SEPTEMBER

  September 13 - Caldwell
30th ANNUAL KOLACHE FEST-IVAL... Downtown on the Courthouse Square, enjoy kolaches, food and craft vendors, Czech bands, quilt show, Antique Tractor Show & car show. FREE. (979) 567-0000. www.BurlesonCountyTX.com.  festival@burlesoncountytx.com.

  Sept 20–21, Oct 18–19, Nov 15–16, Dec 3–4 - New Braunfels
OLD GRUENE MARKET DAYS... Shop the exceptional handmade quality of sculptors, potters, jewelers, unique crafts-man & specialty Texas-made foods, while enjoying live entertainment & 25 specialty stores & restaurants. Historic Old Gruene. www.GruneneMarketDays.com. (830) 832-1721. www.GrueneTexas.com.

  September 13–20 - Brenham
146th ANNUAL WASHINGTON COUNTY FAIR... The “Oldest County Fair in Texas” features Shows, Rodeos, Music and Fun! Nashville entertainment, carnival, crafts, food, livestock & poultry auctions, commercial exhibits & attractions. For additional details, visit website www.washingtoncofair.com, or call (979) 836-4112.

  Sept 18, Oct 16, Nov 20, Dec 18 Gruene Historic District / New Braunfels - COME AND TASTE IT... Meet Texas’ best winemakers & craft brewers at The Grapevine in Gruene Historic District on the third Thursday each month. Complimentary tastings of craft beer & three select wines, plus samples of food offered for sale. Event features live music and prize giveaways. (830) 606-0093 or www.GrapevineinGruene.com.

  September 20 - San Marcos
JUNIOR TEXAS WATER SAFARI... This is a 16-mile race for young canoeists and kayakers held annually on the third Saturday of September on San Marcos River. The adventure begins at City Park and ends in Staples. Registration:  8am at City Park. Free for spectators. Visit www.toursanmarcos.com, or call (888) 200-5620.

  Sept 25–October 12 - Brenham
UNITY THEATRE PRESENTS “BOEING BOEING”...  A hilarious ride in this classic swinging ’60s farce, full of flirtatious hijinks, slamming doors and utter confusion! Call for tickets. Unity Theatre, 300 Church St. (979) 830-8358. For details: www.unitybrenham.org or Tickets@UnityBrenham.org.

  September 26–October 4 - Burton
LABAHIA ANTIQUE SHOW @ LABAHIA HALL... LaBahia Antique Show (during the Round Top Festival) at 8am with dealers across the country offering a wide variety of antiques, collectibles, vintage items and porcelain restoration at the show. Country cooking all day. Free admission & parking. LaBahia Hall at 290W/237TX, Burton, TX. 979-289-2684. www.labahiaantiques.com.

  September 28 - Serbin
26th WENDISH FESTIVAL... Held at the Texas Wendish Heritage Museum Complex & historic St. Paul Lutheran Church —one of Texas’ Painted Churches. A fun, family-oriented day features music by THE OAK WILT BOYS. Offering delicious foods, including homemade Wendish noodles. Competitions, kid’s activities, car show & vintage machinery, demos, exhibits & more. Free admission. www.texaswendish.org. (979) 366-2441. wendish@bluebon.net.

  September 27–28 - Bryan
TEXAS REDS STEAK & GRAPE FESTIVAL... This signature event tempts all ages to experience tasty Texas wines & dine on steak specialties. Enjoy arts & crafts, grape stomp, steak grilling cook-off, Kid's Zone, and five stages of live music. Historic Downtown Bryan. Free. For more info, visit www.texasredsfestival.com, or call (979) 822-4920.

OCTOBER

  October 1–4 - Round Top
ORIGINAL ROUND TOP ANTIQUES FAIR... One of the “10 Best Antique Fairs in the Country” by Better Homes & Gardens Magazine. Over 350 upscale antique vendors across four location sites. Championship barbeque & acres of free parking. $10 admission fee covers all days. For details: (888) 273-6426 or www.roundtoptexasantiques.com.

  October 4 - Cameron
40th ANNUAL ARTS & CRAFTS FAIR AND 20th FUN RUN... Join us for a full day Saturday Under the majestic oaks in downtown’s City Park. Discover diverse artisan treasures form across central Texas. Booth fees: $45 (15x15). Contact: Chamber of Commerce, PO Box 432, Cameron TX 76520. Email chamber@cameron-tx.com; fax (254) 697-2345; www.cameron-tx.com ; or call (254) 697-4979.

