Dripping with Kids

Tag: fall fun

  • Unforgettable Fall Events in the Texas Hill Country, 2025

    Unforgettable Fall Events in the Texas Hill Country, 2025

    Your Fall Bucket List is Here!

    Fall is on its way! Sometimes I think the ‘a’ in fall should be changed to the letter ‘u’ because our calendar is so FULL… in the very best way imaginable. There’s just so much to do and so much to love about fall in the Texas Hill Country.

    Even though the official first day of fall hasn’t yet arrived, and the temps are still in the 90s, we’re preparing for our favorite season. We decorate our house and yard for autumn in September. We set aside Halloween decorations to add to the home and yard for October. And when November 1st hits we’ll switch out Halloween decorations for our Thanksgiving tree and more harvest decor.

    The beginning of September is go-time. We recently pulled the leaf garland, scarecrows, crafting pumpkins, and wreaths from the attic. I switched out the candles throughout the house from summery scents to pumpkin vanilla and honey apple. I’ve stocked the kitchen with the best fall recipe ingredients, and my teens have already indulged in the sugar-laden, pumpkin-flavored, over-priced coffee drinks at the local coffee shops. We’re ready for a festive fall season!

    And now we can fill our days with our favorite fall activities. We squeeze in as much fun as seemingly possible.

    Our Dripping with Kids Fall Bucket List is our guide for all the places we want to go and things we want to do during this beautiful season of pumpkin patches, cute costumes, cooler temps, colorful leaves, and outdoor adventures. Do you have your calendar ready?

    Texas Hill Country Fall Bucket List (2025)

    1. Visit a local farm and pumpkin patch.

    Best pumpkin patches and fall festivals near Austin.

    Whether you refer to it as a fall festival or a pumpkin patch, the month of October isn’t complete without a visit to one… or many! This list includes the festivals we always try to squeeze in, as well as a couple we haven’t seen … yet.

    2. Sing your heart out at a local music festival.

    • Songwriters’ Festival in Dripping Springs: Take in the best local talent on multiple stages, while also enjoying music, food, friendly people, and adorable downtown shops on the weekend of Oct 17-19. In my opinion, the highlight of the weekend is the Gospel Brunch on Sunday morning at Hudson’s on Mercer. You can attend the showcases for FREE!
    • Gruene Music and Wine Festival: From Oct 9-12, some of the best Texas artists will fill the local restaurants and dance halls with country, folk, and Americana tunes. The Gruene Music & Wine Festival promotes Texas and Americana music in a fun and relaxed setting while raising funds for the United Way of Comal County. Admission is FREE to many shows. Tasting tickets are extra.
    • Howl at the Moon Dance Party: On Tuesday October 7 from 8 – 9:00 pm, Blue Hole Regional Park will host their annual Howl at the Moon Dance Party. Dance under the moonlight and then, at 8:30 PM, let loose with an exhilarating group howl at the moon.
    • Outside the City Limits Music Fest: On Nov 8,
      the Outside the City Limits Music Festival, known for chill Hill Country vibes, talented up and coming bands, and Fall fun for the whole family, will take place at Vista Brewing in Driftwood. The festival includes a curated artisan market, kids’ activities Vista’s delicious food & beverages!
    Hudson's on Mercer

    3. Wear your fave lederhosen or dirndl to Oktoberfest.

    Enjoy German food and brews, live music, games, and competitions. Probst!

    4. Get inspired and pick out some fall decor.

    • Wildseed Farms: This isn’t only one of our favorite places to shop; it also has fun fall events. The Fall Festival is coming up on Sept 27 and will include live music, pumpkin patch, kid activities, and wine tasting. Spend time wandering the wildflower trails and butterfly garden also. On Oct 4 and 11, the Monarch Celebration will encourage you to celebrate butterflies and watch them take flight.
    WIldseed Farms Fredericksburg
    Wildseed Farms Fredericksburg
    • Home Depot: Your local Home Depot offers unique woodworking projects for kids on the first Saturday of the month (and the Sat after Thanksgiving). Check with your local store because some require advanced registration. With the project, you can also collect the patch, certificate, and token HD orange apron if you don’t have one yet. Home Depot also has an amazing selection of Halloween and autumn decor or you can pull up some of your pins on Pinterest and collect the materials needed for those DIY projects you’ve saved. Upcoming Kids’ Workshop projects include:
    • Market Days: Most small towns host a monthly market with local wares, artwork, home decor, food, wine, and so much more. The festivities often include live music and other activities to keep the whole family engaged. Our favorites are the Old Gruene Market Days and Wimberley Market. Dripping Springs has a weekly farmers’ market also.

