This week: A Fourth of July weekend of remembrance, healing and resilience

There is no ordinary way to mark this Fourth of July in Kerr County.

One year ago, in the dark hours before dawn, the Guadalupe River rose and 119 people were lost — many of them visitors who had come to the Hill Country to spend the Fourth of July weekend along the water. A year later, this weekend asks our community to hold two things at once: the nation’s 250th birthday and the first anniversary of the hardest day many here have known.

The calendar reflects that weight. Alongside the rodeo, the river concert and the fireworks, you’ll find prayer gatherings, a day of healing, a flag-making workshop and a symphony written as much for memory as for celebration. Here is the week ahead, with remembrance at its center.

Gathering to remember

The week’s remembrance begins Monday on the greens. The Live Love Like Nay Nay golf tournament tees off at 8 a.m. at Comanche Trace, with proceeds supporting the Renee Smajstrla Memorial Fund, established in memory of the young camper lost at Camp Mystic. Details at livelovenaynay.org.

That same evening, Schreiner University hosts a free 6:30 p.m. screening of “The Story,” the Texas Monthly Presents documentary built around Found on the Guadalupe — Dondi Persyn’s volunteer effort to recover, clean and return the photos, heirlooms and keepsakes carried off by the floodwaters to the families they belong to. RSVP at found-project.com. The film screens again Friday at 6:30 p.m. at the Jones Event Center in Boerne.

On Tuesday, the Guadalupe River Flags of Hope workshop runs 4 to 6 p.m. at the Heart of the Hills Heritage Center — a free, hands-on gathering for the community to make flags of hope, prayer and healing. Details at hhheritagecenter.org.

The Fourth itself opens in prayer. First Presbyterian Church gathers at 8 a.m. at the Trailhead Beer Garden for a Remembrance Gathering of scripture, song and quiet reflection.

Through the day, Howdy’s Bar & Chill holds a Healing Community Event from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with yoga, guided imagery and acupuncture led by Dana Cardwell — an open door for anyone who needs a softer place to be on Saturday.

And at 4 p.m., the Symphony of the Hills takes the Cailloux Theater stage for “Stars, Stripes and Spirit: Remembrance & Resilience,” a program that is at once a salute to the nation’s birthday and a memorial to the anniversary of the flood. Admission is free.

The Fourth on the river

For all the grief this weekend carries, it is also a homecoming — a chance for the community to be together along the water that means so much to this place.

Kerrville’s Fourth on the River returns to Louise Hays Park from 2 to 10 p.m., gates opening at 2. This year’s lineup brings Los Juanos (3:15 p.m.), Jamie Lin Wilson (5:15 p.m.), Junior Brown (6:45 p.m.) and William Beckmann (8:30 p.m.), with fireworks at 9:45 and a drone show closing the night at 10. The event is free, and food and beverage vendors will be on site. Chairs and coolers are welcome; leave outside alcohol, dogs and tents at home. Guidelines and parking information are at arcadialive.org/kfor.

The day fills out around it: the Stars & Stripes cornhole tournament at Louise Hays Park (10 a.m.; online registration closes July 3 at 5 p.m.), the Bluebell Hills bike parade at Trinity Baptist Church (decorating at 8 a.m., parade at 9), a memorial breakfast at Center Point Historic Park (8 to 10 a.m.) and, up the river in Hunt, a Fourth of July picnic at Hunt Preservation Park from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Comfort marks the day with its own celebration beginning at 9:30 a.m.

The weekend closes the way Hill Country weekends do — with music. Crider’s Rodeo and Dance runs Saturday night, with the cafe opening at 6:30, the rodeo at 8 and John Christopher Way taking the dance floor at 9. Singing Water Vineyards, Newsom Vineyards in Comfort, the YO Hotel’s Elm Waterhole Saloon and Lazy Days at Roddy Tree all carry live music through the holiday.

