Fall
- Washington County Fair is the first county fair in Texas, dating back to 1868. It’s a week of rodeos, livestock shows, arts and crafts shows, special attractions and a carnival, of course.
- The Original Round Top Antiques Fair says it’s “The show that started it all.” The fall show, like the spring show, takes place at four venues: the Big Red Barn, the Big Red Barn Tent, the Continental Tent and Carmine Dance Hall.
- The Chappell Hill Scarecrow Festival boasts more than 250 juried exhibitors, country-style food, live entertainment and tours of the historic community.
Winter
- At the Country Homes of Chappell Hill Holiday Home Tour, you can tour beautifully decorated country homes, historic churches and restored historic buildings.
- Bethlehem in Brenham. Country churches come together to perform different scenes of the Christmas story as visitors sip hot chocolate and take hayrides through town from scene to scene. Call the Independence General Store for information: 979-836-4211.
- The Christmas Stroll and Sounds of Christmas Lighted Parade begins with the lighting of the courthouse tree and continues with all manner of family fun. For more information: 1-888-BRENHAM (273-6426)
Spring
- The Chappell Hill Bluebonnet Festival is the “Official Bluebonnet Festival of Texas,” according to the Texas Legislature and “Most Popular Festival in Texas,” according to Texas Highways magazine.
- Brenham Maifest is one of the oldest spring German festivals in the South. It celebrates German heritage and includes extravagant parades, elegant coronations and children’s activities. It concludes with the Maifestival.
- Independence Historical Association Early Texas Homes—Tours are offered on selected weekends in March and April. Also see Mound Hill Schoolhouse in Old Baylor Park.
- The Antique Rose Emporium Annual Easter Egg Hunt takes place on the Saturday before Easter.
- At the Burton Cotton Gin Festival, on the third weekend in April, you’ll no doubt enjoy a parade and other entertainment, a tour of the gin, a look at antique tractors and engines, folk-life demonstrations, arts and crafts, food, auctions and children’s activities.
Summer
- Although you can do it anytime, summer is the perfect time to tour the Blue Bell Creamery, famous throughout Texas for scrumdiddlyumptious ice cream.
- The Chappell Hill 4th of July Parade bills itself as “Best Small Town Parade in America” and features floats, cowboys, antique cars and the renowned Marching Kazoo Band.
- H-E-B Presents “Fireworks-on-the-Brazos” July 4 at the birthplace of Texas—Barrington Farm, Independence Hall and Star of the Republic Museum.
- Celebrate Independence Day in Independence, Texas with a parade, trail ride, street dance and fireworks. Call the Independence General Store for information: 979-836-4211.
