The video above is a solid look at Blanco, Texas — a small Hill Country town with about 2,000 people, sitting roughly 50 miles southwest of Austin and 50 miles north of San Antonio. It's the kind of place you might pass through on your way to Fredericksburg or San Antonio, but it's worth slowing down for. David Bridwell stopped in on his way to play a gig at Wedding Oak Winery and found more going on than you'd expect from a town this size, especially when it comes to live music.
What Live Music Venues Are in Blanco, Texas?
For a town of 2,000, Blanco has a surprisingly solid lineup of spots where you can catch live music. Here's what's out there:
- Red Bud Cafe — A popular breakfast spot right on the square that also hosts live music, a great first stop on any morning in town
- Uptown Blanco Restaurant — Located on the historic square, serving food alongside live music
- Tenuta Bianco Wine Bar — A wine bar on the square featuring live music and local wines
- Herb's Hat Shop — Primarily known for selling cowboy hats, but occasionally hosts live music inside the shop
- Old 300 Barbecue — A barbecue joint on the square that advertises live music alongside smoked meats
- Chess Club Cafe — Located less than a mile south of the square, another spot that books live music acts
- Iron Horse Saloon — A bar not far south of the square with a saloon atmosphere
- Malcom & Green Whiskey — Just north of town near the square, a whiskey-focused spot with live music
- Real Ale Brewing Company — A large brewery operation on the north side of town with a big lot and live music events
The Town Itself
Blanco gets its name from the Spanish word for white, referring to the white limestone banks along the Blanco River. The river runs right through town, and Blanco State Park sits right alongside it, which makes for easy access to swimming, walking, and general outdoor time without driving anywhere. The town dates back to the late 1800s and still carries that old ranching and farming identity.
The historic square is the center of everything — antiques, restaurants, coffee shops, and bars. The old courthouse is the most notable building in town. It was originally the Blanco County seat, though that moved to Johnson City after just four years. A scene from True Grit was filmed inside the courthouse, which is a fun piece of trivia. The town also leans into its lavender farming, calling itself a lavender capital and putting on an annual Lavender Festival. Market Days happen on the courthouse grounds every third Saturday of the month.
Wedding Oak Winery in Fredericksburg
After passing through Blanco, David Bridwell made it up to Wedding Oak Winery in Fredericksburg, where he played an afternoon set. The winery produces wine from Texas-grown grapes and operates multiple locations. It's the kind of relaxed Hill Country afternoon spot where live music fits right in — people sipping wine, no rush, good weather. If you're making the drive from Blanco to Fredericksburg, it's a natural stop along the way.