Day Trips & Beyond: July Events Roundup

Political opinions come and go and are often misunderstood. Neighborly love is never out of fashion and is always patriotic. Happy 250th, America. 

The Piano Bridge, an old iron bridge over the East Navidad River outside of Dubina. Credit: Gerald E. McLeod

Drive me a tune. As you come around a bend in Fayette County Road 480 (Piano Bridge Road) outside of Dubina, the iron frame of the Piano Bridge comes into view among the thick foliage on the banks of the East Navidad River. The road is barely wide enough to accommodate two modern vehicles, and the bridge can only handle one car at a time. A lifeline to area farmers, the bridge was built in 1885 by the King Iron Bridge & Manufacturing Company of Cleveland, Ohio. The iron-truss bridge got its name because when a vehicle drove over it the loose wooden planks made a rhythmic, thumping noise. It also was built with a piano-wire truss design using vertical cables to secure the bottom rail. In 2011, the historic bridge was nearing the end of its life. Rather than replace the bridge, locals convinced the Texas Department of Transportation to rehabilitate the structure. Unfortunately, the work to save it included securing the loose wooden planks, and the bridge no longer plays a tune. 

The bridge was a link on the road between Dubina and High Hill, two farming communities settled by immigrants. Established in 1856, Dubina was the first Czech settlement in Texas. The name means “oak grove” in Czech. Saints Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church, 2 miles from the Piano Bridge, was founded in 1876. The current church opened in 1912 after the original was destroyed in 1909. It is one of the famous “Painted Churches of Texas,” 20 churches with elaborately painted sanctuaries, six of which are in the Schulenburg area. On July 5, the church celebrates its 170th anniversary with a picnic and Polka Mass. There will be “Dubina-style” fried chicken and sausage dinners for sale, as well as bingo, a classic car show, and free dancing under the pavilion from noon to 7pm.

Dubina and the Piano Bridge are 7 miles northeast of Schulenberg on FM 1383. To find the Piano Bridge, go west from the church on Piano Bridge Road. 

July 5, Sts. Cyril & Methodius Shrine Feast, Dubina, www.facebook.com/dubinachurchpicnic

From the Archives

“Day Trips” first appeared in The Austin Chronicle on April 12, 1991. Even before then I had begun amassing a collection of photographs from around Texas that now numbers in the thousands. Occasionally in the coming months I will highlight a photo that may or may not have previously been published. Hope you enjoy.

Center-pivot irrigation near Montague. Credit: Gerald E. McLeod

Crop circles. Flying over the Texas Panhandle, much of the land looks like a board game for some unseen god. Circles of green and gold bump into each other. On the ground, giant sprinklers called center-pivot irrigation, or CPI, slowly make their way around the field, the nozzles spraying a light rain of water just above the crops. Invented in 1940 by Frank Zybach, a Colorado farmer, the irrigation system made marginal agricultural land around the world more productive. Basically, the system involves a well at the center pumping groundwater through a pipe mounted on wheeled towers to a series of sprinkler heads. Each tower has its own motor that turns the wheels at a steady rate, usually about 6-10 feet per minute. It takes from 14 to 21 hours for one rotation of a half-mile diameter circle. While CPI has many advantages in agriculture, all those straws in the Ogallala Aquifer, which underlies some 175,000 square miles from south of Lubbock to southern South Dakota, are draining the underground reservoir faster than it can be replenished. Areas on the Texas High Plains are already seeing the groundwater being depleted. 

Crop circles from the air near Amarillo. Credit: Gerald E. McLeod Travel Notes:    Find a place to cool off this summer at a state park like Balmorhea. Credit: Gerald E. McLeod

State waters. This time of year, almost any day trip must include a place to experience cool water. Some of the best swimming holes are in our state parks. Whether along a lake or river, on the coast, or in a cement pond, state parks offer a long list of ways to cool off this summer. 

