The City of Boerne invites visitors to experience authentic German and European heritage this summer through a series of cultural events and attractions that bring the Texas Hill Country town's historic roots to life. 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, June 19-21, 2026, transforming downtown Boerne's Main Plaza into a free three-day celebration of German culture. 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.
Friday, June 19 opens at 5 pm with Das Pageant and live music through midnight. Saturday, June 20 begins with a Main Street Parade at 10 am, followed by hourly competitions including Egg Toss, Wheelbarrow Races, Dachshund Races, Sack Races, Watermelon Eating Contest, and Beer Stein Holding Competitions throughout the day. Sunday, June 21, Father's Day, opens at 11 am with traditional games and competitions. 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.
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, starting at 7:30 pm until 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.
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. To join a tour, check the tour dates posted on the VisitBoerne.org Events Calendar.
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, the center offers free access to premium genealogical databases including Ancestry.com, Fold3, My Heritage, Find My Past, and Newspaper Archives. The center features a collection of books available for purchase focusing on local, regional, and state history. Appointments can be arranged by calling ahead. More information is available at www.gskctx.org.
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 provide comfortable bases within walking distance of the Hill Country Mile: The Bevy Hotel (thebevyhotel.com) is a full-service boutique hotel blending contemporary accommodations with Hill Country-inspired design, and The Kendall (thekendalltx.com) is a historic boutique inn originally built in 1859. For more information, go to VisitBoerne.org.
