The Hill Country Hot Ticket
May 29 -- June 1, 2026
The weekend, distilled -- a curated insider's guide to live music, food, and events across Bulverde, Spring Branch, Canyon Lake, New Braunfels, and Blanco.
Live Music and Nightlife
New Braunfels: Krause's Cafe is stacking the deck this weekend. Friday night brings the Kade Isakson Band to the biergarten from 6:30 to 9:30 PM -- Americana-meets-grunge from a one-man-band out of Idaho who builds full sets on acoustic guitar and blues grooves. Saturday is the main event: Trey Gonzalez takes the outdoor stage from 6:00 to 10:00 PM with his country set, and at 8:00 PM the Masskrugstemmen kicks off -- that's the traditional Bavarian beer stein-holding contest, and it's as entertaining to watch as it is to enter.
Insider tip: The Masskrugstemmen is a legit competition -- you hold a full one-liter stein by the handle, arm extended, and the last one standing wins. Get there by 7:30 PM if you want a good view of the contest area. If you'd rather ease into the weekend, the Saturday morning slot with Luke Leverett (10:00 AM to 1:00 PM) is the quietest patio session of the week.
Blanco: Redbud Cafe keeps the Blanco square alive this weekend with two strong nights. Faux McCoys play Friday from 6:30 to 9:00 PM, and Zydeco Blanco brings accordion-driven Louisiana grooves to Saturday from 6:30 to 9:00 PM. The dog-friendly patio overlooks 4th Street and the courthouse square -- one of the best outdoor dinner spots in the Hill Country.
Insider tip: Thursday night is trivia at Redbud -- two rounds from 6:00 to 8:00 PM with a $40 gift card to the winning team. If you're looking for a midweek reason to drive to Blanco, that's it. For weekend music, arrive by 6:00 PM to grab a patio table before the first set.
Bulverde: Tejas Rodeo Company runs its Saturday Night Rodeo this weekend at 401 Obst Road. Gates open at 5:00 PM, the pre-show starts at 7:00 PM, and the rodeo goes live at 7:30 PM with barrel racing, bull riding, and roping under the covered arena. After the last ride, the live country band takes the pavilion stage at 9:00 PM for dancing.
Insider tip: Arrive when gates open at 5:00 PM and eat at the Tejas Steakhouse before the show -- the KC Steak is worth the early arrival, and by 7:00 PM the food lines get long. Tickets run $49 to $62 and this one sells out on warm-weather weekends, so buy ahead at tejasrodeo.com.
Local Eats and Drinks
New Braunfels: Dry Comal Creek Vineyards runs its Saturday at the Vineyard series this weekend with live music by Tony Taylor and Ryan Snipes from 2:00 to 5:00 PM, plus Uncle's Family Kitchen serving wood-fired pizzas and charcuterie boards from noon to 5:00 PM. Sunday keeps the momentum going with Justin Upshaw and Hannah Swann playing 2:00 to 5:00 PM. Tastings are available both days -- reservations are strongly encouraged as this is their busiest weekend slot.
Insider tip: Dry Comal Creek is 21-and-over only for the tasting room -- no children or infants permitted. If you're planning a couples' afternoon, this is one of the most relaxed settings in the area: live acoustic music, local wine, and a vineyard view with no kids running through the frame. Book your tasting reservation early -- walk-ins are accepted only if space allows.
Bulverde: BlueBird Bread Co. is the Saturday morning move if you're staying local. Fresh-baked bread, pastries, and strong coffee in a quiet Bulverde storefront -- no frills, just quality. It's become a go-to for locals who want to start the weekend without driving to New Braunfels.
Insider tip: Their sourdough loaves and cinnamon rolls move fast on Saturday mornings. Get there before 10:00 AM if you want the full selection.
Community and Events
Spring Branch: The Artisan and Yard Sale Market at Los Compas Food Park sets up this Saturday, May 30, starting at 11:00 AM at 8365 S US Highway 281. Local makers, vintage finds, and the food park's resident vendors make this a solid browse-and-graze stop on a Saturday afternoon.
Blanco: Lavender season is ramping up across the Hill Country. The 21st Annual Blanco Lavender Festival lands June 5-7 at the Old Blanco County Courthouse, and the farms around Blanco are already in bloom. If you're driving through this weekend, the roadside lavender fields between Johnson City and Blanco are worth pulling over for -- the festival itself is free admission and runs Friday noon to 6:00 PM, Saturday 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and Sunday 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
The Goal
We keep these updates brief so you can spend less time on your phone and more time enjoying the Hill Country.
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See you out there.
Alex
Hill Country Hot Ticket