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

Bastrop County, get ready - this is one of the biggest weeks of the year. The 69th Annual Smithville Jamboree takes over Riverbend Park with three days of live music, carnival rides, a parade, and everything that makes Smithville special. Los Texmaniacs with Rick Trevino kick it off Thursday night, the Bellamy Brothers headline Friday, and Briana Adams brings the energy on Saturday. Over in Bastrop, the iconic rock musical RENT opens at the Bastrop Opera House - a must-see for theater lovers. Friday night brings Elgin Music in the Park and Kathy Murray and the Kilowatts at Neighbor's. Saturday is absolutely packed with Sherwood Forest Faire, a Crawfish Festival in Elgin, a Bluebonnet Ruck March, Bastrop Comedy Club, and a Spring Fling at Restoration Ranch. And your weekly favorites - farmers markets, live music, and community fun - are rolling all week long.

Whether you're two-stepping at the Jamboree, belting out "Seasons of Love" at the Opera House, or jousting your way through McDade - your week starts right here. Let's go!

Thursday - Saturday, April 9-11 | Vernon L. Richards Riverbend Park

If there's one event that captures the heart of Bastrop County every spring, it's the Smithville Jamboree. Now in its 69th year, this beloved three-day festival transforms Riverbend Park into the place to be - with live music under the stars, a full carnival midway, a Main Street parade, livestock show, and more food than you can shake a turkey leg at.

The Jamboree has been a Smithville tradition since the 1970s, and it keeps getting better. This year's music lineup is outstanding. Thursday night features the crowning of the Jamboree Queen at 7:00 PM, followed by Los Texmaniacs with special guest Rick Trevino - a Tejano and Texas roots music powerhouse that will have you dancing all night. Friday brings a stacked card with Ace Ahlbrandt, Wyatt Ellis, and the legendary Bellamy Brothers ("Let Your Love Flow," "If I Said You Had a Beautiful Body") along with Lane Bricker. Saturday wraps it all up with Briana Adams bringing her Texas country sound to close out the weekend right.

But the Jamboree isn't just about the music. The carnival opens Wednesday evening (April 8) for early birds, then runs all three days with unlimited ride armbands ($25 Thursday, $30 Friday). Friday afternoon brings a Pet Show at 12:30 PM and the Coloring Contest Awards. All weekend you'll find a Cornhole Tournament, Washer Tournament, Horseshoe Tournament, and the Beard Contest. The livestock show runs alongside the festivities, showcasing Bastrop County's agricultural roots.

The best part? General admission to the Jamboree grounds is FREE. Carnival rides are separate, and food vendors will be set up throughout the park. Bring the whole family - this is a true Bastrop County community celebration.

📍 Vernon L. Richards Riverbend Park, 107 TX-71, Smithville, TX 78957 🔗 jamboreesmithville.com 📱 facebook.com/JamboreeCritter 📞 (512) 237-3282

🎪 Smithville Jamboree - Opening Night | Carnival 5:00 PM | Queen Crowning 7:00 PM | Music to follow The 69th Annual Smithville Jamboree kicks off tonight! Carnival rides, food vendors, the crowning of the Jamboree Queen, and Los Texmaniacs with special guest Rick Trevino performing live. See the Featured Event above for full details. 💲 FREE admission | $25 carnival armband 📍 Vernon L. Richards Riverbend Park, Smithville 🔗 jamboreesmithville.com

🎸 Open Mic Night at Copper Shot Distillery | Sign-up 6:00 PM | Show 6:30 - 9:00 PM It's 2nd Thursday Open Mic night! Musicians, poets, comedians, and storytellers - sign up and show Bastrop what you've got. One of the best open-stage nights in the county. 📍 Copper Shot Distillery, 809 Main St, Bastrop 🔗 coppershotdistillery.com

🌾 Elgin Farmers' Market | 4:00 - 7:00 PM Your Thursday tradition! Local produce, honey, baked goods, handmade items, and live music in downtown Elgin. One of the best ways to spend a Thursday afternoon. 📍 Veterans' Memorial Park, Downtown Elgin 🔗 elginfarmersmarket.com

🎶 Elgin Music Festival | April 9-11 Three days of live music celebrating the Elgin community! Check local listings for the full schedule of performers. 📍 Elgin 🔗 elginmusicfestival.com

