Family-friendly events give residents and visitors great opportunities to get out and give back

BASTROP, TEXAS (Jan. 26, 2017) – Locals and travelers looking to celebrate with some good old-fashioned fun and memory making should hop in the car and head to Bastrop and the Lost Pines Region. During the month of February, the “Most Historic Small Town in Texas” will feature a fun, family-friendly roster that includes a downtown art walk, live music and local charity events to benefit an elementary school and animal shelter.

Unconditional Love Adoption Specials – Feb. 1-28

To honor the unconditional love of a pet, the Bastrop County Animal Shelter is holding an Unconditional Love adoption special for its furry friends. Throughout the month of February, all adoptions will be half-priced—making it more affordable to celebrate love by offering a forever home to a four-legged pal. Potential pet parents can look through the list of available animals here or visit them at the shelter. To learn more, call 512-549-5160.

The Farm Street Opry – Feb. 2

The Bastrop Convention & Exhibit Center proudly presents The Farm Street Opry, a monthly show featuring local musicians and family-friendly. The February performance will star Zac Clifton, Abigail Taylor, Rian Castillo and the Farm Street Opry Band. The Farm Street Opry is held the first Thursday of every month. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., and the show starts at 7 p.m. Tickets are available at the door. Admission is $7.50 for ages 11 and up, and free for kids ages 10 and under.

Bastrop First Friday Art Walk – Feb. 3

On the first Friday of every month, Bastrop galleries, boutiques and other small businesses stay open late to showcase works of art and wonderful wares during the First Friday Art Walk. Locals and visitors alike are invited to support local commerce and talent by coming down to Bastrop’s Main Street to enjoy a seasoned mix of art, live music, dining and shopping from 5:30-8:30 p.m.

Run for the Bluebonnets 5K/1K – Feb. 18

The 11th annual Run for the Bluebonnets will be held at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 18 starting from Fisherman’s Park in Bastrop. This annual Bluebonnet Elementary fundraiser has garnered community participation over the past decade with more than 400 people attending last year’s run. Runners are eligible to enter into a raffle drawing to win prizes after the race. Trophies will be given to the top three placings per age group in the 5K, and medals will be given to all children participating in the 1K. Early registration fees are $10 for the Kids Run (open to kids ages 12 and under) and $20 for the 5K run. On Feb. 7, fees will increase to $15 and $25, respectively. The last day for registration is Thursday, Feb. 16.

Empty Bowl Project – Feb. 25

This year’s Empty Bowl Project, hosted by the Bastrop County Emergency Food Pantry & Support Center, continues the annual national initiative to increase awareness of and support for impoverished communities. In the spirit of healthy competition, Bastrop County’s restaurants and caterers gather at the Bastrop High School cafeteria while attendees sample their soups, chilis and stews from pottery bowls decorated by Bastrop ISD students. Community members can also listen to local music and shop the silent auction. All proceeds and donations from the event support the food pantry’s services. The Empty Bowl Project will be held from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 25.