The video above is a walking tour of Kerrville, Texas, filmed by David Bridwell during a trip to play music at Trail Head Beer Garden. David walks through the downtown area, pointing out historical buildings, restaurants, live music spots, and the overall feel of this Hill Country town located about 100 miles west of Austin and 65 miles northwest of San Antonio. With a population of around 25,000, Kerrville has a surprising number of places to catch live music on any given night, and the video does a good job capturing what makes the town worth a visit.
Exploring Downtown Kerrville
Kerrville's downtown is walkable and full of character. David's footage shows off the older architecture, antique shops, restaurants, and cultural spots that line the streets. The town has deep roots — it's named after James Kerr, a major in the Texas Revolution, and grew through lumber production, ranching, and the arrival of the San Antonio and Aransas Pass Railway in the late 1800s. The Guadalupe River runs right through the city, and on hot summer days you'll find people out along the water just a short walk from downtown. For food, David highlights the Hill Country Cafe, which sits at the location of the original HEB store, and Vino's Cafe, where he grabbed some tacos. Cultural landmarks include the Kerr Arts and Cultural Center, the historic Schreiner Mansion (dating back to the late 1800s), and the Cailloux Theater, a performing arts center that regularly hosts plays and events.
What Live Music Venues Are in Kerrville, Texas?
Kerrville has more live music options than you might expect for a town its size. David walks past several of them and shares what he finds along the way, including a setup in progress by Marathon Highway at one of the galleries. Here are the spots featured in the video:
- Arcadia Live — A historic venue that has been around since the 1920s, hosting live music, community events, and private rentals
- Busted Sandal Favorite Saloon — Located right next to Arcadia Live, a saloon-style spot in the heart of downtown
- Divine Sports Bar — A sports bar that regularly features live music acts
- River's Edge Gallery — A framing and printing gallery that also hosts live music nights, where David spotted Marathon Highway getting ready to perform
- Pint and Plow Brewing Company — A brewery not far from downtown where David has played music multiple times
- Basement Brewers of Texas — Another local brewery that books live music
- Trail Head Beer Garden — Located on the Schreiner University campus, this is where David performed during his visit
Kerrville's Music and Festival Culture
Beyond the weekly live music scene, Kerrville is known for hosting several major annual events, including the Kerrville Folk Festival, the official Texas State Arts and Crafts Fair, the Kerrville Triathlon, and the Kerrville Renaissance Festival. The town also sits close to Fredericksburg, another popular Hill Country destination that both tourists and locals frequent. If you're planning a trip through the Hill Country and want to catch some music along the way, Kerrville is a solid stop with enough going on to fill an evening — or a whole weekend.