Bullock Texas State History Museum, Austin. Credit: Gerald E. McLeod

Local flavor. Whether it is to celebrate the harvest of a local crop (strawberries, blueberries, watermelons, yams, or bluebonnets) or a regional tradition (rodeos, swimming pools, children’s literature, mud daubers, sand, films, or cars), favorite foods (kolaches, onions, hot sauce, beer, or wine), or music (blues, folk, bluegrass, country, jazz, and polka), Texans love their community festivals. Now through Sept. 27, the Bullock Texas State History Museum in Austin celebrates local celebrations with “Texas Festivals: Creating Community Through Celebration.” The exhibition features a mix of artifacts and regalia from across Texas. Where else can you attend 27 festivals in one place?

Take a self-guided tour of Waco’s public art like the Sumatran Tiger in the Sculpture Zoo. Credit: Gerald E. McLeod

The People’s art. Murals, sculptures, painted utility boxes, and more are a part of Creative Waco’s new Public Art Map. The online guide shows where the artwork is located and gives a deep dive into information about the artist and art. A portion of the map is made up of the Sculpture Zoo along the Brazos River in Cameron Park, but there are some hidden gems. It’s a fun way to explore the town. 

Ghost Note Brewing Company on RR 12 outside of Dripping Springs Credit: Gerald E. McLeod

Craft beer drinkers unite. You might have read a story recently about how craft breweries are struggling. There are several reasons why independent brewers are being squeezed, from oversaturation of the market to tariffs on raw materials. I know it’s probably silly, but I had the thought that if we recycled more aluminum, would it help craft brewers by lowering the cost of cans? Aluminum cans can be recycled an infinite number of times, unlike plastic or paper. Recycling aluminum uses 95% less energy and costs only $0.20 to $0.50 per kilogram compared to virgin aluminum production costs of roughly $2.50 to $3.50 per kilogram. If we all made an effort to reduce the millions of aluminum cans dumped in landfills, or worse, thrown on city streets, it could mean fewer unsightly roadways and cheaper beer. I know, it’s probably silly and unlikely. Of course, the best way to support your local brewer is to quaff a couple of pints in their taprooms. Take a day trip to help these craft brewers: Save the World Brewery in Marble Falls, Ghost Note Brewing outside of Dripping Springs, Fredonia Brewery in Nacogdoches, Roughhouse Brewery outside of San Marcos, or one of the approximately 447 craft breweries operating in Texas. 

Other July Events: BIG BEND  The Starlight Theater in Terlingua is one of the venues hosting music during the annual music festival in West Texas. Credit: Gerald E. McLeod

Viva Big Bend

The 15th annual music festival features more than 65 shows in a wide range of musical genres at venues in Alpine, Marfa, Marathon, Terlingua, Presidio, and Fort Davis.

July 22-26, various locations, vivabigbend.com

GULF COAST

Mayor’s Big Bang Celebration

Celebrate Independence Day on the waterfront with a day of free, family-friendly events including a patriotic ceremony, coastal food experiences, live music, and community activities, concluding with a spectacular fireworks show over the bay at 9:30pm.

July 4, Corpus Christi, www.visitcorpuschristi.com/big-bang

Art Festival

Since 1969, local artists have sold their works to patrons visiting the coastal art community on Fourth of July weekend. 

July 4-5, Rockport, www.rockportartcenter.com/artfest

Ohana Surf Dog Competition

The Gulf Coast’s largest four-legged surfing competition on the beach at 28th Street to support the Galveston Island Humane Society.

July 18, Galveston, www.galvestonhumane.org/event/13th-annual-ohana-surf-dogs-competition

Bird Banding

See birds up close as volunteers collect baseline data on avian populations.

July 18, Lake Jackson, www.gcbo.org

Great Texas Mosquito Festival

If you can’t beat ’em, throw them a party. The festival’s mascot, Willie Man-Chew, will make an appearance, along with food vendors, music, and a carnival. 

July 23-25, Clute, www.mosquitofestival.com

Purple Martin Watch Parties

The purple martin, the largest of North America’s swallows, is one of Houston’s most popular birds. At dusk, large flocks cover the sky in a dark cloud as they fly into the trees to roost, this spectacle lasting about 45 minutes. In past years, the most prominent roosting location has been the Old Navy parking lot at 12634 Fountain Lake Cir. in Stafford. 

