The 2023 Founders Day Festival is this month and it will be a celebration you just can’t miss! From what to expect to what you need to know, check out the scoop on this huge-annual celebration of all things Dripping Springs.
What, Where, and When
Mark your calendars because the 34th annual Founders Day Festival will take place April 28th-30th! The community anniversary honors the 1850s founding of Dripping Springs by the Moss, Wallace, and Pound families. It is a chance for everyone to gather in a festive spirit of community pride.
All festival events will be in the downtown area starting at 4 PM on Friday and conclude Sunday evening. Admission to the festival is free for everyone! All proceeds generated from the festival will go back into the community through the support of various civic programs, non-profits, churches, youth groups, and charities. You and your family can have a good time for a good cause!
Grab a Seat for the Parade
The festival will officially kick off with the Founders Day Parade starting at 6:30 PM on Friday. Attendees are encouraged to set up a lawn chair along Mercer Street as the parade weaves through downtown. Stick around after the parade for live music, food, beer, dance performances, cook-off competitions, carnival rides, and over 150 local artisans selling handmade crafts and goods.
If you can’t make it out for the Friday night fun—don’t stress! Saturday and Sunday are full of fun. Last year’s festival showcased a range of musicians and performers throughout the weekend on two different stages. This year is expected to offer the same! Sunday morning features a community church service at 10 AM before the festivities begin again.
Tips to Know
Because the festival draws thousands of people, knowing a few helpful tips will help to ensure that everyone has the best time possible.
The official operation times are:
Friday, April 28, 4 PM – Midnight
Saturday, April 29, 10 AM – Midnight
Sunday, April 30, 11 AM – 7 PM
Street closures: RR12 from Mercer Street to Old Fitzhugh Road will be a no parking-tow away zone. The 2022 festival did have shuttle parking at the high school, so check the website as the date gets closer.
Glass bottles are prohibited, but attendees are encouraged to bring water bottles and sunscreen. First aid stations will be throughout the festival.
Last but certainly not least, the Founders Day Festival can’t happen without the dedicated support of volunteers. If you are interested in helping ensure the festival is another wild success, contact them via the website for information.
Ask anybody who has been to the Founders Day Festival—they’ll surely tell you that the sense of community spirit makes Dripping Springs such a wonderful place to live. If you’d like to find the perfect home in this one-of-a-kind Texas town, reach out to the Caliterra team today.
