Compiled By Liz Heidelberg
BREWS New Republic Brewing Co. A local brewery operated by Aggies, New Republic Brewing Co. has a schedule full of live music and good brews every weekend. www.newrepublicbrewing.com
What’s the Buzz Coffee Co. Buy roasted coffee beans from Africa, Latin America, or Indonesia, right from the comfort of College Station. Visit What’s the Buzz in College Station and learn about roasting coffee beans or try What’s the Buzz Coffee at The Village, Blue Baker, Village Foods, or HEB. www.whatsthebuzzcoffee.com
Messina Hof Winery & Resort World-class wines and hospitality abound at the Bryan vineyard Messina Hof Winery. Tastings, tours, and events fill out the summer calendar for Messina Hof with locations in Bryan, Grapevine, and Fredericksburg. Bryan Harvest Festival kicks off July 29 and continues through August. www.messinahof.com
Texas Bluebonnet Wine Trail The Texas Bluebonnet Wine Trail consists of seven wineries in the beautiful Brazos countryside. Spend a day, weekend, or make it a summer goal to visit all seven and try the award-winning wines. www.texasbluebonnetwinetrail.com
Blackwater Draw Creating local craft beers, Blackwater Draw has two locations in the Brazos Valley. Blackwater Draw serves taproom brews as well as lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch. Check out www.blackwaterbrew.com for more information on beers, menus, and upcoming events.
Cheers to Craft Beer Join the Cheers to Craft Beer tasting event in Downtown Bryan Saturday, July 23. To reserve tickets and for more information, visit www.DowntownBryan.com.
WATER PARKS Adamson Lagoon Dive into Adamson Pool, a 50-meter Olympic-size swimming pool built in 1976, with a diving board and a wading pool. Adamson Lagoon also has two large water slides and a separate baby pool for younger children. The tropical atmosphere in this mini water park provides a fun and safe environment for the whole family. General admission is $6 and children who are 2 and under are free. Located in Bee Creek Park on 1900 Anderson Dr., College Station. www.cstx.gov
Bryan Aquatic Center The Bryan Aquatic Center has a 175-foot water-slide, baby pool, diving boards, and plenty of space for the whole family to bask in the sun. The pool is open to the public throughout the year and available for rental after hours. Located on 3100 Oak Ridge Drive, Bryan. www.bryantx.gov
Lake Bryan Pack up the family to camp, boat, fish, swim, or jet ski at Lake Bryan. The Lakeside Icehouse and Grill on Lake Bryan opens every weekend for concerts, drinks, and food. www.lakebryan.com
Schlitterbahn Soak up the summer sun at Schlitterbahn Waterpark in Galveston, New Braunfels, or South Padre Island. Save $5 on season passes through May 31. www.schlitterbahn.com
SPORTS Brazos Valley Roller Derby Head to the roller derby to see the Brazos Valley Roller Derby girls in action. Home games are located at the VFW Post in Bryan. www.brazosvalleyrollerderby.com
Brazos Valley Bombers Collegiate baseball season continues through the summer with the Brazos Valley Bombers. Playing at Cellucor Field, the Bombers season opens May 27. www.bvbombers.com
PARKS AND RECREATION Wildflower Days Enjoy the spring and summer blooms at the Wildflower Days Celebration at the University of Texas – Austin Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center through May 31. This year’s show, Wild Thing, runs through May 30 at the center’s McDermott Learning Center. www.wildflower.org
Washington-on-the-Brazos Learn how to grow vegetables and flowers in the mid-19th century style. Join Washington-on-the-Brazos at Barrington Living History Farm for “Food from the Farm.” Held at the farm of Dr. Anson Jones, last president of the Republic of Texas, on Saturday, May 28. The farm is located within the Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historical Site off Highway 105 between Navasota and Brenham on FM 1155. www.wheretexasbecametexas.org
FREE ENTERTAINMENT
First Friday The first Friday of every month, Downtown Bryan teems with activity, live music, free movie screenings, and artist demonstrations. First Friday is a great night out for the entire family. www.downtownbryan.com
Starlight Music Festival The Starlight Music Festival is a free concert series at Wolf Pen Creek Amphitheater. Perfect for the entire family, bring a cooler and blanket and enjoy the music. Check the website for a full schedule of performers. www.cstx.gov/starlight
Movies in the Park Bring blankets, chairs and coolers to Wolf Pen Creek Amphitheater for the Movies in the Park series. Watch family friendly features on the 32-foot inflatable high-definition screen. Admission is free. Check website for dates and features. www.cstx.gov/movies
Free Concerts at Palace Theatre Enjoy free concert on Thursdays at 8pm in the Palace Theatre in Historic Downtown Bryan beginning June 2 through August 25. Visit www.DowntownBryan.com for more information.
George Bush Presidential Library and Museum The George Bush Presidential Library and Museum at Texas A&M University has a full schedule of events for the summer, including the Summer Film Series: Movies by the Pond. Enjoy family friendly films such as “Cars,” “The Game Plan,” “Herbie Fully Loaded, and more. For a full schedule of events, visit www.bush41.org.
