Day Trips & Beyond: April Events Roundup 

Sandcastles on the beach. The Texas SandFest in Port Aransas over the weekend of April 18 should be on every Texan’s bucket list to attend at least once. The normally sleepy beach town doubles its population during the festival as artists work for two days sculpting mounds of sand into astonishing shapes. The temporary art is amazing and entertaining. 

The festival began in 1997 as a local fundraiser for the community theatre. Back then most of the competitors were local artists. Now in its 29th year, SandFest attracts sculptors from around the world. There will be 10 Master Solo artists, 5 Duo Master teams, 8 Semi-Pro artists, and 12 sand sculptors who are not competing for the prize money. Most of the competitors travel the world doing commissions, sculpting in snow, or working in other mediums. Returning this year to defend her 2025 Master Solo title is Marie-Line Gagne from Quebec, who started her sculpting career molding snow. In the Master Duo category, Greg Gowdy and Abe Waterman have attended many SandFests and return to try to make it two first place trophies in a row. Along with the art, there will be food vendors, music, sand sculpting lessons, and shopping on the beach. 

April 17-19, Port Aransas, www.texassandfest.org

From the Archives

“Day Trips” first appeared in The Austin Chronicle on April 12, 1991. Even before then I had begun amassing a collection of photographs from around Texas that now numbers in the thousands. Occasionally in the coming months I will highlight a photo that may or may not have previously been published. Hope you enjoy.

It’s a nice country drive to see what’s fresh at the Big Blue Barn at Arnosky’s Farm Stand outside of Blanco. Credit: Gerald E. McLeod

Flower stop. The Big Blue Barn at Arnosky’s Farm Stand turns 20 years old this year. In 2006, the community gathered for an old-fashioned barn raising to construct the landmark building for Pamala and Frank Arnosky. Since 1999 the couple have operated their flower farm at the intersection of scenic FM 165 and FM 2325, halfway between Wimberley and Blanco. They raised their four children at the farm and now welcome six grandchildren, with two more on the way. There’s no telling what you might find in season on a visit to the barn. Depending on the time of year, they’ll have cut flower bouquets, vegetables, bedding plants, vegetable plants, goat cheese, and/or fresh eggs, but there’s always a cool breeze on the back porch overlooking the fields of flowers. The market is generally open daily from 9am to 5pm. Everything is self-serve on the honor system. Bring cash or checks to drop in the red cash box inside the front door. 

Daily, 9am-5pm, Texas Specialty Cut Flowers, Blanco/Wimberley, 13977 FM 2325, www.texascolor.com

Travel Notes:    Bluebonnets are a sure sign of spring. Now if we can get a little rain. Credit: Gerald E. McLeod

Wildflower sightings. This year isn’t shaping up to be a great year for Texas wildflowers. The persistent drought has reduced the number of blooms in all parts of the state, with the eastern portion having the best blooms. To get some direction on where to find the best stands of wildflowers, try the Texas Wildflower Report or TxDOT’s interactive map. To find stands of wildflowers around Washington County, Brenham has a Wildflower Driving Map. For the Highland Lakes area, Burnet has put together a map of scenic drives.

The wait is over. For the first time in more than 25 years, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is opening the gates to a new state park. The long-awaited Palo Pinto Mountains State Park, outside of Strawn and 83 miles west of Fort Worth, is now accepting reservations. The park has 16 miles of multi-use trails, is home to endangered golden-cheeked warblers, and has the 68-acre Tucker Lake. Campsites are filling up fast, with many of most popular sites booked at least through June.

The Official Texas Bison Herd got more room to roam at Caprock Canyons State Park in the Panhandle. Credit: Gerald E. McLeod

Where the bison play. Bravo to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department for adding about 17,500 acres of the unique rugged plains and red-walled canyons of the Caprock Escarpment to the Caprock Canyons State Park and Trailway. The nearly 300 bison that make up the Texas State Bison Herd roam free in the park. Hikers, mountain-bikers, and horseback riders enjoy 90 miles of trails where the skies are not cloudy all day. The expansion of the park came from the Hawkins Ranch of 1,120 acres that was acquired in January 2026. In 2024, TPWD acquired the Rocking W Ranch on the northwest corner of the park, sitting at 1,066 acres.

