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

Spring Break may be wrapping up but Bastrop County isn't slowing down! We've got live music on Main Street, a rare BOGO Sunday at Sherwood Forest Faire, the final performance of Lost in Yonkers, a brand new community grand opening, and packed calendar all the way through Wednesday. Whether you're easing back into routine or squeezing out every last drop of the break - we've got your week covered!

If you haven't made it to 602 Brewing Co. on Main Street yet, consider this your official nudge. Housed in a building that dates back to 1890 - you can still see the original brick wall right inside the dining room - 602 is one of downtown Bastrop's most beloved gathering spots and a true community anchor.

It's a brewpub, restaurant, beer garden, and live music venue all in one. The kitchen leans into its New Orleans and Mississippi roots, turning out Cajun-Southern comfort food made with locally sourced meats, produce, and seafood - all prepared fresh when you order. Think farm-to-fork with a Low Country soul. The craft beer lineup is veteran-brewed, the cocktail menu is solid, and the outdoor beer garden lit up at night with live music on the small stage is one of the best spots in Bastrop to just exhale.

Their Facebook community gives them a 94% recommendation rate - and we give them 100%. 😊 Check their Facebook page for this week's music lineup before you go.

📍 919 Main Street, Bastrop 📞 (512) 321-3577 🕐 Tue-Wed 11 AM-9 PM | Thu 11 AM-11 PM | Fri-Sat 11 AM-midnight | Sun 3-9 PM | Mon closed 🔗 602brewing.com

Bastrop's own Kragh's Jewelry is celebrating a major milestone in 2026 - 70 years in business, serving this community since 1956. To mark the occasion, they're giving back all year long with a monthly giveaway every single month of 2026.

This month's prize is a $70 gift certificate to Kragh's Jewelry. To enter, simply fill out the short form at the link below. For extra chances to win, visit them in-store or share their post on Facebook. Drawing ends March 30, 2026.

Kragh's specializes in new and estate jewelry, watches, custom designs, in-house repairs, laser engraving, and unique gifts. They're a true Bastrop institution and worth a visit even if you don't win.

📍 485 Hwy 71 West, Bastrop (Next to Planet Fitness) 📞 (512) 321-2351 🕐 Mon-Fri 9 AM-6 PM | Sat 9 AM-3 PM 🎟️ Kraghs70thGiveawayMarch 🔗 https://kraghsjewelry.com

Right in the heart of downtown Bastrop at 913 Main Street sits one of the sweetest little shops on the strip - Sage & Co., a family-owned and operated modern boutique that opened in 2022 and has been a quiet gem ever since.

Step inside and you'll find women's and children's fashion, home decor, jewelry, skincare, candles, handbags, Texas-inspired gifts, and more - all curated with care and restocked with new arrivals every single week. Whether you're shopping for yourself or hunting for the perfect gift, Sage & Co. has that warm, personal touch that big-box stores can't touch. The team takes pride in making every customer feel at home, and it shows.

Fun piece of local history: the building itself has been a Main Street staple since 1887, when it was built by the Prokop family as a boot and shoe shop. Today it's in great hands.

📍 913 Main Street, Bastrop 📞 (512) 304-8340 🕐 Mon-Sat 10 AM-5 PM | Sun 10 AM-3 PM 🔗 sageandco.org

🌳 Scribble & Sketch - City of Bastrop Parks & Rec (FREE) 1:00-3:00 PM The last free drop-in program of Spring Break week! Come rock paint and create sidewalk art with the kids - no registration required, just show up. 📍 Fisherman's Park, Bastrop 🔗 cityofbastrop.org/recreation 📞 (512) 332-8805

🔍 Where's Lolly? Parks Scavenger Hunt (FREE) All week through Friday Solve daily riddles posted on City of Bastrop Parks & Rec social media to find Lolly the Loblolly Pine Tree hiding somewhere in the city parks. Fun and self-paced for the whole family - follow @CityofBastropTX Parks on Facebook or Instagram for today's clue. 📍 City of Bastrop Parks 🔗 cityofbastrop.org/recreation

🌲 Spring Surprise Discovery Walk - Bastrop State Park 9:00 AM The last of the Spring Break ranger programs! Join a ranger for a 1-mile guided walk and discover what's waking up in the Lost Pines this spring. Park admission required. 📍 Meet outside the Interpretive Center, Bastrop State Park 🔗 tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/bastrop

