If you're on a budget when visiting Fredericksburg, don't worry, as there are plenty of free and affordable things to do. Nature walks, art exhibits, historical experiences and more await those looking to explore the unique offerings of the Texas Hill Country. 

Free & Affordable Events

Home to more than 400 special events and festivals each year, Fredericksburg has plenty of free and affordable things to do. Check out the events page for up to date information on what's happening daily, weekly, monthly and annually. 

Held on the third weekend of every month, Fredericksburg Trade Days features more than 350 vendors in seven barns, including several that sell antiques, relics and home décor. They also provide live entertainment. ($5 parking fee required. Pass is good all weekend.) 

Oktoberfest is one of Fredericksburg's most popular festivals of the year, so advanced planning is required. Ticket prices are $10 for adults, while children ages 7-12 are $1 and children 6 and under are free. You can purchase a two-day pass for $15 or a weekend pass for $20. If you can't come for Oktoberfest, the fall in Fredericksburg has a festival or event just about every weekend. Learn more. 

The Light the Night Christmas Parade takes place the first Friday in December. The parade is slated for December 6, 2024. It's free to enjoy the lights of downtown, the parade, pictures with Santa and more. 

Other free and affordable events include Fredericksburg's annual Fourth of July Parade, regular open houses across the Gillespie County Country Schools, and living history demonstrations at the National Museum of the Pacific War, Sauer-Beckmann Living History Farm and Fort Martin Scott. 

Outdoor Activities

If you love the outdoors, Enchanted Rock State Natural Area offers plenty of events centering around birding basics, guided hikes, stargazing, and arts and crafts. Day passes are required for entry into the park. Reservations can be made up to 30 days in advance. (Note: the park does sell out during peak times, so plan ahead to guarantee entry.) 

The Texas Hill Country has long history of inspiring artistic creativity with its rolling hills, expansive skies and native plants and wildlife. Get outside and enjoy the beautiful Hill Country landscapes and weather. Fredericksburg is home to several free outdoor parks and activities. 

Cross Mountain Park has an elevation of 1,951 feet and includes walking trails, a butterfly garden and picnic areas. Take a short hike to the top and see 360-degree views of the Texas Hill Country. 

Visit the nation's largest working wildseed farm, Wildseed Farms. Those visiting during spring and early summer can see everything from bright red poppies to Texas bluebonnets and everything in between. They also have a café and winery. (Note: wildflowers can be viewed throughout Gillespie County. A typical season runs mid-March through mid-April. Join us in respecting private property and taking only pictures as souvenirs.)

Fredericksburg offers night sky enthusiasts one of the best places to stargaze in Texas. Fredericksburg is an International Dark Sky Community and is home to two International Dark Sky Parks, providing low levels of light pollution and wide open spaces.

Visit Lyndon B. Johnson State Park and Historic Site. Get a glimpse of what life was like for the former president's grandparents and parents. Explore walking trails, see American bison, Texas longhorns, historic cabins and more. 

Learn what farm life was like. Enjoy a self-guided tour of the Sauer-Beckmann Living History Farm at LBJ State Park. Park rangers tend to crops and farm animals and prepare meals. Visiting during a holiday? The farm hosts special events throughout the year during spring break, Easter and Christmas. 

Explore Downtown

Take a free walking tour. Experience the rich German history of Fredericksburg with a walking tour of the nationally-recognized historic district. Find more information at the Visitor Information Center, located at 302 E. Austin St. 

Stop by the Vereins Kirche Museum and learn about the founding of Fredericksburg. (Note: there is a small admission fee of $5 for those over six. Day passes that also include admission to Pioneer Museum and the historic jail are also honored.) 

Take a break and let kids burn off energy. Visit the playgrounds located at Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park, Old Fair Park or Marktplatz, a beautiful green space in the heart of Fredericksburg's Historic District. The kids will have a blast, and it won't cost a dime. 

Learn about World War II in the Pacific. Walk through the grounds of the National Museum of the Pacific War. The Plaza of Presidents features 10 monuments honoring presidents who served during World War II. The Japanese Garden of Peace is a tribute to Japanese Admiral Heihachiro Togo, who influenced Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, a Fredericksburg native. Both areas are open daily to the public and do not require museum admission. 

Window shop on Main Street. Take a look through the windows of more than 150 locally owned shops and boutiques on Main Street. No chains or franchises are allowed on Main Street. You will find everything from home décor to clothing to handmade jewelry, antiques and more. (Note: many shops close at 5 p.m., so plan ahead to find that special something.) Head to the Warehouse District to find more home good and antique stores like Carol Hicks Bolton Antiquities, Blackchalk Home and Laundry and more. 

Find treasures from years gone by at one of more than 20 antique stores.  

Find artistic inspiration and browse through Fredericksburg's art galleries. The Texas Hill Country has a long history of inspiring artistic creativity with the rolling hills, expansive skies and native plants and wildlife. 

Listen to Live Music

The live music movement first started at Luckenbach Texas in the 1970s but Fredericksburg now boasts dozen of live music every night of the week. 

Listen to history. Luckenbach Texas is home to a free daily pickers circle featuring up and coming and seasoned musical artists. Grab a beer and sit under the large oak trees and enjoy a peaceful afternoon. 

Two-step or relax. Spend time on one of the several restaurants with patios and live music. 

Out of the Ordinary

Classic cars, airplanes and peaches are just some of the unique and fun and free activities Fredericksburg has to offer, perfect for all ages. 

Take a step back in time. View an extensive collection of vintage automobiles from classics to street roads to muscle cars. Street Dreams, located just six miles from downtown Fredericksburg, also has an extensive collection of gas, oil and other automotive memorabilia. There is no charge to visit. 

Sip on a milkshake and watch airplanes. Enjoy classic diner favorites at the Airport Diner. The diner features 1940s-style decor including terrazzo floors, granite counters and booth tops. While eating, watch airplanes take off and land at the Gillespie County Airport. 

Try your hand at the only glassblowing studio in Fredericksburg, located just 10 minutes from downtown. Enchanted Fredericksburg Ranch offers a variety of glassblowing demonstrations and classes. 

Enjoy fresh peaches. Visiting during the summer? Be sure to make time to pick and enjoy delicious Gillespie County peaches. Roadside markets and stands sell more than 40 different varieties from mid-May through mid-August. Several orchards offer the chance to pick your own fruit right off the tree. 

Meet growers and producers. Visit the weekly Farmer's Market and purchase peaches and other fresh produce and goods at the market held every Thursday through August. 

Plan a picnic. Grab your favorite snacks and picnic blanket and head to Marktplatz for a relaxing afternoon picnic.