Star bright. The 2026 Lyrids meteor shower peaks on the night of April 21–22, offering the best viewing between midnight and dawn. With minimal moon interference, look toward the northeastern sky near the constellation Lyra for the best views away from city lights. The meteors can appear anywhere in the sky, but the most concentration will be toward the northeast. Lyrids can produce an average of 10 meteors per hour with surges of up to 100 per hour. 

Other April Events: BIG BEND  Join the star parties at McDonald Observatory outside of Fort Davis. Credit: Gerald E. McLeod

Dark Skies Festival

Explore West Texas’ best dark skies in Alpine, Fort Davis, Presidio, and Terlingua with star parties, night hikes, and telescope demonstrations.

April 13-19, Fort Davis, mcdonaldobservatory.org/festival

Alpine Gem and Mineral Show

Who knows rocks better than West Texas? This free event showcases rocks, rough & finished stones, beads, and tools.

April 17-19, Alpine, www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064703045076

GULF COAST Big pots of mud bugs await you in Port Arthur. Credit: Gerald E. McLeod

Cajun Heritage Festival

Celebrate the shared heritage of Southeast Texas and Louisiana at the Bowers Civic Center with Cajun and zydeco music, authentic regional foods, dancing, contests, and family activities.

April 4, Port Arthur, visitportarthurtx.com/event/cajun-heritage-fest-2

Art Car Parade and Festival

The Orange Show Center for Visionary Art hosts the annual Art Car Parade showcasing artistic creativity at its most unleashed. Festivities include the annual ball, a sneak peek of 100-plus art cars at Discovery Green, the 37th annual Art Car Parade, and an awards ceremony.

April 9-12, Houston, www.thehoustonartcarparade.com

Houston BBQ Festival

Sample smoked meats from more than 25 area barbecue shacks at the Humble Civic Center Arena Complex. 

April 12, Humble, houbbq.com/festivals/hou-2026

The sun illuminates the altar through the window above the entrance to the old Goliad mission once a year. Credit: Gerald E. McLeod

Goliad Illumination

Once a year the setting sun fills the round window on the Mission Espiritu Santo Mission wall and illuminates the church’s altar. 

April 16, Goliad, tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/goliad

Texas SandFest

As the largest master sand sculpting competition in the U.S., this annual festival on the beach attracts some of the most creative pro and pro-am artists. 

April 17-19, Port Aransas, www.texassandfest.org

San Jacinto Day Celebration

Reenactors dressed in period clothing will make the epic events of April 1836 come alive from 10am-4pm.

April 18, La Porte, thc.texas.gov/events/san-jacinto-day-celebration-2026

Birdiest Festival in America

Check out one of the field trips focused on birds of South Texas or enjoy Texas barbecue, live music, and an arts market.

April 22-26, Corpus Christi, www.birdiestfestival.org

Undercurrents

Step into a resonant landscape of voices and light with a new interactive art installation by Rafael Lozano-Hemmer that turns the Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern into an echoing chamber of sound, illumination, and memory, revealing how communication travels across time, space, and human relationships.

April 24–Jan. 24, 2027, Houston, buffalobayou.org

HILL COUNTRY

Balloons Over Horseshoe Bay

The annual hot air balloon festival features a balloon glow, Easter egg drop, skydivers, music, and outdoor activities. Open to resort guests and day-pass holders on Saturday.

April 3-5, Horseshoe Bay, www.hsbresort.com/balloon-festival

Cross Mountain in Fredericksburg was used for signal fires by the Comanche during treaty talks at Easter, starting a local tradition. Credit: Gerald E. McLeod

Easter Fires

The Easter Fires pageant centers around the legend of a pioneer mother as she tries to calm her frightened children who were wondering about the huge fires blazing on the hills by telling them that Comanche signal fires are the Easter bunny preparing eggs for them. 

