & John @ 9:37 PM 1 comments links to this post

The Woodlands Planning Texas-Sized Fireworks Show, Celebration

Are you making your Fourth of July plans yet? We've just received a detailed schedule for the 11th Annual Red, Hot & Blue Festival and Fireworks Extravaganza in The Woodlands, home of one of the greatest fireworks displays in the greater Houston area.

Free Concert: The fun starts on Thursday, July with a free “Star-Spangled Salute” concert by the Houston Symphony at The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion. Bring a blanket and enjoy the show beginning at 8:00 pm. The pavilion’s gates will open at 6:30 pm.

Parade: On Friday, July 4, the celebration starts at 9 am with the South Montgomery County Fourth of July Parade, featuring marching bands from around the Houston area, classic cars, floats, fire trucks and more. Bring a lawn chair and sit along the route, which begins at The Woodlands United Methodist Church, continues along Grogan’s Mill and culminates at Market Street.

Fireworks & Fun: From 6-10 pm, the 11th Annual Red, Hot & Blue Festival takes place at Waterway Square, the newest development in The Woodlands, located between Waterway Avenue and Woodloch Forest Drive. The Fountains at Waterway Square contains a water wall spanning 120 feet. As part of the festivities, it will feature choreographed displays of dancing columns of water, cascading waterfalls and “boomer” jets shooting water more than five stories high.

Entertainment will include live music from Texas native Rodney Hayden and the local Lord Stirling's Fifes and Drums. Face painting, caricatures, strolling entertainers, food and beverage concessions and the children’s interactive fountain.

Food Contests: What’s a Fourth of July without a hot dog and watermelon eating contest? H-E-B will host the hot dog and watermelon eating contest at Waterway Square every 15 minutes from 6:30 pm - 8:45 pm. Register in advance for the eating contests at www.redhotblue.org.

The July 4 Schedule: A festival activity lineup for July 4 is as follows:

6:00 p.m. Presentation of Colors
6:05 p.m. God Bless America
6:10 p.m. Rodney Hayden
6:55 p.m. Opening remarks from local notables
7:05 p.m. Parade Awards
7:20 p.m. Rodney Hayden
8:55 p.m. Retiring of Colors
9:15 p.m. Fireworks Extravaganza

Parking: Parking is available for $5 in the Town Center Parking Garage located on Six Pines Drive. Visitors may park for free at the orange, yellow and green lots along Timberloch Place. Trolleys will operate from 11 am to 8 pm on July 4. For a map, visit www.redhotblue.org or call 281-363-2447.

Road closures for the festival include Timberloch Place between Woodloch Forest Drive and the I-45 South feeder. This area will be shut down and barricaded on July 3 and remains closed until given the all clear by a public safety officer on July 4.

Water Taxis: Water taxis will operate along The Woodlands Waterway on July 3 from 11 am -10 pm and July 4 between 11 am and 11 pm. The water taxis will not operate during the fireworks display on July 4 from 8:45 pm - 10 pm, but will resume operation after the fireworks have completed. Special water taxi pricing for July 4 includes an All-Day Pass for $4 and a Seniors/Youth/Disabled Pass for $2.

Photos courtesy Red, Hot & Blue Festival

Labels: Festivals, Gulf Coast

posted by Paris & John @ 11:46 AM 0 comments links to this post

Austin City Limits Festival Announces Lineup

The Austin City Limits Music Festival (also called the ACL Music Festival) is one of the city's most popular annual events...and a time when hotel rooms are at a premium. The lineup for the 2008 event, scheduled for September 26-28 in Zilker Park, has been announced. This year's event (which will include about 130 bands) will include Beck, Robert Plant, Allison Krauss, The Foo Fighters, Erykah Bad, and Manu Chao.

Hotel & Pass Package: The Austin Convention & Visitors Bureau is also offering exclusive access to discounted three-day passes and a minimum of two nights hotel accommodations through an ACL travel package.