Hot Nights, Cool Tunes Bring your lawn chairs and visit Downtown Brenham’s Courthouse Square for cool tunes in July. Free concerts will be held every Saturday night in July at 7pm. www.VisitBrenhamTexas.com
FARMERS MARKETS Brazos Valley Farmers Market Take your family for a day of local, farm-fresh shopping every Saturday. Check out the Brazos Valley Farmers’ Market in Downtown Bryan located between Main Street and Bryan Street, a few blocks north of William J. Bryan Parkway. All produce is locally grown. Stock up on fresh eggs, jellies, jams, honey, herbs, and garden crafts. www.brazosvalleyfarmersmarket.com
Bellville Farmers Market Get homegrown seasonal fruits and vegetables, grass-fed beef, seafood, herbs, baked goods, and more every first and third Saturday of the summer. Located in Bellville on the corner of Bell and Palm Street, one block off the Bellville Square. Opens at 9am. www.bellvillefarmersmarket.com
The Farm Patch Purchase fruit, vegetables, food products, flowers, and other plants all in one place. Since opening in 1974, The Farm Patch has become widely known and recognized for its quality, freshness, and overall “Old Market” appeal. Check it out at 3519 South College Ave. in Bryan. www.thefarmpatch.com
Home Sweet Farm Market & Biergarten A local food hub open daily, the Home Sweet Farm Market & Biergarten is a mecca of local produce, craft beer, wine, and entertainment. For daily hours, events, and more information, visit www.homesweetfarm.com.
PLAYS/MUSICALS Into the Woods The Theatre Company presents “Into the Woods” June 10-19. For tickets and show times, visit www.theatrecompany.com/tickets.
Pinocchio Enjoy the classic story of a wooden puppet who thinks he is a real boy. The Children’s Musical presents “Pinocchio” at Unity Theatre in Brenham, July 28 – 31. For tickets and show times, visit www.unitybrenham.org/SpecialEvents-Pinocchio.
Scapino! Unity Theatre in Brenham presents “Scapino!” June 2–19. For tickets and show times, visit www.unitybrenham.org/MainStage-Scapino.
SING AND DANCE P.O.E.T.S. Billiards and Sports Bar Grab a mic at P.O.E.T.S. in College Station for karaoke every Friday night. www.poetsbilliardsbcs.com
Salsa Lessons at The Village Put on your dancing shoes and head to The Village in Downtown Bryan. Salsa lessons are just $8 every Wednesday night from 9pm to 10:30pm, or skip the lesson and dance for $5 from 10:30pm to 12am. Drink specials available. www.thevillagedowntown.com
FOURTH OF JULY Fireworks on the Brazos The Annual Fireworks on the Brazos will feature a free music concert from 7pm to 9pm in Washington-on-the-Brazos’ amphitheater, featuring Texas country artist Cody Bryan Band. The firework extravaganza starts at 9:30pm. HEB will host face painting, bubble stations, and other fun activities for kids. Food vendors will offer a variety of festival food choices. Visitors can bring picnics, blankets, lawn chairs, and flashlights. www.birthplaceoftexas.org
Kurten Fireworks Show Celebrate Fourth of July at the Annual Kurten Fireworks Show and Fundraiser. This event offers residents the opportunity to meet and support firefighters and first responders who volunteer their time and efforts to the community, while enjoying a family-focused celebration. The event features barbecue, children’s games, and activities, raffles, and fireworks show. www.district2vfd.org
Fourth of July Parade in Chappell Hill Celebrate the Fourth of July in Chappell Hill at the Biggest Small Town Parade in Texas. Featuring the famous Marching Kazoo Band, the parade starts at 10am. The Chappell Hill Historical Society will host the Summer Cowboy Event featuring the Rocking T Chuck Wagon, Cowboy Bob, pony rides, petting zoo, oxen demonstrations, and a food and beverage vendor. www.chappellhilltx.com
Fourth of July Parade in Round Top Round Top’s 166th Fourth of July Parade will kick off at 10:30am in Downtown Round Top with the roar of the Civil War-era cannon. Fun for the whole family, great food, good music, and parade will be among the festivities of the longest running annual Fourth of July celebration west of the Mississippi River. www.roundtoprifle.com
I Love America Fourth of July The 56th Annual I Love America Fourth of July celebration will be presented by the College Station Noon Lions Club at the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum at Texas A&M. Activities begin at 9:30am on July 4 with free games, rides, and live entertainment with free museum entry until 8pm. Fireworks begin at dark and end at 10:15pm. www.csnoonlions.org
SUMMER CAMPS Brazos Valley Museum of Natural History Hosting nature camps for more than 45 years, the Museum will host summer camps for kids June 6 through August 19. For weekly and daily themes, visit www.brazosvalleymuseum.org or call (979) 776-2195.
Camp Humane Aggieland Humane Society will host a hands-on interactive camp with animals. Featuring guest speakers, animal safety, pet ownership lessons, and more. Camp dates: June 22-24, July 13-15, and August 3-5. For more information, visit www.aggielandhumane.org/camphumane or call (979) 775-5755.
Transportation Summer Camp George Bush Presidential Library and Museum will host a weekly day camp weekdays between July 11 and August 12. Campers will learn about the history of transportation, riding, driving, and flying. For information and registration, visit www.bush41.org/camps.
Summer Art Camps Arts Council of the Brazos Valley will host fun, interactive camps for kids ages 6–12. Various camps and dates throughout the summer. For dates, topics, and registration, visit www.acbv.org.
Camp Millican Send your kiddos to camp! Camp Millican is a week-long day camp for ages 5-10, which promotes healthy discovery and outdoor adventures. As an outdoor program, Camp Millican provides a fun, enriching experience aimed at strengthening a child’s sense of well-being and cultivating a bond with nature. Sessions are June 13-17, June 20-24, July 11-15, and July 18-22 at Millican Reserve, 19851 FM 2154, College Station. www.campmillican2016.splashthat.com
