The City of Boerne is inviting visitors to experience authentic German and European heritage this summer through a series of cultural events and attractions that highlight the Texas Hill Country town's historic roots. Highlights include the third annual Das Festival of Kendall on Father's Day weekend, traditional Abendkonzerte evening concerts, a historic home tour at the Kuhlmann-King Historical Complex, and genealogy research opportunities at The Family History Place.
"Boerne's German and European heritage is woven into so much of what makes our community unique, and Das Festival of Kendall is a lively way to experience that history firsthand," said Tori Bellos, Visit Boerne Marketing Specialist. "From traditional music and cultural celebrations to the Abendkonzerte series and visits to the Kuhlmann-King Historical Complex and Family History Place, summer in Boerne offers visitors a chance to connect with the stories, traditions, and people who helped shape our town."
Das Festival of Kendall Returns for Father's Day Weekend
The free three-day Das Festival of Kendall transforms downtown Boerne's Main Plaza into a celebration of German culture on Father's Day weekend, June 19-21, 2026. The festival features live music, traditional food, local craft vendors, beer from four Hill Country breweries, and family-friendly competitions including the officially sanctioned Beer Stein Holding Competition. The festival is on Boerne's Hill Country Mile, where locally owned shops, restaurants, galleries and historic storefronts make it easy to turn a festival visit into a full day or full weekend of exploring.
Festival schedule highlights include the Das Pageant on Friday, a Main Street Parade on Saturday, and hourly competitions such as Egg Toss, Wheelbarrow Races, Dachshund Races, Sack Races, and Watermelon Eating Contest. Beer Stein Holding Competitions will be held throughout the day on Saturday and Sunday. Featured breweries include Tusculum Brewing Company, Free Roam Brewing Company, 28 Songs Brewhouse + Kitchen, and Cibolo Creek Brewing Co. Winners of the Beer Stein Holding Competition advance to the state championship in New Braunfels. Registration is now open for the Main Street Parade, Dachshund Races and Das Pageant at DasFestival.org. Das Festival of Kendall is a nonprofit event that gives back to other nonprofits throughout Kendall County, making every visit a contribution to the community.
Free Summer Abendkonzerte Evening Concerts
The Boerne Village Band, recognized as the oldest continuously playing German band in the world outside of Germany, performs free Abendkonzerte evening concerts on Main Plaza throughout the summer. Established in 1860 by Dr. Karl Dienger, the band continues to preserve Boerne's German musical traditions. Upcoming concert dates are June 16, June 30, and July 28, from 7:30 pm to 9 pm at Main Plaza, 100 N. Main Street. Visitors are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets and join in traditional dances including the Herr Schmidt, Kid's March and Chicken Dance. The concerts are family-friendly, and guests may bring picnic baskets or purchase food from local vendors.
Historic Home Tours at Kuhlmann-King Historical Complex
History enthusiasts can explore Boerne's European settler heritage through guided tours of the Kuhlmann-King Historical Complex, a historic home dating back to the 1880s. Tours are offered on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of each month, providing visitors an authentic look at the traditional family life that shaped early Boerne. Tours showcase the historic kitchen, original architecture, and feature interpretive historical markers that tell the story of the German families who settled in the Texas Hill Country. To join a tour, check out the tour dates posted on the VisitBoerne.org Events Calendar.
Explore Genealogy at The Family History Place
Visitors interested in exploring their own heritage can visit The Family History Place, a public library, bookstore and historical research center operated by the Genealogical Society of Kendall County. Through a partnership with FamilySearch and the LDS church, the center offers free access to premium genealogical databases including Ancestry.com, Fold3, My Heritage, Find My Past, Newspaper Archives and more. The center features a collection of books available for purchase focusing on local, regional, and state history. More information is available at www.gskctx.org.
Plan an Overnight Stay
Boerne's summer events make the perfect reason to plan an overnight getaway in the Texas Hill Country. Visitors can easily combine festival activities with dining, shopping, outdoor recreation at Boerne City Lake, cave tours and Hill Country hiking. Two excellent hotel options within walking distance of the Hill Country Mile include The Bevy Hotel (thebevyhotel.com) and The Kendall (thekendalltx.com), a historic boutique inn originally built in 1859. For more information about Boerne's summer cultural celebrations, events, and lodging options, go to VisitBoerne.org.
