If you click on the links in this post, we may earn money from the companies mentioned in this post, at no extra cost to you. You can read the full disclaimer here.
Burnet is located deep in the Texas Hill Country in the Highland Lakes region. It’s surrounded by sparkling lakes and rugged hills. Though lovely throughout the year, Burnet is at its magical best when the bluebonnets are in bloom. They carpet the roadside, turning the hills and pastures a beautiful deep blue at the height of the wildflower season.
In 1981, the Texas State Legislature designated Burnet the “Bluebonnet Capital of Texas.” City leaders then created the bluebonnet festival. The first festival was in 1983 and it was a huge success. The festival has become one of the most successful small town festivals in Texas. The crowds now run to more than thirty-five thousand attendees each year.
The Bluebonnet Festival always takes place on the second weekend in April making it April 11, 12, 13 and 14, 2024.
Festival Activities
The annual Bluebonnet Festival Grand Parade is one of the best parades in Central Texas. You’ll see colorful floats, marching bands, horses, antique cars, fire trucks, dancers, costumed marchers and much more.
Music is an important part of this festival. The concerts on Friday night, Saturday afternoon and Sunday afternoon are free. The Saturday night concert costs $20 with a $5 cooler fee. It includes a street dance. The headliner will be Kolby Cooper with special guest Braedon Barnhill.
The wildflower show will take place on Friday and Saturday at the Burnet Public Library. Maps to the most bluebonnet covered roadsides and hills for viewing and picture taking will be available. Many bluebonnets and other wildflowers will be on display.
Other festival activities include
- Lakes Area Rod & Classic Car Show
- The Mighty Thomas Carnival Rides
- Bluebonnet Biergarten
- 5K & 10K Run
- Pet Parade
- Food Court
- Praise & Worship
- Burnet Gunfighters Shoot-Out at Old Town
- Demolition Derby
- 42 Tournament Dominos
- Cocktail Garden
- Weiner Dog Race
- Children’s Bicycle Decorating Contest
- Burnet Kiwanis All You Can Eat Pancakes
- Highland Lakes Birding
- Arts & Craft Vendors
- Children’s Activities
Burnet Food
And while you’re in Burnet, you really should try some of that Texas barbecue that they’re famous for. Here are the 3 Best Barbecue Restaurants in Burnet as chosen by the users of TripAdvisor.
- Barbq Shak
- Birds BBQ
- Porky’s
Burnet Lodging
If you’re visiting Burnet for the festival, here are homes, condos, apartments and other rental units that might be perfect for your trip. Take a look at these Burnet rental options.
Many people like to travel to festivals in an RV. It does have its advantages. You don’t have an RV? Then you can rent one and Green Vacation Deals recommends RVShare.
Location
Burnet, Texas, is within 30 miles of Llano, Jamestown, Leander, Horseshoe Bay, Bertram and Granite Shoals. Burnet is 45 miles from Austin, 67 miles from Fredericksburg and 94 miles from San Antonio.