🌿 Elgin Farmers Market Thursday, March 26 | 4:00-7:00 PM Fresh local produce, pasture-raised meats, baked goods, honey, live music, and friendly faces every Thursday evening in downtown Elgin. Free to attend, year-round. 📍 Veterans Memorial Park, Downtown Elgin 🔗 https://www.elginfarmersmarket.com

🏰 Sherwood Forest Faire - SPRING BREAK BONUS DAY 10:00 AM-dusk Here's something most people don't know - Sherwood Forest Faire runs weekends only all spring, except for this Friday, March 20, the only weekday date of the entire 2026 season. If you've been meaning to take the family, Friday is your uncrowded window! Over 150 live shows per day, 170+ artisans, full-contact jousting, falconry, fire juggling, 10 live bands, food stalls loaded with turkey legs, and a full kids' area with pony rides and puppet shows. Costumes encouraged! 💲 Adults (13+) $28-$34 | Youth (6-12) $16.80-$20 | Under 5 FREE | Military/Senior $28 at gate with ID 📍 1883 Old Hwy 20, McDade, TX 78650 🔗 https://sherwoodforestfaire.com

🥕 Fresh Food for Families - Bastrop County Emergency Food Pantry (FREE) 10:00-11:00 AM Free fresh produce distribution, open to all families in need - no questions asked. 📍 1201 Pine Street, Bastrop 🔗 https://bastropfoodpantry.org

🎬 Project Hail Mary Opens at Film Alley Bastrop All Day Based on the beloved Andy Weir novel about an astronaut who wakes up alone in space with a mission to save Earth - now on the big screen and available in the ST-Immersive format. Also currently showing: Hoppers, Scream 7, The Bride, I Can Only Imagine 2, Reminders of Him, GOAT, and Undertone. Live stand-up comedy every Saturday at 8 PM (17+, 2-item minimum). 🔗 https://bastrop.filmalley.net

🎵 David Spann - Live at Copper Shot Distillery 6:30-9:30 PM Austin guitarist David Spann - who has toured internationally as a product specialist for Marshall and Vox amplifiers - brings his acclaimed blues-rock sound to the Main Street patio. No cover, dog-friendly patio. A great way to cap off spring break! 📍 Copper Shot Distillery, 809 Main St, Bastrop 🔗 https://coppershotdistillery.com/bastrop-downtown-copper-shot-distillery-events

🥘 A Taste of Elgin Community Potluck - Elgin Parks & Rec (FREE) 6:00-9:00 PM Elgin Parks & Recreation wraps up spring break with their very first community potluck picnic! Bring a dish to share, pull up a chair, and enjoy music and lawn games with your neighbors. All ages welcome. BYOC - bring your own cutlery and a chair or blanket. 📍 Veterans Memorial Park, Elgin 🔗 https://www.facebook.com/CityofElginTX

🌾 Bastrop 1832 Farmers Market Saturday, March 21 | 10 AM-2 PM Stock up on local produce, grass-fed beef, farm-fresh eggs, honey, handcrafted goods, and more from your Bastrop County neighbors. Inside the covered repurposed barn year-round. 📍 1302 Chestnut St, Bastrop (between the Convention Center and Lost Pines Art Center) 🔗 https://bastrop1832farmersmarket.com

🌶️ Kickin Dips & Salsa - Main Street Spring Market Saturday, March 21 | 10 AM-5 PM Come early - they sell out! Preorder online. 📍 Main Street, Bastrop 🔗 https://www.kickindipsandsalsa.com

🏰 Sherwood Forest Faire - Weekend 5 Saturday, March 21 | 10 AM-dusk The medieval fun continues every weekend through April 19! Full-contact jousting, falconry, 150+ live shows, 170+ artisans, food, and more. 💲 Adults (13+) $28-$34 | Youth (6-12) $16.80-$20 | Under 5 FREE 📍 1883 Old Hwy 20, McDade 🔗 https://sherwoodforestfaire.com

🎵 Tish & The Mizzbehavins - Live at Copper Shot Distillery Saturday, March 21 | 7:00-10:00 PM Soulful, earthy Ol' School Soul Groove jams to end your Saturday right. No cover. 📍 809 Main St, Bastrop 🔗 https://coppershotdistillery.com/bastrop-downtown-copper-shot-distillery-events