🍔 Burger Night at Store House Market & Eatery | Evening Thursday means burgers at Store House. Pair one with a craft beer and you've got yourself a great night. 📍 Store House Market & Eatery, Bastrop 🔗 storehousebastrop.com

🎪 Smithville Jamboree - Day 2 | Carnival 3:00 PM | Pet Show 12:30 PM | Live Music all evening Day two of the Jamboree brings the Pet Show at 12:30 PM, Coloring Contest Awards, and a monster music lineup - Ace Ahlbrandt, Wyatt Ellis, the legendary Bellamy Brothers, and Lane Bricker. The carnival opens at 3 PM and the energy only builds from there. 💲 FREE admission | $30 carnival armband 📍 Vernon L. Richards Riverbend Park, Smithville 🔗 jamboreesmithville.com

🎭 RENT - Opening Night | Bastrop Opera House | 7:30 PM The Tony Award-winning rock musical RENT opens tonight! Set in New York's East Village in the late 1980s, this powerful story of love, loss, and chosen family features unforgettable songs like "Seasons of Love" and "La Vie Boheme." Directed by Lisa Holcomb. Running through May 3. For mature audiences only. 📍 Bastrop Opera House, 711 Spring St, Bastrop 🔗 bastropoperahouse.org

🎶 Elgin Music in the Park | The Shop Dawgz | 7:00 PM The free outdoor concert series is back! The Shop Dawgz bring rock & roll and blues to Veterans Memorial Park. Bring a blanket, grab some food truck grub (Smash Daddies, Smith's Backyard BBQ, and more), and enjoy a beautiful Friday evening in downtown Elgin. 📍 Veterans Memorial Park, Downtown Elgin 🔗 elgintexas.gov

🎸 Wolf Trax - Live at Copper Shot Distillery | 7:00 - 10:00 PM Texas Blues done right! Wolf Trax brings the grit and the groove to downtown Bastrop. The perfect Friday night soundtrack. 📍 Copper Shot Distillery, 809 Main St, Bastrop 🔗 coppershotdistillery.com

🎸 Kathy Murray and the Kilowatts LIVE | Neighbor's Kitchen & Yard | 7:00 - 10:00 PM A Texas music scene icon brings her signature blues-rock to Neighbor's outdoor stage. Grab dinner, grab a drink, and enjoy one of the best live music experiences in Bastrop. 📍 Neighbor's Kitchen & Yard, 601 Chestnut St, Bastrop 🔗 neighborstx.com

🐦 Little Hikes for Birding | 8:30 - 10:00 AM Part of the 2026 birding series in Bastrop County! A peaceful morning hike with a bird-watching focus - perfect for nature lovers and early risers. Hosted by Pines & Prairies Land Trust. 🔗 pplt.org

🐮 Smithville 4-H/FFA Livestock Show | April 10-11 Future farmers and ranchers showcase their hard work at this annual livestock show in Smithville. Come support the next generation of Bastrop County agriculture! 📍 Smithville 🔗 smithvilleffa.ffanow.org

🎶 Elgin Music Festival - Day 2 | Elgin The music keeps rolling in Elgin! 📍 Elgin 🔗 elginmusicfestival.com

🎪 Smithville Jamboree - Final Day | Live Music featuring Briana Adams The last day of the 69th Annual Smithville Jamboree! Don't miss your final chance to ride the carnival, catch the tournaments (Cornhole, Washers, Horseshoes), and enjoy live music from Briana Adams closing out the weekend. 💲 FREE admission 📍 Vernon L. Richards Riverbend Park, Smithville 🔗 jamboreesmithville.com

🏰 Sherwood Forest Faire | 10:00 AM - Dusk The 17th annual Renaissance faire continues in McDade! 150+ live shows daily including full-contact jousting, falconry, swordplay, fire juggling, comedy, and 10 live bands, plus 170+ artisans selling handcrafted goods. Only two weekends left this season - don't wait! 💲 Tickets $16.59 - $33.48 | Kids under 6 FREE 📍 1883 Old Hwy 20, McDade, TX 🔗 sherwoodforestfaire.com

🌾 Bastrop 1832 Farmers Market | 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM Your Saturday tradition! Local produce, artisan goods, baked goods, grass-fed beef, farm-fresh eggs, honey, and handcrafted goods from your Bastrop County neighbors. 📍 1302 Chestnut St, Bastrop 🔗 bastrop1832farmersmarket.com

