Bastrop is throwing a fiesta to celebrate its designation as an official site on the El Camino Real de Los Tejas National Historic Trail—and you’re invited! Join the Bastrop County Historical Society and Museum on Thursday, October 23 for an afternoon and evening full of music, dance, food, and history in the heart of downtown.

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Kick off the celebration at 4:30 pm with live music and traditional dance performances, a charming historical sketch by Bastrop’s youngest storytellers, and even a hands-on paper flower workshop right on the street.  Enjoy refreshing aguas frescas and delicious Mexican street food, served in the Visitor Center lobby.

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Step inside to explore a special historic map exhibit about the historic trail, a multimedia loop on El Camino Real’s history, and new commemorative merchandise available in the gift shop. Perfect for history lovers and trail supporters alike.

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The celebration continues in the evening at 6 with the unveiling of the official National Historic Trail sign, special proclamations, and a dramatic retelling of the first Spanish crossing of the Colorado River at Bastrop. The evening culminates with a keynote presentation by former BCHS president and museum docent Frank Huffman, “Tales of El Camino Real & the Visitor Center.”

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This event is free and open to the public. Whether you come for the music, the history, or the community spirit, you’ll be part of a celebration connecting Bastrop to centuries of culture and commerce along El Camino Real de los Tejas.

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Michal Hubbard, Bastrop County Historical Society Trustee and one of the event’s organizers said, "Being recognized as an official site on this historic national trail, literally puts Bastrop on the national map - not just for the El Camino Real, but for all the other wonderful historic and vacation opportunities it had available for a traveler!"

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Location: Bastrop County Museum & Visitor Center

Date: Thursday, 10/23/25

Time: 4:30 - 8 PM

Admission: Free!