The Mighty Thomas Carnival is a highlight of the Bluebonnet Festival in Burnet, which is held on the second weekend in April. Photo by Martelle Luedecke/Luedecke Photography
Celebrate spring and the Texas state flower during the Bluebonnet Festival in Burnet on the second weekend every April. The 2026 event is April 10-12.
This Highland Lakes small town is big on fun during the annual event, which features the Mighty Thomas Carnival, live music by big-name Texas artists, parades, a demolition derby, vendors, a car show, contests and competitions, and much more.
This year’s musical headliner is Lonestar, which performs Saturday night.
2026 SCHEDULE
April 9
- 5-10 p.m.—Mighty Thomas Carnival opens before the festival at Boundary and League streets
April 10
- 3-8 p.m.—Vendors on the square and biergarten on Jackson Street
- 3-10 p.m.—Mighty Thomas Carnival
- 5:30 p.m.—Opening ceremonies at the Main Stage with a flyover by the Highland Lakes Squadron of the Commemorative Air Force
- 5:45 p.m.—Luedecke Photography Pet Parade around the square
- 6-10 p.m.—Live music kicks off with Departure ATX on the Jackson Street Stage followed by a street dance with All Hat No Cadillac on the Main Street Stage.
April 11
- 7 a.m.—Kids’ K followed shortly after by 5K, 10K, and Senior 2K
- 9 a.m.-3 p.m.—Lakes Area Rods and Classics car show at Hamilton Creek Park
- 9 a.m.-6 p.m.—Vendors
- 11 a.m.-8 p.m.—Biergarten
- 11 a.m.-11 p.m.—Mighty Thomas Carnival
- Noon—Grand parade
- 1-5 p.m.—Live music by a variety of acts
- 5:30 p.m.—Demolition Derby at the fairgrounds
- 7-11 p.m.—Live music by Western Playboys, Tyce Delk, and headliner Jason Boland & The Stragglers
April 12
- 9-11 a.m.—Contemporary praise and worship service
- 11 a.m.-3 p.m.—Vendors, food court, and mini-Hill Country Flyer train rides
- noon-3 p.m.—Live music by Allan Ray & SCB
- Noon-6 p.m.—Mighty Thomas Carnival
- 1-3 p.m.—Weiner dog races
Find a full schedule of events at bluebonnetfestival.org. The Bluebonnet Festival is hosted by the Burnet Chamber of Commerce.
