The Hill Country Hot Ticket
April 16 – April 19, 2026
Our mission is simple: we cut through the noise to bring you a curated list of the events, music, and local news that actually matter in Bulverde, Spring Branch, Canyon Lake, New Braunfels, and Blanco. No fluff, just the information you need to plan your week.
Live Music and Nightlife
Bulverde: Tejas Rodeo Company kicks off Saturday night the right way with the weekly Saturday Night Rodeo on April 18. Doors open at 5:00 PM and the main show starts at 7:30 PM — bull riding, barrel racing, and team roping come first, then live country music and dancing take over until midnight.
Insider Tip: The rodeo action wraps around 9:30 to 10:00 PM and the live band steps in immediately after. Tickets range from $49 to $62 and this event sells out regularly. Buy in advance at tejasrodeo.com rather than risking the door.
New Braunfels: The Redbird Listening Room is one of the best-kept secrets in the Hill Country. This weekend features Owen Temple on Friday, April 17, at 7:30 PM; Olivia Wolf on Saturday, April 18, at 7:30 PM; and David Starr on Sunday, April 19, at 4:00 PM. All three are worth your time — plan for whichever fits your weekend.
Insider Tip: The Redbird is a true listening room — reserved seating, focused audience, no background noise. Tickets sell out before the weekend, often well before. If you want a seat for Owen Temple or Olivia Wolf, check the website now and book ahead. Walk-in availability is rare for popular acts.
New Braunfels: Dry Comal Creek Vineyards has live music on the patio three days running this weekend. Dean Paul Willeford plays Friday, April 17, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM alongside Q's Place Creole Cooking. Tony Taylor takes Saturday, April 18, from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM with food vendors on site from noon. Owen Stroud closes out Sunday, April 19, at 2:00 PM. Tasting room hours run Thursday through Monday, noon to 6:00 PM.
Insider Tip: Reservations for wine tastings are strongly encouraged on Saturday afternoons and required for the Friday date-night event. Saturday patio seating fills up fast — arrive before 1:30 PM to claim a good spot before Tony Taylor starts. Book through their website.
Blanco: Real Ale Brewing Co. celebrates its 30th Anniversary on Saturday, April 18, from noon to 7:00 PM at 2250 N. US Hwy 281. Live music runs all afternoon with Louisiana Surf Department, Two Legged Dog, Melotheory, and Logan Patt. Specialty anniversary beer releases, vault pulls from the Mysterium Verum archive, food trucks, raffle prizes, and free face painting for kids round out the afternoon.
Insider Tip: Most ticket packages are sold out, but the general admission option is still available at simpletix.com. Kids 15 and under are free with a ticketed adult. Free parking is in the grassy pasture adjacent to the brewery. There is no rideshare service in Blanco, so plan your designated driver in advance.
Local Eats and Drinks
Canyon Lake: Wild Flour Bakery is a reliable Saturday morning stop on the way to the lake. Seasonal pastries, baked goods, fresh-ground coffee, and savory breakfast items fill the case each morning. Weekend crowds are real — arrive before 10:00 AM to get the best selection before it sells out.
Bulverde: BlueBird Bread Co. is a local sourdough microbakery with weekly porch pickups on Thursdays and availability at select area markets. If you missed Thursday pickup, text "BREAD" to 830-228-0308 to get on the weekly order notification list. A loaf from here makes any Hill Country picnic or weekend brunch considerably better.
Community and Events
Bulverde: Musik in the Park runs this Saturday, April 18, at 7:00 PM with the Jesse Stratton Band at Bulverde Community Park (29815 Bulverde Ln). Admission is free. Bring lawn chairs, a cooler, and the dog. No cover, no ticket line — just a free outdoor music night put on for the community.
Blanco: Blanco Market Day fills the Old Blanco County Courthouse Square this Saturday, April 18, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Fifty to seventy local vendors set up with handmade jewelry, leather goods, baked goods, candles, woodwork, art, and more. The timing lines up perfectly — hit the market in the morning, walk the square, and head to Real Ale for the afternoon anniversary celebration.
Spring Branch: The Honey Creek Guided Walk departs from Guadalupe River State Park on Saturday and Sunday mornings at 9:00 AM. This ranger-led hike takes visitors through the protected Honey Creek State Natural Area — a stretch of old-growth Hill Country that most people never access without a guide. Tours fill quickly on spring weekends. Registration is required and should be completed in advance through the park website.
The Goal
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We will see you out there!
The Hill Country Hot Ticket Team