For more information on the festival:
• visit www.aclfestival.com

Labels: Austin, Festivals

posted by Paris & John @ 9:19 PM 0 comments links to this post

POTD: Cedar Park Heritage Festival

Saturday marked the second annual Cedar Park Heritage Festival, held beneath the Heritage Oak tree in town (which thankfully provided some much-needed shade on that 100 degree day.) The event showcased the heritage of this area that was formerly populated by cedar choppers who made their living cutting cedar posts on the acres of juniper trees that surround the community.

The one-day event included local arts and crafts:
blackpowder demonstrations:

performances by the Austin band, Duck Soup:

a demonstration by the K-9 division of the Cedar Park Police Department:


and squaredancing demonstrations:

Labels: Festivals, Photo of the Day

posted by Paris & John @ 12:25 PM 0 comments links to this post

51208: Texas Transporation Museum Celebrates Model T Centennial

Hundreds of Model T enthusiasts will celebrate the 100th Birthday of Henry Ford’s “Tin Lizzie” May 17 and 18 at the Texas Transportation Museum in San Antonio.

This Centennial Celebration of the American iconic vehicle that resulted in an “automobile for the masses” will include the gathering of dozens of Model T’s.

This family-friendly and free event will feature a “then and now” presentation by one of Ford Motor Company’s top executives. For an extra charge, you can also hop a train ride; there will be scheduled rides every 45 minutes starting at noon. The museum's indoor HO model train layout and the outdoor garden model railroad will be in operation through the event.

Time: The event takes place from 10-5 both Saturday and Sunday. Two special presentations will be held on May 17 at 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.

Location: Texas Transportation Museum
11731 Wetmore Rd
San Antonio, TX 78247
(210) 490-3554

Photo courtesy Ford Motor Company

Labels: Festivals, San Antonio

posted by Paris & John @ 8:50 AM 0 comments links to this post

Cedar Park Prepares for BBQ Competition

This Saturday marks the "First Ever AT&T and Cedar Park Chamber of Commerce Cedar Chopper Barbecue Cook-Off." Held just north of RM 1431 just behind the 1890 Ranch Shopping Center.

We were just out there and there were many RVs and pickups getting into position with their cookers.

The cooks start smokin' this evening at 5pm and the judging takes place tomorrow. The event includes these competition categories, all vying for cash prizes:

• Brisket
• 1/2 Chicken
• Spare Ribs
• All BBQ
• Cook's Choice (no desserts)
• Beans

Labels: Festivals

posted by Paris & John @ 12:39 PM 0 comments links to this post

041408: Georgetown Festival of the Arts Planned

The Georgetown Festival of the Arts, in its fourth year, is offering an schedule of artists and cultural activities beginning the weekend of May 31 and ending on Sunday, June 8.

May 31-June 1: Art in the Park on May 31 & June 1, a juried art show along the river in San Gabriel Park, will bring in over 200 artists from around the country to participate.

May 31: On the evening of May 31 the popular Symphony in the Park will provide fireworks along with a Mendelssohn concert.

June 5-8: Mendelssohn in Georgetown, Thursday, June 5 through Sunday, June 8, features the music of Felix Mendelssohn in concerts and lectures in a number of venues. The Shanghai and Miro Quartets will be playing Thursday, June 5 as part of the series. A complete event schedule is online at www.georgetowntexassymphony.org .

Price: Tickets are $20 for concerts, $5 for all symposia and $5 for entrance to Art in the Park. Student tickets are $5 for all events.

Labels: Festivals, Hill Country

posted by Paris & John @ 1:37 PM 0 comments links to this post

411082: Spring Plant Sale, Gardening Festival at Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

This weekend marks the annual Spring Plant Sale and Gardening Festival at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center in Austin. If you've got the gardening bug, here's your chance to take a tour with an expert to learn more about habitat gardening, caring for native trees, choosing native plants, and more. Tours will take place on the hour from 11am to 2pm.

