Family Fun Day at National Museum of the Pacific War - 8/3

Families looking to spend some quality time together out of the house and out of the heat are invited to participate in a free Family Fun Day at the National Museum of the Pacific War on Saturday.

There are plenty of activities planned for children to work on with their parents and all activities will have a brief lesson with them. This event is free, but pre-registration is suggested to ensure enough materials are on-hand for everyone to have their own items to take home.

 Please email manee@nimitzfoundation.org to RSVP or call 830.997.8600 x 207. Standard admission if touring the museum.

Bat Cave Information

The Old Tunnel Wildlife Management Area on Old San Antonio Road is home to over 2 million bats, and viewing the nightly emergence (May - October) from their roost in the old railroad tunnel is a popular free event for many. For most current expected viewing time each night, call the Old Tunnel information line at 866-978-2287. It's also recommended that visitors arrive at least one hour before the posted time in case the bats emerge sooner than expected. Education sessions on the lower level on Thursdays through Sundays are available, with tickets to attend for sale beginning at 6:15 p.m. (these sell out quickly so arrive early).

PCAA Concert in the Park - July 28

Come listen, dance or both! Free Sunday evening concert featuring Redd Volkaert’s outstanding guitar pickin’. Bring your chairs, eats and drinks. At the Adelsverein Halle at Marktplatz along N. Adams.

Jody Nix and the Texas Playboys - 7/27

Jody Nix and his band are looking forward to playing once again at Pat's Hall. Jody really, really wants to play in the pavilion (he asked us to book him in July so his chances would be better). He's heard about playing there from Johnny Bush, Darrell McCall, and the many other bands that have played in the pavilion over the years. But we won't be brokenhearted if we have to move inside because of some good ol' rain. So come rain or shine, make plans to dance to Jody and the Texas Cowboys! $15 per person. Doors open at 7 p.m., dance begins at 8 p.m.

Roots Music Series “Blues Night” - July 27

This is the third of four in the ROOTS Music Series of outdoor, eclectic concerts scheduled for the Pioneer Museum in Fredericksburg, Texas. Concerts feature both emerging and established artists in an informal, family setting. Blues Night has a great lineup:

6:30 p.m. Bobby Mack – Bobby Mack got his start at legendary Austin venues including Armadillo World Headquarters, Soap Creek Saloon, The One Knight, and The Split Rail as part of the developing Austin blues scene. He was a house regular at the famed Austin landmark, Antone’s “Home of the Blues” leading the stage every Wednesday night through the mid- 80s. Mack has released seven CDs . He is a true Texas Guitar legend from Fort Worth, Texas. Like other such North Texas guitarists as Denny Freeman, Derek O’Brien, Jimmie and Stevie Vaughan, Mack helped define the Austin Blues genre.

7:30 p.m. Omar and the Howlers – Omar started playing guitar at seven, took to hanging out in edge-of-town juke joints at 12, and joined his first band at 13. He was still Kent Dykes in those days, but by the time he hit 20 he had hooked up with a crazy party band, called the Howlers who had taken to calling him “Omar Overtone” because he tended to let his guitar feedback on stage while he dropped to the floor to spin on his back in a spontaneous, Big & Tall Store take on break-dancing. In 1976, the Howlers relocated to Austin.  Today finds Omar tighter, funkier than ever and slated with a great new release last year.

9:10 p.m. W.C. Clark – “If the blues is played right,” says Austin, Texas, native W. C. Clark, “it makes your soul feel clean.” Indeed, master guitarist/vocalist Clark – known as “The Godfather of Austin Blues” – has been playing the blues right and cleansing souls from the east side of Austin to stages around the world for over 40 years. Clark's mix of modern Texas blues, searing guitar and heartfelt, Memphis-style soul vocals have made him a favorite of blues and R&B fans alike.

The Roots Music Series is a fund-raiser for the Pioneer Museum. Each concert offers a different genre of music with a variety of performers each night. Get Back to Your Roots. Plan to attend one of these ROOTS Music Series. Help us make this the best season ever!

