The Hill Country Hot Ticket
May 14 – May 17, 2026
The weekend, distilled. A curated insider's guide to live music, food, and events in Bulverde, Spring Branch, Canyon Lake, New Braunfels, and Blanco.
This Week's Spotlight: Crawfish Boil at The Goat
Spring Branch: The Screaming Goat Yard & Tap is throwing its Annual Crawfish Boil this Saturday, May 16 — and they're making a day of it. First plate hits the table at 12:00 PM, with hot crawfish served by the pound or all-you-can-eat. Live music plays all day, and the Crawfish Eating Contest kicks off at 2:00 PM with entry-fee sign-ups and real prizes on the line.
Insider tip: Entry to the event itself is free — no ticket needed. The smart play is to arrive a little before noon, claim a shaded picnic table near the stage, and pace yourself before the 2:00 PM contest. The yard fills up fast once the first plate goes out.
Live Music and Nightlife
New Braunfels: Whitewater Amphitheater has the biggest show of the spring this Saturday, May 16 — Robert Earl Keen and Friends: Feelin Good Again, with openers Race Ricketts, Coleman Jennings, and Shelby Stone. Doors at 6:30 PM, under the cypress trees and over the river.
Insider tip: This one is moving fast. Park early at the lower lots off River Road — the upper lots fill first and the walk down is the prettier one anyway. Bring a light layer; the river breeze cuts the heat by sundown.
Spring Branch: Anhalt Hall brings Billy Mata to its historic stage this Saturday, May 16 from 7:00 to 11:00 PM. Kids 12 and under get in free, which makes this one of the best family dance-hall nights of the year.
Insider tip: Anhalt's wooden dance floor has been broken in since 1875 — it has the best slide in the Hill Country. Bring boots, not sneakers.
Canyon Lake: High Cotton Texas Tavern keeps its standing Friday and Saturday live-music slots running, 7:00 to 10:00 PM both nights, with SATX BBQ serving on-site.
Insider tip: The patio is the move on a warm night — the inside stage echoes a little, but the patio speakers are dialed in.
Local Eats and Drinks
Bulverde: Cibolo Creek Eatery & Venue is the newest reason to stay in Bulverde for dinner. The space on Bulverde Lane just opened, serving authentic Mexican and elevated Tex-Mex — think street mini tacos in four fillings (arrachera, pastor, beef, carnitas) and a Tampiqueña that's already getting talked about. The patio is built for dinners under the stars.
Insider tip: Order their signature cocktail, the Chizpa, before you look at the menu. It sets the pace for the whole meal — and walk-ins are how this place runs, so go early on Friday or Saturday.
Spring Branch: The Desert Spoon at Spring Creek Gardens is the newest spot in the area worth a Saturday detour. Chef Tatu Herrera (formerly of San Antonio) opened the kitchen inside the garden center this spring, and the 32-bottle wine wall lets you grab a glass and wander the property.
Insider tip: Order the wine by the glass, walk it out to the back-of-property native garden, and you've got the quietest Saturday afternoon in the county.
Community and Events
Blanco: Blanco Market Day returns to the Old Blanco County Courthouse square this Saturday, May 16 from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Third-Saturday tradition, 80+ vendors, full shade under the live oaks.
Insider tip: The food vendors on the south side of the courthouse sell out first — start there, then loop the square.
Spring Branch: Maifest at Anhalt Hall closes out the weekend Sunday, May 17 from 12:00 to 5:00 PM. The Seven Dutchmen Orchestra plays live German polka, traditional dancers perform, and authentic German food is served. Free admission.
Insider tip: Maifest is the one Anhalt event where you'll see four generations on the dance floor at the same time. Bring the kids.
The Goal
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See you out there!
Alex
Hill Country Hot Ticket