April 4, Fredericksburg, gillespiefair.com/easter-fires

Fiddle Fest Contest and Concert

This annual contest featuring youth, senior, open, and accompanist divisions is free to enter and free to attend.

April 4, Llano, www.llanofiddlefest.com

Second Anniversary All-Day Party

Senza Maeso, offering a Latin American interpretation of the Italian amaro tradition, is raising a glass to its second anniversary with a free, all-day celebration at its tasting room near Wimberley’s Devil’s Backbone (FM 32).

April 4, San Marcos, www.senzamaeso.com

The 1848 frontier fort comes alive again with family-friendly fun. Credit: Gerald E. McLeod

Frontier Fest

Visitors can test their skills with family-friendly axe throwing and archery activities, enjoy local bands, and relax under the Texas sky with beer, wine, and local food vendors at Fort Martin Scott State Historic Site.

April 4, Fredericksburg, thc.texas.gov/historic-sites/fort-martin-scott

SONGS OF THE OCOTILLO

Lucy Griffith and Darlene Marwitz collaborate in an exhibition mixing poetic and visual art that pays homage to the iconic and beloved plant of the Chihuahuan Desert.

April 10-May 24, Comfort, www.mixhausgallery.com/show/mixhaus-gallery-songs-of-the-ocotillo

Bluebonnet Festival

Celebrate Texas’ state flower with country drives, live music, a carnival, kid-friendly activities, classic cars, great food, shopping, and unique antique finds. 

April 10-12, Burnet, bluebonnetfestival.org

Skateboard Competition

Amateur competitors ages 5 and up show off their best skateboard tricks while spectators cheer them on.

April 11, Kerrville, www.kerrvilletx.gov/1452/Kerrville-Skateboard-Competition

Austin Reggae Festival

At Auditorium Shores, the festival will be headlined by Stephen Marley, Original Koffee, and Iration, alongside a deep lineup featuring Protoje, Jesse Royal, Steel Pulse, Collie Buddz, Tribal Seeds, Zion Marley, and more.

April 17-19, Austin, reggaeriseup.com/texas

Old Settler’s Music Festival Spring Pickin’ Party

The iconic music festival returns to its roots with a weekend of acoustic, jazz, blues, and bluegrass are performed by local favorites and award-winning artists at Camp Ben McCulloch.

April 17-19, Driftwood, oldsettlersmusicfest.org

Born in a basement on the town square in Blanco, the Hill Country brewery celebrates 30 years of making beer. Credit: Gerald E. McLeod

Real Ale Is Turning 30!

The Hill Country’s favorite craft beer and spirit maker marks its third decade with music and drinks from noon to 7pm. Tickets are required for entry.

April 18, Blanco, realalebrewing.com

Red Poppy Festival

The downtown square comes alive with live music, artisan market, family-friendly activities, a parade, and plenty of local food and entertainment.

April 24-26, Georgetown, visit.georgetown.org/events/red_poppy_festival/index.php

Art, Herb, and Wine Festival

This small-town festival showcases wineries, live music, artisan vendors, artist exhibits, free seminars, and live art demonstrations.

April 25-26, Bertram, www.bertramchamber.com/festivals

PANHANDLE PLAINS

Rip’s Ribs Cook-off and Rip’s Wine Festival

Backyard barbecue enthusiasts meet professional cooks at the grill while sipping Texas wines. 

April 11, Eastland, www.eastlandchamber.com/rips-ribs-cookoff

In Turkey, Texas, Bob Wills is still the king. Credit: Gerald E. McLeod

Bob Wills Day

The king of Western swing music is honored in his hometown with concerts, fiddle contests, and more.  

April 23-25, Turkey, bobwillsday.com

PINEY WOODS

East Texas Fire and Nature Festival

A day of nature-based hands-on activities, guided walks, and fly-fishing demonstrations from 10am-3pm. There will be a variety of fire engines and equipment on-site and live demonstrations of prescribed fire.

