Head to the County Fair

The Gillespie County Fair, the oldest continuously running county fair in Texas, returns for its 138th year on August 27–30, 2026. Over four fun-filled days, you can catch pari-mutuel horse racing, livestock shows, agricultural and household exhibits, arts and crafts, an antique tractor show, a 42 domino tournament, live music, carnival rides, and more.

Treat yourself to fair favorites like funnel cakes and sausage-on-a-stick, cheer on contestants in the Queen Contest, and see which pies, cakes, cookies, and quilts take home top honors.

Insider's Tip: Live pari-mutuel horse racing also runs at the Gillespie County Fairgrounds on August 15 and 16.

Gillespie Country Fair Horse Racing
Gillespie County Fair Horse Racing

Celebrate the Harvest

Peach Season

August marks the end of peach season in Fredericksburg, so visit local farms and roadside stands before the season winds down. Gillespie County’s orchards have produced some of the nation’s finest peaches for generations, inspiring homemade cobblers, pies, ice cream, and seasonal peach dishes on area restaurant menus.

You can also visit the Fredericksburg Farmers Market to savor fresh peaches and other seasonal produce through August 13.

Grape Harvest

Celebrate the grape harvest across Texas Wine Country, home to more than 75 wineries and tasting rooms, with grape stomping, vineyard picking, and sunset harvest events this August. Participate in weekend grape stomps at Wildseed Farms, Sip, Stomp & Two-Step at Texas Wine Collective on August 8, and the Harvest Festival at Messina Hof Hill Country Winery on August 21.

Insider's Tip: While you're visiting Wildseed Farms on the weekend, book a spot on one of their unique vineyard cruises and hear the story behind the property.

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Rows of grapevines at sunset in a Gillespie County vineyard near Fredericksburg, Texas
Texas Wine Country

Enjoy Live Music

Enjoy a late-summer evening dancing to live music in Fredericksburg and Gillespie County. Performances take place throughout the week at restaurants, wineries, and dedicated venues across town, showcasing Texas roots, country, and singer-songwriter music.

Luckenbach Texas, hosts live music and dancing regularly throughout the month, and the greater Fredericksburg music scene is active well into the evening. Check the events calendar for current schedules and browse live music venues across Fredericksburg.

Couples dance at Luckenbach Dance Hall as a band performs on stage.
Luckenbach Dance Hall

Take a Tour Around Town

See Fredericksburg and Gillespie County up close and from above. Explore on foot with a self-guided walking tour through the historic district, cover more ground by trolley or two wheels, take in the Hill Country from above on a scenic flight, or head out on horseback into the surrounding landscape.

Guided wine tours through Texas Wine Country take you through the region's vineyards and back roads, with local outfitters handling the driving.

Browse all tour options in Fredericksburg to find the right fit for your trip.

Visitors Load Fredericksburg Tours Trolley at VIC
Fredericksburg Trolley Tours

Plan Your Visit

Between the Gillespie County Fair, the grape harvest, and a steady calendar of live music and outdoor activity, there's no shortage of reasons to take a trip to Fredericksburg in August. Browse lodging options, check the events calendar for what's happening during your stay, and start planning your visit here.

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