The weekend, distilled. Your insider's guide to live music, food, and events across Bulverde, Spring Branch, Canyon Lake, New Braunfels, and Blanco. Summer is running full throttle, Saturday night has a sold-out headliner on the Guadalupe, and the stages across the Hill Country are stacked to match.
Live Music and Nightlife
New Braunfels: Cowboys & Cadillacs has three nights worth showing up for. Friday brings Austin Gilliam with Steven Curd from 8:00 to 11:00 PM, Saturday features Tanner Menegay starting at 8:00 PM, and Sunday winds down with Elysha LeMaster from 6:00 to 7:00 PM.
Insider tip: The rooftop patio is the move on a July night. Get up there by 7:30 Friday if you want a table with a sightline to the stage. The dance floor is spacious, and the sound carries clean to the back bar.
Bulverde: Specht's Texas keeps the outdoor stage busy all weekend. Friday, the AJ Gil Duo plays from 6:00 to 9:00 PM. Saturday doubles up with Sierra Lynn taking the afternoon from 2:30 to 5:30 PM, then Kopia closing it out from 7:00 to 10:00 PM.
Insider tip: This Bulverde Road institution has been standing since 1890. The afternoon Sierra Lynn set is the insider play: same stage, same cold drinks, half the crowd. Post up before 2:00 and you can ride both acts without giving up your table.
Spring Branch: Rebecca Creek Distillery hosts RockFest this Saturday, July 18, featuring Higher, a Creed tribute band, on the saloon stage. Friday brings Fine Tuned Friday with live music and the full spirits lineup, and Sunday rounds it out with Family Sunday Funday.
Insider tip: Book a distillery tour or tasting earlier in the day, then stay for the show. Their Rebecca Creek Blended Whiskey took double gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, and it tastes even better a hundred yards from where it was made.
Local Eats and Drinks
Blanco: Milam & Greene Whiskey operates a tasting room on Carlie Lane with guided tours and a whiskey lineup that has earned national press. The tasting room is open Thursday through Saturday from noon to 8:00 PM. If you are heading to Blanco for Market Day, this is the afternoon stop.
Insider tip: Their Straight Rye finished in port casks has been turning heads at competitions. Tours run regularly on Saturdays. The tasting room is a short drive from the courthouse square, so pair it with the morning market for a full Blanco day.
New Braunfels: Naegelin's Bakery has been open since 1868, making it the oldest bakery in Texas. Kolaches, apple strudel, and fresh bread come out of the ovens daily at 129 S Seguin Ave, and the pastry case alone is worth the detour through downtown.
Insider tip: The apple strudel and sausage kolaches move fast on Saturday mornings. They open at 6:30 AM and close at 5:00 PM on Saturdays, 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM Sundays. Get there early or plan to be disappointed.
Community and Events
Blanco: Blanco Market Day returns to the Old Blanco County Courthouse square this Saturday, July 18, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Fifty to ninety-five vendors line the live oaks with handmade goods, vintage finds, local food, and Hill Country art. Free admission, free parking.
Insider tip: The food vendors on the south side of the square sell out first. Start there, then loop the grounds. Pair the morning market with a Milam & Greene tasting in the afternoon for a complete Blanco Saturday.
On the Radar: Dwight Yoakam brings his band to Whitewater Amphitheater this Saturday, July 18, at 8:00 PM, with openers Wynn Williams and Cam Allen. This one is sold out, but if you have tickets in hand, you are in for the marquee show of the Hill Country summer. Parking is cash only and there is no re-entry, so come ready to settle in for the night.
The Goal
We keep these updates brief so you can spend less time on your phone and more time enjoying the Hill Country.
Know someone who would put this weekend to good use? Forward this their way, or send them to hillcountryhotticket.com to subscribe.
See you out there.
Alex
Hill Country Hot Ticket