Georgetown Celebrates Throughout the Year

Ready, set, party. Throughout the year, Georgetown plays host to a myriad of special events and activities, from rough-riding rodeos to historic home tours through gingerbread-covered Victorian structures.

When spring rolls in its colorful blanket of wildflowers, Georgetown celebrates with MayFair on the Square, held the first weekend of May. This celebration of spring takes place in the historic downtown and highlights the diverse cultures that make this community so special.

No one could have a Mayfair without an official Maypole, and Georgetown's is no exception. The traditional Maypole dance kicks off a weekend of festivities that includes entertainment, food and fun for all. Over 150 juried artisans from the Georgetown area are present to both sell their wares and to demonstrate their artistic techniques. When all that shopping works up an appetite, food booths will feature local ethnic cuisines -- from fajitas to German sausage.

For the kids, MayFair is a festival of fun with games, pony rides, and balloons. Music, from polka and barbershop to country and rock, fills the air with live entertainment scheduled throughout the weekend.

That same weekend, the air is also filled with planes -- thanks to the annual Fly In and Static Air Show, sponsored by the Georgetown Pilots Auxiliary Association. A free shuttle takes festival goers between the square and the Georgetown Municipal Airport. The day begins with a sunrise balloon ascension. Later, thrill to the hair-raising stunts of aerobatic pilots who perform tactical demonstrations in the Apache helicopter, as well as daring maneuvers in warbirds such as the Yellow Rose B-25 and P-51 fighter.

In June, buckin' broncos and snortin' bulls draw crowds at the Williamson County Sheriff's Posse Rodeo. During this three day event, cowboys and cowgirls compete in categories such as barrel racing, calf roping, and bronc riding. Daredevil rodeo clowns keep the crowds laughing and the cowpokes safe from angry bulls.

Fireworks fill the skies over Georgetown during the 4th of July Family Festival in San Gabriel Park. Daytime activities include an arts and crafts show, children's games, live entertainment, food booths, and a youth fishing derby sponsored by the Kiwanis Club. There's even a bowfishing exhibition. The fireworks extravaganza, orchestrated by the Sertoma Club, brings an end to the day's festivities, drawing "oohs" and "aahs" from families as the skies over the park are illuminated with colorful flashes.

Celebrate Labor Day weekend in San Gabriel Park with Fiesta San Jose. This end of summer blowout, sponsored by the Los Unidos Club, highlights the cultural richness of Georgetown.

November's big event is the Wesleyfest, held on the grounds of the Wesleyan Retirement Home. Here you can get an early start on your Christmas shopping with booths featuring handmade crafts.

December brings a month of celebration to Georgetown. Start the holiday season with a candlelight service for the Season of Advent . Lois Perkins Chapel on the Southwestern University campus is aglow with candlelight during this glorious musical event.

Every year, Georgetown residents take to the streets -- the streets around the downtown courthouse square, that is. The annual Georgetown Christmas stroll starts with a grand appearance by Santa Claus and the lighting of the courthouse. The historic Neoclassical Revival structure is aglow with thousands of tiny white lights. Edge lighting around the square transforms the downtown into a magical wonderland.

Even when the holidays are past, Georgetown continues its festive spirit. February brings in the Gem and Mineral Show, held annually at the San Gabriel Community Center in the park. Shop for polished gems, cut geodes, or even fine jewelry at this show.

In late March, the fields and yards around Georgetown bloom with the vibrant color of red poppies. Georgetown holds the title of the "Red Poppy Capital of Texas," with both native and cultivated varieties growing throughout the town.

Although the concerted effort of citizens to make Georgetown a poppy showplace is fairly recent, the town's landscape has been brightened by this flower for over 70 years. Many of the poppies date back to seeds imported to the town by Henry Purl "Okra" Compton. During his service in World War I in Europe, he collected seeds and planted them around his mother's home upon his return.

Today the poppies brighten yards and highway right-of-ways from late March through May. Look for white signs indicating a "Poppy Zone" as you travel through town.

No matter what time of year you visit Georgetown, you'll find a festive spirit. From fireworks to Christmas lights, this Central Texas town glows with fun and festivities throughout the calendar year.

Return to Georgetown Travel Guide