🌾 Eden East Farm Stand | 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM Hyper-seasonal produce from this beloved Bastrop farm. Get there early for the best picks! 📍 Eden East Farm, Bastrop 🔗 facebook.com/edeneastfarm

🎶 The Honor Choir Fundraiser | Bastrop Tractor Supply | 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM Support local young singers at this parking lot fundraiser! Grab a sausage wrap combo ($10 - includes wrap, chips, drink, and dessert), cool off with a snow cone ($4), and browse baked goods available by donation. A great way to fill your belly and support the arts on your way to or from the Jamboree! 📍 Bastrop Tractor Supply parking lot 🔗 thehonorchoir.org

🦞 Crawfish Festival | Elgin Memorial Park | All Day Get your crawfish fix! Live music, food, and family fun right in the heart of Elgin. A perfect Saturday outing for the whole crew. 📍 Elgin Memorial Park, Elgin 🔗 elginmusicfestival.com

🏃 4K Bluebonnet Ruck March | Restoration Ranch | All Day Grab your rucksack and hit the trail! The 4K Ruck March at Restoration Ranch offers the perfect mix of purpose, community, and fresh air. Whether you're an experienced rucker or first-timer, come out and enjoy the bluebonnets. 📍 Restoration Ranch, Bastrop area 🔗 restorationranch.org

🌲 Restoration Ranch Spring Fling | 12:00 - 4:00 PM A full day of community, movement, and mission! Join Restoration Ranch for a spring celebration with activities, food, and good vibes. A great family-friendly afternoon. 📍 Restoration Ranch, Bastrop area 🔗 restorationranch.org/2026-spring-fling

🌲 Earth Native Wilderness School - More than S'mores | 10:00 AM - 3:30 PM If your kids love the outdoors, this is for them! A full day of fire-building, nature skills, and yes - s'mores. Earth Native Wilderness School knows how to get kids excited about nature. 📍 Earth Native Wilderness School, Bastrop area 🔗 earthnativeschool.com

🎓 Lost Pines Learning Collective Education Fair | All Day Exploring education options for your family? Browse resources, meet educators, and discover learning opportunities at the Lumberyard Music Hall. 📍 Lumberyard Music Hall, Bastrop 🔗 lplcbastrop.com

🗡️ To The Point Blade 10th Anniversary | All Day Celebrate a decade of custom blades and craftsmanship in downtown Elgin! A unique celebration for knife enthusiasts and artisan fans. 📍 Downtown Elgin 🔗 txknifemakers.com

🎸 FyreSyde - Live at Copper Shot Distillery | 7:00 - 10:00 PM The music of Zeppelin, ZZ Top, and Hendrix plus originals and more! If you love classic rock done loud and right, FyreSyde is your Saturday night in downtown Bastrop. 📍 Copper Shot Distillery, 809 Main St, Bastrop 🔗 coppershotdistillery.com

🎸 Eric Demner Band LIVE | Neighbor's Kitchen & Yard | 7:00 - 10:00 PM A high-energy blend of blues, funk, and rock-n-roll on Neighbor's outdoor stage. Eric Demner has performed with legends from BB King to Carlos Santana - and now he's playing your Saturday night in Bastrop. Don't miss this one. 📍 Neighbor's Kitchen & Yard, 601 Chestnut St, Bastrop 🔗 neighborstx.com

😂 Bastrop Comedy Club | Film Alley | 8:00 - 10:30 PM Ready for some laughs? Weekly stand-up comedy at Film Alley features a rotating lineup of comedians. Grab dinner and drinks, and enjoy a night of live comedy right here in Bastrop. 📍 Film Alley, Bastrop 🔗 bastrop.filmalley.net

🎶 Elgin Music Festival - Day 3 | Elgin The final day of the Elgin Music Festival wraps up a great weekend of live music! 📍 Elgin 🔗 elginmusicfestival.com

🎭 RENT | Bastrop Opera House | 7:30 PM Missed opening night? Catch the Saturday show! Running through May 3. 📍 Bastrop Opera House, 711 Spring St, Bastrop 🔗 bastropoperahouse.org

🏰 Sherwood Forest Faire | 10:00 AM - Dusk Sunday is the perfect day for a Faire adventure! Bring the family to McDade for jousting, live music, artisan shopping, and medieval fun. Only two weekends left this season! 📍 1883 Old Hwy 20, McDade, TX 🔗 sherwoodforestfaire.com

