Currently In Bastrop County | March 5- 11

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

Welcome to another packed week in Bastrop County! We're kicking off with a big one! Bastrop's very first Sprouts Farmers Market opens its doors Friday morning, and the grand opening deals are worth setting your alarm for. Friday also brings International Women's Day celebrations right on Main Street, and if you're headed to McDade, the Texas Independence Day Jam is a FREE three-day music festival with free camping -yes, really. Sherwood Forest Faire rolls into Weekend 2, the Lenten Fish Fry is back at Ascension Catholic, and Saturday is absolutely stacked from 9am to late night. However you want to spend your week, Bastrop County has you covered. Let's get into it!

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If you've been looking for a reason to head into Smithville, Hope Floats Café just gave you one.

Tucked into a cozy brick building at 109 NW 2nd Street, Hope Floats is one of those places that feels like a discovery - the kind you want to tell everyone about. Owners Ryan and Regina Blackmore named their café after the beloved 1998 film starring Sandra Bullock and Harry Connick Jr., much of which was filmed right here in Smithville. That local connection runs deep, and you can feel it the moment you walk in.

Regina's Louisiana roots inform a menu built around Cajun comfort food done right. Think baked brie, stuffed burgers, a standout chicken sandwich, shrimp and grits, and big homemade cookies that deserve their own spotlight. The atmosphere is relaxed and a little nostalgic, exposed brick lines the walls, and the whole vibe says stay a while. It's BYOB, so grab your favorite beverage and settle in.

🕐 Hours: Wed, Sun & Mon - 7am–3pm Thurs–Sat - 7am–8pm 📍 109 NW 2nd St, Smithville 📞 (512) 575-3585 🔗 hopefloatscafe.com

Every Sunday morning through May, Railroad Park in downtown Smithville transforms into one of the county's most charming weekly traditions. The Smithville Sunday Market runs 10am–2pm and brings together local farmers, artisans, and makers - plus live music to set the mood.

It's the kind of event that reminds you why small-town life is worth celebrating. Come hungry, bring a tote bag, and plan to stay longer than you think you will.

📍 Railroad Park, Main & 1st St, Smithville 🕐 Sundays, 10am–2pm (through May) 🔗 smithvillemarket.com

The 17th annual Sherwood Forest Faire continues this weekend in McDade, and if you missed last week, now's your chance. Set on 80+ acres just outside of town, this isn't your average Renaissance festival - it's a full medieval world brought to life.

Weekend 2 runs Friday, March 6 through Sunday, March 8.

Each day brings 150+ performances including jousting tournaments, live falconry, swordplay, comedy, and more than 10 bands playing across multiple stages. Over 170 artisan vendors line the grounds, offering handcrafted goods you won't find anywhere else.

Kids 12 & under are FREE. Adult tickets range from $16.59–$33.48. The Faire runs weekends through April 19, so there's still plenty of time to go back.

📍 10501 FM 972, McDade, TX 🎟️ sherwood-forest.com 🏆 Voted Best Medieval Festival 2025 - Renaissance Festival Awards

First Thursday - Downtown Smithville Smithville's monthly shopping tradition brings extended hours to downtown boutiques and shops. Stroll the historic streets and support local businesses. 🕐 Shops open late until 8pm 📍 Downtown Smithville

Elgin Farmers' Market - Live Music This Week! Fresh local produce, locally grown plant starts, handmade goods, and community connection every Thursday evening. This week features live music from Angela Banks, a Denton-based singer-songwriter known for soulful alternative pop vocals. Come early for the best selection on spring plant starts! SNAP EBT accepted — Double Up Food Bucks available. 🕐 4–7pm 📍 Veterans' Memorial Park, Downtown Elgin

🛒 GRAND OPENING: Sprouts Farmers Market - Bastrop Bastrop's first-ever Sprouts opens TODAY! Ribbon cutting at 6:45am, doors open at 7am. The first 200 shoppers get a free tote bag, and the first 400 guests receive a complimentary rose. Grand opening deals run all weekend - Sprouts Rewards members get 20% off with code BGO20 (valid through Sunday). 📍 655 Hwy. 71, Ste. 101, Bastrop 🔗 sprouts.com

