175th Anniversary Events
photo by Claire McCormack
Schedule of Events for 2021
ON GOING EVENTS
Self-Guided Historic Walking Tour
Enjoy a free self-guided walking tour of the National historic district National Historic District to get a glimpse of the unique architecture of Fredericksburg. Recently recognized by Southern Living as one of the South’s Best Walking Tours, the self-paced tour features historic buildings that are now museums, restaurants, shops, guesthouses and churches. Free printed maps are available at the Visitor Information Center located at 302 East Austin Street.
Daily self-guided tour
Free
MAY
“The Art of Fredericksburg: 175 Years” Art Exhibit
May 8, 2021 – September 19, 2021
The Art of Fredericksburg: 175 Years will feature more than 60 original pieces of artwork from well-known artists from the Fredericksburg area of the Texas Hill Country. The nearly 30 artists chosen for this exhibition span the 175 years from Fredericksburg’s founding to the present day. Pieces include original sketches, oil paintings and watercolors. The exhibit is presented as part of Fredericksburg’s 175th Anniversary Celebration.
Location: George H.W. Bush Gallery at the National Museum of the Pacific War
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily
Free Admission
“Lee Ethel’s Fredericksburg” Art Exhibit
May 7, 2021 – September 15, 2021
View the work of Lee Ethel, a prolific painter who depicted the life and unique architecture of Fredericksburg from 1974 until 1992. The exhibition will be on display in conjunction with the Celebration of the 175th Anniversary of Fredericksburg. More than 40 original paintings by Ethel along with corresponding archival material will be on loan from private collections and the Gillespie County Historical Society. Sponsored by the Pioneer Museum and the Gillespie County Historical Society.
Location: Appretiare Fine Art
General public exhibition hours: Mondays – Saturdays 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Free Admission
JULY
“Lee Ethel’s Life & Legacy”
Presented by Lee Ann Whatley, hear about the life and legacy of Lee Ethel, legendary painter of life and unique architecture in Fredericksburg.
Friday, July 2, 2021
Location: Appretiare Fine Art
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Stroeher & Son, Inc. and Stroeher & Olfers, Inc. celebrates 93 years in business
Friday, July 16, 2021
Location: 509 South Adams Street
7:30 AM – Free breakfast tacos and coffee (while supplies last)
11:00 AM – 2:00 PM Free sausage wraps
Sign up for door prizes when you stop by. This long time Fredericksburg family business is the proud sponsor for the month of July’s “Lasting Family Heritage” theme for the 175th anniversary of the founding of Fredericksburg. For more information on the event, call (830) 997-4382.
Kuhlken Vineyards will be celebrating “Lasting Family Heritage”
Saturday, July 17, 2021
From 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Location: 11446 North State Highway 16
The event will include an estate vineyard tour and a patio luncheon. The founding family and vineyard manager Evan McKibben will share stories and viticulture knowledge.
The vineyard was founded in 1995 by Larry and Jeanine Kuhlken. This sixth generation Texas family went on to establish Pedernales Cellars winery.
The cost is $70 per person. To purchase tickets for the event, visit www.pedernalescellars.com or call (830)644-2037 for more information.
Night In Old Fredericksburg Horse Races
Saturday, July 17 and Sunday, July 18, 2021
Location: Gillespie County Fair Grounds, 530 Fair Drive
Gates open at 11:00 AM each day with post time at 1:00 PM
A long-time summer tradition returns to Fredericksburg at this Class 3 track with live pari-mutuel horse racing and fun for the whole family. Lone Star Barbecue Society Cook-off, CASI Chili Cook-off, Washer Pitching and “42” Tournament as well.
Adult Tickets (13 & Up ) $10
Children (6-12) $5
Kids (5 & Under ) Free
Box Seats/Reserved seats $20
For more information, call (830)997-2359 or visit https://gillespiefair.com/all-events
Ribbon Cutting for Rebuilt Water Wheel
Wednesday, July 28, 2021 – 11 AM
Location: Water Wheel in Marktplatz
Address: 100 block of W. Main, Fredericksburg, TX 78624
The City of Fredericksburg Parks Department and the Chamber of Commerce are hosting a ribbon-cutting. To commemorate the 175th Anniversary of the settlement of Fredericksburg, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints has combined efforts with many from the community to replace the Water Wheel at Marktplatz.
Family-Friendly Movie Screening
Thursday, July 29, 2021 – 8:30 PM
Presented By: Hill Country Film Society
Location: Marktplatz
Address: 100 block of W. Main, Fredericksburg, TX 78624
Free Admission
An outdoor screening of SPY KIDS (directed by Robert Rodriguez, U.S.) will be presented by the Hill Country Film Festival and the Texas Film Commission to celebrate the commission’s 50th anniversary and to commemorate Frederickburg’s 175th anniversary’s July theme of “Lasting Family Heritage.”
Famous Texas Artist & Vintage Texas Art Program
July 29, 2021 & August 5, 2021
Location: Gillespie County Historical Society Sanctuary Hall
6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
$10 per person for both nights
In conjunction with the art exhibition “The Art of Fredericksburg: 175 Years,” Charles Morin of Charles Morin Fine Art Gallery will present a two-part program. The July 29 program is “Famous Texas Artist” and the August 5 program is “Collecting Vintage Texas Art”. Online registration will open on July 1. Visit website.
AUGUST
Panel Discussion on Lee Ethel’s Contribution to the History of Fredericksburg
Friday, August 6, 2021
Location: Appretiare Fine Art
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
SEPTEMBER
2021 Historic Schools OPEN HOUSE
10:30 am – 3:30 pm
The Gillespie County Country Schools Driving Trail
Follow the Gillespie County Country Schools Driving Trail spending time learning about the historic structures. One can see early school BBQ pits, outdoor pavilions, stages and stage curtains, teacherages, tin schools, and two Presidential Schools. For an informational Trail Map Brochure, detailed histories and photos of the country schools in Gillespie County, visit: HistoricSchools.org.
SEPTEMBER 4
Willow City
SEPTEMBER 11
Cherry Spring
Pecan Creek
SEPTEMBER 12
Williams Creek (Albert)
SEPTEMBER 18
Rheingold
SEPTEMBER 25
Junction
Nebgen
SEPTEMBER 26
Crabapple
White Oak School & Vereins Kirche
open to the public
10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Monday thru Saturday
Junction School
open to the public
9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Sunday thru Saturday
