May 7 – May 10, 2026
Live Music and Nightlife
New Braunfels: Freiheit Country Store hosts a triple bill this Saturday, May 9 — Ben McPeak Band, Stoney Musgrove, and Dylan Krause take the stage at 7:30 PM. The century-old dance hall is one of the best places to hear real Texas country without the tourist markup.
Insider Tip: Doors open well before showtime, and there is no reserved seating for general admission. Get there by 6:30 PM to claim a spot near the dance floor. The burgers here are quietly some of the best in the county.
New Braunfels: Cowboys and Cadillacs has two strong nights lined up on the rooftop this weekend. Bubba Westly takes the stage Friday, May 8, at 9:00 PM, and Jordan Nix follows on Saturday, May 9, at 5:00 PM. The rooftop bar at 125 North Castell Ave blends Texas charm with a polished downtown setting — live music runs six nights a week up there.
Insider Tip: The rooftop fills up fast on Saturday afternoons, especially with a 5:00 PM start. If you want a table with a view, plan to arrive by 4:00 PM. Their smash burgers were recently featured on Texas Eats and are worth ordering before you settle in for the show.
Canyon Lake: High Cotton Texas Tavern keeps the Friday and Saturday tradition alive with live music both nights from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM. The open-air stage overlooks Hill Country views, and the full bar leans heavy on Texas bourbons and local craft beer. Food is handled by SATX Barbecue, so you will not leave hungry. Follow @highcottontexastavern on Instagram for this weekend's artist lineup.
Insider Tip: This is a true locals-only tavern tucked off FM 2722 near Canyon Lake. If you have never been, it is worth the drive just for the bourbon selection and the sunset from the deck.
Spring Branch: Throwbacks on 46 fires up the outdoor stage this weekend with live music Friday and Saturday nights. The 28-tap craft beer wall, shaded patio seating, and rotating food trucks make it one of the better hangout spots along the 46 corridor. Genres range from country and rock to crowd favorites from every decade. Check throwbackson46.com/events for this weekend's lineup.
Insider Tip: The covered patio keeps things comfortable even on warm evenings. Arrive early enough to grab a spot near the stage and work your way through the tap wall — they rotate their craft selections regularly, so ask the bartender what is new this week.
Local Eats and Drinks
Spring Branch: The Desert Spoon at Spring Creek Gardens is one of the Hill Country's best-kept dining secrets. Chef Tatu Herrera (formerly of Folklore's Coffee House in San Antonio) opened this farm-to-table restaurant inside Spring Creek Gardens in March, and it has quietly become a destination. Walk the garden grounds with a glass from their 32-wines-on-tap list, then sit down for a seasonally inspired meal overlooking lush Hill Country gardens.
Bulverde: Vine in the Village is a neighborhood wine bar with a warm, intimate atmosphere and a surprisingly deep pour list. Wednesday evenings feature local singer-songwriters for their "Wine and Waves" acoustic sessions, but the weekend is equally worth a visit for a quieter pace of Hill Country nightlife. If you are looking for something more relaxed than a honky-tonk, this is your move.
Blanco: Milam and Greene Whiskey Distillery opens its tasting room Thursday through Saturday this week from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM. The 2024 Master Distiller of the Year operation offers behind-the-scenes tours and tastings where you can sample spirits and cocktails under large old oak trees on the grounds. If you are already headed to the Blanco square this weekend, this is a worthwhile detour on the way in or out of town.
Community and Events
Blanco: Blanco State Park along the Blanco River is one of the most underrated day trips in the region. The park's spring-fed swimming area is open, the river is running, and the stone dam — built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s — creates one of the most scenic swimming holes in the Hill Country. Entry is $5 for adults and free for kids 12 and under. Paddle rentals are available on-site for those who want to float a stretch of the river without hauling their own gear.
Spring Branch: If you are planning a Saturday morning before the music starts, the Guadalupe River is running clear this week. Guadalupe River State Park offers hiking, wading, and picnicking along the cypress-lined banks. Consider pairing a morning at the park with an afternoon at Desert Spoon or Throwbacks — all three are within a short drive of each other along the 281 and 46 corridors.
The Goal
We keep these updates brief so you can spend less time on your phone and more time enjoying the Hill Country.
See you out there.
— Alex
Hill Country Hot Ticket