The Hill Country Weekend Kickoff
The weekend, distilled — your guide to the best live music, eats, and gatherings across the Hill Country.
LIVE MUSIC & NIGHTLIFE
Fischer: The Honeysuckle is our find of the week — a Hill Country hidden gem perched on the Devil's Backbone, serving Southern plates and craft cocktails with live music on the patio every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 6 to 9 PM. Insider tip: it's named for the Willie Nelson film "Honeysuckle Rose," shot right out here on the Backbone. Roll in for happy hour (half-off appetizers, Wednesday through Friday 3–5 PM) and stay for the sunset and the set. Closed Monday and Tuesday. thehoneysuckletx.com
Bulverde: Twine Bulverde is the neighborhood's easy-going wine bar and bistro on Bulverde Road, and the weekend is when it comes alive — live music on the patio, an extensive wine list, and elevated small plates. Insider tip: the front yard is family-friendly with games, but the indoor lounge is adults-only if you want a quieter glass. twinebulverde.com
New Braunfels: Watering Hole Saloon & Dancehall has been New Braunfels' largest air-conditioned dance hall since 1986, and they keep live music going Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights. Insider tip: this is a real boot-scootin' room — come ready to two-step, and note their 40th anniversary blowout is coming June 18–21. wateringholesaloon.com
Canyon Lake: Maven's Inn & Grill brings live music to its oak-shaded lawn every Friday and Saturday from 6 to 9 PM, with no cover. Insider tip: the patio has misters and fans, so it stays comfortable even on a warm Hill Country evening — and it's family and dog friendly. mavenscanyonlake.com
Spring Branch: Bourbon & Branch is the speakeasy-style cocktail bar on US-281 with up-and-coming local musicians on Friday and Saturday nights, karaoke on Thursdays, and an open mic on Sundays. Insider tip: there's usually a taco truck parked outside — get the al pastor. bourbonandbranchbar.com
LOCAL EATS & DRINKS
New Braunfels: Guadalupe Brewing Company pairs handcrafted beer with Detroit-style pizza and a big outdoor stage. This weekend it's jazz in the garden — Joshua Alderete and friends play Saturday and Sunday, June 6–7. Insider tip: the garden stage is the move on a warm evening; grab a Detroit-style pie and post up near the oaks before the set fills in. guadalupebrew.com
Blanco: Old 300 BBQ on 4th Street is the square's go-to for Hill Country barbecue. Insider tip: get there early — when the brisket's gone, it's gone. Open till 8 PM Friday and Saturday. old300bbq.com
COMMUNITY & EVENTS
Canyon Lake: Dam Red Barn, tucked just below the dam, runs a full week of entertainment — Name That Tune bingo Thursdays, karaoke Friday nights, live music Saturday at 8:30 PM, and acoustic sets Sunday afternoons at 4. Insider tip: the in-house kitchen does Sunday brunch, and Sundays are the all-ages day. damredbarn.com
Comfort: Singing Water Vineyards is worth the drive — award-winning Hill Country wines, food, and live music on a creekside lawn, open Thursday through Sunday at noon. Insider tip: tastings are reservation-only, so book ahead before you make the trip out. singingwater.com
THE GOAL
We keep this short so you can spend less time on your phone and more time out in the Hill Country.
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See you out there.
— Alex / Hill Country Hot Ticket