23rd ANNUAL RED POPPY FESTIVAL RETURNS! GEORGETOWN TX HAS A FULL WEEKEND OF ACTIVITIES, APRIL 28-30!
(Austin, TX) Georgetown, Texas, the “Red Poppy Capital Of Texas,” presents the Annual Red Poppy Festival on April 28-30, 2023. Georgetown is one of the few places in the United State where red poppies grow naturally every spring. In honor of red poppy season, the town celebrates with a weekend full of family-friendly activities, including live music, parades, a classic car show, local arts and crafts vendors, food court and more. This year, the Southern and Garfunkel group, Jamestown Revival, will headline the weekend’s entertainment roster, performing Saturday night, April 29. All festival events are free.
Located in the “Most Beautiful Town Square in Texas,” just 25 miles north of Austin, the popular weekend festival returns for its 23rd year. “This year is filled with more than 100 artisan vendors, foods, entertainment and activities for the entire family,” said Cari Miller of Georgetown. “We recommend people carpool if possible, take the shuttle on Saturday, and plan ahead to get the most out of their time in our beautiful town square.”
The festival opens at 6 p.m. on Friday with artisan booths, plenty of food offerings and the popular local funk band, Dysfunkshun Junkshun, to bring on the dance party.
On Saturday, April 29, festivalgoers are encouraged to wear red for the Red Poppy Festival Parade at 10 a.m. Following the parade, the Red Poppy Festival Car Show will present a variety of classic car models. The Red Poppy Kid’s Fun Zone will be open Saturday, 11:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m to keep the kids entertained with an obstacle course, carnival games, basketball, peddle carts and much more. Events continue into the evening with live music by the Walburg Boys at 6 p.m., followed by Wynn Williams at 7:45 p.m. Jamestown Revival will perform at 9:30 p.m. on the Red Poppy Stage.
Wrap up the weekend on Sunday, April 30, with three special BMX Stunt Shows at 11 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m., along with the Red Poppy Festival Pet Parade at 11:30 a.m. Guests are encouraged to bring their own chairs for evening concerts. Daily schedules can be found here.
Visit RedPoppyFestival.com for all festival information including daily activities and shuttle schedules.
History of the Red Poppy in Georgetown
Seeds from poppies in Europe were sent to Georgetown right after World War I when Henry Purl Compton (known as “Okra”), who served in the American Expeditionary Forces, sent them to his mother. She planted them at her home, now 507 East 7th Street. From there, they spread (by birds, bees, and people) down the river and over much of Old Town. On April 25, 1990, Georgetown was certified by residents and the Texas Legislature as the “Red Poppy Capital of Texas.” Red poppies have been a part of Georgetown’s landscape for more than 100 years; it is one of the few locations in the United States where red poppies reseed each year. Each April as the poppies bloom, Georgetown celebrates with the annual Red Poppy Festival.
About Georgetown, Texas
Established in 1848 as an agricultural trading center, Georgetown, Texas offers historic charm to residents and visitors, boasting one of the state’s 26 designated cultural districts and “The Most Beautiful Town Square in Texas.” Georgetown is also home of acclaimed historic restorations and a thriving arts scene. Georgetown is located 25 miles north of Austin, Texas and is the county seat of Williamson County. With a vibrant offering of dining, shopping, art and history, plus miles of parks and trails, Georgetown is the perfect destination for a quick getaway or long-term stay. For more information, visit the website and follow on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
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