    5. Give yourself a little fright.

    • Blue Hole Haunted Trail: On Saturdays from Oct 4-18, 8-9 pm, take an evening stroll… with a twist. Brace yourself for an immersive experience filled with eerie encounters, ghastly surprises, and the rustle of unseen creatures lurking in the shadows, featuring local theater department actors! Only $2 per person. Check out the FREE family festival, BOO Hole Halloween Festival, on the afternoon of Oct 18 at Blue Hole Regional Park as well.
    • Dripping Springs Haunted House: This experience begins with a hayride and ends with screams. The non-profit organization, supporting Burke Center for Youth, uses young local actors to provide a haunted movie-like production at the Dripping Springs Ranch Park on specified weekend nights in October.
    • Pumpkin Nights: Venture out to Pioneer Farms after dark, where a dimly-lit walking path will escort you through fantastical lands and lead you to a festival with expert pumpkin-carvers, music, unique decorations, games, and food. Buy tickets in advance. Open from September 13 until the end of October. During the daytime hours, this living history farm offers guided tours and classes, such as blacksmithing and Texas swing dancing. Visit a Tonkawa Indian Encampment, a German Emigrant Farm, a Texian Farm, a Cotton Planter’s Farm and a rural village called Sprinkle Corner all in one day.
    Pumpkin Nights Austin

    6. Enjoy fall events with a ranger.

    Most of the state parks, as well as other municipal parks, in the area offer day and night activities during this time of year to learn about nocturnal animals, stars, the changing seasons, and geological history. Check out the many events and programs offered at the state parks and/or register for the unique ones we listed here.

    Sunset at Pedernales Falls State Park

    7. Peep some leaves. (Yes, even in Texas!)

    We may be one of the last states in the nation to see the leaves change colors, but it does happen! There are a few locations where you can peep those beautiful brown, red, yellow, and burgundy leaves. Our favorite spots are Garner State Park and Lost Maples State Park, but even here in Dripping Springs, we get a little taste of what New England goes gaga over every fall. This article shares additional places in Texas to peep some leaves.

    8. Cheer under the Friday night lights.

    Most Texans associate the fall season with football. I’m sure you have a favorite college and NFL team, but the real (and affordable) fun is at the high school games!

    Every Friday night, there’s an opportunity to cheer on local students, fill your belly with burgers and popcorn, and enjoy entertaining marching band shows as well as dance performances. Here’s a list of all HS football schedules within the area, plus the Dripping Springs schedule below!

    9. Enjoy forts like a kid again.

    There’s one final attraction worthy of this bucket list that doesn’t quite fit in the above categories: it’s Fortlandia at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center! We can’t wait to see the new forts in this highly-anticipated seasonal exhibit. This is a great time to upgrade your admission to a membership for the next 12 months because your kids will absolutely want to return again and again. The forts will be on display Oct 4 – Feb 1.

    There’s so much to do in our beautiful part of Texas, and there’s a short window to do it in. I could fall hard all year long, but hopefully we can make quite a dent in this list before Thanksgiving.

    Let us know which events or attractions are your favorites, and be sure to subscribe to this blog so you can maximize your fun and family memories in the Texas Hill Country.

  • Fortlandia at The Wildflower Center in Austin

    Fortlandia at The Wildflower Center in Austin

    Our Review of One of Austin’s Most Anticipated Annual Attractions

    Fortlandia, the Wildflower Center‘s annual outdoor exhibit, has long been a favorite for families seeking wonder, adventure, and hands-on fun in nature. This year’s edition, while colorful and imaginatively themed, has left some longtime visitors feeling nostalgic for its past designs—especially those whose children once reveled in the larger, more interactive forts that used to stretch out along the hiking trails.