The Roots Music Series General Information:Sodas, beer, wine, food and water are for sale on the grounds (no outside coolers, beverages or bottles allowed). Museum is at 325 West Main Street in Fredericksburg, with entrance gate on Milam Street. Bring lawn chairs. Gates open at 5 p.m. Admission: Kids under 18 are FREE! Adult tickets are $12 each at the gate. Free parking.

Net proceeds support the mission of the Gillespie County Historical Society

Save the Date for more 2013 Roots Music Series: AUGUST 17– Bourbon Street Night

Hill Country Auto Swap Meet - July 27-29

The Fredericksburg Vintage Car Club is sponsoring the 36th Annual Antique Auto Swap meet at Lady Bird Johnson Park on Highway 16 South, from dawn to dusk. Enjoy car displays, concessions and flea market booths. No admission for the Swap Meet. Please call 830-998-4058 for more information.

Night in Old Fredericksburg - July 19-20

The 49th annual Night In Old Fredericksburg will be held on July 19-20 at Marktplatz in downtown Fredericksburg.   

The festival will open its gates at 6 p.m. on Friday, July 20 and at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 21.  The festival will close at midnight on both nights.  An admission fee of $6 per adult and $1 per under 12 years old will be charged each day.

In keeping with the festival’s German cultural roots, live entertainment will be offered both days featuring German, Texan and Country music.  Visit www.NightInOldFredericksburg.com for updates on activities and entertainment.  The festival will also have a wide assortment of delicious food and great arts and craft vendors.

The Plainsmen at Pat's Hall - 7/21

Come on out to Pat's Hall, 409 Post Oak Road, Sunday afternoon, July 21 from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. to hear The Plainsmen. This is a classic country and western swing band playing dance favorites from the 50's, 60's and 70's. The band is led by Homer Whisenant of Dripping Springs, rhythm guitar and vocals; Donnie Mauldin of Johnson City, bass guitar and vocals (Donnie played Pat's Hall in the '70's with Lynn Cryder and the Crosscountrymen); Bert Rivera of Burnet, steel guitar (Bert has played Pat's Hall numerous times in the past -- he was Hank Thompson's steel guitar player for many years); Tim Campbell of Austin is on drums (Tim has been a professional drummer for over 20 years and has played Texas dance halls extensively during that time); and Lamar Pecorino of Austin, keyboard and vocals (Lamar has played in country dance bands for over 30 years in Central Texas). Tickets $8.

Tenore to Perform at Rockbox - 7/19-21

Tenore is an internationally acclaimed, award-winning trio from the founder of the Canadian Tenors.  They will be bringing 2 shows to the Rockbox the weekend of July 19 – 21.  Friday and Saturday they will be performing the classic Italian love songs, tunes from the musicals we all know and a few inspirational pieces.  Sunday, the trio will be staying to sing a full show dedicated to the greatest hymns of all time.  Tickets available by phone or online.

$32-$50 per person.  8 pm showtime on Friday; 4:30 and 8 pm on Saturday; 3 pm on Sunday.

FTC Presents "Oklahoma!" - Through July 14

The Rogers and Hammerstein classic with unforgettable melodies like Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin’, The Surrey with the Fringe on Top, People Will Say We’re in Love and it’s namesake Oklahoma! You won’t want to miss FTC’s blockbuster summer musical! Tickets available online. Fridays and Saturdays from June 28 to July 14 at 7:30 pm and Sundays at 2 pm, at the Steve W. Shepherd Theater, 1668 Hwy 87 South.

Dogs are a man’s best friend. That friendship is evident nowhere like it is evident between a Wounded Warrior and his service dog. On Saturday July 13th at 10 a.m. in the ballroom of the Nimitz Museum of the National Museum of the Pacific War, you can witness that friendship in person.

TADSAW (Train a Dog Save a Warrior), along with their four legged friends and the warriors they assist will give a presentation on the importance of the use of dogs for helping wounded warriors and utilizing dogs for Animal Assisted Therapy. One of the TADSAW dogs was recently inducted into the Texas Animal Hall of Fame as Hero Dog of the Year.

Dennis Blocker, USAF (Ret) and his retired war dog Laky, will talk about their training, experiences overseas, and dealing with dogs with PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder)

This program is free to the public. For more information contact Brandon Vinyard at (830)-997-8600 x205.

