In the Texas Hill Country, peaches aren’t just a summer fruit — they’re a point of pride, a seasonal signal, and a tradition that draws visitors year after year. Nowhere is this more evident than at the Fredericksburg Peach Festival, a celebration of flavor, community, and the agricultural heritage that put this small town on the map as the Peach Capital of Texas.
Historical Roots of a Hill Country Icon
Peach-growing in Gillespie County began with early German settlers in the mid-19th century, who quickly recognized that the area’s elevation, sandy-loam soils, and sunny climate were perfect for producing sweet, flavorful fruit.
The commercial peach industry took shape in 1921, when Benjamin Lester Enderle — a respected county surveyor and educator — planted his first orchard. Over the years, he expanded to 5,000 trees across 150 acres, introducing popular varieties such as Hale, Burbank, Elberta, and Stark. Local historians and tourism officials now honor him as the “Father of the Hill Country Peach Industry” (Kerr County Historical Commission / Texas Highways).
By the late 20th century, Fredericksburg’s peaches had become so celebrated that a dedicated Texas peach festival emerged — blending small-town charm with peak-season abundance.
Festival Atmosphere
Held during the height of Texas peach season, the Fredericksburg Peach Festival offers a relaxed Hill Country setting where the scent of fresh cobbler drifts through the air and live music spills across shaded lawns. Visitors can wander between vendor booths, sample peach-inspired treats, and enjoy the camaraderie of locals and travelers alike.
This is an all-ages event, with plenty for kids to enjoy — from games and activities to opportunities to learn more about how peaches grow and why they thrive here.
What’s on Offer
While exact activities vary from year to year, festival-goers can typically expect:
- Live Music & Entertainment – Local bands and performers set the soundtrack for a day in the country.
- Peach-Themed Eats & Drinks – Cobblers, pies, ice cream, BBQ with peach glaze, refreshing beverages, and inventive peach cocktails.
- Artisan & Farm Vendors – Handmade goods, peach preserves, and seasonal crafts.
- Family-Friendly Fun – Yard games, kids’ activities, and shaded picnic spaces for a slower pace.
The event captures everything people love about Hill Country summer festivals — authentic flavors, local creativity, and a welcoming rural backdrop.
Admission & Experience Options
Most years, the festival offers a general admission ticket that includes entry to the grounds, music, and vendor areas, with food and drink purchased separately.
Some years, premium passes have been available, offering extras such as specialty peach drinks, reserved seating, or access to a hospitality area. Pricing and benefits change annually, so it’s best to check current details before planning your visit.
Seasonal Context & Travel Tips
- Peak Texas peach season in Fredericksburg typically runs mid-May through mid-August, with the festival often scheduled right in the heart of it.
- The festival is part of a wider Hill Country summer travel scene, known for its mix of agriculture, wine, and cultural attractions.
- Book accommodations early — peach season is one of Fredericksburg’s busiest times of the year.
Why This Festival Endures
The Fredericksburg Peach Festival is more than just a weekend event — it’s a living tribute to the agricultural roots and community spirit that have defined the Texas Hill Country for generations. It celebrates not just the fruit, but the people, traditions, and landscapes that make Fredericksburg unique.
Year after year, visitors return for the same reasons: the sweetness of a ripe Texas peach, the warmth of small-town hospitality, and the joy of being part of something that feels both timeless and local.