🌾 Smithville Sunday Market | 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM Weekly farmers market in downtown Smithville with local vendors, produce, handmade goods, and live music. A beautiful Sunday tradition. 📍 James H. Long Railroad Park, Main & 1st St, Smithville 🔗 smithvillemarket.com

🌾 Eden East Farm Stand | 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM Another chance to grab hyper-seasonal produce from one of Bastrop County's best farms. 📍 Eden East Farm, Bastrop 🔗 facebook.com/edeneastfarm

⛳ ColoVista Golf Points Race | 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Grab your clubs for ColoVista Golf's annual Points Race series! Different types of play for each tournament, all adding up. A great day on the course in Bastrop. 📍 ColoVista Golf Course, Bastrop 🔗 colovistagolf.com

🌲 Earth Native Wilderness School - Wilderness Survival 101 (Day 2) | All Day The two-day wilderness survival course wraps up today. Immerse yourself in primitive, natural-resource-based survival skills. An unforgettable experience for outdoor enthusiasts. 📍 Earth Native Wilderness School, Bastrop area 🔗 earthnativeschool.com

🏃 Wildcat Walkers (Seniors 55+) | 8:00 - 10:00 AM Free walking group for active older adults in a climate-controlled gym. A great way to start the week! Monday through Saturday. 📍 Elgin Recreation Center, Elgin 🔗 elgintexas.gov/556/Elgin-Recreation-Center

🧘 Community Yoga Bastrop | Check schedule Weekly yoga classes for all levels. Check Community Yoga Bastrop on Facebook for the current Monday schedule. 📍 Bastrop 🔗 facebook.com/communityyogabastrop

🍺 602 Brewing Happy Hour | Weekday afternoons Kick back with happy hour inside or in the Beer Garden. Open weekday afternoons. 📍 602 Brewing Co, 919 Main St, Bastrop 🔗 602brewing.com

🎨 Purposeful Painting | Elgin Public Library | 2:00 - 4:00 PM or 6:00 - 8:00 PM | FREE A creative wellness experience by Pink Love Houston - relax, reflect, release. Two sessions available! All materials provided. A beautiful way to spend an afternoon or evening. Register at pinklovehouston.org. 📍 404 N. Main St, Elgin 🔗 pinklovehouston.org

⛸️ Skate Night | 6:00 - 8:00 PM FREE weekly skate night for ALL ages! One of Elgin's best family activities runs every Tuesday, March through November. Lace up and roll out! 📍 Elgin Recreation Center, Elgin 🔗 elgintexas.gov/556/Elgin-Recreation-Center

🎱 Game Night at B&B Theatres | 6:30 PM FREE weekly game night alternating between trivia and bingo. No reservation needed - just show up and play! 📍 B&B Theatres, Elgin area 🔗 bbtheatres.com

🏃 Wildcat Walkers (Seniors 55+) | 8:00 - 10:00 AM 📍 Elgin Recreation Center, Elgin 🔗 elgintexas.gov/556/Elgin-Recreation-Center

🍺 602 Brewing Happy Hour | Weekday afternoons 📍 602 Brewing Co, 919 Main St, Bastrop 🔗 602brewing.com

🌾 Eden East Farm Stand | 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM Fresh local produce midweek - one of the few Wednesday farmers markets in the county! 📍 Eden East Farm, Bastrop 🔗 facebook.com/edeneastfarm

🎱 BINGO at Bastrop Beer Company | Weekly Wednesday night BINGO with cold brews. A Bastrop favorite. 📍 Bastrop Beer Company 🔗 bastropbeerco.com

🍷 Wine Not? Wednesdays + Live Music | Store House Market & Eatery Wine specials plus live music - the perfect midweek treat. 📍 Store House Market & Eatery, Bastrop 🔗 storehousebastrop.com

🏰 Sherwood Forest Faire | Saturdays & Sundays through April 19 | 10 AM - Dusk The 17th annual Renaissance faire continues weekends in McDade with 150+ live shows daily, full-contact jousting, 170+ artisans, food, and medieval fun for all ages. Only TWO weekends left this season - this one and next! Don't miss it! 💲 Tickets $16.59 - $33.48 | Kids under 6 FREE 📍 1883 Old Hwy 20, McDade, TX 🔗 sherwoodforestfaire.com

