Burnet Festivals

April

Bluebonnet Festival. Other Texas towns have bluebonnet festivals but, running nearly a quarter of a century, this is one of our favorites. Held in early April, the festival draws up to 25,000 visitors who come not just to enjoy the beautiful blooms but also a Commemorative Air Force Show, Austin Steam Train Ride and Bluebonnet Parade. Admission to the festival is free.

October

Fort Croghan Day. Held the second Saturday in October, this event at historic Fort Croghan transports visitors back to the town's frontier days with demonstrations of daily life in frontier times.

December

December offers a full month of holiday activities, starting with the Christmas on the Square, held the first Thursday in December. The evening starts about 5:30 with the arrival of Santa, followed by lights, decorated live trees, and plenty of shopping opportunities as stores remain open extended hours.

The first two weekends of December transform Burnet into Bethlehem during Main Street Bethlehem. The journey takes place 6 to 9 p.m. in the town's historic district, located at Washington Street (one block south of Highway 29) and Vanderveer Street. You and your family can walk through the gates of Bethlehem and see costumed townspeople bartering at the city market, baking bread, paying taxes (some things never change!), and tending their camels, donkeys, and other animals. A live nativity scene is found at the street's exit.

Far more recent history is recalled at Christmas Past at Ft. Croghan, an event which takes visitors to the days of 1849. Costumed families decorate their cabins, make pioneer ornaments, and welcome visitors with refreshments to come sit by the frontier fireplaces. The event takes place on the second Saturday in December.

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