How Liberty Hill Put Itself on the Map

"Willie Nelson's Picnic" and the Art that Helped Make It Happen

by Charlotte Kovalchuk

In 1975, Liberty Hill was just a speck of a town on the map northwest of Austin. But that all changed when some of the town’s movers and shakers decided to invite Willie Nelson's Picnic to town. Hopeful organizers thought they might attract 5,000 visitors and planned for 25,000 just in case. As it turned out, the event blew away even their greatest expectations and drew a staggering 90,000 people to the tiny burg. The festival had its share of mishaps, including traffic backups, sweltering heat, and even a rainstorm that caused water to leak through the stage tent. But the event was a hit, and Liberty Hill gained a reputation for dreaming big.

Among those who helped make the event a success was Jim Franklin, a well-known artist in Austin's art scene. Franklin designed the festival's poster art and t-shirts, helping to spread the word about the event and attract even more attendees. Now, nearly 50 years later, the city of Liberty Hill has memorialized the festival and the artist who helped make it happen by installing a replica of Jim's poster on the old Liberty Hill water tower.

The tower has not been used for many years, but it holds a special place in the town's history. Located downtown on TX-332 Loop near Wetzel Park, it is a perfect spot to display the art and welcome visitors to town.

Kickstart summer 2023 with Liberty Hill's live music series at the water tower, in which folks can enjoy acoustic music from 6:30pm – 8:30pm on Thursdays June 8, July 20, and August 10. “I think people are hungry for entertainment and this is a fun, relaxing night of music that’s low stress,” city communications director Katie Amsler says. “Come downtown, get food, check out some of the stores that are open. It’s just a way to gather, connect with your neighbors, and enjoy your summer nights.”

She adds, “Typically people will be walking from surrounding neighborhoods, or go to the splash pad across from the water tower and come to hear the music.” Visitors are welcome to bring blankets and picnics and camp out in the parking lot. Dale Watson is slated to perform in August and city staff are looking for other musicians to round out the summer lineup.

Admission is free for the third annual Water Tower Kickstart, sponsored by Hughes and Company Real Estate, and food and beverages from Hoppy Hydrant will be available for purchase. And don't forget to check out the face painting booth!