April 18, Tyler,  tpwd.texas.gov/calendar/events/2nd-annual-east-texas-fire-and-nature-festival

The Steamboat House, where Sam Houston died, will be open for tours. Credit: Gerald E. McLeod

General Sam Houston Day

Visitors can enjoy historical demonstrations, hands-on activities, and period music. Tour the homes the Houston family lived in, and gain access to the Steamboat House and the 19th century period cabins. The events on the grounds and admission into the museum are free.

April 25, Huntsville, www.samhoustonmemorialmuseum.com

Wiggy Thump Festival

The Whiskey Myers band invites fans of the Southern rock to a BYOB outdoor concert with a $30 cooler fee, $10 parking, no folding chairs allowed, and personal bags/purses must be smaller than 12-by-12-by-6 inches.

April 25, Palestine, www.roadhousetickets.com/Ticket/Detail/1136

PRAIRIES AND LAKES Nonstop fun at the Waxahachie Renaissance faire. Credit: Gerald E. McLeod

Scarborough Faire

Celebrating its 45th season with eight weekends of full-combat jousting, birds of prey exhibitions, music and comedy, interactive performances, and an outdoor artisan marketplace. 

April 4-May 25, Waxahachie, www.srfestival.com

Sherwood Forest Faire

The medieval-style fun continues with jousting, vendors, and food 35 miles east of Austin. 

April 4-19, McDade, www.sherwoodforestfaire.com

Ennis Bluebonnet Trails Festival

The Ennis Bluebonnet Trails Fest lasts the entire month of April and covers more than 40 miles of scenic highways. On one special weekend the town celebrates the spring flowers with live music, food, and shopping in downtown. 

April 17-19, Ennis, www.bluebonnettrail.org

Wine & Roses Festival

This culinary and community-focused festival features interactive wine pairing classes, a crowd-favorite Grape Stomp Competition, and a vendor fair spotlighting local artisans.

April 24-25, Bryan, messinahof.com

SOUTH TEXAS Celebrity chefs will take over the outdoor kitchen at the Botanical Garden. Credit: Gerald E. McLeod

Guest Chef Series at the Garden

Chef ambassadors will take over the San Antonio Botanical Garden’s Outdoor Teaching Kitchen with live cooking demonstrations while sharing their stories, showcasing their craft, and highlighting how they help preserve and celebrate cultural traditions.

April 8, 11, San Antonio, sabg.ticketapp.org/portal/product/839/packages

San Antonio Book Festival

This free festival includes over 110 notable local, regional, and national authors who will be participating from 9am to 5pm at the Central Library and UT San Antonio Southwest Campus in downtown.

April 11, San Antonio, sabookfestival.org

A Taste of New Orleans

Let the good times roll at the historic Sunken Garden Theater in the heart of historic Brackenridge Park with music, food, and good times in its 40th year. Event is part of Fiesta San Antonio.

April 17-19, San Antonio, www.saza.org

Ladies State Championship Chili Cook-off

If you know beans about chili you’ll be in Max Starcke Park for one of the most prestigious culinary events of the year, now in its 55th iteration. 

April 18, Seguin, www.tlscco.com

OUT OF STATE

Las Cruces International Film Festival

This annual festival showcases independent films, student work, and industry programming. This year will honor actor Michael Rooker, known for his roles in The Walking Dead and Guardians of the Galaxy.

April 8-12, Las Cruces, NM, lascrucesfilmfest.com

Juke Joint Festival

Celebrate the Mississippi Delta’s musical and artistic heritage with a day of music and a weekend of cultural events. 

April 11, Clarksdale, Miss., www.jukejointfestival.com

Gerald McLeod has been traveling around Texas and beyond for his “Day Trips” column for more than 30 years. Keep up to date with his journeys on his archive page and follow him on Facebook.

The post Day Trips & Beyond: April Events Roundup  appeared first on The Austin Chronicle.