There are two things about the town of Bastrop that you can always count on. One is that it will always be known as “The Most Historic Small Town In Texas,” thanks to the 130-plus buildings and sites admitted into the National Register of Historic Places. The other: Practically every day of the year, you can hear live music being performed by popular bands, local favorites and even your co-workers during karaoke night.
On August 13, 2020, Bastrop proudly earned its certification from the Texas Music Office as a Music Friendly Community, becoming the fifteenth in Texas! Thanks to the tireless efforts of the Bastrop Live Music Foundation, our town's vibrant music scene is always buzzing with fantastic performances and events.
From restaurants and bars to annual festivals and even movie theaters, Bastrop’s lively scene draws music lovers from across the state and the U.S. In addition, you’ll find a variety of other entertainment – including comedy shows, plays and more – in Bastrop. Check out the complete list of entertainment around town. In the meantime, we’ve selected some of our favorites below. Enjoy!
ANNUAL EVENTS
Although the 77th Annual Bastrop Homecoming & Rodeo centers on showcasing the skills of cowboys and cowgirls, there’s much more to do at the event, held July 30-Aug. 3 at Mayfest Park.
In addition to five nights of exciting rodeo action, there will be several tournaments, a grand parade, food and beverages, vendors and live music. The Wyatt C. Ellis Band will have you on your feet as they perform a variety of traditional and current country music from 9 p.m.-midnight on Friday, Aug. 2. The People’s Choice Band, a primarily country band that also performs a selection of pop songs, will be featured from 9:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 3.
One of the most eagerly anticipated events each year is the Bastrop Music Festival, held Sept. 26-29 in Downtown Bastrop. Hear performances in various locations along the lower Colorado River, as the event showcases a mixture of musical genres. Enjoy free concerts during the day – including some children’s shows – and then get kickin’ during paid nighttime concerts.
Where else would you expect to find live music but at the Lost Pines Knife Show! Held from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sept. 28-29 at the Bastrop Convention & Exhibit Center, the family-friendly event will also feature live forging demonstrations and hands-on opportunities, historic artifacts, axe throwing, food and beverages and live music, with performers scheduled to be announced later.
Shake it up during the second annual Shimmy on the Colorado, a belly dance convention held Oct. 11-13 at the Bastrop Convention & Exhibit Center. Presented by Bellydance 4 Everyone, the event offers classes, vendor exhibits and dance shows on Oct. 11 and 12, with the Saturday night event showcasing performers as they dance to a live band. Visit the website to purchase tickets for the evening performances.
This year’s inaugural Festival de la Cultura, held in late-April, was a huge success. A celebration of the rich and diverse Hispanic culture, the festival featured art, dance, food and an amazing lineup of musical performances. Headlined by Grammy Award-winning Little Joe y La Familia, the concerts also featured Del Castillo, Clarissa Serna, The Family Jewelz and others. Keep checking here for 2025 dates and lineups.
LOCAL VENUES
Visitors often come to Bastrop for the live music shows, and most stay to check out the great food and drinks available in area restaurants, bars and distilleries. But why not experience the best of both worlds in one location? You can enjoy fantastic food and beverages while local and regional entertainers perform their musical magic, or perhaps you can make the music yourself.
The husband-and-wife-owned Copper Shot Distillery serves up bands playing live blues, rock, country, folk and more each Friday and Saturday evening from 7-10 p.m. On the second Thursday of each month, musicians can show off their talents during Open Mic. Enjoy the sounds on the spacious back porch while trying some of Copper Shots delicious cocktails, moonshine and more.
When you visit an establishment that’s won awards for both their food and music, you know you’re somewhere special. Neighbor’s Kitchen & Yard, located along the banks of the Colorado River, has been honored for their pizza, live music venue, patio/outdoor area and more. Neighbor’s has a variety of bites, pizza, calzones, salad, sandwiches and more, and, by the way, they showcase live music performances Friday-Sunday evenings. Some of the Bastrop Live Music Foundation concerts are also held at Neighbors.
If southern cuisine with hints of Cajun flavors sounds good, you’ll want to pay a visit to 602 on Main. Housed in a late-1890s building, the restaurant offers a variety of delicious food, a large selection of beer, wine and cocktails, and – each Thursday evening – Karaoke Night starring … you! Enjoy live music performances every Friday and Saturday.
Golfers – or practically anyone – will enjoy the comfortable atmosphere at the Back 9 Bar, located along the Highway 71 corridor. Hit a few balls at the driving range, enjoy a variety of fare from popular food trucks, play yard games and enjoy live music on the weekends. It’s the perfect spot to sit back and relax with family and friends.
The Bastrop Museum & Visitor Center gives attendees a truly unique opportunity. The museum/center hosts a live concert at noon on the third Saturday of the month, providing a great platform for budding musicians to share their sounds. Not only is the concert free, but visitors can learn about the history of music and Bastrop’s colorful past, as well as get information on all Bastrop has to offer, before and after the concert.
Make sure to hold the first Thursday evening of every month open, as the Bastrop Convention Exhibit Center hosts the Farm Street Opry. The family-friendly country music performances feature special guest performers along with the Farm Street Opry Band. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. for the 7 p.m. show. Admission is $7.50, and concessions are available for purchase.
If you’ve never stayed at Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa, you’re missing a world of luxury, activities and all-out fun. But when you’re ready to sit back and relax, check out Maude’s, a laid-back experience located at the resort. Enjoy light food such as flatbreads and other sharable dishes, partake in a delicious cocktail or two and sit on the porch while listening to live music. It doesn’t get any better than this.
THAT’S ENTERTAINMENT!
There are plenty of places to listen to live music, but if you’re looking for a change of pace, Bastrop offers a wonderful mix of entertainment venues.
If live theatre is your thing, check out the historic Bastrop Opera House’s upcoming performances. In August, the whole family will enjoy the tales of a 14-year-old boy looking for adventure and the infamous Long John Silver in Treasure Island. In September, find the kids a babysitter while you laugh out loud during the theatrical adaptation of Mel Brooks’ Young Frankenstein.
You may think a place named Film Alley is where you’d see blockbuster movies, and you’d be right. But this extraordinary venue is so much more than that. Relax in the comfortable theater seating while you watch the latest movies – or step it up a notch and see the movies in ST-Immersive, an incredible cinema technology that boasts a bigger picture, incredible sound and amazing projection. You have to see it to believe it.
Film Alley also features live stand-up comedy on most Saturday nights. Comedians from across the country will have you in stitches during their hilarious monologues which begin at 8 p.m. But wait, there’s more! For maximum fun, Film Alley has 16 bowling lanes, more than 50 arcade games and a full menu and bar.
LIVING IT UP
While you’re enjoying the local music and entertainment options, stay a few extra days and see all that Bastrop has to offer. From beautiful forest scenery to historic landmarks, you’ll find plenty to do to make it worth extending your stay. Bastrop features an abundance of lodging options, so start planning your getaway today.