    Forts of Years Past

    In the early years, Fortlandia boasted grand, sprawling forts tucked into the natural landscape. The forts felt like an adventure in themselves, inviting exploration, hide-and-seek, and climbing. Kids of all ages, particularly older ones, loved getting lost in these life-size structures.

    However, in recent years, the forts have become smaller, moved closer together in the children’s garden, and seem to be geared more toward toddlers and preschoolers. This year’s selection follows that trend, with only a couple of forts offering the level of interaction that used to be standard.

    For children over the age of 6, the novelty of the forts seems to wear off quickly. Pre-teens and teens, in particular, who may have enjoyed Fortlandia’s earlier years, might be slightly disappointed by this year’s setup. Young children, though, will surely marvel at the wonder of the creations and be able to fit easily through the crawlspaces, scramble across nets, and climb ladders.

    This Year’s Forts

    That said, the Wildflower Center remains a beloved destination for many, including our family. While my elementary-aged kids and their friends raced through the Fortlandia exhibits in about half an hour, they spent the next 4 ½ hours happily playing by the waterfall, climbing the other nearby structures, and building their own forts in the surrounding woods. They also loved doing the scavenger hunt we picked up at the front kiosk and then turning their completed papers in for a prize at the gift shop.

    As members of the Wildflower Center, we very much appreciate the uniqueness of the Fortlandia attraction, as well as the staff who takes great care of the forts and grounds. Every visit to the Wildflower Center is a positive one, whether there for a special attraction, evening event, or a typical Tuesday. Despite the fact that my kids may be out-growing the recent contributions to Fortlandia, they still beg to go to the Wildflower Center with their friends, and we’re planning another visit soon.

    Our membership has been well worth it, and we’ll continue to renew each year for the foreseeable future. We’ll also continue to recommend The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center to anyone visiting or living in the Austin area. It has brought so much joy and many fond memories to our family.

  • Best of Fall in the Texas Hill Country, 2024

    Best of Fall in the Texas Hill Country, 2024

    Your Fall Bucket List is Here!

    Fall is on its way! Sometimes I think the ‘a’ in Fall should be changed to the letter ‘u’ because our calendar is so FULL… in the very best way imaginable. There’s just so much to do and so much to love about Fall in the Texas Hill Country.

    We’ve already been checking off some of our seasonal to-do list. We decorate for the Fall in September, then add on Halloween for October, and then switch out Halloween decorations for our Thanksgiving tree and decor in November. We already pulled the leaf garland, scarecrows, crafting pumpkins, and wreaths from the attic. These initial decorations stay up for months, and I do the same with Fall activities. We celebrate for 3 whole months and squeeze in as much Fall fun as seemingly possible.

    In addition to the Fall decor, I rearrange the kids’ drawer and closets to encourage wearing more plaid, orange, and cute graphic tees. I switch out the candles throughout the house from summery scents to pumpkin vanilla and honey apple. I stock the kitchen with the best fall recipe ingredients, and I even allow my teens to indulge in the sugar-laden, pumpkin-flavored, over-priced coffee drinks when we’re out running errands.

    Now, it’s time to tackle our Fall Bucket List with all the places we want to go and things we want to do during this beautiful season of pumpkin patches, cute costumes, cooler temps, colorful leaves, and outdoor adventures. I have my calendar ready as I’m going through this list. Do you?

    Texas Hill Country Fall Bucket List (2024)

    1. Visit a local farm and pumpkin patch.

    Whether you refer to it as a fall festival or a pumpkin patch, the month of October isn’t complete without a visit to one… or many! This list includes the festivals we always try to squeeze in, as well as a couple we haven’t seen … yet.

    In addition to this list, there is a new pumpkin patch opportunity at The Therapy Xploriment. They’re hosting their first annual Pumpkin Patch and Pediatric Resource Fair! They’ll have special activities and games all day for the whole family, starting October 4th to November 17th, every weekend (Fri-Sun) from 11am- 7pm. $5-$8/person.

    Best pumpkin patches and fall festivals near Austin.

