‘Everbody’s Somebody” When Visiting Luckenbach Texas

Hill Country travelers frequent the attractions Luckenbach has to offer, much like Willie, Waylon and the boys did in 1977.

Known for its “Everybody’s Somebody” attitude and live entertainment, Luckenbach Texas is a popular destination for music fans, bikers and all those interested in discovering the tiny town in the tune heard of by millions.

With its store, dance hall and picnic tables underneath arching live oak trees, Luckenbach (a sign jokes “Population 3”) is a destination in its own.

Open daily at 9 a.m., the store offers visitors an old-fashioned experience and merchandise ranging from the nostalgic to items bearing the town’s ovalshaped logo.

The town also hosts regional and national acts. During quieter times, one can find a picker’s circle for those who want to swap tunes and musically mingle with the locals. Vintage signs line the walls of the old Luckenbach Post Office. Many famous artists such as Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings have played at the historic dance hall.

With nearly daily performances on the outside stage or in the dancehall, musicians provide tunes with a Texas flair. And an adjacent “Feed Lot” caters to appetites with barbecue, burgers, sandwiches and other dishes.

History

Luckenbach began in 1852 when Jacob Luckenbach and his brothers, William and August, moved to the area from Fredericksburg and began farming.

William Luckenbach opened a post office under the name of South Grape Creek in 1854 and it operated for 11 years.

In 1886, August Engel Jr. reopened a post office for the community along with a general store in the Engel homestead. It was named Luckenbach by Minna Engel, who had just married Carl Albert Luckenbach.

Engel and his descendants later moved the post office and general store down the street and added a blacksmith shop, dance hall and cotton gin.

In the 1970s, the Engel family sold the town to Hondo Crouch, Kathy Morgan and Guich Koock.

During the years that followed, Luckenbach gained national attention as a “metropolis of mirth,” thanks in large part to Crouch’s far-reaching humor, along with the hit song by Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson. Jerry Jeff Walker later enhanced the town’s reputation by recording his live album there, “Viva Terlingua.”

From 1995 through 1999, Willie Nelson held his storied Fourth of July Picnic at Luckenbach.

Today, one can find local and traveling musicians on stage or at a Picker’s Circle, a weekend dance in the hall or one of the many special events the town has scheduled.

Check luckenbachtexas.com for current performer and event info.

Pickers Circles held at Luckenbach feature the musical talents of local Texas artists. For schedules, go online to luckenbachtexas.com