Summer concerts, festivals, and events & big initial crowds signal growing local buzz.
Hillsboro, Texas
Typically thought of as friendly, laid back, safe, albeit slightly standoffish, we are going to have to re-evaluate what Hillsboro is “now”. With the addition of Ember Cigar Co and Bearded Wheat Distillery, downtown Hillsboro is looking a bit more like an entertainment district, and growing into it’s own version of “responsible yet fun-loving”.
The simplicity and friendliness of the opening concert planned for Saturday, May 3rd featuring the Ghosts Of Hill County Band was certainly expected to draw crowds, but no one expected the influx of people arriving early, staking out their lawn chair location, “pre-gaming” the event, and talking to locals mixing through the crowds hours before the concert.
The summer concerts and festival schedule was published early this year, and the bands and entertainment schedule is bigger than previous years – and thanks to a larger permanent stage at the outdoor downtown venue, Hillsboro is looking like it means business.
What will the rest of the season look like? We’ll just have to see, but there’s definitely an uptick in interest in the downtown area’s shops, restaurants, museums, events, and available commercial buildings.
Photo Credit: THE YARD at 107 E Elm Street in Downtown Hillsboro, Texas on Saturday night, May 3rd 2025
The Yard recently added a pollinator garden on the property, and is expecting to add Free Wifi Internet provided by Rise Broadband in May of 2025. The open space is typically only used for events on Saturday nights, but on any given day, you can notice people gathering for the El Sol Fruteria Food Truck, and to enjoy lunch or dinner in the cozy downtown greenspace.
See the schedule below for the downtown Hillsboro concert dates and bands this year that run Saturday nights from 8-11 pm. Please note, Churrofest, the Bond’s Alley Art Festival, Autumnfest and Oktoberfest have varying locations and times.
May 3 – Ghosts of Hill County
May 10 – Stolen Whiskey with Special Guest South Sound Revival
May 17 – Churrofest! full day festival with headliner Paul Wall (courthouse square)
May 24 – Megan Urby Band
May 31 – Bowling Pin Whiskey
June 7 – Touch of Grey
June 14 – Bond’s Alley Art Festival – (bond’s alley)
June 14 – The Morticians
June 21 – Ashmore
June 28 – The Tejas Brothers (with native Mike Morgan joining the band)
(summer break)
September 6 – The May Brothers
September 13 – 80’s Gadgets
September 20 – The Brazos Brothers
September 27 – Incognito
October 4 – The Sundae Drivers
October 11 – Autumnfest (courthouse square)
October 18 – Oktoberfest! by Ember Cigar Co
October 25 – Mike Morgan & Shawn Pittman season finale show
Tips & Info for the Free Outdoor Concerts in Hillsboro Texas this season:
Location: 107 E Elm Street in downtown Hillsboro
Concerts are Outdoors and run from 8-11 pm each Saturday night in May and June 2025, (with a summer break) and return weekly in September and October 2025.
Picnic Tables are available for seating – first come, first serve.
You may bring lawn chairs, picnic blankets, food, coolers, hula hoops, and small games or toys for children. There are numerous restaurants and bars in the downtown area, and a food truck on the lawn.
The outdoor concerts are subject to weather, and are family friendly and safe occasions with both responsible adults and children in attendance.
The exciting lineup of entertainment and nightlife is meant to connect our city, and welcome visitors to enjoy world class entertainment in small-town Texas. Consider yourself invited and tell your friends. The YARD and festival concerts feature local favorites and a dash of bigger bands from all across Texas.
Visiting Hillsboro, Texas? Be sure to check out https://www.explorehillsborotexas.com/ or call 254-582-2481 to get the information on hotels, restaurants, shops, museums, nightlife, events and interesting places.
To see the downtown walkable restaurants, bars, museums and shops, please visit https://www.explorehillsborotexas.com/hillsboro-texas-main-street/
Have an interest in a downtown building to lease or buy? You can be in the middle of the fun, and say “you were there” in the heyday of Hillsboro.
Check out our EDC’s Sites and Building Tool to Find Commercial Properties or See a list of our local realtors and resources at this link.
