Liberty HillFestivals

Celebrate Art, Music, Holidays

by Charlotte Kovalchuk • photos by Kendra Cofer Photography, courtesy City of Liberty Hill

From eclectic art and music festivals to small-town holiday celebrations, save the dates for Liberty Hill’s array of fun, family friendly activities — something for everyone all year.

Whimsy and Wonder

Last year, Whimsy and Wonder was named the Best Festival in all of Texas for Populations under 50,000, and it’s not hard to see why. “It’s unique. It’s not like other festivals,” says Katie Amsler, Liberty Hill’s communications director. On May 20, downtown Liberty Hill will transform into a fusion of all things whimsical and wonderful from 6pm to 10pm. Main Street will be filled with live music, food vendors, wine tastings, artisan vendors, eclectic art demonstrations, street performers, and a Children’s Imagination Garden, with many surprises along the way. “You never know what you’re going to run into.”

Visitors can stroll down Main Street and see various artists at work, from potters and crocheters, to acrylic and chalk artists, and even an artist who creates mosaics out of Rubik’s Cubes. Also be sure to check out the splendid spectacle behind the Stubblefield building — Thirsty Penguin’s twirling model, costumed with a champagne glass skirt, will be serving mimosas and daiquiris, and the aerial bartender from Thirsty Mule will be pouring wine upside down, Katie says.

From eclectic art and music festivals to small-town holiday celebrations, save the dates for Liberty Hill’s array of fun, family friendly activities — something for everyone all year.

In the Children’s Imagination Garden, kids can unleash their creativity by playing vintage guitars, jamming in a drum circle, or visiting craft stations to create lanterns, words of affirmation bracelets, and more.

As this year’s festival has a Beatles theme, visitors can look forward to performances by Beatles tribute band The Lonely Hearts Club, as well as a few nods to the Beatles throughout the evening. “You may even see the Beatles walk by in costume or subtle references to their songs in the surrounding décor.”

When You Go

Admission and parking are free for Whimsy and Wonder. Guests may park at Liberty Hill Elementary School, Fellowship Church, One Chapel Church, Cross Tracks Church, LHISD Administration Building, Noble Elementary, or Lions Foundation Park. Handicapped parking is available on Van Alley behind Hell or High Water. The Lions Club will also be collecting canned food and cash donations for Operation Liberty Hill in front of Parker’s during the festival.

To learn more about Whimsy and Wonder, visit experiencelhtx.com/ whimsyandwonder

Independence Day Spectacular

From games and activities sponsored by local businesses to homemade apple pie making, watermelon seed spitting, and hot dog eating contests, the Independence Day Spectacular will bring a wealth of small-town charm to Liberty Hill. "When you think of small-town America, this is the flush of nostalgia that comes to mind,” Katie says.

From 6pm to 10pm on July 3 at the field between Noble Elementary and Liberty Hill Middle School, visitors can enjoy live music, friendly competitions, spectacular fireworks, and the not-your-typical-pageant starring Miss Liberty. Katie says, “It’s for ages 16+. We pick individuals who are decked out in red, white, and blue. They strut across the stage and whoever receives the loudest applause is crowned Miss Liberty.” There will also be a kids’ zone featuring a rock wall, inflatables, trampolines, train rides, obstacle course, Velcro wall, and a real snowball fight.

To learn more about the Independence Day Spectacular, visit experiencelhtx.com/independence-day-spectacular.

Christmas Festival

Celebrate the magic of the holiday season at Liberty Hill’s annual Christmas Festival. “The goal is to encourage the community to get out their Christmas lists and check them twice by supporting participating vendors and shopping local,” Katie says.

On December 9, visitors can shop, eat, and enjoy music from 10am to 3pm in the downtown while kids get to ice skate, visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and play in real snow and a giant gingerbread house. “It’s magical. It makes memories for these kids.” That evening, the community can gather along Loop 332 at 6pm for the lighted Christmas parade that typically features more than 60 floats.

To learn more about the Christmas Festival, visit experiencelhtx.com/christmas-festival

Sculpture Festival

Each October, the Liberty Hill community gathers to celebrate the history of the International Sculpture Park and its artwork. “The park is a really a unique thing to our town that many people don’t even know exists,” Katie says.

In 1976, local artist Mel Fowler organized the first international sculpture symposium in the southwest, rallying sculptors from six countries to create sculptures in Liberty Hill. Today, many of those original limestone statues, swirling stone structures, and metal sculptures make up the Liberty Hill International Sculpture Park at Noble Elementary School. See the full story on page 10.

All day on October 21, visitors can check out live sculpting demonstrations, hands-on art activities hosted by local businesses, live music, vendors, kids’ arts and crafts stations, and a street dance and silent disco.

Check out the Sculpture Festival at the Lions Foundation Park at 355 TX-332. For more information about the Sculpture Festival visit experiencelhtx.com/ sculpture-festival.