The center's Wildflower Center store will also be hosting special guests both afternoons:

Saturday:

• Jackie Poole will sign her new book, "Rare Plants of Texas
• visitors can sample jelly and other treats from Texas Traditions
  

Sunday:

• L. Raywill sign the 2008 Wildflower DaysTM art print and T-shirt
• Jen Ohlson will sign her book about Austin's Town Lake Hike and Bike Trail called "Every Town Needs a Trail"
• George Miller will sign "Landscaping with Native Plants of Texas"
  

Admission: $7 adults, $6 seniors and students, $3.50 for University of Texas at Austin faculty and staff with university identification, $3 for children and free for members and children under 5.

For more information:
• call 512.232.0100
• visit http://wildflower.org/plantsale

Labels: Austin, Festivals

posted by Paris & John @ 2:50 PM 0 comments links to this post

411082: Spring Plant Sale, Gardening Festival at Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

This weekend marks the annual Spring Plant Sale and Gardening Festival at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center in Austin. If you've got the gardening bug, here's your chance to take a tour with an expert to learn more about habitat gardening, caring for native trees, choosing native plants, and more. Tours will take place on the hour from 11am to 2pm.

The center's Wildflower Center store will also be hosting special guests both afternoons:

Saturday:

• Jackie Poole will sign her new book, "Rare Plants of Texas
• visitors can sample jelly and other treats from Texas Traditions
  

Sunday:

• L. Raywill sign the 2008 Wildflower DaysTM art print and T-shirt
• Jen Ohlson will sign her book about Austin's Town Lake Hike and Bike Trail called "Every Town Needs a Trail"
• George Miller will sign "Landscaping with Native Plants of Texas"
  

Admission: $7 adults, $6 seniors and students, $3.50 for University of Texas at Austin faculty and staff with university identification, $3 for children and free for members and children under 5.

For more information:
• call 512.232.0100
• visit http://wildflower.org/plantsale

Labels: Austin, Festivals

posted by Paris & John @ 9:50 AM 0 comments links to this post

40408: Austin Fills with Urban Music Festival, Texas Relays

This weekend will be a huge one for Austin visitors for two reasons: the Texas Relays and the Urban Music Festival. The Texas Relays, which started on April 2 and continue through April 5, is considered one of the country's top track and field events.

The Urban Music Festival, held at Auditorium Shores, will be featuring Jeffrey Osborne this year along with After 7, Trey Songz, Hope Flood, Bavu Blakes, and Phillip Martin, with a special guest appearance by former UT football player Vince Young.

Jeffrey Osborne photo courtesy Urban Music Festival

Labels: Austin, Festivals

posted by Paris & John @ 12:22 PM 0 comments links to this post

40308: Motorsports Festival Planned for Austin

On Saturday, April 12 from 4 PM to 11 PM, the Boost Mobile Nightshift will fill the Travis County Expo Center in Austin. The event will feature hundreds of tricked out cars and bikes, high-speed drift demos, high flying Freestyle MotoX (over a semi truck!), and a live performance by hip hop artist Lloyd.

The nation’s largest touring event series of its type, Nightshift Austin will mark the first Nightshift and third stop on HIN Events’ 21-city 2008 tour. More than 10,000 auto and entertainment enthusiasts are expected for the event in Austin.

At 6pm, the festival will be recognizing Austin soldiers returning from operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as Sgt. Nick Ashby, creator of the "Citizen Soldier" Tribute Car which he designed for the Army National Guard.

The day's festivities will include more than 300 tricked out vehicles totaling over $15 million in value, ranging from Japanese to Euro and from high-end luxury to wild and exotic. Notable cars include:

o Johnny Nguyen’s Honda S2000, one of the hottest S2000s in Houston
o Lindz Doringo’s Nissan 350Z, as seen on the cover of Modified magazine
o Randy Rigg’s award winning Nissan G35 from Los Angeles
o Street Lightz right hand drive Honda Civic Type R Tour Car, a rare treat for American fans
o Topher Shively’s 1000HP Nissan 350Z, one of the most powerful 350Zs in Texas
o Boost Mobile Nissan RX8 designed by famed automotive stylist RJ de Vera

Location: The event will take place at the Travis County Expo Center, located east of town at 7311 Decker Lane.