  October 9–11 - Gruene
Historic District / New Braunfels
28th ANNUAL GRUENE MUSIC & WINE FEST... This Americana event benefiting local charities features the best in live Texas music and the best in Texas food and wines at Gruene Hall and The Grapevine. All four days are filled with vintner and music events, wine, food & beer samplings and the Great Guitar Auction. For tickets & info, visit www.gruenemusicandwinefest.org, or call (830) 629-5077, or toll free from San Antonio (830) 606-1601.

  October 11 - Burnet
FORT CROGHAN FESTIVAL... The 1870-1880s period is celebrated on the grounds of historic Fort Croghan with old-time skills demonstrations, including lye soap-making, rope-making, quilting, and much more. Free admission & free parking. (512) 756-8281.

  October 11 - Anderson
TEXIAN DAY… Experience a day at an 1850’s stagecoach inn. Hear hammers of the blacksmith ring out, watch spinners & weavers ply their trade, listen to beautiful dulcimer music, and other period presentations. Stage-coach rides are weather-dependent. 10am-3pm. Fanthorp Inn State Historic Site. FREE admission; suggested donation of $10 adults & $5 children for stage rides. For details: (936) 873-2633 or www.birthplaceoftexas.com.

  October 11–12 - Chappell Hill
CHAPPELL HILL SCARECROW FESTIVAL... Stroll through this historic town, and enjoy over 400 juried vendor booths of home decor, gardening, jewelry and pet accessories. Plus great food, entertainment, and numerous children’s activities, including pumpkin decorating contests. Come for “best family fun in the state.” 1-888-BRENHAM. www.chappellhillmuseum.org.

  October 18 - Burton
11th ANNUAL BARN DANCE AND DINNER GALA... Burton Cotton Gin Museum hosts a gala dinner & barn dance with music by the Bret Graham Band. Dinner 6pm-11pm. Tickets $50 per person. Proceeds used to maintain & preserve Historic Burton Farmers Gin. Held at La Bahia Hall in Burton. (979) 289-3378. www.cottonginmuseum.org.

  October 24–26 - Kerrville
KERR COUNTY FAIR... Exhibits, petting zoo, cook-off, bull riding, dance, carnival & midway, children’s activities, stage entertainment, vendors, food & beverages, something for everyone! Hwy 27 East. In its 31st year! www.kerrcountyfair.com. (830) 257-6833.

  October 24– 26 - Flatonia
CZHILISPIEL 42... Come celebrate the 41st Annual Czhilispiel as the historic area of the town is once again blocked off for all to enjoy 3 days of live entertainment, CASI Czhili Cook Off, BBQ Cook Off, Tented Biergarten, Food, Arts/Crafts, Special Events, Grand Parade, Carnival & much more. Czech Us Out! www.flatoniachamber.com. www.Czhilispiel.com. (361) 865-3920.

  October 25 - Elgin
27th HOGEYE FESTIVAL... Texas’ biggest small-town block party. 10am to 6pm. “The Sausage Capital of Texas” presents live music, handmade arts/crafts, carnival, cow-patty bingo, car show, kid’s activities, BBQ Po1rk Cook-off, royal coronation & more! Historic Downtown. On Hwy 290, just 19 mi. east of Austin. hogeye@ci.elgin.tx.us (512) 285-5721. www.hogeyefestival.com.

  October 25–26 - Gruene Historic District / New Braunfels
22nd ANNUAL TEXAS CLAY FEST ...Respected potters and sculptors from around Texas display, sell their wares and demonstrate a variety of techniques. Hands-on activities available for children. (830) 629-7975. www.texasclayfestival.com.

NOVEMBER

  November 8–9 - Gruene Historic District / New Braunfels
31st ANNUAL TOUR DE GRUENE BICYCLE CLASSIC... Participants enjoy a leisurely ride through the Texas Hill Country or competitive time trials with prizes for the best course records.  Also free live music at Gruene Hall in Gruene Historic District. To register: (210) 862-3524. www.tourdegruene.com.

  November 8–9 - Georgetown
17th ANNUAL HILL COUNTRY ARTS & CRAFT FAIR... Sat 9am-4pm & Sun 11am-4pm. Over 100 booths of juried artists that hand craft and home make all their art, perfect for holiday giving. For seventeen years, the crowds have come to enjoy some of the finest shopping in Central Texas. #2 Texas Drive, Georgetown TX (5 miles west of I-35 on Williams Drive/FM 2338). For inquiries: (512) 948-7393.

  November 8 - San Marcos
VETERAN'S DAY CELEBRATION... The community of San Marcos pays tribute to military war heroes with a parade & celebration through the streets of downtown. Admission is free and the parade starts at 10:00 am. For more information, visit www.toursanmarcos.com, or call (512) 393-8400.

