Welcome to this week's Bastrop Current - Your Local Bastrop County Guide!

Spring Break is here, and Bastrop County is packed with things to do - from medieval jousting in McDade to free family nights in Elgin, live blues on Main Street, a historic grand opening, and one of the best sandwiches you'll eat all year. Whether you're staying local or playing tourist in your own backyard, we've got your week covered!

If you're headed to Bastrop State Park this Spring Break, do yourself a favor and pull into The Roadhouse first. Sitting right across Highway 21 from the park entrance, this place has been a Bastrop County institution since 2004 - and for good reason. They've earned the title of Best Burger in Bastrop County for 16 years running, and even landed on Texas Monthly's 50 Best Burgers in Texas list. But don't let the burger fame fool you - the full menu is something special.

We recently sampled two standouts: the Blackened Chicken Sandwich - a bold, flavorful kick of blackened chicken topped with pepperjack cheese, banana peppers, pico de gallo, and fresh avocado on a hoagie roll - and the Philly Cheesesteak, loaded with meat, veggies, and melted cheese done exactly right. Both came with a generous side of fries that were hot, crispy, and everything fries should be.

The vibe is pure Bastrop - unpretentious, welcoming, and delicious. And great news for families and groups: The Roadhouse has added seating, so larger parties can absolutely make it work - just plan a little ahead and come ready to enjoy!

📍 2804 Highway 21 E, Bastrop (across from Bastrop State Park entrance) 🔗 roadhousebastrop.com

Monday, March 16 | 11:00 AM – Noon | Ribbon Cutting at 11:30 AM

Calvary Episcopal School has been welcoming students at its new Bastrop campus since January - and now it's time to make it official! Join the community for the grand opening celebration and ribbon cutting, hosted by the Bastrop Chamber of Commerce. Come tour the new campus, meet the administration, and see firsthand what makes Calvary Episcopal a special place to learn.

With 2026–2027 enrollment now open, Spring Break is the perfect time for families to explore this faith-centered school and register for Calvary's first full year at its new home.

📍 107 Lost Oaks Trail (off HWY 304) Bastrop 🔗 calvaryschool.net 📞 512-303-0558

If you've lived in Bastrop County for any length of time, you already know about Sugar Shack - and if you don't, consider this your official introduction. Tucked right off Loop 150 on the west side of the Old Iron Bridge, this little gem has been making people smile since 1995. And since the Wells Family took over in 2023, the sweet tradition is going stronger than ever.

Walk through the door and prepare to be delighted. We're talking homemade fudge, Blue Bell ice cream (yes, the good stuff), a jelly bean selection that will send you straight back to childhood, gorgeous cakes from Texas bakers, and the cutest gift items you'll find anywhere in Bastrop County. Whether you need a birthday present, a reason to treat yourself, or just something sweet to make a Tuesday better - Sugar Shack has you covered.

Owner Natacha Wells and her family have kept everything that made this place a Bastrop institution while pouring their own love and energy into it. The original founder, Drusilla, built something truly special here - and it's in great hands. Come see for yourself. Spring Break is the perfect excuse! 🍬

📍 114 Loop 150 West, Bastrop 📞 (512) 321-3777 🕐 Mon–Sat: 10 AM–9 PM | Sun: Noon–6 PM 🔗 sugarshackbastrop.com

🔫 Texas License to Carry Permit Class 6:00–10:00 PM Hosted by the Armed Self Defense Institute, this class covers all required instruction and paperwork for your Texas LTC permit. The shooting portion can be completed after class or on a separate day at one of their partner ranges. Only $40 - and 61 people are already interested on Facebook, so don't wait! 💲 $40 📍 Best Western Bastrop Pines Inn, 107 Hunters Crossing Blvd, Bastrop 🔗 trainasdi.com/courses/texas-license-to-carry-handgun 📞 877-337-6070 Weapons and ammunition are not sold at this event.