    2. Dance in the streets at a local music festival.

    • Songwriters’ Festival in Dripping Springs: Take in the best local talent on multiple stages, while also enjoying music, food, friendly people, and adorable downtown shops on the weekend of Oct 18th-20th. In my opinion, the highlight of the weekend is the Gospel Brunch on Sunday morning at Hudson’s on Mercer. You can attend the showcases for FREE!
    • Wimberley Music Fest: On Saturday October 12th from 2 – 9:00 pm, join over 3,000 Texas Music Enthusiasts to welcome hometown music sensations, followed by a Gospel Fest on Sunday, Oct 13th from 1 pm – 6 pm.

    3. Wear your fave lederhosen or dirndl to Oktoberfest.

    Enjoy German food and brews, live music, games, and competitions. Probst!

    4. Get inspired and pick out some Fall decor.

    • Wildseed Farms: This isn’t only one of our favorite places to shop; it also has fun Fall events. The Fall Festival is coming up on Sept 14th and will include live music, pumpkin patch, kid activities, and wine tasting. Spend time wandering the wildflower trails and butterfly garden also. On Oct 5th, the Monarch Celebration will encourage you to celebrate butterflies and watch them take flight.
    WIldseed Farms Fredericksburg
    Wildseed Farms Fredericksburg
    • Home Depot: Your local Home Depot offers unique woodworking projects for kids on the first Saturday of the month (and the Sat after Thanksgiving). Check with your local store because some require advanced registration. With the project, you can also collect the patch, certificate, and token HD orange apron if you don’t have one yet. Home Depot also has an amazing selection of Halloween/Fall decor or you can pull up some of your pins on Pinterest and collect the materials needed for those DIY projects you’ve saved. Upcoming Kids’ Workshop projects include:
      • September 7th, 2024: Field Goal Game
      • October 5th, 2024: Fire Rescue Truck
      • November 2nd, 2024: Pumpkin Tic-Tac-Toe
      • November 30th, 2024: Cocoa Ornament
    • Market Days: Most small towns host a monthly market with local wares, artwork, home decor, food, wine, and so much more. The festivities often include live music and other activities to keep the whole family engaged. Our favorites are the Old Gruene Market Days and Wimberley Market.

    5. Give yourself a little fright.

    • Blue Hole Haunted Trail: On Saturdays from Oct 12-26, 8-9;30 pm, take an evening stroll… with a twist. Brace yourself for an immersive experience filled with eerie encounters, ghastly surprises, and the rustle of unseen creatures lurking in the shadows, featuring local theater department actors! Only $2 per person. Check out the FREE family festival, BOO Hole Halloween Festival, on the afternoon of Oct 19th at Blue Hole Regional Park as well.
    • Dripping Springs Haunted House: This experience begins with a hayride and ends with screams. The non-profit organization, supporting Burke Center for Youth, uses young local actors to provide a haunted movie-like production at the Dripping Springs Ranch Park from Oct 4th – Oct 26th.
    • Pumpkin Nights: Venture out to Pioneer Farms after dark, where a dimly-lit walking path will escort you through fantastical lands and lead you to a festival with expert pumpkin-carvers, music, unique decorations, games, and food. Buy tickets in advance. Open from mid-September until the end of October. During the daytime hours, this living history farm offers guided tours and classes, such as blacksmithing and Texas swing dancing. Visit a Tonkawa Indian Encampment, a German Emigrant Farm, a Texian Farm, a Cotton Planter’s Farm and a rural village called Sprinkle Corner all in one day.
    Pumpkin Nights Austin

    6. Go on a guided hike.

    Most of the state parks, as well as other municipal parks, in the area offer day and night hikes during this time of year to learn about night crawlers, nocturnal animals, stars, and geological history. Check out the many events and programs offered at the state parks and/or register for the unique ones we listed here.

    Sunset at Pedernales Falls State Park

    7. Peep some leaves. (Yes, even in Texas!)

    We may be one of the last states in the nation to see the leaves change colors, but it does happen! There are a few locations where you can peep those beautiful brown, red, yellow, and burgundy leaves. Our favorite spots are Garner State Park and Lost Maples State Park, but even here in Dripping Springs, we get a little taste of what New England goes gaga over every Fall. This article shares additional places in Texas to peep some leaves.

