Founders Day 2026: Dripping Springs Annual Festival

Festival Schedule & Hours

Friday – April 24

• Parade: 6:30 PM – 7:45 PM
• Carnival: 4:00 PM – 11:30 PM
  • Note: The carnival pauses during the parade.
• Live Music: 7:15 PM – 11:00 PM

Saturday – April 25

• Vendor Booths: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• Live Music: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
• Carnival: 11:00 AM – 11:30 PM

Sunday – April 26

• Church Service: 8:00 AM – 11:30 AM
• Vendor Booths: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Carnival: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • 🎟 Wristband Day: Buy a wristband and enjoy unlimited rides all day.
• Live Music: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM

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Location

The festival takes place in historic downtown Dripping Springs, centered around Mercer Street, where streets are filled with music, vendors, and festival activities throughout the weekend.

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What to Expect

Founders Day is a lively Hill Country festival that includes:

• A Grand Parade that kicks off the weekend along Mercer Street
• Live music and free entertainment across multiple stages
• The Mighty Thomas Carnival with rides and games
• Street dances and evening entertainment
• Food vendors and beer booths
• Cook-off competitions
• Over 150 arts, crafts, and business vendor booths throughout downtown

The festival offers activities for all ages—from carnival rides and games for kids to music, shopping, and food for adults.