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, a free three-day event, 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. Winners advance to the state championship in New Braunfels. The festival is a nonprofit event that gives back to other nonprofits throughout Kendall County, making every visit a contribution to the community. Registration is now open for the Main Street Parade, Dachshund Races, and Das Pageant at DasFestival.org.
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, the band continues to preserve Boerne's German musical traditions. Upcoming concert dates include June 16, June 30, and July 28, starting at 7:30 pm. 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, providing an authentic look at traditional family life. Dates are 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. More information is available at www.gskctx.org.
Boerne's summer events make the perfect reason to plan an overnight getaway. Visitors can combine festival activities with dining, shopping, outdoor recreation at Boerne City Lake, cave tours, and hiking. Two excellent hotel options within walking distance of the Hill Country Mile are The Bevy Hotel (thebevyhotel.com) and The Kendall (thekendalltx.com). For more information, go to VisitBoerne.org.