July 25; Aug. 1 & 15, Houston, houstonaudubon.org/programs/events/all-age-groups/purple-martins.html

Shakespeare Festival

Free public performances of the Bard’s work happen each summer at Hermann Park’s Miller Outdoor Theatre. 

July 30-Aug. 8, Houston, www.uh.edu/shakespeare

HILL COUNTRY

Aquaboom

A free, family-friendly celebration so big it covers multiple days. The grand finale is a breathtaking fireworks show on the Fourth of July. 

July 2-5, Kingsland, www.kingslandaquaboom.org

Summer Concert Series

Music every Friday evening Johnson Park Amphitheater at 230 Avenue J beginning at 7pm.

July 3-Aug. 7, Marble Falls, marblefallstx.gov/786/Summer-Concert-Series

Red, White, and Buda

Buda is celebrating big with big bands, including Shinyribs headlining, and even bigger fireworks.

July 4, Buda, www.budaamphitheater.com/redwhitebuda

The old store on the Llano River is home to oddball fun and great burgers. Credit: Gerald E. McLeod

Castell General Store White Trash Bash

One of the most irreverent Fourth of July celebrations in Texas, the day runs from noon to 6pm with a parade you won’t forget, live music, the Alligator Ball, fireworks, and an atmosphere that could only exist in the Luckenbach on the Llano. Wear your finest trailer park formal attire.

July 4, Castell, visitllanocounty.com/events/castell-general-store-white-trash-bash

Fourth on the River

The music festival offers an afternoon of live music, kids’ activities, and a celebration of America’s 250th birthday. The day wraps up with the largest fireworks display in the Texas Hill Country at dusk.

July 4, Kerrville, www.kerrvilletx.gov/809/4th-on-the-River

Pari-Mutuel Horse Racing

Four weekends of exciting quarter horse and thoroughbred racing at the county fairgrounds. Gates open at 11am; post time is 1pm.

July 4-5, 18-19, Aug. 15-16, 29-30, Fredericksburg, www.gillespiefair.com

Rock’N Riverfest

The Fourth of July weekend continues with kayak races, the Anything But a Boat Race, music all day, games for all ages, and fireworks in the evening. 

July 6, Llano, www.llanochamber.org/calendar/llano-rockn-riverfest-1

Spring Ho

A family-friendly festival with entertainment and shopping for all ages. 

July 6-12, Lampasas, www.springho.com

Shark Week

Discover the incredible science behind some of the ocean’s most fascinating predators. Throughout the week, guests will explore the unique adaptations that help sharks survive, investigate marine habitats, and participate in hands-on activities designed for curious minds of all ages.

July 7-11, Johnson City, www.sciencemill.org

Wrede School Open House

Built in 1896 and operated until 1960, Wrede School had 24 teachers during its 64-year history. Visitors can tour the building from 11am to 4pm with docents answering questions. 

July 18, Fredericksburg, historicschools.org

Wine and food in Fredericksburg Credit: Courtesy Fredericksburg Food & Wine Festival

Fredericksburg Food & Wine Festival 2026 Preview Week

An unforgettable foodie experience offering an early taste of the fall festival.

July 20-25, Fredericksburg, fbgfoodandwine.com

Solar Car Challenge 

The Solar Car Challenge teaches high school students how to build and race roadworthy solar-powered vehicles. Visitors will have the opportunity to see these solar-powered vehicles up close and meet the student teams behind them.

July 21, Johnson City, www.sciencemill.org

Brick Rodeo: The Largest Lego Event in Texas

See hundreds of custom models and displays made from LEGO® bricks, build your own masterpiece, meet the masters, and shop the vendors.

July 25-26, Round Rock, www.brickrodeo.com

Abendkonzerte

The Boerne Village Band has entertained locals and visitors since 1860, making it the oldest continuously active German band outside of Germany. 

July 28, Boerne, www.ci.boerne.tx.us/1104/concerts-in-the-park

PANHANDLE PLAINS Step back in time at Fort McKavett State Historical Site. Credit: Gerald E. McLeod

A General Holiday, 1876: Centennial Reenactment Event

Experience what it was like to celebrate the centennial of America in 1876 with games, demonstrations, music, and fireworks. 

