City News
Red Poppy Festival April 26 - 27
In her last live concert in Central Texas before she takes a break for “who knows how long,” Kelly Willis performs at this year’s Red Poppy Festival in Georgetown. Described by National Public Radio as “alternative country’s golden goddess,” Willis plays Saturday evening at the festival, which is held on Georgetown’s historic Square April 26 and 27. On her website, citing the challenge of “being a traveling musician with four kids,” Willis says, “I am taking a hiatus from live performances for who knows how long.”
The ninth annual Red Poppy Festival on Georgetown’s historic Square includes a full weekend of free live music. Highlights of Saturday’s lineup include Lonestar Bluegrass Band, the Georgetown High School Jazz Band, Courtney Now, and the salsa and Latin jazz band The Brew. The Saturday evening concert and street dance features the rockabilly, country, and swing sounds of Two Tons of Steel followed by headliner Kelly Willis.
Sunday musical highlights include Joe McDermott, Wake Eastman, the Marshall Ford Swing Band, and The Siekers.
For a full schedule of events, go to RedPoppyFestival.com. There is no admission charge for any of the festival concerts.
Parking and free shuttle service
Take a free shuttle from Wolf Ranch to the Red Poppy Festival on Saturday between 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. See details about parking locations and the free shuttle.
Parade and family events
Downtown festivities begin with the Red Poppy Parade at 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 26. A map of the parade route is available at RedPoppyFestival.com. Arts and crafts vendors, a children’s activity area, and live entertainment continue through Sunday evening.
Friday Night Concerts on April 25
In a special Friday night concert at this year’s Poppy Festival, Off The Record will perform at 8 p.m. on the main stage on Eighth Street, which is on the downtown Square. Also on Friday night, the Georgetown High School Jazz Band performs at the Wolf Ranch Town Center at 7 p.m., followed by an outdoor showing of the film Casablanca. Wolf Ranch is located at the southwest corner of I-35 and Texas 29.
Bike Ride
The fourth annual Red Poppy Ride, sponsored by the Georgetown Sertoma Club, begins on Saturday, April 26 at 8 a.m. The charity ride includes a 14-mile family route as well as 30-mile, 45-mile, and 62-mile routes with rest stops and full SAG support. The ride benefits scholarships for students at Georgetown schools, the Williamson County Children’s Advocacy Center, and bicycle safety and advocacy programs. See the link at RedPoppyFestival.com for all the details or to register.
Red Poppy 5K
A 5K run starts on Sunday at 10:15 a.m. The 5K is sponsored by Run-Tex and all proceeds benefit the Main Street Facade and Sign Grant Program. See the link at RedPoppyFestival.com for all the details or to register.
Car Show
Classic cars, Corvettes, and hot rods will be on display on the Square on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., sponsored by the Don Hewlett Family of Dealerships.
Guitar Hero Contest
Calling all rock stars! Do you have what it takes to be the Guitar Hero Champion of Georgetown? Then warm up your rock-jumps, scissor-kicks and swinging arms and show us you’re a rock star! The Red Poppy Festival invites you to prove yourself as the champion rocker in our Ultimate Guitar Hero Contest! There will be trophies for First, Second, and Third place in each of the following categories: K – 5th grade; 6th, 7th, and 8th grade; High School; and Adult.
The tournament will begin on Saturday, April 26th in the Red Poppy Family Fun Zone at Eighth and Main Streets. Register any time before your age categories competition to save your spot in line or show up hang out and get ready to rock!
Guitar Hero Contest times:
11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for Kinder through 5th grades
2 p.m. to 4 p.m. for 6th through 8th grades
5 p.m. to 6 p.m. for High School grades
7 p.m. for adults
The top five from each category will compete in the finals on Sunday at 2 p.m. For information visit RedPoppyFestival.com.
For details about the Red Poppy Festival visit RedPoppyFestival.com or contact the Georgetown Convention and Visitors Bureau at (512) 930-3545.
Posted in Archived, Economic Development, Events, Main Street, Tourism
4 Responses to “Red Poppy Festival April 26 - 27”
I did not get a chance to purchase one of the awesome Poppy T shirts, where can I purchase them at please?
Folks can always stop by the Visitor Center to buy t-shirts. Not sure if we’ll have the exact print they want in stock since we sold the majority of the red poppy designs during the festival, but we have plans to reorder and will probably have some in a couple of weeks. They can also call the Visitor Center before they stop in to double check though, (512) 863-5598.
Thanks for your comments about the Red Poppy Festival! We had a blast.
In regards to singing in next year’s festival, you can send any information that you may have, including a demo cd, to our office.
Mailing Address:
103 W. 7th Street
Georgetown, TX 78626.
Or, you can also email cvb@georgetowntx.org with any other information, such as a website link.
We review all submissions in our committee for consideration for next year’s festival. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions.
Thank you for your interest and we look forward to your submission!
The Poppy Festival is sooo awesome. I was wondering for next year, is there any way I could sign up to sing at the festival next year?? I know there was karaoke last year but i was just wondering.
thanks,
Jessa