All You Can Eat Crawfish and Music Festival

Every May, the tiny town of Bankersmith (population: about 3) hosts one of the Hill Country’s most beloved food-and-music blowouts. The All You Can Eat Crawfish and Music Festival packs hundreds of people into an outdoor field just off Highway 16, where you’ll find steaming piles of Louisiana-style crawfish, cold beer, and live bands playing country, rock, and blues from noon to midnight. Held on a Saturday in early May, tickets typically run $40-$50 for all-you-can-eat crawfish (vegetarian and non-seafood options available), with kids under 12 half price. The event takes place at Bankersmith Hall, about 12 miles southeast of Fredericksburg and less than an hour from the clear waters of Canyon Lake.

Seafood lovers, families with teens, and groups of friends looking for a casual outdoor party will feel right at home here. The crawfish comes in classic boiled style with corn, potatoes, and plenty of Cajun seasoning, served on long communal tables where strangers become friends fast. Past lineups have featured Texas country acts and regional blues bands, with music running continuously on the main stage. Parking is free in the gravel lots, but arrive by 11:30 a.m. to avoid the midday rush. Bring lawn chairs, sunscreen, and cash for drinks and merchandise (there’s an ATM on-site).

Early May in the Hill Country means warm afternoons (80s) and pleasant evenings (60s-70s), perfect for outdoor eating and dancing. Expect sun exposure, so wear a hat and reapply sunscreen throughout the day. If rain threatens, the event usually continues under pop-up tents, though the field can get muddy, so wear boots you don’t mind getting dirty. Extend your weekend by spending Friday wine tasting in Fredericksburg, then head to Bankersmith for Saturday’s festivities. Lake.com has waterfront rentals near Canyon Lake and Lake LBJ, where you can cool off with a Sunday morning swim or paddleboard session before the drive home.