🐟 Lenten Fish Fry - Ascension Catholic Church A beloved Bastrop tradition returns every Friday through Lent! Ascension Catholic Church hosts their Annual Lenten Fish Fry with dine-in and take-out options. Runs every Friday February 20 through March 27 — no fish fry on Good Friday. 🕐 11am–6pm | Dine In or Take Out 📍 Ascension Catholic Church, Bastrop 🔗 ascensionbastrop.com

👩‍💼 Women's Day: Women of the World… Mean Business In honor of International Women's Day, Our Table Creative Hub is hosting a FREE evening of shopping, community, and celebration across multiple Downtown Bastrop locations. Browse and support local women creators all evening long:

4–6pm - Activations at Bridges Emporium (920 Main), Cedar's Coppice (709 Chestnut), Dallas n' Friends (Harmony Ridge), 602 Brewing Co. (919 Main) 6–7pm — Hip Hop Zumba at Main Street Yoga, 918 Main St (register online) 7–8pm — Reception at Bridges Emporium, 920 Main

🕐 4–8pm | FREE ENTRY 📍 Multiple Downtown Bastrop locations

🎵 Texas Independence Day Jam — Night 1 Three days of FREE live music, Texas pride, and great food kick off tonight at Yegua Creek Brewery & Rising Sun Vineyard in McDade. Free entry AND free camping all weekend — bring cash for bands, raffles, and staff donations.

Tonight's bands: Big Eyes Parker & Just Hannah · Jeremy McCarroll Band · Great Trumpet 🍖 Friday Asado Dinner

A portion of proceeds benefits the Bastrop Live Music Foundation. 📍 233 Edmonson Ranch Rd, McDade 📞 512-576-9539 | 🔗 RisingSunVineyard.com

⚔️ Sherwood Forest Faire - Day 1 of Weekend 2 Full day of jousting, falconry, swordplay, artisan vendors, and live music. Kids 12 & under FREE. 🕐 Gates open 9am 📍 10501 FM 972, McDade | 🎟️ sherwood-forest.com

🎵 Texas Independence Day Jam - Day 2 Another big day of free live music in McDade!

Today's bands: Thursday Night Jeffersons · Ellison Brother's Band · Los Funky Monkeys · Sam Barlow and His True Blue Band · Ben Zuniga 🍖 Saturday Pig Roast Dinner

📍 233 Edmonson Ranch Rd, McDade | FREE ENTRY & FREE CAMPING 🔗 RisingSunVineyard.com

🌱 9th Annual Home & Garden Show Two-day event featuring local vendors for home improvement, Texas native plants, garden supplies, and handmade goods. Live music, full bar and restaurant on-site. Free admission - pre-register online to skip the line (ages 18+ must register). 🕐 10am–5pm | Free 📍 Community Gardens, Bastrop (west of city limits off Hwy 71)

🌾 Bastrop Farmers Market Your weekly Saturday staple for fresh local produce, handmade goods, and community connection. 🕐 10am–2pm 📍 Downtown Bastrop

🦞 Crawfish Boil - Simple Promise Farms Nothing says Texas spring like a crawfish boil! Head out to Simple Promise Farms in Elgin for an afternoon of mudbugs and good company. 🕐 3–6pm 📍 Simple Promise Farms, Elgin

👨‍👧 3rd Annual Bastrop County Fatherhood Summit A community-centered event designed to strengthen families by equipping fathers and father figures with practical tools and encouragement. 🕐 9am–1pm 📍 Celebration Community Church, 287 FM 20, Bastrop

🎸 Rock Bottom String Band - 602 Brewing Live music tonight at one of Bastrop's favorite local breweries! 🕐 8:30pm 📍 602 Brewing, 919 Main St, Bastrop

⚔️ Sherwood Forest Faire - Day 2 of Weekend 2 Final day of this weekend's festivities! Kids 12 & under FREE. 🕐 Gates open 9am 📍 10501 FM 972, McDade | 🎟️ sherwood-forest.com

🎵 Texas Independence Day Jam - Day 3 Wrap up the weekend with free live music and a Sunday Bloody Mary Brunch!

