The City of Boerne is hosting a series of summer events that highlight the community's German and European heritage, offering visitors a chance to experience the Texas Hill Country town's historic roots through festivals, concerts, and educational opportunities. The lineup includes the third annual Das Festival of Kendall over Father's Day weekend, traditional Abendkonzerte evening concerts, guided tours of the Kuhlmann-King Historical Complex, and genealogy research at The Family History Place.
According to Tori Bellos, Visit Boerne Marketing Specialist, the events are designed to connect visitors with the stories and traditions that shaped the town. "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," Bellos said. "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, a free three-day event, transforms downtown Boerne's Main Plaza into a celebration of German culture from June 19-21, 2026. The festival features live music, traditional food, craft vendors, beer from four Hill Country breweries, and family-friendly competitions. Highlights include the officially sanctioned Beer Stein Holding Competition, with winners advancing to the state championship in New Braunfels. Featured breweries are Tusculum Brewing Company, Free Roam Brewing Company, 28 Songs Brewhouse + Kitchen, and Cibolo Creek Brewing Co. The festival is a nonprofit event that gives back to other nonprofits throughout Kendall County.
In addition to the festival, 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 on June 16, June 30, and July 28. Concerts run from 7:30 pm to 9 pm, and visitors are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets and participate in traditional dances.
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, showcasing the historic kitchen, original architecture, and interpretive markers. Visitors interested in genealogy can visit The Family History Place, a public library and research center that provides free access to databases including Ancestry.com and Fold3.
Boerne's summer events offer an opportunity for an overnight getaway, with lodging options like The Bevy Hotel and The Kendall within walking distance of the Hill Country Mile. For more information, visit VisitBoerne.org.