Admission: $25. All ages.

Photo courtesy Boost Mobile Nightshift

Labels: Austin, Festivals

posted by Paris & John @ 3:00 PM 0 comments links to this post

33108: Kerrville Plans Three Events for April 12

We just received word of a trio of good events planned in Kerrville for April 12...three good reasons to visit this Hill Country town!

Wild4Art

“Wild4Art,” an outdoor celebration of art, will sprawl along the 800 block of Water Street downtown and feature the work of 10-15 gifted Texas artists who will demonstrate their talents in oils, pastel, pen and ink, screen printing, woodcarving, flint knapping, beading, and pottery making. Children can gain an appreciation of art as they have fun dressing up, playing in a teepee, and beading. Wear your own authentic Western garb and smile for the camera…a professional photographer can create a work on canvas you can buy as a great keepsake. You'll also have the chance to meet the friendly crew from 94.3 Revolution Radio, who will be live on site from 11-1. Pick up a free hot dog and lemonade, plus register for some Norman Rockwell prints.

When: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: Rivers Edge Gallery, 832 Water St., Kerrville
(830) 895-5184
www.riversedgegallery.net
Admission: free

Western Heritage Day

Western Heritage Day” will be hosted by Museum of Western Art. Internationally known trick roper Kevin Fitzpatrick will entertain with amazing rope stunts, and Mountain Man Roy Neal will demonstrate axe and knife throwing…and Clifton Fifer will be on hand to relate tales of the Black Cowboy.

You can also have fun with a washer toss game, watch rope making, cotton gin and beading demonstrations, check out some chuck wagon vittles, crawl into a teepee or climb up into a chuck wagon, and much more.

When: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Museum of Western Art, 1550 Bandera Hwy, Kerrville (830) 896-2553 www.museumofwesternart.org
Admission: Admission 12 and under - free; 13 and up - $5.

2nd Saturday Art Trail

Taking place in both Kerrville and Ingram, this event features 12 art galleries. Pick up a passport at any participating gallery, visit at least 7 galleries and collect a “stamp” at each, then be eligible for the drawing of a magnificent three-piece Travis 1831 silver buckle set, handcrafted by Clint Orms Engravers and Silversmiths and valued at $930!

When: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Where: Good starting point: Kerr Arts & Cultural Center, 228 Earl Garrett, Kerrville.
For more information, visit Art in the Hills (830)895-5184
Admission: free admission to all locations except the Museum of Western Art

Labels: Festivals, Hill Country

posted by Paris & John @ 4:23 PM 0 comments links to this post

32308: Weslaco's Onion Fest is Nothing to Cry About

Everything's sweet about Weslaco's Onion Fest, the April 5 celebration of the sweet 1015 Onion. If you don't know, the 1015 Onion is one developed by Texas A&M University in the 1980s as a sweet onion that wouldn't cause tears. And why the name 1015? Because October 15 is the suggested planting date.

The annual onion fest puts this fragrant plant on center stage with a full day of mariachi music, horsemanship demonstrations, children's activities and more. For all the details on this year's event, check out our Onion Fest article.

Photo courtesy Weslaco Chamber of Commerce

Labels: Festivals, South Texas Plains

posted by Paris & John @ 8:06 PM 0 comments links to this post

31608: Celebrate Spring with Tyler's Azalea Trail

Spring has sprung across most of Texas and East Texas is celebrating with the annual Azalea Trail, running through April 6. While you might associate Tyler more with roses, the city also hosts a three-week azalea trail that features the colorful blooms as well as plenty of other activities, from Victorian teas to candlelight strolls. We've just added a new festivals piece covering Tyler's Azalea Trail.