    8. Cheer under the Friday night lights.

    Most Texans associate Fall with football. I’m sure you have a favorite college and NFL team, but the real (and affordable) fun is at the high school games! Every Friday night, there’s an opportunity to cheer on local students, fill your belly with burgers and popcorn, and enjoy entertaining marching band shows as well as dance performances. Here’s a list of all HS football schedules within the area!

    Last but definitely NOT least… There’s one final attraction worthy of this bucket list yet too unique to fit in the above categories: it’s Fortlandia at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center! We can’t wait to see the new forts in this highly-anticipated seasonal exhibit. This is a great time to upgrade your admission to a membership for the next 12 months because your kids will absolutely want to return again and again. The forts will be on display from Oct 4th – Feb 2nd.

    There’s so much to do in our beautiful part of Texas, and there’s a short window to do it in. I could Fall hard all year long, but hopefully we can make quite a dent in this list before Thanksgiving.

    Let us know which events or attractions are your favorites, and be sure to subscribe to this blog so you can maximize your fun and family memories in the Texas Hill Country.

  • Best of Fall in the Texas Hill Country, 2022

    Best of Fall in the Texas Hill Country, 2022

    Your Fall Bucket List is Here!

    Fall is here! Sometimes I think the ‘a’ in Fall should be changed to the letter ‘u’ because our calendar is so FULL… in the very best way imaginable. There’s just so much to do and so much to love about Fall in the Texas Hill Country.

      We’ve already been checking off some of our Fall to-do list. I put the Halloween decorations up and pulled the orange and black T-shirts to the front of my kids’ drawers. I switched out the candles throughout the house from summery scents to pumpkin vanilla and honey apple. I’ve hung the leafy wreaths and garland throughout the house. I’ve stocked the kitchen with the best fall recipe ingredients. And last week, while running those essential errands, I tried the new Iced Apple Crisp Oatmilk Macchiato at Starbucks, which is a delicious mouthfull!

      Now, it’s time to tackle our Fall Bucket List with all the places we want to go and things we want to do during this beautiful season of pumpkin patches, cute costumes, cooler temps, colorful leaves, and outdoor adventures. Feel free to join us!

      Texas Hill Country Fall Bucket List (’22)

      1. Visit a local farm and pumpkin patch.

      PumpkinFest at The Pound House in Dripping Springs

      At the homestead of the founding family of Dripping Springs, enjoy lawn games, a pumpkin patch, food trucks, live music, animal visits, photo opps, and beautiful picnic spots under the oaks. Also, the Founder’s Park playground is right next door. Admission prices vary. Check link above.

      Sweet Eats Fruit Farm
      About to enter the corn maze at the fall festival
      Maze at the Sweet Eats Fruit Farm

      Located in Georgetown, TX, this farm is loaded with the typical fall festival activities, such as a corn maze, pumpkin patch, and petting zoo, but it also has a few unique options. We can’t wait to go back again to take another spin on a pedal cart; shoot an apple from a slingshot; climb up a tire hill, then slide down; watch pig-racing; wade in the San Gabriel River; play corn hole, gaga ball, kickball, or tug o’ war; and challenge ourselves on the obstacle course, plus so much more.

      Barton Hills Farm

      You can find this farm and pumpkin patch along the scenic banks of the Colorado River in Bastrop, TX. Fall festival activities include a very complex corn maze, baseball and football toss, fall photo opps, train rides, tree fort, super slides, jumping pillow, fishing, face painting, and more. There will also be live music and a biergarten this year.

      Sweet Berry Farm

      The short drive to Marble Falls is worth it to spend the day on this cute farm with hayrides, two mazes, a huge pumpkin patch with adorable photo opps, face painting, goat-feeding, barrel train rides, scarecrow-stuffing, and horseback riding. Admission is free, but activities are charged individually.