🎤 Open Mic Night - Copper Shot Distillery 6:30–9:00 PM | Sign-up starts at 6:00 PM It's the 2nd Thursday, which means Open Mic Night at Copper Shot! Sign-up fills fast - whether you're picking up an instrument or just picking a good seat, this is one of downtown Bastrop's favorite monthly traditions. 📍 Copper Shot Distillery, downtown Bastrop 🔗 coppershotdistillery.com

🎭 "Lost in Yonkers" - Opens Tonight at the Bastrop Opera House 6:30 PM | Opening Night Neil Simon's Pulitzer Prize-winning coming-of-age story set in 1940s New York comes to life at the historic Bastrop Opera House, directed by Jeff Jeffers. Only 6 performances total through March 22 - seating is limited, so grab your tickets soon. 📍 711 Spring St, Bastrop 🎟️ bastropoperahouse.org

🎸 X Factory - Live at Copper Shot Distillery 6:30–9:30 PM High energy classic rock - the perfect way to kick off Spring Break weekend! 📍 Copper Shot Distillery, downtown Bastrop 🔗 coppershotdistillery.com

🎸 Sonny Wolf - Live at 602 Brewing Company 8:30–11:30 PM 📍 602 Brewing Company, 919 Main St, Bastrop

🌿 Sage Well Grand Reopening Kick-Off | New Menu + Mocktails All Day | Wellness Raffle at 5:00 PM Radiant Juice is becoming Sage Well - a Herb House, Juice Bar, and Wellness Cafe right on Main Street in Bastrop! Come celebrate the rebrand with a full day of free menu samples, live music, herbal mocktails, and a Wellness Raffle at 5 PM. A fresh new concept for Bastrop's wellness scene! 📍 702 Main St. #103, Bastrop 📞 (512) 988-4559 🔗 sagewellbastrop.com

🌾 Bastrop 1832 Farmers Market 10:00 AM–2:00 PM | Every Saturday, year-round Stock up on local produce, grass-fed beef, farm-fresh eggs, honey, and handcrafted goods from your Bastrop County neighbors. 📍 1302 Chestnut St, Bastrop (between the Convention Center and Lost Pines Art Center) 🔗 bastrop1832farmersmarket.com

🏰 Sherwood Forest Faire - Spring Break Weekend 10:00 AM–dusk | Saturday, March 14 & Sunday, March 15 The 17th annual Sherwood Forest Faire hits McDade right at the start of Spring Break - and it's one of the best family outings in Central Texas. Expect 150+ live shows per day including full-contact jousting, falconry, swordplay, and 10 live bands, plus 170+ artisans selling handcrafted goods. Running every weekend through April 19. 💲 Tickets $16.59–$33.48 📍 1883 Old Hwy 20, McDade, TX (~35 miles east of Austin on US 290) 🎟️ sherwoodforestfaire.com

📜 Family Make N Take - "From Quill to Press" 11:00 AM–3:00 PM | Included with museum admission | All ages welcome Step back in time at this hands-on family program! Write with a quill and parchment, try out real printing press type blocks, and explore the history of communication - from the Declaration of Independence to the Bastrop Advertiser (first published right here on March 1, 1853 - and still going strong!). All materials provided. 📍 Bastrop County Museum & Visitor Center, 904 Main St, Bastrop 🔗 bastropcountyhistoricalsociety.com/event-details-registration/from-quill-to-press

🎸 Moving Blues - Live at Copper Shot Distillery 6:30–9:30 PM This Austin-based blues band brings the real deal: "El Michael" on vocals, Mark "SuitCase" Stedman on harp, Jimmy Somma on guitar, Ryan "Railroad" Randolph on bass, and Mark Nelipovich on drums. A Saturday night worth staying in Bastrop for. 📍 Copper Shot Distillery, downtown Bastrop 🔗 coppershotdistillery.com

🎸 Neighborhood Bullys - Live at 602 Brewing Company 8:30–11:30 PM 📍 602 Brewing Company, 919 Main St, Bastrop

🌿 Sage Well | Wellness Talks + BOGO All Day Wellness Talks at 1:00 PM | BOGO Deals All Day Come back to Sage Well on Sunday for Wellness Talks at 1 PM and buy-one-get-one deals all day long. A great excuse to try something new! 📍 702 Main St. #103, Bastrop 📞 (512) 988-4559 🔗 sagewellbastrop.com