Photo courtesy Tyler CVB

Labels: East TX Piney Woods, Festivals

posted by Paris & John @ 8:43 PM 0 comments links to this post

3132008: San Antonio to Celebrate Luminaria: Arts Night

On March 15, San Antonio will celebrate its rich art scene with Luminaria: Arts Night in San Antonio. This free artist-driven event showcases multi-media, visual, theater, dance, music and other art forms with everything from Latin to jazz, paintings to sculpture.

When: The downtown celebration will take place 6 pm to midnight, March 15, 2008

The event will include stages and gallery exhibitions along Alamo Plaza and Houston Street, unique performances throughout the streetscape, and at Magik Theatre.

Based on the success of international events such as Nuit Blanche in Paris and Noche Blanca in Madrid, Luminaria will be the first in Texas and only the second in the nation with such simultaneous and innovative programming throughout the city. Founded by Mayor Phil Hardberger, Luminaria has been organized by arts leaders along with the City of San Antonio, Office of Cultural Affairs, San Antonio Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, theFund, and community sponsors.

Alamo Plaza: Alamo Plaza will be transformed with several stages. Loretta Young Medellin will turn the gazebo into a living kaleidoscope. See the glimmering sculpture by Susan Dunis enhance the windows at Dillard’s and witness a live demonstration of lampworking and glass beadmaking by the society of Artisan Lampworkers in San Antonio. The central stage at Alamo Plaza will feature the the San Antonio Symphony for a unique outdoor performance in front of the Alamo in conjunction with a spectacular light show presented by Bill FitzGibbons, the Youth Orchestra of San Antonio, and an original composition premiered by world renowned pianist, Fernando Herrera.

Houston Street Stage: A blend of Latin, jazz, Tejano, opera, and blues will be presented at the Houston Street Stage. Featured artists include Grammy award-winning Henry Brun and the Latin Playerz with special guests Augie Meyers and Flaco Jimenez. In addition, this stage will host an electric mix of three tenors with piano accompaniment from the San Antonio Opera, Roger Velasquez and the Latin Legends, a performance by Urban 15, and many more.

Encounter art along Houston Street in storefronts transformed into art galleries, streetscape performances, and a Film Slam at the Kress building. Downtown's historic Peacock Alley will be transformed into a vibrant interactive urban arts crevice as created by such artists as Charles Harrison Pompa and metal sculptor Luis "Chispas" Guerrero, Dwayne Bohystav, and David Biancas. Alley exhibitions will include a historic unveiling by renowned artist, Jesse Treviño, premiering his new painting, "Mexicano Chicano Americano - Removing the Hyphen." At the street level stage, the musical talents of Bombasta, The Psychics, DJ work of Gabe Quintero Velasquez, and Mombasa Code will explore sound as film artist Trey Moore debuts a film montage on the facade of the Historic Neisner's Department Store.

Jefferson Stage: The Jefferson stage will host several diverse artists in a parking lot with an incredible laser installation to follow by George Cisneros and Tim Walsh. Conjunto Heritage Taller, San Antonio Blues Society, and many more will turn this stage into the ultimate parking lot celebration! HemisFair Park will fuse together music and dance from various genres. From the folk singing D.C. Bloom, to the original Americana family band The Lavens, Ballet JovenesArtes will feature children performing Flamenco dance, and several others will turn HemisFair park into a music lovers playground highlighted with sculptures.

Magik Theatre: The Magik Theatre will feature performances by ballet companies, theaters, modern dancers, classical piano, Argentine Tangos, poetry, tap dancers, Indian dance, multimedia performances, as well as an exhibit of set and costume designs by San Antonio artists. Organizations such as Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center, the Magik Theatre, San Antonio Theatre Coalition, the Alamo Arts Ballet Theatre, the Viva Tango Quintet, The Ballet Conservatory of South Texas, the Arathi School of Indian Dance, Magik Theatre Teen Rep, St. Phillips College, Katherine Cartwright and F-Pack, the 24th Street Experiment, Jayne King, Sheila Rinear, David Morgan, and local legend Ricky Hernandez playing compositions from “Recuerdos” will demonstrate the diversity of San Antonio’s performing arts.

