11 things to do around Bastrop County through early October

Editor's note: This list is not comprehensive. Have a tip? Email [email protected].

Looking for something to do close to home? Bastrop County’s September calendar includes live music, festivals, fundraisers, art and outdoor events, with more continuing into early October.

A month-long live, local music series spearheaded by Discover Bastrop.

• All September; times vary
• Free (admission)
• Venues throughout Bastrop
• www.discoverbastroptx.org/bastrop-live

2. Cowboy Heritage Day

Attendees can enjoy live demonstrations, cowboy stories and songs, historic photos and artifacts, and hands-on activities highlighting Bastrop County’s cowboy and vaquero heritage.

• Sept. 12, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
• Free (admission)
• Bastrop County Museum & Visitor Center, 904 Main St., Bastrop
• www.bastropcountyhistoricalsociety.com

3. Feed the Need Missions annual gala

Feed the Need Missions will host its annual gala, “The Harvest,” with dinner, a live auction and a program celebrating 16 years of weekly ministry.

• Sept. 12, 6-10 p.m.
• $125 (admission)
• Bastrop Convention Center, 1408 Chestnut St., Bastrop
• www.feedtheneed.org/gala

4. State of the City Dinner

The Bastrop Regional Chamber of Commerce will host its State of the City Dinner, featuring updates from city leaders on development, infrastructure, public safety, community growth and future priorities.

• Sept. 14, 6-8:30 p.m.
• $80 (admission)
• Bastrop Convention Center, 1408 Chestnut St., Bastrop
• https://business.bastropchamber.com/events

5. Viva Bastrop

The inaugural Hispanic Heritage celebration will feature a Selena tribute band, mariachi, folklorico dancers, a heritage march, street dancing, children’s activities, food and artisan vendors.

• Sept. 18, 6-10 p.m.
• Free (admission)
• North Main and Spring streets, Bastrop
• https://www.discoverbastroptx.org/event/%c2%a1viva-bastrop!/8893/

6. Calvary Art Fest

Calvary Episcopal Church will host its fourth annual Art Fest, featuring work from local artists and artisans, live music, refreshments and handcrafted items. The family-friendly event’s 2026 theme is “Art & Soul.”

• Sept. 18, 4-8 p.m.; Sept. 19, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
• Free (admission)
• Calvary Episcopal Church Parish Hall, 1028 Main St., Bastrop
• https://cecbastrop.org/artfest

7. Veteran Mental Health Awareness Ruck Hike

Participants can choose from 0.8-, 1-, 1.5- and 3.3-mile routes and hike with or without a weighted pack. Veteran and mental health organizations will also have informational booths.

• Sept. 26, 9 a.m.-noon
• Free (admission)
• Bastrop State Park, 100 Park Road 1A, Bastrop
• https://tpwd.texas.gov/calendar/bastrop/veteran-mental-health-awareness-ruck-hike-free-community-event

8. Water Conservation Symposium

Bastrop County Master Gardeners will host a daylong symposium focused on water conservation practices and ways residents can reduce water use and costs.

• Sept. 26, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
• $45 (admission)
• Bastrop County Community Center, 15 American Legion Drive, Bastrop
• https://txmg.org/bastropcounty/water-conservation-symposium

9. Rhinestone Cowboy Gala

Down Home Ranch’s 23rd annual gala will include dinner, live and silent auctions, programming about the nonprofit and dancing. Proceeds benefit programs for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

• Sept. 26, 5 p.m.
• $150 (admission); $300 (VIP)
• Bastrop Convention & Exhibit Center, 1408 Chestnut St., Bastrop
• www.downhomeranch.org/events

October

10. Smithville Music Festival

The fifth annual Smithville Music Festival will feature two days of live music from local and regional performers across a range of genres in downtown Smithville. Attendees can bring chairs and blankets for the outdoor performances.

• Oct. 2-3, times vary
• Free (admission)
• Historic downtown Smithville, Main Street, Smithville
• Facebook: stxmusicfestival

11. Cruisin’ For Justin Car Show

The inaugural community fundraiser will feature a car show, vendors, raffles and other activities benefiting a local family.

• Oct. 3, 10 a.m.
• $20 (advance registration); $25 (day-of registration)
• American Legion Post 533, 3003 Loop 150 E., Bastrop
• Facebook: Cruisin’ For Justin Car Show