The 2025 Burnet Bluebonnet Festival is April 11-13. Photo by Martelle Luedecke/Luedecke Photography
The Highland Lakes blooms with festivals in the spring. Some rejoice in nature and wildflowers, others revel in art and culture, and most all celebrate with delicious food and live music.
Here are the best fests in the Highland Lakes in the spring of 2025:
March 15
Bluebonnet Airshow
Burnet Municipal Airport, 2302 U.S. 281 South in Burnet
The Highland Lakes Squadron of the Commemorative Air Force hosts this aerobatic show each year at Kate Craddock Field in Burnet. Watch World War II-era planes above, get an up-close look at some of the grounded aircraft, and explore the aviation displays at the CAF museum, located at the airport.
March 22
Granitefest
Quarry Park, 2221 N. Phillips Ranch Road in Granite Shoals
This Granite Shoals community event features a carnival, live music, vendors, games, and fireworks.
March 28-30
LEAF reunion
Grenwelge Park, 199 E. Haynie St. in Llano
Supporters of the now-defunct Llano Earth Art Festival are holding a scaled-down event for earth artists and the community they’ve created over the years to honor the spirit of LEAF and possibly help revive the festival in the future. Enjoy free family fun, rock stacking, and art exhibits.
March 29
BLUEM 2025
Muleshoe Bend Recreation Area, 2820 CR 414 in Spicewood
Celebrate the annual bluebonnet bloom at Muleshoe Bend with a variety of activities, including yard games, rock climbing, arts and crafts, and archery. Crank up the adventure with a UTV tour through the park or a QuietKat electric mountain bike ride on your own (fees and age restrictions apply). This year, the LCRA has teamed up with Texas Outdoor Recreation Alliance for a vendor marketplace.
April 4-5
Llano River Chuck Wagon Cook-off
Badu Park, 300 Legion Drive in Llano
Cooks circle their chuck wagons for a cowboy culinary competition. Enjoy the Old West atmosphere and live music. Tickets sell out quickly for the always popular public meal, which is noon April 5.
April 5-6
Llano Fiddle Fest
JLK Event Center, 2200 RR 152 West in Llano
Two-step to Texas-style fiddling during this annual competition. A ticketed Saturday night dance features Billy Mata & The Texas Tradition.
April 6-12
Paint the Town
Across Marble Falls
Plein air artists from across the nation set up across Marble Falls to capture outdoor scenes. The festival (April 9-12) features a pop-up gallery, live painting, free art demonstrations, a quick-draw competition, and student and family art days.
April 11-13
Bluebonnet Festival
Downtown Burnet
This small town is big on fun during the annual ode to the Texas State Flower. Enjoy a carnival (opens April 10), parades, a demolition derby, a car show, games, vendors, and live music. Headliner Lonestar performs April 12.
April 18-19
Llano Crawfish Open
Robinson City Park on FM 152, 2 miles west of downtown Llano
Mudbugs and music are the main attractions, but you can also play golf, shop vendors, and hop on your motorcycle for a fun run. Joe Nichols (April 18) and William Clark Green (April 19) headline a lineup of country, Cajun, and Zydeco musical performers.
April 26-27
Bertram Art, Herb and Wine Festival
Downtown Bertram
Artisan and herbal vendors set up shop in downtown Bertram. You can also find Texas wines, beer, and food as well as live music and free seminars.
May 1-3
FiestaJam
Johnson Park, 230 Avenue J South in Marble Falls
Legendary Western swing band Asleep at the Wheel leads a long list of country and Americana artists. FiestaJam also includes a songwriting contest and workshops.
May 1-4
MayFest
Johnson Park, 230 Avenue J South in Marble Falls
This family-friendly festival features carnival rides and games.
May 2-3
Howdy-Roo
Quarry Park, 2221 N. Phillips Ranch Road in Granite Shoals
Chili cooks smoke and simmer to see who’s best each year during this 50-plus-year competition. This year’s Howdy-Roo moves from Marble Falls to Granite Shoals. Judges are always needed for the Chili Appreciation Society International event.
May 17
Testicle Festival
Castell General Store, 19522 RR 152 West in Castell
Chow down on calf fries, barbecue, burgers, and more while listening to live music and competing in a washer tournament in quirky, charming Castell.
June 6-8
Blanco Lavender Festival
Downtown Blanco
The sweet scent of lavender permeates the courthouse square in downtown Blanco. Shop vendors, listen to live music, tour nearby lavender farms, and learn everything there is to know about the ancient flower.
