One of the greatest things about living in Texas is the wide variety of events that are hosted throughout the state. Whether you’re in the mood for some good barbecue, or ready to rock out to bands at a music festival, or slow it down and enjoy the arts, there’s always something for everyone to enjoy. Fun is just around the corner when you pack up the car and head out to one of these great destinations. When making your “To-Do List” before you hit the road, make sure a trip to Sun Auto Service is on your list. Making sure your car is ready for the journey will give you the peace of mind you need to enjoy your travels. Music festivals, food and barbecue festivals, are all just a quick jaunt from home. Here are just a few festivals to add to your list of destinations this summer:
Float Fest July 20 & 21 – Gonzales
If you want to cool off and listen to the hottest EDM, Alt-Rock, and Rap this is one of the most unique music festivals in all of Texas happening this summer. The sixth annual Float Fest features two stages and will feature headliners such as Major Lazer, Gucci Mane, and Portugal the Man just to name a few. Formerly held on the San Marcos River, this is a new location for Float Fest to accommodate the increase in attendance over the years. You’ll spend the morning tubing down the Guadalupe River and then spend the afternoon into the evening enjoying the concert. When the weather gets a little too warm for your liking, slip into the cool air-conditioned arcade lounge for some gaming. Immerse yourself in the experience and spend the weekend on the grounds camping. The venue, including the camping area, is located on a private ranch with a pecan orchard filled with many trees (some over two hundred years old!) to provide ample shade. For those opting not to camp, hotels are available nearby as well as restaurants and grocery stores. Tubes for floating are available for rent on site for a fee. Parking is $20, ticket prices vary, children under ten are free.
Taste Fest August 31st through September 1st – San Antonio
Located just one and a half hours outside of Austin is Taste Fest. Held at the Pittman Sullivan Park in San Antonio, this food festival in Texas is a favorite. This festival benefits Cancer Survivors and Wounded Warriors and is literally a taste of everything. A family-oriented variety festival held Labor Day weekend, runs from Noon to 9:00 PM, both Saturday and Sunday. The event features major artists, comedians, poets, dancers, painters, and more. Over twenty food vendors will be on site to satiate your appetite. Tempt fate or just get a front row seat to watch wing eating contests and other live performances. For kids twelve and under, the Kids Zone will be packed full of fun bounce houses, field games, and face painting. Feeling a little competitive? Join the one of many basketball tournaments open to all featuring 3 on 3, the Slam Dunk, or 3-point contest. Cash prizes over $500 are up for grabs to the winners! Live graffiti artists and chalk artists will create an artistic scene before your very eyes. But wait! There really is MORE! A car and bike show will be on site for enthusiasts to show off their cars and bikes on both days. Lastly, this inclusive festival will have representatives from Wounded Warriors, The Cancer Hope Network, and other charities and organizations on-site to educate attendees on living healthier lives. Tickets start at just $15.
Bedford Blues & BBQ August 30th through September 1st – Bedford
Delicious barbecue and jazz are home to the Bedford Blues and BBQ festival just three hours north of Austin. This Texas BBQ festival is a feast for the senses with taste, sound, and sight. The three-day event includes a jazz concert, barbecue competition, local artistry, and other entertainment. Blues headliners such as Boz Skaggs, JJ Grey, Mofro, the Peterson Brothers Band, and so many more will appear on the KNON and Main Stages. Take in a little shopping and view the local wares sold by art vendors. The Bluesmobile from the Blues Brothers movie will be on display for viewing, as well. Hungry? Food vendors with corn dogs and funnel cakes will be available throughout the event but you can’t leave this barbecue festival without having some good old B-B-Q! Barbecue vendors round out the food options to tickle your appetite. The Kansas City Barbecue Society (KCBS) sanctioned competition will feature over 70 teams from all over the country to compete for the prize purse of $12,000. Meat will be cooked on site and judged Sunday morning. Those looking to sink their teeth into some tasty barbecue can join the People’s Choice competition to judge for their favorites. A Battle of the BBQ competition will also feature local vendors competing for the title of best barbecue on Sunday afternoon. This contest is open to all for tasting and voting, however, tickets must be purchased in advance to take part. General admission tickets to the event are just $7 or $15 for a weekend pass. Parking is $20.00.
Before leaving on a road trip of any length, take your vehicle into an auto repair shop to ensure it can handle the drive, safely. A professional technician can inspect your car’s brakes, transmission, and engine to ensure everything is operating smoothly and as it should. Any issues found should be addressed before you head out of town. Consider having all fluids topped off or replaced and make sure tires are properly inflated and aligned.
There’s no need to worry about whether your vehicle can handle the journey when you have your car inspected by the technicians at Sun Auto Service. Our experienced team will let you know whether your vehicle is equipped to handle a road trip and if not, what can be done. Enjoy summer to its fullest by exploring Texas with friends and family and let the professionals at Sun Auto Service check off the important items on your road trip “To-Do” list.