🎭 RENT at Bastrop Opera House | Opens April 10 | Running through May 3 The iconic Tony Award-winning rock musical comes to Bastrop. "Seasons of Love," "La Vie Boheme," and raw, powerful storytelling. Directed by Lisa Holcomb. Mature audiences only. 📍 Bastrop Opera House, 711 Spring St, Bastrop 🔗 bastropoperahouse.org

🦎 Capital of Texas Zoo | Open Daily, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM 27 acres of wildlife right here in Bastrop County. Open 365 days a year! A great family outing any day of the week. 📍 376 Jenkins Rd, Cedar Creek 🔗 capitaloftexaszoo.org

🌲 Bastrop State Park | Open Daily Over 6,000 acres of Lost Pines forest with hiking trails, fishing, swimming (seasonal), camping, and nature programs. Check with the park for any ranger-led programs this week. 📍 100 Park Rd 1A, Bastrop 📞 (512) 321-2101 🔗 tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/bastrop

🎨 Lost Pines Art Center | Gallery Hours Explore the rotating exhibits and gallery at Bastrop's community art center in the heart of downtown. 📍 1204 Chestnut St, Bastrop 🔗 lostpinesartcenter.org

🐴 Hooves & Horns Petting Zoo | Hyatt Regency Lost Pines | Daily, 9:30 - 10:30 AM & 5:30 - 6:30 PM Meet the resort's resident Texas longhorns, alpacas, miniature horses, goats, Kune Kune pigs, and donkeys! Visitor parking is $8.99 - a fun activity for families in the area! 📍 575 Hyatt Lost Pines Rd, Cedar Creek 🔗 lostpinesresortandspa.com/things-to-do/mascots

🏊 Day Passes | Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Want the full resort experience without booking a room? Day passes are available through ResortPass (starting around $50) and include access to the water park, lazy river, pools, and complimentary self-parking. 🔗 resortpass.com/hotels/hyatt-regency-lost-pines-resort-and-spa

🎨 Purposeful Painting | Smithville Rec Center | April 16 | FREE A creative wellness experience by Pink Love Houston! 6-8 PM. All materials provided. Register at pinklovehouston.org. 📍 106 Royston St, Smithville 🔗 pinklovehouston.org

🏰 Sherwood Forest Faire - FINAL WEEKEND | April 18-19 | McDade This is it - the last weekend of the 17th annual Sherwood Forest Faire! If you haven't made it out yet, this is your absolute last chance. 📍 1883 Old Hwy 20, McDade, TX 🔗 sherwoodforestfaire.com

🪞 Tuft It Out Together - Tufted Mirror/Rug Class | April 26 & May 2 | FREE A 2-day class by Pink Love Houston at the Mary Nichols Art Center. Design and craft your own custom tufted mirror or rug! Only 6 spots available. All materials provided. Children under 13 must partner with an adult. Register at lostpinesartisansalliance.org. 📍 301 Burleson St, Smithville 🔗 lostpinesartisansalliance.org

🐦 Painted Wings Birdfest - Bird Lovers Weekend | May 1-2 | Downtown Bastrop Celebrating World Migratory Bird Day and Bastrop's Bird City Texas designation! Events at Bob Bryant Park, Bridges Emporium, 602 Brewing, Lost Pines Art Center, Fisherman's Park, and Film Alley. More details coming soon! 📍 Downtown Bastrop 🔗 lostpinesartcenter.org/events

📰 Smithville | 69th Annual Jamboree Takes Over Riverbend Park This Week The Smithville Jamboree returns April 9-11 with three days of live music, carnival rides, tournaments, and community fun. This year's headliners include Los Texmaniacs with Rick Trevino, the Bellamy Brothers, and Briana Adams. General admission is free. The carnival opens Wednesday evening for early birds. 🔗 jamboreesmithville.com

📰 Bastrop | RENT Opens at the Bastrop Opera House The Bastrop Opera House brings the Tony Award-winning rock musical RENT to the stage starting April 10, running through May 3. Directed by Lisa Holcomb, the production explores love, loss, and chosen family in 1980s New York. Tickets available at bastropoperahouse.org. For mature audiences only. 🔗 bastropoperahouse.org

📰 Elgin | Music in the Park Series Kicks Off The City of Elgin launches its free Music in the Park concert series at Veterans Memorial Park. Friday evenings will feature live music, food trucks, and lawn games throughout the spring and summer. The Shop Dawgz bring rock and blues this Friday at 7 PM. 🔗 elgintexas.gov

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