Today's bands: Envy of Them All · Dave Becker 🍹 Sunday Bloody Mary Brunch

📍 233 Edmonson Ranch Rd, McDade | FREE ENTRY 🔗 RisingSunVineyard.com

🌿 Smithville Sunday Market Local farmers, artisans, and live music in the heart of Smithville. 🕐 10am–2pm 📍 Railroad Park, Main & 1st St, Smithville

🌱 Home & Garden Show - Day 2 Final day of the 9th Annual Home & Garden Show. 🕐 10am–4pm 📍 Community Gardens, Bastrop

🧘 Community Qigong - Fisherman's Park Start your Sunday with a peaceful movement practice along the Colorado River. All levels welcome. 🕐 10am 📍 Fisherman's Park, Bastrop

🎱 8-Ball Pool Tournament — American Legion Post 533, Bastrop Kick off the week with competitive pool at the Bastrop American Legion — open to the public! Monday nights are all about the 8-ball. 🕐 7:30pm 📍 American Legion Post 533, Bastrop

🌲 Bastrop State Park — Hike the Lost Pines Looking for a peaceful way to start your week? Bastrop State Park offers miles of trails through the iconic Lost Pines forest — one of the most unique ecosystems in Texas. The park is open daily and no special events are required. Just show up, lace up, and breathe it in. 🕐 Open daily | Day passes required 📍 Bastrop State Park, 100 Park Road 1A, Bastrop 🔗 Reserve a day pass

🎬 $4.50 Tuesday Night Movies Film Alley Bastrop Looking for a great family deal mid-week? Every Tuesday from 6pm, Film Alley offers movies - including new releases - for just $4.50 per person! With 8 theaters, 16 bowling lanes, a full arcade, bar, and grill, there's something for the whole family. Reserve your seat online. 🕐 $4.50 movies from 6pm | Open 9:30am–10pm 📍 Film Alley Bastrop, 1600 Chestnut St, Bastrop 📞 (512) 321-0123

🎉 Wednesday Bingo Night - Bastrop Beer Company Every Wednesday night is Bingo night at Bastrop Beer Company — one of downtown Bastrop's most beloved local spots. Cold beer, fun company, and a chance to win. All are welcome! 🕐 Wednesdays | Call to confirm start time 📍 Bastrop Beer Company, 1008 Main St, Bastrop

🎨 Pour Your Own Epoxy - Boring Bodega at Hyperloop Plaza Want to try something truly unique on a Wednesday night? Pour Your Own Epoxy is a hands-on creative experience where you pour, swirl, and craft your own one-of-a-kind epoxy art piece - no experience needed! Hosted at Boring Bodega, the community hangout space inside Hyperloop Plaza. Tickets required - grab yours in advance! 🎟️ Register & buy tickets 📍 Boring Bodega at Hyperloop Plaza, 865 FM 1209, Bastrop

March 13–22 | Lost in Yonkers - Bastrop Opera House Neil Simon's Pulitzer Prize-winning drama, directed by Jeff Jeffers. Performances March 13–15 and March 20–22. 📍 Bastrop Opera House | 🎟️ Get Tickets

March 14–15 | Bastrop Antiques Extravaganza Two days of antique dealers, collectors, and treasures. 📍 Bastrop Convention & Exhibit Center

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

🍷 Pluto's Wine Bar Now Open in Downtown Bastrop A new dining destination has arrived on Main Street. Pluto's Wine Bar, owned by Bastrop resident and veteran John Wayne Formica, opened in January at 924 Main St. (the former CC Wine and Co. space). Classically trained in French cuisine with experience from Sorrento, Italy to Los Angeles, Formica describes it as a welcoming neighborhood spot with a chef-driven menu, curated domestic and international wines, and an atmosphere built for everyday gatherings and special occasions. Private events: [email protected]. 📍 924 Main St, Bastrop

🚌 New CARTS Commuter Service — Free Rides to Austin As of March 2, Bastrop and Smithville residents have a new option for beating I-71 traffic. CARTS launched free express commuter bus routes connecting Bastrop and Smithville to Austin, Round Rock, and Georgetown. Check carts.org for schedules and stop locations.

🏎️ Tyler Reddick Makes NASCAR History - Right Down the Road Last Sunday, our nearest racetrack made national headlines. Tyler Reddick won the NASCAR Cup Series DuraMAX Texas Grand Prix at Circuit of The Americas on March 1 - his third consecutive win to start the 2026 season, a historic achievement. COTA is just 30 minutes from Bastrop and worth putting on your bucket list!

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