RICH ROSTER OF “OLD SCHOOL” AND “SO COOL” EVENTS MAKE BASTROP
A MUST-VISIT DESTINATION FOR FALL AND THE HOLIDAY SEASON
Bastrop’s end-of-year lineup features fun, spooky and spirited outings for locals and travelers alike
BASTROP, TEXAS (Sept. 8, 2017) – Locals and travelers looking to make memories this fall and winter will have plenty of opportunities to eat, drink and be seasonally merry throughout Bastrop and the Lost Pines Region. Located just east of Austin, this scenic slice of Central Texas offers a rich event roster for all ages and life stages—from traditional fall festivals and classic car shows to holiday happenings and festive feasts.
Scream Hollow Wicked Halloween Park – Sept. 15 to Nov. 4
Get the ultimate Halloween experience at the Scream Hollow Wicked Halloween Park. The park features four haunted houses, the Cackling Witch Café and Bakery and Rabid Bat Vampire Bar—the only vampire-themed beer and wine bar in Texas. Tickets range from $5–$29 and can be bought online or at the park. Open weekends from Sept. 15 to Nov. 4.
Barton Hill Farms: The Fall Festival & Lonesome Dove Maze – Sept. 24 to Nov. 5
Barton Hill Farms welcomes visitors to the 2017 Fall Festival & Corn Maze, featuring the Great Pumpkin Patch, Spookley the Pumpkin Kiddy Maze, live music, food and refreshments, and fun farm games for guests of all ages. Tickets can be purchased online or at the farm. General admission is $14, and children ages 2 and under are free. Open weekends from Sept. 24 to Nov. 5.
Bastrop 2017 Trick or Treat Trail – Oct. 31
The Bastrop YMCA, Bastrop Ministerial Alliance and the City of Bastrop Parks & Recreation, Public Library and Main Street Program have teamed up to bring the second annual Trick or Treat Trail to the downtown district—allowing kids to become costumed characters, safely enjoy fun games and activities, and much more from 5–8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 31.
Heroes, Hotrods & History: Bastrop’s 12th Annual Veterans Weekend Car Show – Nov. 10–11
The Bastrop Area Cruisers car club is honoring American veterans with its Heroes, Hotrods & History: Bastrop’s 12th Annual Veterans Weekend Car Show. Hop in your ride and roll on over for live music, tribute and award ceremonies, and a showcase of flashy classic cars. Proceeds benefit veterans’ organizations, auto tech scholarships and various charities. Enjoy the show from 4–10 p.m. Friday, Nov. 10, and from 7 a.m. – 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 11.
Bastrop River of Lights – Nov. 24 to Dec. 31
Behold the Bastrop River of Lights, with over 100 festive, seasonal displays. Stroll along the Lower Colorado River and enjoy the cheerful variety of lights in seasonal themes that have been illuminating the river’s edge since 2002. The walking trail stretches from Fisherman’s Park to Ferry Park and runs nightly from 6–9 p.m. from Black Friday through New Year’s Eve.
Lost Pines Christmas Wassail Fest & Small Business Saturday – Nov. 25
Shoppers and downtown visitors are invited to get out and warm up at the second annual Wassail Fest. The hot mulled cider will be served throughout downtown Bastrop, and visitors are encouraged to vote for their favorite cider for the coveted People’s Choice Awards. The event is held in conjunction with the American Express Small Business Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 25.
Lost Pines Christmas First Friday Art Walk – Dec. 2
This holiday’s First Friday Art Walk brings together art, live music, dining, Christmas shopping and socializing in a fun and casual environment. You'll see everything from bronzes and sculptures to paintings, photography, mosaics and more—offering options galore for gift-seekers. First Friday Art Walk runs from 5:30–8:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2.
Snow Day – Dec. 2
This year’s Snow Day brings the holiday season—and weather—to Bastrop. With two snow slides and a play area, friends and families can enjoy some holiday cheer and a few snowball fights (even in Texas). Snow Day will also show How the Grinch Stole Christmas and feature food and children’s activities, such as face painting and balloon animals. The event will be held from 1–7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2 in Fisherman’s Park.
The Farm Street Opry: A Country Christmas – Dec. 7
The holiday edition of Bastrop’s monthly Farm Street Opry mixes Christmas cheer with live music in A Country Christmas. Featuring local favorites, as well as Tony Booth—a four-time Academy of Country Music Award winner and fan-favorite on the Farm Street Opry stage—and fiddler/singer Sean Orr. The Farm Street Opry: A Country Christmas will be held at the Bastrop Convention & Exhibit Center. Tickets are available online and at the door for $7.50 for adults with free admission for children under 10. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the show will kick off at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 7.
Holiday Homes Tour – Dec. 9
How about home tours for the holidays? This once-a-year event is one you won’t want to miss—when Bastrop homeowners open their stunning historic homes to the public for the Bastrop County Historical Society’s annual Holiday Homes Tour. Admire these grand residences from 12–5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9.
Lost Pines Lighted Christmas Parade – Dec. 10
Bastrop’s famous Lighted Christmas Parade features more than 100 fanciful floats and local participants lighting up Main Street in this joyful tradition. The annual parade is the culmination of a very merry Lost Pines Christmas season. Join family and friends for this parade of holiday cheer from 6–8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10.
Lost Pines Christmas Sip, Shop & Swirl – Dec. 16
Sip, shop and swirl your way through a winter wonderland in historically hip downtown Bastrop. The Lost Pines Christmas Sip, Shop & Swirl is Bastrop's premiere wine tasting event, featuring a dozen Texas wineries sampling their vino inside of unique local boutiques. Tickets are limited and will be available at the beginning of October. The event will take place from 6–9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16.
Lost Pines Christmas Santa Claus & Ugly Sweater Pub Crawl – Dec. 22
Dress up in your holiday best for this year’s Santa Claus & Ugly Sweater Pub Crawl—an event for those 21 years and up. Tickets are $25 and must be purchased in advance during the month of December. The purchase of a ticket also comes with various holiday concoctions at several downtown establishments. Join in on the holiday fun from 6–9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 22.
Lost Pines Christmas Cookie Crawl – Dec. 23
Downtown merchants will be hosting the inaugural Lost Pines Cookie Crawl, baking up the most delicious treats for jolly old Saint Nick. Sample dozens of cookies at various locations. Pictures with Santa will also be available until the cookies run out. Free admission and family-friendly, from 1–4 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 23.
To learn more about Bastrop and upcoming events, head to www.visitBastrop.com.