Texan Magazine
By Nancy Foster
Kerrville has always been a hotspot for Texans — and for good reason. For some, it’s an escape from big city life, where gently rolling hills, winding roads and the flowing waters of the Guadalupe River make for an idyllic quick getaway – or even a second home. Kerrville is also an easy day trip from anywhere in the Hill Country. This small city mixes history and culture with nature and tosses in friendly residents that make you feel welcome.
Browse the charming, historic downtown, grab some food for a picnic at the park, go fishing, hiking, shopping at the flagship James Avery retail store, or enjoy a really good meal at one of the locally-owned restaurants (many offer pretty river views, so plan for a leisurely al fresco dining experience). A bonus reason to visit is the abundance of things to do. Week in and week out there are so many events, exhibitions and festivals that it sometimes makes it difficult to choose – especially in the fall when the weather is mild and leaves are brilliant. We’ll give you a few choices so you can plan in advance – and maybe stay for the weekend.
CAILLOUX THEATER
Downtown Kerrville is rich in culture, and the hub of it all is the beautiful 800-seat Kathleen C. Cailloux City Center for the Performing Arts. A stellar lineup of shows, plays and concerts kicks off with a wine and cheese celebration on Sunday, July 23 to announce the 2023/24 season of The Cailloux performance international performing arts series. And, mark your calendar for September 29th when long-time country/rock legends, “Exile” appear in concert at 7:30 p.m. caillouxperformingarts.com
MUSEUM OF WESTERN ART
September 8 – 9 – Love western art? Here’s your chance to add to your collection as the Museum of Western Art celebrates its 40th Annual Roundup Exhibition and Sale with two days of public daytime events, a ticketed steak dinner/awards banquet in their beautiful outdoor pavilion and a Saturday evening quick-draw sale of art showcasing the talents of over 60 of the most respected western artists in the U.S. The exhibit will remain up through October 28th but the weekend is well worth attending. Info at: museumofwesternart.com
RIVERSIDE NATURE CENTER RUN
September 9 – If you’re into running, the Run for Riverside 5K should be on your “gotta do it” list. It will kick off at 8:00 a.m. at Riverside Nature Center and follow the course along the picturesque City River Trail adjacent to the Guadalupe River. Pre-register at https://www.athleteguild.com/event/kerrville-tx/2023-run-for-riverside-5k-run-and-walk
KERR ARTS AND CULTURAL CENTER
September 18 – 23, How fun! Paint Kerrville! is a plein air painters’ event hosted by the Outdoor Painters Society and the Kerr Arts & Cultural Center. Artists from all over the U.S. come to capture the unique Kerrville landscapes and buildings on canvas, and here’s your chance to view their creations at the VIP ticketed reception on September 22 and buy some fabulous art! kacckerrville.com
TEXAS ARTS AND CRAFTS FAIR
September 23-24 – Who doesn’t love fairs? The 2023 Texas Arts and Crafts Fair celebrates its 51st year with over 150 Texas artists, craft makers, musicians and demonstrators that showcase and sell their fabulous original art and crafts creations. Held on the grounds of the beautiful Hill Country Arts Foundation in Ingram (the next-door neighbor to Kerrville), this fair, known as Texas’ Official State Arts and Crafts Fair, attracts thousands who enjoy the art, presentations from the Army Camel Project, a slew of live musical acts and lots of good eats from regional food trucks. Make sure to see the permanently-based Stonehenge II sculpture! txartsandcraftsfair.com
SYMPHONY OF THE HILLS
October 4 – Music lovers will be delighted by the wondrous Symphony of the Hills, a 75-piece orchestra bringing classical and pops performances to the downtown Cailloux Theater. The kick-off concert to their 23rd season of five originally-programmed concerts will be the world-premiere commission in honor of Schreiner University’s Centennial Celebration. symphonyofthehills.org
WELCOME HOME FEST
October 12 – 15 – the third Welcome Home Fest, a family-friendly event produced by the Kerrville Folk Festival Foundation, will be held on the grounds of Quiet Valley Ranch in Kerrville. Musical talent includes The McMercy Family Band, Kinky Friedman, Laraaji, Grace Rowland (of the Deer) and Michael Hurley. kerrvillefolkfestival.org/welcome-home-fest
ECLIPSE
October 14 may well be a hectic time in Kerrville. In addition to the events mentioned here, this is also the day of the annular eclipse and Kerrville is in its direct path. NASA has selected the city as one of only three U.S. sites chosen as primary partner locations where they will cover the spectacle live. Gearing up for tens of thousands of visitors is on everyone’s minds, and many hotels/RVs/Campgrounds and B&Bs are already booked; however, the welcome mat will still be out. A plentitude of activities is planned including the Kerrville River Festival held by the banks of the Guadalupe River at Louise Hays Park, where locals and visitors will revel in tons of music, food, entertainment – and spectacular fireworks to end the day.
KERRVILLE CHALK FESTIVAL
October 14 – 15 – Situated on the historic and well-appointed downtown square, The Kerrville Chalk Festival will surely capture the imaginations of the young and young at heart. Watch as more than 65 artists from across the U.S. create massive chalk murals directly on the pavement for all to enjoy. The temporary masterpieces take two days to complete but are washed away with the next rain. Live music, gourmet food trucks, and locally crafted wine and beer are served throughout the weekend. kerrviillechalk.org
TEXAS FURNITURE MAKERS SHOW
November 2 – December 15 – Want to be wowed? Then definitely do not miss the amazing Texas Furniture Makers Show held at the Kerr Arts & Cultural Center. Come view exquisite one-of-a-kind, handcrafted furniture, accessories and home décor made by the best craftsmen in Texas….then buy a piece or two for your own home or office. Everything is heirloom worthy! kacckerrville.com
Have enough ideas? Plan now for a fun escape to beautiful Kerrville, and if you need lodging, dining and attraction info, visit the Kerrville Convention & Visitors Bureau site at www.kerrvilletexascvb.com. Remember, the welcome mat is always out in Kerrville!
Nancy Foster has authored more than 400 articles for national, regional and local magazines and newspapers including regular contributions to Allegiant Airlines in-flight magazine, My Non-Stop Life. She heads Foster Tourism Marketing based in Kerrville and has clients in the hotel and attraction industry, including the Museum of Western Art in Kerrville.