🏰 Sherwood Forest Faire - Day 2 10:00 AM–dusk The medieval magic continues! See Saturday's listing for full details. 📍 1883 Old Hwy 20, McDade, TX 🎟️ sherwoodforestfaire.com

🎷 Downtown Jazz Trio - Live at 602 Brewing Company 6:00–8:00 PM A laid-back Sunday evening of live jazz in downtown Bastrop. Perfect way to wrap up Spring Break weekend! 📍 602 Brewing Company, 919 Main St, Bastrop

⭐ Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting | Calvary Episcopal School 11:00 AM – Noon | Ribbon Cutting at 11:30 AM Today's the day! Don't miss the official grand opening celebration at Calvary Episcopal School's new Bastrop campus. See our Featured Event at the top of this newsletter for all the details. 📍 107 Lost Oaks Trail, Bastrop 🔗 calvaryschool.net

🚛 Touch-A-Truck - Elgin Parks & Recreation (FREE) 4:00–7:00 PM Kids get up close and personal with working trucks and heavy machinery from local agencies. A free, hands-on favorite that never gets old! 📍 Elgin Memorial Park, 361 N. HWY 95, Elgin

🧶 Chunky Knit Beginner Blanket Class | Smithville General Store 10:00 AM | $50 (all materials included) | Refresher & Intermediate classes: FREE MimiMadeIt hosts beginner chunky knit blanket classes every Tuesday at Smithville General Store. The perfect creative outing during Spring Break week! 📍 Smithville General Store, Smithville

☘️ St. Patrick's Day Celebration - Copper Shot Distillery 11:00 AM–9:00 PM Dust off your best green and head to Copper Shot for a full day of St. Patrick's Day fun! 📍 Copper Shot Distillery, downtown Bastrop 🔗 coppershotdistillery.com

⛸️ Skate Night - Elgin Parks & Recreation (FREE) 4:00–8:00 PM | All ages Lace 'em up! Elgin Parks & Rec brings back Skate Night as part of their full week of free Spring Break events. All ages welcome. 📍 Elgin Recreation Center, 361 N. HWY 95, Elgin

🎤 Karaoke with Elijah - 602 Brewing Company 7:00–10:00 PM Every Tuesday at 602! Grab the mic and celebrate St. Patrick's Day Bastrop-style. 📍 602 Brewing Company, 919 Main St, Bastrop

⭐ Ribbon Cutting | Sage Well Wellness Cafe 2:00–3:00 PM | Ribbon Cutting at 2:30 PM Cap off the Sage Well grand reopening weekend with the official ribbon cutting, hosted by the Bastrop Chamber of Commerce! After a weekend of menu tastings, live music, wellness talks, and BOGO deals, Wednesday makes it official. Sage Well - Bastrop's new Herb House, Juice Bar, and Wellness Cafe - is open for business! 📍 702 Main St. #103, Bastrop 📞 (512) 988-4559 🔗 sagewellbastrop.com

🦎 Nature Night - Elgin Parks & Recreation (FREE) 6:00–8:00 PM | All ages | Pre-registration encouraged Nature Night is back and bigger than ever for Spring Break! Meet reptile ambassadors with Cathy, mold wildflower seed coins with Howdy Kat, dive into prehistoric fossils with UT, get creative with the Elgin Public Library and The Clever Tiger, paint rocks, craft affirmation cards, and test your survival skills in the Bird Migration Game with the Lost Pines Master Naturalists. Something for every explorer - and it's completely free! 📍 Elgin Recreation Center, 361 N. HWY 95, Elgin 🔗 Pre-register: secure.rec1.com/TX/elgin-tx/catalog?filter=c2VhcmNoPTM5ODE2NTY=

🎤 Open Mic Night - Gracie's (FREE) 6:00–8:00 PM | No cover charge Every third Wednesday brings Open Mic Night to Gracie's, presented by the Bastrop Live Music Foundation and hosted by Robert A. Kraft. Show up to listen, or bring your instrument and share your sound. 📍 The Grace Miller "Gracie's," 706 Pine St, Bastrop

🍀 Pot O' Gold Passport | Downtown Bastrop March 10-17 | FREE Here's a fun one for Spring Break week! Pick up your Pot O' Gold Passport at any participating downtown Bastrop shop and collect stamps as you explore boutiques, coffee spots, and local favorites. Collect 5 stamps and you're entered to win a $50 Downtown Bastrop gift card.