July 4, Fort McKavett, thc.texas.gov/events/general-holiday-1876-centennial-reenactment-event

TEXAS Outdoor Musical

The story of Texas is told in song and dance on the outdoor stage in Palo Duro Canyon. 

July 1-Aug. 1, Canyon, www.texas-show.com

PINEY WOODS

Texas Shakespeare Festival

The Bard’s work comes alive with plays performed in the Van Cliburn Auditorium.

July 1-26, Kilgore, www.texasshakespeare.com

PRAIRIES AND LAKES

“Mandela: The Official Exhibition”

Making its debut in Texas, this exhibition explores the life of Nelson Mandela, one of the world’s most recognizable champions of freedom and justice.

July 1-Nov. 1, Dallas, www.aamdallas.org

Fourth of July Celebration 

The oldest continuously operating Fourth of July celebration west of the Mississippi continues for the 176th year beginning with a parade followed with parties all over town. 

July 4, Round Top, www.exploreroundtop.com/fourthofjuly

In the first Czech settlement in Texas, the Sts. Cyril & Methodius Church has served the community since 1912.

Sts. Cyril & Methodius Shrine Feast

Dig into a plate of “Dubina-style” fried chicken or sausage dinner, enjoy the polka band, try your luck at bingo, or just wander through the classic car show. 

July 5, Dubina, www.facebook.com/dubinachurchpicnic

Waco Independent Film Festival

Expect a weekend filled with great films, engaging Q&As with filmmakers, panel discussions, and plenty of networking. 

July 16-19, Waco, www.wacoindie.com

Shakespeare at Winedale

The Bard’s plays are performed in the old barn by students at the Winedale Historical Complex. 

July 17-Aug. 9, Round Top, www.liberalarts.utexas.edu/winedale

Texas Black Invitational Rodeo

The 37th annual event showcases Black cowboys and cowgirls competing for cash prizes in bronc and bull riding, calf and steer roping, barrel racing, and a Pony Express relay race to benefit the African American Museum.

July 25, Dallas, aamdallas.org/events

SOUTH TEXAS

Disco Alfresco

The Sunken Garden Theater in Brackenridge Park becomes a disco-drenched outdoor nightclub celebrating the full spectrum of sounds that makes San Antonio musically special. A different genre every Thursday through July 30, 7-10:30pm. BYOB.

July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, San Antonio, www.discoalfresco.com

CineFestival San Antonio

The nation’s original and longest-running Latinx film festival exhibiting Chicanx, Latinx, and international Latin American cinema, with a strong focus on regional and local filmmaking.

July 9-12, San Antonio, guadalupeculturalarts.org/cine-festival

33rd Annual Balcones Heights Jazz Festival

Free and open to the public, headlining the evening is internationally acclaimed saxophonist Tom Braxton. Opening the night is rising star trumpeter Ilya Serov performing at 7:30pm.

July 17, San Antonio, bhtx.gov/news_detail_T31_R131.php

“Tejano Legacy: Another American Origin Story”

In celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, the landmark bilingual exhibition explores nearly 400 years of Tejano history, culture, and identity and the enduring influence of Tejanos on Texas and the American West.

July 24-Jan. 18, San Antonio, briscoemuseum.org/TejanoLegacy

Historic Plaza Days at Main Plaza

Walk through the plaza to enjoy live entertainment, educational demonstrations, and vendors as well as a quick bite, 11am-1:30pm.

July 24, San Antonio, mainplaza.org

Making grape juice the old-fashioned way at Messina Hof Winery. Credit: Gerald E. McLeod

Harvest Festival

Nobody celebrates the grape harvest bigger than Messina Hof Winery, one of the oldest wineries in Texas. Happening every weekend, visitors can pick grapes, stomp grapes, and drink the fermented grape juice. 

July 24-Aug. 22, Bryan & Fredericksburg, messinahof.com

Gerald McLeod has been traveling around Texas and beyond for his “Day Trips” column for more than 35 years. Keep up to date with his journeys on his archive page and follow him on Facebook.

The post Day Trips & Beyond: July Events Roundup appeared first on The Austin Chronicle.