Also on the calendar

Everyday life goes on this week, too, and there is comfort in that. The Butt-Holdsworth Memorial Library keeps its summer rhythm with the Friends of the Library book sale Wednesday (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.), Lego & Duplo Club on Thursday and reptile-and-amphibian programming throughout the week. Riverside Nature Center offers the Wildflower Bunch on Wednesday and Sprouts story time for preschoolers Thursday. Both the Heart of the Hills and Hill Country Heritage farmers markets run Saturday morning, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

And on Sunday, the Kerr County Love Project gathers at 1 p.m. at The Color of Clay — a fitting, quiet close to a heavy weekend.

However you spend it — at the river, in a pew, on the golf course or quietly at home — we’ll be remembering alongside you.

Monday, June 29, 2026

Fundraiser tournament

Live Love Like Nay Nay Golf Tournament — Comanche Trace, 8 a.m. Information: livelovenaynay.org The details: Proceeds support the Renee Smajstrla Memorial Fund. 

Outreach groups

Mega Food Pantry — The Light on the Hill, 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. Information: lightonthehillkerrville.org

Wellness

Veterans Yoga — Kerrville Elks Lodge, 3 p.m. Information: ricksyogatherapy.com The details: Join Rick Trzcinski of the Veterans Yoga Project every Monday for a session. The class is free for veterans.

Winery events

Monday Mingle — Turtle Creek Vineyard, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Information: facebook.com The details: With music by Matthew James Butler.

Film screening 

The Story — Schreiner University, 6:30 p.m. Information: found-project.com The details: A free screening of the Texas Monthly-PBS documentary about The Found Project. Please RSVP at the link above.

Tuesday, June 30, 2026

For the kids

Toddler Time: America 250 Celebration — The Ridge Marketplace, 10 a.m. Information: shopsattheridge.com

Library events

Cuentos for Kids — Butt-Holdsworth Memorial Library, 10 a.m. Information: buttholdsworth.librarycalendar.com

Calm + Color — Butt-Holdsworth Memorial Library, 10:30 a.m. Information: buttholdsworth.librarycalendar.com

Scavenger Hunt: Reptiles & Amphibians — Butt-Holdsworth Memorial Library, 2 p.m. Information: buttholdsworth.librarycalendar.com

Adult Craft: Rock Painting — Butt-Holdsworth Memorial Library, 3:30 p.m. Information: buttholdsworth.librarycalendar.com The details: Registration required, click here.

Community clubs & meetings

Kerrville Toastmasters — Security State Bank & Trust, 12 p.m. The details: Contact Kevin F. Clark at (512) 771-5845 for more information and online meeting link.

Arts & crafts

Guadalupe River Flags of Hope Workshop — Heart of the Hills Heritage Center, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Information: hhheritagecenter.org The details: A free workshop for the community to make flags of hope, prayer, and healing. 

Open Sketch Night Art Social — Gravity Check Saloon, 6 p.m. Information: gravitychecksaloonandarena.com

Live music

Heartbreak Outlaws — The Inn Pub, 6 p.m. Information: facebook.com/innpub

Games

Trivia Night — True Texas BBQ (HEB), 6:30 p.m. Information: challengeentertainment.com

Wednesday, July 1, 2026

For the kids

Wednesdays with Woodrow: USA — The Ridge Marketplace, 10 a.m. Information: shopsattheridge.com

Hands on History: Explore Kerr County Maps — Heart of the Hills Heritage Center, 11:30 a.m. Information: hhheritagecenter.org The details: For more info, click here.

Library events

Science with Schreiner University: Reptiles & Amphibians — Butt-Holdsworth Memorial Library, 10 a.m. Information: buttholdsworth.librarycalendar.com

Friends of the Library Book Sale — Butt-Holdsworth Memorial Library, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Information: buttholdsworth.librarycalendar.com

Science and nature

Wildflower Bunch — Riverside Nature Center, 10 a.m. Information: riversidenaturecenter.org The details: Join the group and learn about native wildflowers. For more info and to register, click here.

Bird City Kerrville Meeting — Riverside Nature Center, 4:30 p.m. Information: facebook.com

Games

Cornhole Games — Dietert Center, 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Information: facebook.com

Outreach groups

Veterans Food Bank — Hill Country Veterans Center, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Information: facebook.com The details: Food items, haircuts, clothing available. Bring valid Texas ID and proof of military service. Visit Facebook or call the center at (830) 315-3100 for more details.