🏰 Sherwood Forest Faire - BOGO Sunday! Sunday, March 22 | 10 AM-dusk Great deal alert - Sundays on weekends 2-6 are Buy One Get One FREE at the gate for everyone! Perfect day to bring the whole family. 📍 1883 Old Hwy 20, McDade 🔗 https://sherwoodforestfaire.com

🛒 Smithville Sunday Market Sunday, March 22 | 10 AM-2 PM Every Sunday at Railroad Park in downtown Smithville - locally grown produce, homemade goods, handmade crafts, and live music. A true small-town Sunday tradition. 📍 Railroad Park, Main & 1st St, Smithville 🔗 https://smithvillemarket.com

🎭 "Lost in Yonkers" - Bastrop Opera House - FINAL PERFORMANCE Sunday, March 22 | 7:30 PM Last chance to catch Neil Simon's Pulitzer Prize-winning story on the historic Bastrop Opera House stage. Seating is limited - grab tickets now. 📍 711 Spring St, Bastrop 🔗 https://www.bastropoperahouse.org

🦁 Capital of Texas Zoo - Open Daily 9:00 AM-5:00 PM Spring Break crowds are gone - Monday is actually one of the best days to visit! Get up close with over 500 rare animals including Tank the hippo, Rajah the white tiger, lemurs, otters, and more. Bring a picnic and stay all day. 📍 376 Jenkins Rd, Cedar Creek 🔗 https://capitaloftexaszoo.org

🏛️ Lost Pines Art Center - Open Today 9:00 AM-5:00 PM A free hidden gem right in downtown Bastrop - two stories of galleries featuring local and regional artists, rotating exhibits, glassblowing studios, and a gift shop. Free admission, open six days a week. 📍 1204 Chestnut St, Bastrop 🔗 https://lostpinesartcenter.org

🌲 Bastrop & Buescher State Parks - Open Daily Spring is the absolute best time to hike the Lost Pines. The wildflowers are blooming, the trails are uncrowded on a Monday, and the 12-mile scenic Park Road 1C between both parks is one of the most beautiful drives in Central Texas. No ranger program required - just get outside! 📍 Bastrop State Park, 100 Park Rd 1A, Bastrop 🔗 https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/bastrop

🧶 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

🎰 Weekly Bingo - Smithville American Legion Post 180 Tuesday, March 24 | Doors open 5:45 PM | Bingo begins at 6:00 PM Every Tuesday without fail! A fun community night supporting veterans, schools, and the Smithville community. Open to the public. 📍 Smithville American Legion Post 180, Smithville 🔗 https://txlegion180.org

🎬 Film Alley Bastrop - Movies All Week Catch Project Hail Mary in the ST-Immersive format, plus Hoppers, Scream 7, The Bride, I Can Only Imagine 2, Reminders of Him, GOAT, and Undertone. Open daily - great option any night this week! 🔗 https://bastrop.filmalley.net

🎀 Ribbon Cutting | Del Webb Lost Pines - 55+ Community Grand Opening Wednesday, March 25 Bastrop's exciting new 55+ active adult community celebrates its official grand opening with a ribbon cutting hosted by the Bastrop Chamber of Commerce. Tour the model homes, meet the team, and see what this resort-style community is all about. Located within The Colony, this milestone marks a big moment in Bastrop's growth. 📍 Del Webb Lost Pines, The Colony, Bastrop 🔗 https://www.delwebb.com/homes/texas/austin/bastrop/del-webb-austin-at-lost-pines-211490

🎭 "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

🧶 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 County is in a burn ban, and officials continue to monitor dry conditions and fire risk levels heading into late March. Residents are encouraged to stay updated on any burn ban changes and follow outdoor safety guidelines.🔗 Source:
https://www.co.bastrop.tx.us/page/emergency.burn_ban

📰 Bastrop ISD Updates and Community Engagement Opportunities- Bastrop ISD continues to share updates on student programs, upcoming events, and community involvement opportunities for families as the school year heads into its final stretch. 🔗 Source: https://www.bisdtx.org

The City of Elgin, Texas continues to navigate rapid growth, with ongoing discussions around housing, infrastructure, and commercial development as more residents move into the area.

Residents can stay informed and participate through city council meetings and posted updates.

🔗 Source:
https://www.elgintx.com

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