The AgriCultural Museum & Arts Center in Boerne, Texas, will commemorate its 40th anniversary with the Power of the Past Festival on Saturday, March 7, 2026. This free, family-oriented event will transform the museum's open-air grounds into a vibrant showcase of Hill Country heritage, running from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at 102 City Park Road. The festival underscores the institution's role in blending historical preservation with community engagement, a mission highlighted by Tori Bellos, Marketing Specialist at Visit Boerne, who noted the museum's dedication to preserving traditions while fostering creativity and family memories.
Central to the celebration are extensive displays of historic machinery. A vintage car and truck show will feature vehicles over 40 years old, with on-site registration available for $40, including an event T-shirt. In a nod to the anniversary, antique tractors and engines will receive free registration. The Big Red Barn will house collections of historic farming equipment and tools, complemented by an extensive display of vintage farm toys. These exhibits offer a tangible connection to the agricultural past that shaped the region.
Living-history demonstrations will provide immersive experiences throughout the day. Re-enactors from the Frontier History Company Foundation will depict turn-of-the-century pioneer life, while a blacksmith will work in the museum's blacksmith shop. Additional activities include heritage cooking and woodworking demonstrations. For entertainment, the Flashbacks Band will perform from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., followed by a Bluegrass Jam in the Pioneer House from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. An awards ceremony will recognize top vehicles and equipment with trophies.
Food and craft vendors will enhance the festival atmosphere. Attendees can enjoy offerings from Johnny Naan's Pizza and Stoltze's BBQ, along with craft beer from Cibolo Creek Brewing Co. Personalized drawings by Texas character artist Jerry Cardona and 40th-anniversary t-shirts will be available for purchase. The event reflects the museum's broader programming, which includes regular Bluegrass Jams and art workshops, details of which can be found on the Visitor Blog at VisitBoerne.org.
The Power of the Past Festival highlights the AgriCultural Museum's evolution from its origins as the Agricultural Heritage Museum into a living-history campus. Its facilities, including a woodworking shop, Pioneer House, and wagon house, serve as a rustic event venue for gatherings of 10 to 200 guests. By offering hayrides via vintage tractor and hosting events like this festival, the museum strengthens community ties while educating visitors on regional history. This anniversary celebration not only honors four decades of cultural stewardship but also reinforces Boerne's identity as a destination where heritage and hospitality converge, supporting local tourism and preserving traditions for future generations.