Parkinson’s Support Group — Peterson Hospice & Home Care Building, 4 p.m. Information: petersonhealth.com

Wine events

Wild West Wine Wednesday — Museum of Western Art, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Information: museumofwesternart.com The details: Enjoy tastings from Alexander Vineyards and a short presentation on what’s going on at MoWA. Free event.

Live music

Open Mic — Kerrville Favorite Saloon, 6 p.m. Information: facebook.com

Movie night

Iconic Film Series: Dirty Dancing — The Arcadia Live, 7 p.m. Information: thearcadialive.org

Thursday, July 2, 2026

Library events

Lego & Duplo Club: Session 1 — Butt-Holdsworth Memorial Library, 10 a.m. Information: buttholdsworth.librarycalendar.com

Historical Fiction Book Club — Kerr Regional History Center, 12 p.m. Information: buttholdsworth.librarycalendar.com The details: The group will discuss “Strangers in Time” by David Baldacci.

Lego & Duplo Club: Session 2 — Butt-Holdsworth Memorial Library, 2 p.m. Information: buttholdsworth.librarycalendar.com 

Science & nature

Sprouts — Riverside Nature Center, 10:30 a.m. Information: riversidenaturecenter.org The details: Explore the wonders of nature through story time with your preschooler.

Kerr County Friends of the Night Sky Meeting — Riverside Nature Center, 4 p.m. Information: kerrnightsky.org The details: Learn about reducing the skyglow! Open to the interested public. Member meeting to follow at 5 p.m.

Live music

Super Frank — Newsom Vineyards, Comfort, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Information: facebook.com

Country Nights Open Mic Night — Gravity Check Saloon, 6 p.m. Information: gravitychecksaloonandarena.com

Toby Lee Happy Hour — Kerrville Favorite Saloon, 6 p.m. Information: facebook.com

The Maplewood Brothers — Howdy’s Bar & Chill, 7 p.m. Information: facebook.com

Outreach groups

Light After Loss: Suicide Loss Survivor Group — Hospice & Home Care Building, 5:30 p.m. Information: petersonhealth.com

Games

Cowgirl Bingo — Blue Oak Trading Company, 6 p.m. Information: facebook.com

Community literary event

Neighbor Night: A Pop-Up Bookshop — Silver Creek Winery, Center Point, 6 p.m. Information: facebook.com

Friday, July 3, 2026

For the kids

Children’s Story Hour — Central Provisions, 10 a.m. Information: facebook.com

Games

Cornhole Games — Dietert Center, 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Information: facebook.com

Pet events

Free Pet Food Friday — KPA Safe House, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Information: info@kerrvillepetsalive.org 

Pet Remembrance — KPA Safe House, 7:30 p.m. Information: info@kerrvillepetsalive.org 

Performing arts

Comfort Cannon Caper — Newsom Vineyards Backyard, Comfort, 5 p.m. Information: facebook.com The details: The Comfort Little Theater presents a re-enactment of Comfort’s unique independence day story. 

Live music

In Six Days — Vecinos Cafe, 5 p.m. Information: facebook.com

Susan Herndon — Cafe at the Ridge, 5:30 p.m. Information: shopsattheridge.com

Brent Ryan — Pint & Plow Brewing Co, 6 p.m. Information: pintandplow.com

Faith & Fellowship Concert — Louise Hays Park, 6 p.m. Information: thearcadialive.org

The Great Trumpet — Truffles & Vines, 7 p.m. Information: trufflesandvines.com

Karaoke — Gravity Check Saloon, 7 p.m. Information: gravitychecksaloonandarena.com

Ruben & Friends — Elm Waterhole Saloon at the YO Hotel, 7 p.m. Information: yoranchhotel.com

Nico Little & The North Americans — Lazy Days Canteen at Roddy Tree, 8 p.m. Information: lazydaysandstarrynights.com

Film screening 

The Story — Jones Event Center, Boerne, 6:30 p.m. Information: found-project.com The details: A free screening of the Texas Monthly-PBS documentary about The Found Project. Please RSVP at the link above.