PassPort: You can visit various PassPort information booths hosted by theFUND located throughout the downtown celebration. Receive six stamps at identified kiosks and register to win over $2,000 in prizes!

Parking: Free parking will be available on a first-come, first-served basis at Alamodome Parking Lot A, Durango street city parking (across the Federal Building), and St. Mary’s Street garage. There will also be free VIA trolley service from the Alamodome and Durango to the downtown event.

For More Information:
• visit www.luminariasa.com
• call 210.207.6516

Labels: Festivals, San Antonio

posted by Paris & John @ 3:57 PM 0 comments links to this post

3112008: Messina Hof Plans Annual Harvest Celebration

Bryan's Messina Hof is celebrating its 31st anniversary annual Harvest this summer. The event will take place from July 18 to August 17, 2008 and includes a full schedule of activities, from hand-picking grapes to vintner's dinners.

Events:

Moonlit Harvest Friday, July 18, 2008
This second annual Moonlit Harvest will kick off the first harvesting of the grapes as guests pick grapes from the vineyards, then stomp them at sunset on Friday, July 18, 2008. Guests also receive a Messina Hof Harvest souvenir t-shirt to imprint with their purple feet after stomping. After the grapes have been crushed, visitors enjoy a multiple-course special dinner at The Vintage House Restaurant

Harvest
Saturday, July 19, 2008 – Sunday, August 17, 2008 (Saturday and Sunday only)

Murder Mystery Dinners
Saturday, July 21, 2008 – Saturday, August 18, 2008. (All Murder Mystery Dinners begin at 6:30 PM) Mystery Dinner themes are as follows:

July 19 - “Pirate Murder Mystery”
July 26 – “Celebrity Celebrations”
August 2 – “Storm Survivors”
August 9 – “Case of the Missing Matchmaker”
August 15 – “Murder on the Mound”

Harvest Vintner’s Dinners
Friday, July 25, 2008 – Saturday, August 16, 2008. (All Vintner’s Dinners begin at 6:30 PM). Harvest Vintner’s Dinners are as follows:

July 25
August 1
August 8
August 16 – Grand Finale

Location: Messina Hof Winery is located at 4545 Old Reliance Road, Bryan.

For more information:
• call (800) 778-9463 ext. 34.

Labels: Festivals, Prairies and Lakes

posted by Paris & John @ 3:39 PM 0 comments links to this post

392008: Bush Library Plans Easter Egg Hunt

You may not be in Washington, DC for the annual White House Easter Egg Roll but you can take part in a presidential Easter egg hunt thanks to the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum. On Saturday, March 15, the library will host an Easter egg hunt for ages 7 and under. The fun starts at 9:30am with the egg hunt starting promptly at 10am at the library (and it will take place rain or shine).

The event will include plenty of family fun including face painting, storytelling, an egg roll, egg toss, and even photos with the Easter Bunny. You'll find parking at Research Park and can access the museum via Research Drive, Discovery Drive or John Kimbrough Boulevard. There's also a drawing for prizes; entry forms can be found on the library website.

Labels: Festivals, Prairies and Lakes

posted by Paris & John @ 9:01 AM 0 comments links to this post

342008: Bike Hugger Urban Ride Planned for SXSW

SXSW is just around the corner and we've received word that Bike Hugger and bikehugger.com will be hosting the first annual Bike Hugger BBQ and urban ride in Austin on Saturday.

The ride gets into gear at 1 pm at the Susanna Dickinson House in Brush Square Park and will make stops at the downtown REI, the Jack S. Blanton Museum of Art and will work its way back to the park for the barbecue.

The Bike Hugger BBQ will take place in Brush Square Park just after the first full day of panels at SXSW’s Interactive conference. The BBQ is open to SXSW badgeholders and Bike Hugger’s urban ride participants.

