The Inside Scoop

The Inside Scoop on Can’t-Miss Events

JOHN BERRY AT THE KENNEY STORE

APRIL 3 Music

John Berry performs and shares the inspiration behind his favorite songs in this raw and unfiltered musical performance. The show includes a delicious meal with a ticket purchase for a complete night out on the town!

thekenneystore.com

THE TEXAS SELECT CUSTOM CUTLERY EVENT

APRIL 6 – 7 Annual

Sharpen your blade and get ready for the largest custom knife show in Texas.

Held at the Austin County Fair Expo Center, this event offers the chance to meet over 150 knifemakers exhibiting from 24 states, including ABS Mastersmiths and History Channel’s Forged in Fire Judges J. Neilson and David Baker.

Spend the weekend learning from vendors, networking with knifemakers and watching the judging and chopping competitions at this family-friendly event—tickets available at the door: $10 adults, $5 kids. Free parking.

texasselectevent.com

SPRING CLEANING AT THE BARRINGTON PLANTATION

APRIL 6 – 7

Arts & Culture, Family-friendly

Help prepare the original 1850s plantation for spring. Roll up your sleeves and chase out cobwebs, scrub the walls, beat the rugs and wax furniture in this authentic cleaning ritual that harks back to the days of old.

thc.texas.gov/historic-sites/ barrington-plantation

THE GREAT AMERICAN ECLIPSE

APRIL 8 Free, Family-friendly The Texas Hill Country is partially in the path of the total solar eclipse, making the region a prime spot to watch the show put on by Mother Nature herself. The eclipse will be visible in the early afternoon, creating nearly two minutes of total darkness as the moon eclipses the sun. Local businesses throughout the Hill Country, Austin County and neighboring areas will host viewing events, but you can take in the show from anywhere — even your backyard. Just remember to purchase eye protection or viewing devices.

greatamericaneclipse.com

FOREVER SIMON AND GARFUNKEL: A TRIBUTE  

APRIL 13 Music  Head to the Barnhill Center at Historic Simon Theatre and join in a musical journey through Simon and Garfunkel’s lyrical catalog, from their early folk music to their top-charting hits. Tickets start at $60 per person. thebarnhillcenter.com 

35TH ANNUAL BURTON COTTON GIN FESTIVAL  

APRIL 20 Free, Family-friendly Take a ride out to the 1914 Burton Farmers Gin, the oldest operating cotton gin in America. Step back in time as you enter this gem of small-town Texas to partake in this free family event featuring a parade, music, contests, games, arts & crafts, food & drink and antique tractor & classic car displays. texascottonginmuseum.org 

5TH ANNUAL CRAWFISH & GUMBO COOK-OFF AND CAR SHOW 

MAY 4 Annual, Family-friendly Come hungry for this fun and lively New Orleans-inspired party at the El Campo Lost Lagoon! Enjoy live music by Whiskey Bent & Trae Cruz and a dazzling Show & Shine Car Show that’ll ride you into the sunset. eclostlagoon.com 

PILLOWS & PETTICOATS: A WOMAN’S ROLE 

MAY 11 – 12 Arts & Culture, Family-friendly Learn what life was like for a woman in the 1850s at the Barrington Plantation. Discover an exciting history while partaking in domestic crafts like sewing, cooking and cleaning. thc.texas.gov/historic-sites/barrington-plantation 

ELVIS! BY VINCE KING AND THE VEGAS MAFIA BAND  

MAY 25 Music Experience what it was like to see Elvis Presley live in concert at the Barnhill Center at Historic Simon Theatre! This Las Vegas headliner won multiple awards, so you know it will be a good show. Tickets start at $50. thebarnhillcenter.com 

BEFORE FREEDOM CAME: A JUNETEENTH REFLECTION  

JUNE 1 – 2 Arts & Culture On Juneteenth, hundreds of thousands of enslaved individuals gained freedom. Get insight into what life was like before Juneteenth on Southern plantations like Barrington during their Before Freedom Came event, chronicling the lives of those who lived on the plantation site. thc.texas.gov/historic-sites/barrington-plantation

BAG OF DONUTS CONCERT 

JUNE 22 Music Get a taste of the Big Easy this summer with a New Orleans original, the Bag of Donuts band. This group is coming to El Campo Lost Lagoon for a day of Crescent City fun. Visitors can get a day pass for just $30. eclostlagoon.com 

THE GRAND OL’ AMERICANA SHOW  

JUNE 29 Music Kick off Independence Day weekend at the Barnhill Center at Historic Simon Theatre’s one-of-a-kind musical variety show. Celebrate summer, comedy and music that defines America with a lively cast and crew. Tickets start at $80. thebarnhillcenter.com 

RECURRING RITUALS  BMGA LUNCH N LEARN SERIES 

THIRD TUESDAYS Free, Recurring, Professional Development Discover agricultural lessons on composting, garden snakes and more during the spring Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Lunch N Learn series hosted by the Bluebonnet Master Gardener Association. austin.agrilife.org 

SEALY CHAMBER LUNCH & LEARN 

FIRST WEDNESDAYS Free, Recurring, Professional Development Want to learn a new skill and connect with fellow community members on your lunch break? Lunch & Learn is the perfect opportunity. Check the chamber website for the latest lectures, or register your business as a host. sealychamber.com

 SEALY CHAMBER THIRSTY 

THURSDAYS  THIRD THURSDAYS Free, Recurring, Professional Development Network with the Greater Sealy Chamber of Commerce at this monthly professional development event. Bring your business card to be entered in a drawing while you connect with new business leaders! Check the chamber website for the latest and to RSVP. sealychamber.com 

FRIENDS OF BLUEBONNET OPRY 

THIRD THURSDAYS Recurring, Music Spend a night at the opry every third Thursday of the month at the Silver Wings Ballroom in Brenham. Doors open at 5:30 PM and music starts at 7:30 PM. friendsofbluebonnetopry.com BELLVILLE FARMERS MARKET FIRST SATURDAYS Recurring, Free Mingle with the community while you shop the freshest produce in Texas. Head to the Jim Bishop Pavilion every first Saturday of the month for the farmers market. Get there early because these goods will sell out! discoverbellville.com 

BELLVILLE MARKET DAY 

FIRST SATURDAYS Recurring, Free Are you on the hunt for a unique find? Head to the streets of downtown Bellville for Market Day. Dozens of vendors selling arts, crafts, antiques and other unique items set up shop, giving you plenty of opportunities to browse, shop and mingle. Come for the shopping and hang out for the live shows. discoverbellville.com 

HAPPY COUSINS DANCE CLUB  

SECOND SATURDAYS Recurring, Music Ready to two-step and do-si-do? Join in the sock hop at the Wallis American Legion for public dancing nights from 7:30 to 11 PM. wallischamber.com 

SEALY DOWNTOWN MARKET 

THIRD SATURDAYS Recurring, Free Shop til you drop in Sealy! The downtown market offers goods from local artisans, farmers and more. It’s the perfect place to connect, shop and entertain yourself! wallischamber.com