The week wraps up on St. Patrick's Day, March 17 from 4-8 PM at the Downtown Bastrop tent in the alley at 1021 Main Street - with merch giveaways and gift card winners announced at 8 PM!

Participating businesses include Sage & Co., Copper Shot Distillery, Coffee Greeks, Neighbor's Kitchen & Yard, Sunshine Sister Coffee, the Bastrop County Museum & Visitor Center, and many more downtown favorites. 📍 Pick up your passport at any participating downtown shop 🔗 visitbastrop.com/event/downtown-bastrops-pot-o-gold-passport/8700

🎭 "Lost in Yonkers" - Bastrop Opera House March 13–22 | Only 6 performances - limited seating 📍 711 Spring St, Bastrop 🎟️ bastropoperahouse.org

🌲 Bastrop State Park Open daily | $5/adult day use | Kids 12 & under FREE Hike the trails, fish at Lake Mina (no license required), go birdwatching, or camp under the pines. 📍 100 Park Road 1A, Bastrop 🔗 tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/bastrop

🦁 Capital of Texas Zoo - Open Every Day of the Year Adults (12+) $10.50 | Children (2–11) $7.99 | Under 2 FREE Over 500 animals on 27 acres in Cedar Creek - including active conservation programs for 14 endangered species. 📍 Cedar Creek, TX 🔗 capitaloftexaszoo.org

🎨 Lost Pines Art Center - Free Admission Tue–Fri 9 AM–4 PM | Sat 11 AM–5 PM Rotating galleries, gift gallery, and an onsite winery. Admission is always free. 📍 1204 Chestnut St, Bastrop 🔗 lostpinesartcenter.org

🏨 Hyatt Regency Lost Pines - Spring Break Week

Plus year-round fun: lazy river & water park, horseback riding, petting corral, kayaking, fishing, archery, bike rentals, and s'mores at sunset. 📍 575 Hyatt Lost Pines Rd, Cedar Creek 🔗 lostpinesresortandspa.com

🧶 Beginner Knitting Class - Lost Pines Art Center Saturday, March 28 | 10:00 AM–3:00 PM Artist Jennifer Shaw leads this beginner-friendly class covering basic stitches, yarn and needle types, and knitting terminology. You'll make practice swatches and even get a snack break! 📍 Lost Pines Art Center, 1204 Chestnut St, Bastrop 🔗 lostpinesartcenter.org/classes-specialevents

April 9–11 | Smithville Jamboree One of the county's most beloved annual festivals returns to Vernon L. Richards Riverbend Park. 📍 Riverbend Park, Smithville

Annual Spring Book and Plant Sale this April 25, 2026 at the Bastrop Public Library.   This year, the sale to the general public is only ONE day! (If you are a Friends member, you are able to shop during our Members Only Hours on Friday, April 24, from 4-6 pm.) For more info on becoming a Friends member, please visit the website at https://www.friendsofbastroplibrary.org/  

📰 Bastrop | New Restaurant Opening This Week First Watch, a breakfast and brunch chain with 630+ locations nationwide, opens its first Bastrop location on Monday, March 16 at Burleson Crossing East (661 Hwy. 71 W.). Hours are 7 AM–2:30 PM daily. Known for seasonal dishes like Lemon Ricotta Pancakes and the Power Breakfast Bowl.

📰 Smithville | Downtown Revitalization Recognition Smithville has been welcomed into the Texas Historical Commission's First Street Initiative, a new downtown revitalization cohort. The program supports historic downtowns across Texas with planning resources and community development tools - good news for Smithville's already-charming Main Street scene.

The Bastrop Current is your weekly community guide for Bastrop County — covering Bastrop, Smithville, Elgin, McDade, and Paige. Know of an event or business we should spotlight? Reply to this email and let us know!

See y'all next Thursday.

Bastrop Current