      2. Check out a local festival.

      Dance in the streets at the Songwriters’ Festival in Dripping Springs

      It’s a 3-day small-town music festival highlighting the best local talent on multiple stages. Enjoy music, food, friendly people, and adorable downtown shops on the weekend of Oct 14th-16th. In my opinion, the highlight of the weekend is the Gospel Brunch on Sunday morning at Hudson’s on Mercer. You can attend the showcases for FREE!

      Support a local school at their Fall Festival

      Enjoy Fall fair festivities, such as rock wall, cake walk, concessions, and games while supporting a local elementary school. Bring the kids to Dripping Springs Elementary School from 3 – 6 pm on Nov. 5th and/or Walnutpalooza on the same day from 12-4. Admission is free; tickets for activities and food sold on site.

      Follow beautiful wings at the Monarch Celebration at Wildseed Farms

      Enjoy the beautiful drive past vineyards and state parks to Fredericksburg, where you will find this fun stop with shopping, wine tasting, lunch options, wildflower trails, and butterfly gardens. Save the date for the Monarch Celebration on Oct 8th (9:30 am – 2:30 pm) during which there will be tagging demonstrations, followed by butterfly releases at 11:30 am and 2:15 pm.

      Probst at Wurst Fest in New Braunfels

      The food, music, dancing, carnival rides, and hours of German-inspired entertainment at the biggest festival of the year in the town of New Braunfels are all great reasons to travel south down I-35! The festival lasts for 10 days, and there are several opportunities for FREE admission. Check the link above. If you go on a Saturday, allow a little extra time in the morning for the New Braunfels farmers’ market in downtown.

      Spend an afternoon at Boo Hole at Blue Hole Regional Park in Wimberley

      This FREE family-focused event has so many fun activities on the schedule, from costume contests to wildlife exhibits to s’mores around the campfire. Make plans to spend Halloween eve in Wimberley! Schedule linked above.

      3. Get creative!

      Attend a free crafting class at Michael’s

      In-store making is back! My kids and I love these free classes, and my daughter is especially excited for the Fall necklace project. Check out the offerings at your local store (link above).

      Make Fall signs at Board and Brush

      Most likely, there’s a Board and Brush near you with dozens of adorable signs to make for the Fall season. You can join an established workshop or book a private party. All signs can be personalized with name, color choices, and texture. It’s such a fun activity, especially with older kids! (Prices start at $35)

      Build a kids’ project at Home Depot

      Head to your local Home Depot before noon on the first Saturday of the month (and the Sat after Thanksgiving) to create unique woodworking projects for kids. You can also collect the patch, certificate, and token HD orange apron if you don’t have one yet. Upcoming projects include Scarecrow Napkin Holder on Nov 5th, Train Ornament on Nov 26th, and Santa Mailbox on Dec 3rd.

      4. Peruse a farmer’s market.

      Old Gruene Market Days
      Oldest dance hall in Texas - Gruene Hall
      http://gruenehall.com/

      Find artisan crafts, beer and wine, tasty food, and nearby shops with sales on the third full weekend of the month and first weekend of December. Stick around for lunch at the Gristmill and free live music (fingers crossed!) at Gruene Hall.

      Dripping Springs Farmer’s Market

      Located near the historic Pound House (and DS Pumpkin Fest) in Founders’ Park, this Farmers’ Market has grown to include vendors from Dripping Springs and surrounding towns as well. It’s definitely worth stopping by on Wednesday afternoons for a thai dinner to go, locally grown produce, organic meat from sustainable farms, and live entertainment. Also, you can spend the rest of your evening at a family friendly brewery in the area.

      Wimberley Market Days

      Travel south on RR12 for a scenic drive and the 2nd largest flea market in Texas, held the first Saturday of every month (Mar – Dec) from 9 am to 4 pm. Grab a glass of wine, browse the shops, pop in the candy store or Scoops Frozen Yogurt for a treat for the kiddos, and then walk the trail along the creek behind downtown to skip rocks, play on the playground, or wade in the water. If it’s a particularly hot day, check out Cypress Falls Swimming Hole.

      5. Go back in time!

      Texas Renaissance Festival
      Texas Renaissance Festival near Houston, TX

      My kids beg to return to this festival every year. They love the costumes, the accents, the shows, the rides, the games, and the feeling of time travel. It’s a bit of a drive from the Hill Country, but camping sites are available next to the festival grounds. Children 12 and under are FREE on Sundays. Advanced tickets required.

