Live Music, Arts, and Entertainment: All in Brenham

Brenham, Texas is alive with music, theater, festivals, and visual arts all year long. Whether you’re catching a scheduled performance or stumbling upon a casual live show, there’s always something creative and vibrant happening in our town and throughout Washington County.


As a Texas Music Friendly Certified City, Brenham proudly welcomes musicians, outdoor performances, and creative businesses. This special recognition highlights Brenham’s ongoing dedication to live music, public events, and the arts.



You can plan your visit around one of Brenham’s major festivals or simply enjoy a relaxed evening with local musicians, stage performances, or a stroll through downtown galleries. Many of these experiences are just steps from Ant Street Inn, so you can soak up Brenham’s entertainment scene without ever needing to drive.

Stage set of a play with people at tables, on balconies, and on a porch. Red and orange backdrops.

Performance Centers Near Downtown Brenham

Brenham stands out for its collection of professional and community performance venues, all located close together in the heart of town. These welcoming spaces host everything from touring shows and student productions to full theater seasons.


  • Unity Theatre: Just one block from Ant Street Inn, located in downtown, Unity Theatre offers a full season of professional plays. Performers and creative teams come from across Texas and beyond. Guests staying at Ant Street Inn can receive discounted tickets when added to their reservation.
  • The Barnhill Center at Historic Simon Theatre: Also in Downtown and two blocks away from our historic Inn, this restored vaudeville theater hosts touring comedians, tribute bands, and specialty performances. The smaller venue size offers a close-up experience without the crowds of larger cities.
  • Blinn College Performing Arts Center: Also known as the O’Donnell Arts Center, this venue is a short drive from the heart of town with free parking. Programming includes student productions alongside touring shows.
  • Bluebonnet Opry: This monthly country music event takes place inside the local skating rink, approximately two miles from downtown. The event showcases local and regional musicians, with dancing encouraged. Known for its relaxed Texas atmosphere, it offers baked goods and beer. Notably, the Opry has hosted performers like George Strait early in his career.
  • Festival Hill in Round Top: Located in nearby Round Top, Festival Hill hosts seasonal classical music concerts and performance series. While not in Washington County, it attracts many visitors who stay in Brenham due to the short drive and lodging options.


Together, these performance centers give Brenham a strong year-round schedule of live shows, theater productions, and touring acts. With multiple venues nearby, visitors can easily plan an evening around a performance without traveling far.

Band performing on a stage at night with spotlights and audience in front.

Festivals and Annual Events

Festivals in Brenham bring together music, art, and cherished community traditions all year long. These lively events invite you to experience live entertainment, local culture, and seasonal celebrations in Brenham and the surrounding towns.


  • Texas Arts and Music Festival: Held in downtown Brenham on the third weekend of October, this festival highlights live shows, visual art, and regional performers. It draws artists and musicians from across Texas and adds steady energy to the area.
  • Hot Nights Cool Tunes: This summer concert series takes place every Saturday night in July. Local and regional bands perform outdoors, making it an easy way to enjoy live performances while exploring shops and restaurants nearby.
  • Cotton Gin Festival: Hosted in nearby Burton during the third weekend of April, this event celebrates local history with live music, crafts, and food vendors. Many visitors pair this festival with a stay in Brenham due to its close proximity.
  • Bluebonnet Festival in Chappell Hill: Taking place during the second weekend of April, this festival focuses on springtime traditions, arts, and live entertainment. Chappell Hill is about 15 miles from Brenham, making it a popular day trip.
  • Washington County Fair: Held each September just a few miles from us, the fair runs for two weeks and includes concerts, exhibits, and evening entertainment. Live music performances are a major draw throughout the event.
  • Maifest: During the first weekend of May, at a city park less than two miles from downtown, is Maifest. The event showcases traditional music, dancing, and cultural programming tied to Brenham’s German heritage.


These festivals fill the calendar with year-round entertainment and help make Brenham a place where music and the arts are always close at hand. Plan your visit around one of these special events for even more chances to enjoy live performances just steps from downtown.

Artist painting outdoors; cityscape with buildings and blue sky; easel on a patterned ground.

Art Galleries and Creative Spaces

Art galleries add another dimension to Brenham’s entertainment scene, especially for those who love exploring downtown on foot. Many galleries are just a short stroll away and showcase the talents of local and regional artists.


  • Tegg Art Studio: Tegg Art Studio has plenty of fine art created by local and regional artists. Exhibits rotate throughout the year, giving repeat visitors something new to see.
  • M.C. Art Studio: This studio showcases original artwork in a relaxed gallery setting. It is an easy stop while walking between shops and restaurants.
  • Downtown Art Gallery: The Downtown Art Gallery highlights a variety of styles and mediums from multiple artists. Travelers can browse paintings, photography, and mixed media pieces in one location.
  • Doug Peck Studio: Doug Peck Studio focuses on handcrafted pottery and functional art. Many pieces are made locally and reflect traditional techniques.
  • Hoity Toity Peacock: Just a short drive away, this gallery combines art with creative gift items. It offers a different shopping experience from traditional downtown galleries.


These galleries pair well with the aforementioned theater performances and festival weekends. Visiting one or two fits easily into an afternoon or evening during your stay.

Outdoor concert at night: band on stage under string lights, crowd seated at picnic tables, mural on the wall.

Good Old Live Music of Brenham

When you get to Brenham, music is always close by in the downtown area, especially on weekends. Several local venues host regular performances, all within a pleasant walk or a quick drive from Ant Street Inn.


  • HSF Biergarten: HSF Biergarten regularly hosts live music in an outdoor setting. Performances often go well with food and drinks, making it a popular stop before or after a show.
  • Floyd’s Lounge: Floyd’s Lounge features local musicians in a casual indoor environment. It is a comfortable place to enjoy some music at a slower pace.
  • Red Velvet Lounge: Red Velvet Lounge offers live performances in an intimate space. The smaller setting allows guests to enjoy music up close without large crowds.
  • Brazos Valley Brewery: Brazos Valley Brewery hosts live musicians on select nights throughout the year. While it is a short drive or a longer walk away, it remains a popular stop for evening entertainment.


For a complete and up-to-date schedule of performers and venues, Visit Brenham Texas provides a full calendar of live music and nightlife options.

Plan Your Stay Near All the Brenham Entertainment

If you’re planning to enjoy the music, performances, or special events, staying near downtown puts everything within easy reach. Ant Street Inn is just steps from Unity Theatre, The Barnhill Center, music venues, and the local art galleries.


After a show, concert, or festival, you can return to your comfortable room at Ant Street Inn with no need to worry about parking or late-night drives. Book your stay and enjoy the best of Brenham’s live music, theater, festivals, and art, all just outside your door.