  November 21–22 - College Station
CELEBRATE THE WORLD AT BRAZOS VALLEY WORLDFEST... Enjoy culture displays, salsa judging contest, storytelling, international cuisine, arts/crafts, demonstrations, live performances,  vendors, Latin music & dance lessons on Friday 6pm & more. 10am-5pm. Wolf Pen Creek Park. www.brazosvalleyworldfest.org.

  November 22 - Brenham
HOLIDAY HOME TOUR... Tour historic homes beautifully decorated for the holidays, and shop for holiday gifts. Shopping hours are 10am-6pm. Home tours 1pm-4pm both days. Giddings Stone Mansion, 2203 Century Circle, Brenham. 1-888-BRENHAM, (979) 836-1690 or www.giddingsstonemansion.com.

  November 29 - Anderson
TWILIGHT FIRELIGHT AT FANTHORP…Celebrate the holiday season with a journey back to the 1850s! Enjoy the ambiance of the candlelit inn, period music, living history, poetry, stagecoach rides, and holiday fare. 4:30-7:30pm. Tickets sold in front of Courthouse 4:30-7:30pm. Fanthorp Inn State Historic Site. (936) 878-2214. www.birthplaceoftexas.com.

DECEMBER

  December 1, 5, 6 - Flatonia
CHRISTMAS IN FLATONIA...Dec 1 Christmas Village Lighting & Santa; Dec 5 - Wonderful Winter Wine Walk (5pm-9pm); and Dec 6 - Christmas Market, Cookie/Candy Carnival and Santa. Civic Center 9am-4pm. 208 E. N. Main St. Exit 661 on I-10. (361) 865-3920. www.FlatoniaChamber.com. flatoniacofc@sbcglobal.net.

  December 3–6 - San Marcos
28th ANNUAL SIGHTS & SOUNDS OF CHRISTMAS... Get the entire family into the Christmas spirit by joining in on the fun-filled activities at Sights & Sounds. Start your Christmas shopping early at the arts & crafts marketplace, visit Santa's village, ride the carousel, view a live nativity scene and enjoy holiday foods. Admission: free for kids 12 & under; adults $5 nightly. For more info: www.toursanmarcos.com or (512) 393-8400.

  December 4–21 - Brenham
UNITY THEATRE PRESENTS “PLAID TIDINGS”... The hilarious, heavenly For-ever Plaid quartet returns to earth in this holiday treat wrapped up in a harmonious package with a big bow on top! Unity Theatre, 300 Church St. www.unitybrenham.org. Tickets@UnityBrenham.org. (979) 830-8358.

  December 5 - Brenham
DOWNTOWN CHRISTMAS STROLL AND LIGHTED PARADE... Enjoy live entertainment and holiday shopping as you stroll the beautifully-lighted streets of Historic Downtown Brenham. The downtown lighted parade is sure to put everyone in the holiday spirit. Free admission & free parking. 1-888-Brenham. www.downtownbrenham.com.

  December 6 - Cameron
CHRISTMAS PARADE... Join us for Cameron's Annual Christmas Parade and fun in the decorated historic square of downtown Cameron. Get a snack at the food booths, listen to the music and have your picture taken with Santa. Festivities start at 5:30 pm, with parade at 6:30 pm. What a great way to recapture your childhood Christmas spirit with lights, music, floats & Santa! www.cameron-tx.com. (254) 697-4979.

  Dec 11–13 & Dec 18–20 - Canyon Lake NORTH POLE VILLAGE... Discover the magic of Christmas where children can write a letter to Santa, pet puppies, adopt a toy, go “fishing”, select Library books, make a craft, decorate cookies, get their face painted, go on a hayride, see a nativity and sit on Santa’s lap! 6pm-9pm. CRRC Recreation Center, 125 Mabel Jones Dr., Canyon Lake, TX. (830) 964-2324. www.crrcofcanyonlake.org.

  December 13 - Burnet
CHRISTMAS AT FORT CROGHAN... Costumed interpreters present the heritage of Fort Croghan with holiday decorations typical of the late 1800’s period. 5:30-8:30pm. Free admission & free parking. Fort Croghan Museum & Grounds, 703 Buchanan Dr. (TX29 West). (512) 756-8281.

JANUARY

  January 17, 2015 - Brenham
UPTOWN SWIRL... Treat yourself, your spouse & your friends to a fun afternoon and evening of sipping wine and swirling through historic Downtown Brenham from 3-7pm. For a small fee, enjoy a tasty wine sampling and a collectible wine glass. For additional details, visit www.BrenhamUptownSwirl.com. To order tickets, call (979) 337-7384.  v