The Train a Dog Save a Warrior program unites wounded warriors, suffering with PTSD, with homeless, rescue shelter dogs, who are evaluated and deemed viable, to nurture a healing and rejuvenating bond between the two. The result is a positive, non-judgmental, unconditional relationship desperately needed by both.

The National Museum of the Pacific War is a Texas Historical Commission property supported, operated, and managed by the Admiral Nimitz Foundation.

“From Terroir to Table” Fundraiser at Becker Vineyards - July 13

Dr. Richard and Bunny Becker are hosting “From Terroir to Table” in the Lavender Haus at Becker Vineyards near Stonewall to benefit the Texas Center for Wine and Culinary Arts. The award-winning wines of Becker Vineyards will be paired with the flavorful cuisine of Jason Dady, Executive Chef and Owner of Bin 555 Restaurant and Wine Bar in San Antonio. The evening begins with an optional winery tour led by Dr. Becker at 6:30 pm. A reception follows at 7 pm with the four-course dinner at 7:30 pm. A live and silent auction will be part of the celebration of fine wine and fine cuisine. Attire for the evening is “business”. Tickets are $125 per person. Seating is limited for the dinner and reservations are required. For information and reservations, contact Nichole Bendele at the winery. The Texas Center for Wine and Culinary Arts is dedicated to the awareness, understanding and celebration of Texas food, wine and agriculture through educational programming and hands-0n experiences. For more information on the Center, visit www.texascenterforwineandculinaryarts.com

Movies Under the Stars at the LBJ National Historical Park & Ranch - 6/14

Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park invites the public to view a classic American western movie on Saturday, June 5 at 8:30 p.m. by attending a screening of From Russia With Love, starring Sean Connery as James Bond. The movie will be projected onto an 18 by 25 foot outdoor screen that includes a professional sound system.

Everyone should bring their own choice of seating, and picnicking before and during the movie is permitted. President and Mrs. Lyndon B. Johnson often invited friends and neighbors to attend movie showings in their airplane hangar, which also served as a location for press conferences and family gatherings. The movie will be shown in the area adjacent to the historic hangar. The public can drive on to the LBJ Ranch beginning at 7:00 pm with free parking on the taxiway adjacent to the ranch airplane hangar.

For further information and driving directions, please call (830) 868-7128, ext. 244.

Summer Concert Series at Pedernales Brewing Company Tasting Room - July 6

Offering several food trucks and lots of cold beer! Including a performance from 2-4pm, continuing the Summer Concert series that will run thru Labor Day....promoting local food, local musicians, and local beer. Pedernales Brewing Company is at 97 Hitchin' Post Trail, off US 87 south, and is one of the most recent breweries to open in Texas.

Crystal Peak at Pat's Hall - 7/6

Thought it would be fun to see how many classes would come out to visit, dance around the tree, and generally have a lot of fun. We're bringing back the old local 80s band, Crystal Peak, so you can go back in time. This idea started with the Class of '82, but all classes are invited to attend. And if you're not a Fredericksburg ex but just want to dance, come on.....the dance is open to everyone.

Rudy from Sum Kinda BBQ will be selling BBQ sandwiches, sausage wraps, and chips and queso. Come hungry!

Tickets also available at the Pat's Hall office Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and at the door.

Sorry, no BYOB.

Fiesta de la Musica - 7/6

Featuring David Lee Garza and Los Hermanos Farias.  At the Gillespie County Fairgrounds after the live horse races.  More details coming soon! 8:30 pm.  Advance tickets are $12.  All day tickets are $15 and include the horse racing.

Becker Vineyards Cooking Up Chili this July 4th

Becker Vineyards will be the stage for a July 4th Chili Cook-Off. A meeting for the chili cooks will start at 10:00 a.m., and chili judging begins at 2:00 p.m. Donations will be accepted for chili samples.  Live music by Brian Mullin.

Luckenbach's July 4th Celebration

Celebrate the 4th of July in the world famous town of Luckenbach, Texas. Enjoy live music, fun and much more. Please call 888/311-8990 or 830/997-3224 for more information.