Downtown Brenham, TX: Where Art, Music, and Local Flavor Meet

Whenever we go on vacations, exploring the downtown is always at the top of our lists. Why? Because we can see what the culture is like, how the people are, and imagine what life would be like if we were to live there. Brenham is no exception. This slice of Texas brings the kind of small-town culture that is sure to appeal to groups of all ages and sizes. Let’s explore a little further what life is like when you’re surrounded by bold colors, live music, and the smell of good food wafting through the air.

The Best Local Stops

Start your day or wind it down with a stop at local breweries such as BVB Brewery or Home Sweet Farms Biergarten (HSF). When you’re ready to eat, Brenham additionally offers some of the best restaurants in the area, with everything from casual eats to fine dining. If you’re a wine lover (let’s be honest, who isn’t?), head on over to Haak Winery’s tasting room, or if you’re in the mood for snacking, there’s a charcuterie shop nearby.


You can’t afford to skip out on The Book Nook, the cutest little independent bookstore with some of the best selections. And when those afternoon sweet cravings hit, Jet Set Chocolates delivers handmade treats sure to delight

Exterior of a cafe with a teal sign, small table, and chairs. Building has a covered porch and arched windows.
Mural spelling
A storefront with a red bench and welcome sign. Sign reads

Downtown Brenham has an artistic flair that’s often overlooked. It goes beyond the standard murals and galleries (although there are still plenty of those here) to include some impressive performance venues. These stops include:


  • Unity Theatre: Our town has one of the only professional-grade theatres in the Brazos Valley. Year-round performances and classes are offered, providing professional productions to our small-town Texans. Plus, if you stay at our inn, the Ant Street Inn, you can actually add your ticket to your stay, enjoying discounts and special perks not found anywhere else!
  • The Barnhill Center at the Historic Simon Theatre: Housing a ballroom, an event space, and the Brenham Visitor Center, you won’t want to miss out on this former vaudeville theatre. 
  • Blinn O’Donnell Performance Center: Another great stop for live performances, concerts and other community events all year long.

Brenham’s Performance Scene

Exploring Brenham’s Murals

The murals here are hard to miss. Our walls are turned into a massive outdoor gallery for you to look at, including the B’s of Brenham and Candy Store murals. However, it wasn’t until 2016 that things really took off. During that year, the Texas Arts and Music Festival (TAMF) launched a partnership with local property owners to invite five muralists to create large-scale works.


Little did they know the movement they would be creating. Soon, business owners began commissioning their own murals, expanding our town’s visuals. There are more than 15 art murals downtown, with more popping up each year. Brenham’s murals go beyond storytelling, showcasing some of the purest works of art you’ll see in this part of Texas.


If you want to plan a mural walk, you’ve come to the right place. You can stop by the visitor center inside The Barnhill Center for a mural map, or guests of the Ant Street Inn can grab a printed copy at the front desk. It’s perfect for exploring at your own pace.

Blue mural with portraits, buildings, and colorful patterns on a grassy area, under a blue sky.
Mural of a tan cardinal with red wings perched on a vine with yellow roses and
Mural of a longhorn with birds on its horns against a blue sky background. Signed by the artist.

Festivals, Designations, And So Much More

If you haven’t heard of Brenham, chances are you’ve heard of one of its official Texas designations:


  • Ice Cream Capital of Texas: If you haven’t had Blue Bell Ice Cream, you’re missing out. This delicious ice cream is headquartered here in Brenham. Make sure you try some of the Cookie Two Step, trust us, it’s the best flavor.
  • Texas Music Friendly Community: Live music thrives here, in large part thanks to the Zither Music Company, Bluebonnet Opry, Hot Nights, Cool Tunes, and countless local pubs.
  • Texas Film Friendly: A new designation from 2025, Brenham’s potential has been recognized for future movie productions. 
  • Tourism-Friendly Texas: Another honor from 2025, Brenham was one of the first cities to receive this designation.


Each of these titles goes on to reflect what we already know: that Brenham is the heart of creativity in Washington County.

Red brick building,

Stay Near It All at Ant Street Inn

Our property sits right in the center of downtown, steps away from all the restaurants, breweries, and other things to do in Brenham. Guests rave that they can park once and walk everywhere, thanks to free parking throughout our city. The Texas Arts and Music Festival happens right next door, with Hot Nights, Cool Tunes two blocks away. All the live events, and more, are just a stroll from our front door. If you prefer a quieter evening, we additionally offer earplugs at the front desk.


Our restored 1899 building shows off the historic charm of the area, along with the modern amenities we’ve put in place with your comfort in mind, including handcrafted furniture and spacious bathrooms. So whether you’re here for the murals, food, or music, our boutique inn keeps you close to everything that makes Brenham special. Book your stay today!