      Pioneer Farms

      This living history farm offers guided tours and classes, such as blacksmithing and Texas swing dancing. Visit a Tonkawa Indian Encampment, a German Emigrant Farm, a Texian Farm, a Cotton Planter’s Farm and a rural village called Sprinkle Corner all in one day. You can also get tickets for their special event, Pumpkin Nights, which has the entire farmstead lit up with fantastical Halloween decorations and pumpkins everywhere.

      The Dinosaur Park
      The Dinosaur Park in austin, TX

      Go prehistoric and make your kids’ day by walking a trail to find large dinosaurs and dino clues in the woods. Then, play on the playground, dig for fossils, take hilarious photos, and guard your wallet (from your children) in the expansive gift shop. Drive a little further south and use your dino park wristband to enjoy 10% off lunch along the Colorado River at Neighbors Kitchen and Yard.

      One final attraction worthy of this list yet not quite right for the above categories is Fortlandia at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. We can’t wait to see the new forts in this highly-anticipated seasonal exhibit!

      There’s so much to do in a short amount of time, but hopefully we can make quite a dent in this list. Let us know which is your favorite!

    • 2020 Halloween in the Hill Country

      2020 Halloween in the Hill Country

      Were you skeptical whether Halloween 2020 would actually happen? I was. But I’m so glad I was wrong. In true Texas spirit, not only is Halloween still on, but it’s bigger than ever. The number of events to choose from has become endless. So, don your orange and black face mask, pocket some hand sanitizer, and hit the town!

      Trick or Treat Events

      Hudson’s on Mercer: Friday, Oct 30th, 5:30 – 8:30 pm. $5 admission per child. Must RSVP to hudsons@hudsonsonmercer.com.

      Sunset Canyon Baptist Church: Drive thru Trunk or Treat – Saturday, Oct 31st, 4-6 pm No reservation required. FREE

      12 Fox Brew Co.: Saturday, Oct 31st, 4:30 – 9 pm, Candy from 5-7 pm. No reservation required. FREE

      Hays City Store: Saturday, Oct 31st, all day. Costume competition and candy. Reservations not required. FREE but you’re gonna want to order food and drinks. 😋

      Movie Nights

      Dripping Springs Ranch Park: Friday, Oct 30th, 7:30 – 10:30 pm. Drive-in Movie Experience, The Addams Family. Pre-registration required, capacity limited. FREE

      Blue Hole in Wimberley: Friday, Oct 30th, 7 pm. Friday Night Frights movie on the lawn: Scooby Doo. Pre-registration required. FREE

      Waterloo Ice House at Capital of Texas Highway: Friday, Oct 30th, 7 pm. Hocus Pocus on outdoor screen. Pre-registration not required. FREE

      Haunted Houses

      Acopon Brewing in Downtown Dripping Springs: Thurs, Oct 29th – Sat, Oct 31st, 7 – 10 pm (only til 9 pm on Thursday). Beer available on the patio. Reservations not required. FREE

      Lucky Arrow Retreat: Sat, Oct 31st, 5 – 9 pm. For ages 15+. Pre-registration not required. FREE

      Kids’ Night Out

      Bannockburn Dripping Springs: Fri, Oct 30th, 6 – 9 pm. Have a date night while the kids participate in a fall festival and movie night. $10/child or $20/family. Pre-registration required.

      Pumpkin Patches & Festivals

      Sweet Berry Farm, Marble Falls, TX

      Hamilton Pool Vineyard and Farms: Fri, Oct 30th and Sat, Oct 31st, times vary. $5 admission. Pre-registration not required.

      Sweet Berry Farm: Fri – Sun, hours vary. Pre-registration not required. Admission FREE, pay for individual activities.

      Barton Hills Farm: Fri – Sun, all day. Advanced tickets required. $20/person.

      Pioneer Farm PumpkinFest: Fri, Oct 30th and Sat, Oct 31st, 7 – 11 pm. Advanced tickets required. Flashlight ghost tours, exhibits, demonstrations, and movie night.