Traditions run deep in Dripping Springs, and newcomers learn quickly that goes for the residents’ sense of community all the way down to the tiniest of details involved in annual festivals and events.
If you’re new to the area or haven’t yet visited The Wedding Capital of Texas™, you can expect to find activities throughout the year that showcase Dripping Springs’ heritage and pride as well as the many vineyards, distilleries and breweries that lend to its nickname, Sipping Springs. From Dr. Pound’s Homestead illustrating the founding family to the Founders Day Festival each spring, there is historic culture and plenty to experience for all ages.
Quickly approaching in the middle of the holiday season is Christmas on Mercer. The sights and sounds of Dripping Springs’ annual kickoff to Christmas is the first Saturday in December each year. On Saturday, Dec. 5, Historic Mercer Street in the downtown area transforms into a hometown holiday festival featuring holiday shopping, arts and crafts booths, live entertainment, a petting zoo, trackless train, pony rides, children’s activities, Santa’s arrival and more. Hosted by the Dripping Springs Lions Club and the City of Dripping Springs, the festival admission is free to the public.
This year’s event will be scaled back to comply with social distancing and crowd limitations, but there’s no stopping the overflowing spirit and enthusiasm of vendors, artisans, residents and visitors.
Other events you should watch for in the coming year:
Pioneer Day – Each May, Dr. Pound Historical Farmstead in Dripping Springs holds a living history event featuring pioneer life in the Texas Hill Country. One of the largest showcases of Texas history, the activities are perfect for the entire family. You can expect demonstrations, reenactments, children’s crafts and games, food, and shopping with local artisans to beekeepers, weavers, story tellers, horse-drawn wagon rides, blacksmith demonstrations, and some of the best bluegrass bands in Texas. Contests such as a Pie Cookoff and Quilt Making add to the fun. A modest admission makes it affordable to even the largest of families.
Founders Day - The annual Founders Day Festival is the city’s largest event each April. Thousands of people gather in Dripping Springs’ historic downtown district for a festive celebration of heritage and pioneer spirit. The three-day celebration kicks off with the Grand Parade and includes free music and entertainment, the Mighty Thomas Carnival, food, beer, street dances, BBQ cook-off competitions of 130+ teams, and more than 150 arts and crafts booths and business vendors.
Dripping Springs Fair and Rodeo - For more than 75 years, the finest professional cowboys come to town each July for the Dripping Springs Fair and Rodeo. Along with all the CPRA Rodeo events and mutton bustin’, the event features food, live music, entertainment and arts and crafts vendors.
Dripping Springs Songwriters Festival - Each October, Dripping Springs welcomes more than 45 songwriters from around the world. Featuring intimate performances on six stages, this free three-day extravaganza highlights a wide array of songwriting talents. From Grammy winners and nominees to Nashville Hall of Famers, and Billboard toppers, there is something for every musical taste.
Known for its Texas hospitality and Hill Country charm, Dripping Springs prides itself on hosting a wide range of community events. Whether it’s spring, summer, fall or winter, you’re sure to find a festival or event that will become your favorite of the year. To learn more about Dripping Springs events and tourism attractions, visit DestinationDrippingSprings.com.
PHOTO by Teagan Krewson- @tea.photos.atx