The City of Boerne is inviting visitors to experience authentic German and European heritage this summer through a series of cultural events 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.
According to Tori Bellos, Visit Boerne Marketing Specialist, "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. 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."
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 weekend of exploring. 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 at Main Plaza, 100 N. Main Street. Visitors are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets and join 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 historical markers. Visitors interested in exploring their own heritage can visit The Family History Place, a public library and research center offering free access to premium genealogical databases including Ancestry.com, Fold3, My Heritage, Find My Past, Newspaper Archives and more. More information is available at www.gskctx.org.
For more information about Boerne's summer cultural celebrations and lodging options, visit VisitBoerne.org.
