If you’re looking for family friendly activities around the Texas Hill Country, consider heading to First Thursday. Appropriately named, First Thursday occurs on the first Thursday of every month. Downtown Dripping Springs stays open late, offering music, art, dining and shopping.
Merchants
Several merchants come out each month to sell their delicious food, art, and other unique goods. There are merchants from Old Fitzhugh, Mercer Street, and others from around the area. One of the more popular galleries is the Butterfly Gallery on Mercer Street. Each month, they feature and Artist of the Month and a Charity of the Month for you to check out. At Old Fitzhugh, Goodie Two Shoes usually has live music for you to jam out. Be sure to grab some Yapa Empanadas beforehand to enjoy a tasty snack while you listen. Since Dripping Springs is in Hill Country, you’ll also have a wide selection of wines to test out throughout the area. Below is a map to help you navigate where you want to go.
Image by: firstthursdaydrippingsprings.org
Vendor Space
If you are a local artisan or vendor, there are opportunities for you to sell your work. Many larger merchants set aside portions of their space to make room for smaller vendors. Take a look at the vendor spaces available during each particular month if you are interested.
Directions
Are you ready to go? From Austin, it’s easy to get to Dripping Springs. Head west on Hwy 290, turn right on RR 12 at the light and then turn left at the first light onto Mercer Street. Parking is free of charge, so grab a spot without worrying. If you’re heading here from San Antonio, a short road trip town I-35 will get you here pretty quickly. We also recommend taking the country back roads for a more rustic experience. Here are the directions.
First Thursday is a great way to start the weekend. Remember to bring chairs if you plan on staying a while to eat, drink, and listen to music.