Arts & crafts

Americana Platter Paint & Sip — The Color of Clay, 7 p.m.  Information: thecolorofclay.com

Saturday, July 4, 2026

Outdoor activities

Kerrville Walking Group — 7:30 a.m. Information: www.kerrville.xyz The details: Join the KWG on Saturday mornings for nature walks. Most routes are 2-4 miles. Visit website for exact meeting location and further details.

Fourth of July events

Remembrance Gathering — Trailhead Beer Garden, 8 a.m. The details: Join the First Presbyterian Church at a gathering for prayer, scripture, song, and a time of remembrance.

Memorial Breakfast — Center Point Historic Park, 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. Information: centerpointhistoric.org

Bluebell Hills Bike Parade — Trinity Baptist Church, 9 a.m. Information: katy.kappel@yahoo.com The details: Meet on the Galbraith side of the church. Park in the grassy lot. Arrive at 8 a.m. for decorating, parade starts at 9 a.m. All ages are welcome. 

Comfort 4th of July Celebration — Comfort, 9:30 a.m. Information: comfortchamber.com

Healing Community Event — Howdy’s Bar & Chill, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Information: howdysbar.com The details: Events throughout the day including yoga, guided imagery, and acupuncture, facilitated by Dana Cardwell.

Stars & Stripes Cornhole Tournament — Louise Hays Park, 10 a.m. Information: arcadialive.org/kfor The details: Online registration ends July 3 at 5 p.m. 

Fourth of July Picnic — Hunt Preservation Park, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Information: facebook.com

Kerrville’s Fourth on the River — Louise Hays Park, 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. Information: arcadialive.org/kfor The details: Gates open at 2 p.m. Music lineup: Los Juanos (3:15pm), Jamie Lin Wilson (5:15pm), Junior Brown (6:45pm), and William Beckmann (8:30pm). Fireworks at 9:45 p.m. Drone Show at 10 p.m. This is a free event! Food and beverage vendors will be onsite. Chairs and coolers are allowed, but no outside alcohol, no dogs, no tents. For further information on guidelines and traffic/parking, click here.

Stars Stripes and Spirit: Remembrance & Resilience — Cailloux Theater, 4 p.m. Information: symphonyofthehills.org The details: Join Symphony of the Hills for a salute to our nation’s birth and as a memorial to the anniversary of the July 4, 2025 flood. Free admission.

Markets

Hill Country Heritage Farmers Market — 301 Junction Hwy, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Information: facebook.com

Heart of the Hills Farmers Market — 741 Water St Parking Lot, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Information: facebook.com

Live music

Jorge & Nicole — Newsom Vineyards, Comfort, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Information: facebook.com

Corey Weaver — Howdy’s Bar & Chill, 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. Information: facebook.com

Julian Escobedo — Singing Water Vineyards, 1 p.m. Information: singingwater.com

Hunter Billingsley — Singing Water Vineyards, 5 p.m. Information: singingwater.com

In Six Days — Cafe at the Ridge, 5:30 p.m. Information: shopsattheridge.com

Karaoke — Gravity Check Saloon, 7 p.m. Information: gravitychecksaloonandarena.com

Gray Matters Band — Elm Waterhole Saloon at the YO Hotel, 7 p.m. Information: yoranchhotel.com

Q-Tips & Friends — Lazy Days Canteen at Roddy Tree, 8 p.m. Information: lazydaysandstarrynights.com 

The rodeo

Crider’s Rodeo and Dance — Crider’s Rodeo and Dancehall, 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. Information: cridersrandd.com The details: Cafe opens at 6:30pm, rodeo starts at 8pm, John Christopher Way and dance starts at 9pm. Click here for ticket and table information. 

Sunday, July 5, 2026

Live music

Junior Pruneda Jam Brunch — Lazy Days Canteen at Roddy Tree, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Information: lazydaysandstarrynights.com

Brent Ryan — Singing Water Vineyards, 1 p.m. Information: singingwater.com

Josh Peek — Gravity Check Saloon, 1 p.m. Information: gravitychecksaloonandarena.com

In Six Days — Turtle Creek Vineyard, 2:30 p.m. Information: facebook.com

Arts & crafts

Kerr County Love Project — The Color of Clay, 1 p.m.  Information: thecolorofclay.com