“Austin is a bike town and we're coming there to ride,” said DL Byron, Publisher of Bike Hugger. “The idea for Bike Hugger came from a ride in Texas Hill Country so it’s natural to be working with SXSW".

The Bike Hugger BBQ will also feature products and giveaways from Bike Hugger’s partners including IBEX, REI, Crumpler, Reynolds and SKINS. Team Bike Hugger will also be on hand sporting Bike Hugger Hincapie jerseys.

When: Saturday, March 8, 2008

Where: Susanna Dickinson House, Brush Square Park, downtown Austin

Time: 1:00 P.M. following by the Bike Hugger BBQ at 4:30pm

Advance Sign Up: The urban ride is open to the public and advance sign up is required at
http://upcoming.yahoo.com/event/440389

Labels: Austin, Festivals

posted by Paris & John @ 2:54 PM 0 comments links to this post

Anthony, Texas Celebrates Leap Year Day

What are you doing for Leap Year Day? Well, in Anthony, Texas, you can celebrate February 29th with the Worldwide Leap Year Festival. The event continues all the way through March 2nd (hey, when a day only comes around every four years, you have to make the most of it!) Anthony is known as the Leap Year Capital of the World. Friday's events include a wine tasting and parade; on Saturday, look for a hot air balloon lift-off, a car show, 5K run and more. Anthony, Texas and Anthony, New Mexico sit right on the state border between El Paso and Las Cruces.

Labels: Big Bend Country, Festivals

posted by Paris & John @ 8:32 AM 0 comments links to this post

Cowboy Breakfast Served in Austin Friday

The kickoff for the Star of Texas Fair and Rodeo in Austin is Friday and to mark the event the city will enjoy a free Cowboy Breakfast. Held at Auditorium Shores at Lake Lady Bird (formerly Town Lake), the Texas-sized breakfast will run from 6am to 9am. You'll also find live music and rodeo mascots at the family-friendly event. Free parking is available at the Palmer Special Events parking garage.

And to celebrate the rodeo coming to town, Friday will also be Dress Western Day in Austin. Austin mayor Will Wynn has made the declaration so get out those boots and jeans whether you live in Austin or are visiting for the day!

Labels: Austin, Festivals

posted by Paris & John @ 1:55 PM 0 comments links to this post

Austin Chocolate Festival Sweetens March

Well, the Valentine’s candy may be all gone but it’s not to late to enjoy some fine chocolates thanks to the upcoming 3rd Annual Austin Chocolate Festival. Scheduled for March 8 and 9, this event will benefit Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

This sweet festival will include up to 20 vendors including chocolatiers, bakeries, patisseries, restaurants, hotels, caterers, authors, and resorts… offering samples, of course! You’ll be able to participate in chocolate competitions and demonstrations.

This year’s event is featuring Andrea Levinson, the producer of "Death, Taxes... and Chocolate!" This movie will be released in April.

Location: Arthur Murray Dance Studio, 2700 West Anderson Lane #504 in Austin.

Tickets: Tickets for the Austin Chocolate Festival are $20. You can purchase tickets online or by phone at 512-637-0479.

For more information:
• email info@austinchocolatefestival.com
• visit the ACF website

Photo courtesy Austin Chocolate Festival

Labels: Austin, Festivals

posted by Paris & John @ 1:43 PM 0 comments links to this post

ChimaeraCon Set for San Antonio

If you're a fan of sci-fi or anime, here's an event that just might be of interest: ChimaeraCon. Held at San Antonio's Crossroads Mall, this event brings together movie celebrities, shoppers, and costume buffs in a family-friendly atmosphere. This year's event is scheduled for March 14-16.

We've just added a new festival piece on ChimaeraCon to TexasTripper covering the popular convention; it includes more about the festival events, a video from last year's event featuring the original Leatherface from Texas Chainsaw Massacre, and a map to the festival location.

Labels: Festivals, San Antonio

posted by Par