Your first look at what's happening in Bastrop County 🌲

Small-town vibes, big-time fun. Bastrop County packs a ton of events and places to go: historic downtowns, rivers and pine forests, markets and music, kid-friendly stops, and plenty of spots to slow down.

Hey, neighbor. Welcome to Bastrop Current — a free weekly newsletter rounding up the best events, local news, and hidden gems across Bastrop County. Every Thursday morning, right to your inbox. Glad you're here.

🥩 LongHorn Steakhouse Grand Opening Opens Sunday, Feb 16 · Burleson Crossing East, 653 SH 71

Bastrop's first LongHorn Steakhouse officially opens this weekend after a $2 million build-out. The ribbon cutting happened Friday with the Bastrop Chamber of Commerce. Fresh-cut steaks, seafood, and all the fixings. Expect a crowd — this one's been a long time coming. Full story from Community Impact.

🎭 The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee Through Feb 22 · Fri & Sat 7:30 PM, Sun 2:30 PM · $30

The Bastrop Opera House's latest production is a hilarious musical about six quirky kids competing in a spelling bee. Catchy tunes, audience participation, and a whole lot of heart. This is the final weekend — don't miss it. Note: rated for mature audiences. Grab tickets here.

🗳️ Early Voting Starts Tuesday Feb 17 through Feb 27

The March 3rd primary election is coming up and early voting kicks off this Tuesday. Check bastropvotes.org for polling locations and hours across Bastrop County. No matter where you stand — make your voice count.

🏋️ Fitness Classes at the Rec Center Ongoing through February · Bastrop Recreation Center, 1008 Water St

Full-body strength & conditioning every Friday at 9 AM, and cardio dance every Wednesday at 5:30 PM. Drop-in classes are $8 each for non-members. Great way to beat the February slump. More February wellness events from Community Impact.

🌲 Bastrop State Park — Hit the Trails This Weekend Loop 150, Bastrop · $5/person (kids 12 & under free)

February is one of the best months to hike the Lost Pines before it heats up. The Lake Mina Loop is an easy 1-mile paved trail — perfect for families and strollers. Want more? The park has 7+ miles of trails through pine forest and rolling hills. Pack a picnic and make a morning of it. Note: there's a burn ban in effect, so no wood or charcoal fires — propane stoves are fine.

🛒 Sprouts Farmers Market Coming March 6 Burleson Crossing, Bastrop

Another big addition to Bastrop's growing retail scene. Sprouts will open its first Bastrop County location in early March. More details coming in a future issue.

We celebrated a birthday at No. 28 on Main Street this weekend, and if you haven't been yet — go. This spot brings a real slice of Southern Italy right to downtown Bastrop, with Neapolitan wood-fired pizzas and handmade pastas that don't mess around.

The chicken parmesan was outstanding — and if you want a show with your dinner, the cacio e pepe made tableside in a giant pecorino cheese wheel is the kind of thing you pull your phone out for before you take a bite. The whole place has this warm, inviting energy that makes it feel like a special night out without being stuffy.

No. 28 is open Wednesday through Sunday starting at 4:30 PM. They're at 1006 Main Street, right in the heart of downtown. Fair warning - weekend evenings get busy, so plan ahead.

📞 (512) 549-3050 · numero28austin.com · @numero28_bastrop on Instagram

Elgin launches lost pet reunification program — Found a stray in Elgin? There's now an easier process to reunite lost animals with their owners. The city rolled out the new system earlier this month. Story from FOX 7.

Bastrop County's Capital Improvement Plan adopted — County commissioners approved the 2026–2031 plan in late January, laying out infrastructure priorities as the county continues to grow. More from Community Impact.

True Texas BBQ now at Bastrop H-E-B — If you haven't noticed the smokers going at the Bastrop H-E-B, True Texas BBQ has officially set up shop inside the store. Brisket, ribs, sausage — all without leaving the grocery run.

New restaurants keep rolling in — Between LongHorn (this weekend), Sprouts (March), Texas Roadhouse, Chuy's, and First Watch all in the pipeline, Bastrop's dining scene is about to level up in a big way. See all new developments from Bastrop EDC. We'll keep tracking every opening.

🛍️ Smithville: Stroll Main Street + Buescher State Park

Downtown Smithville is one of the most walkable little Main Streets in the county — vintage shops like Panama Rose Antiques, galleries, and a brand new spot called Faire la Nouba that just opened on Main Street — it's a celebration store, bottle shop, and niche grocer in a beautifully restored 1895 building. Worth a stop. Then take the kids to Buescher State Park just outside town for an easy trail loop around the lake. Open Mic Night is every Thursday at Mutt's Last Stand if you're looking for a chill evening out.

🍖 Elgin: BBQ Trail + Farmers Market Thursday

You can't talk Bastrop County without talking Elgin sausage. Hit the Texas BBQ Trail with stops at Southside Market (serving their original hot sausage for over a century) and Meyer's Smokehouse. The Elgin Farmers Market runs every Thursday from 4-7 PM at Veterans Memorial Park in downtown — all local vendors with everything from fresh produce to baked goods to handmade soaps. And if you're up for a night out, the Elgin Chamber's Sip, Shop & Stroll happens every second Thursday in the historic downtown — local shops stay open late with themed specials.

That's your week, Bastrop County. Thanks for reading our very first issue — it means more than you know. If you liked this, the best thing you can do is share it with one neighbor, friend, or coworker who'd want to stay in the loop.

See y'all next Thursday. 🌲

— Bastrop Current

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