Beer Tent and Food Booths
2026-10-03 - 2026-10-05 | Independence Square, Independence Square, Gonzales, TX, United States
Food Tent & VendorsLocation: Large Red Tent near Saint Paul Street
Hours: Open throughout the Come and Take It Celebration (Friday evening, Saturday, and Sunday)
Looking for food, cold drinks, and a shaded spot to take a break? The Food Tent has you covered. This hub of festival flavor is home to local and commercial vendors offering everything from BBQ to tacos to fried Oreos. Enjoy a seat in the shade, with partial cooling provided by Port-O-Cools. It’s also the spot to snag Come and Take It shirts and relax between events.
🎟️ Reminder: All food and drink purchases require tickets. Visit the Ticket Booth, a white portable building located midway between the Food Tent and the blue-and-white Beer Tent on Saint Joseph Street, to buy food tickets and beer tokens.
🍔 Past Food Vendors

Alright Boyz: Juicy turkey legs, BBQ plates, and BBQ nachos.
Catholic Church: Classic hamburgers with chips.
Catholic Youth: Hydration station with water, tea, Capri Suns, and Gatorade.
Da Spot: Mini tacos, big burritos, flautas, asada fries, quesadillas, chicken strips, and flour tacos. Drinks include agua fresca, horchata, cucumber lime, lemonade, and strawberry lemonade.
Dawg Haus: Specialty hot dogs and nachos for fast, flavorful bites.
Edwards: Crispy fried fish and fries, with optional chili and cheese.
Jim’s Pizza: Pizza slices, pizza pockets, Texas sweet tea, and lemonade.
Kenny’s Shaved Ice: Shaved ice in multiple flavors, plus nachos, frito pies, bean soup, cotton candy, giant pickles, and candy.
LEOS: Ice-cold drinks like water, Powerade, Coke, Dr. Pepper, Sprite, Big Red, and more. Also serving ice cups and pickles.
Masons: Boudin, red beans and rice, and roasted corn, with bottled water available.
Sweet Chaos: Funnel cakes, cinnamon pretzels, and fried Oreos for your sweet fix.

📍 Layout & Ticket Info

Food Tent: Large red tent near Saint Paul Street
Beer Tent: Large blue-and-white striped tent along Saint Joseph Street
Ticket Booth: White portable building located between the two tents

Grab your tickets early, bring your appetite, and don’t forget to cool off in the shade between events!

Come and Take It Art Show
2026-10-03 16:00 - 2026-10-05 17:00 UTC
Come and Take It Art ShowFriday, October 3 – Sunday, October 5
Crystal Theatre • 511 Saint Lawrence St, Gonzales TX
Admission: Free to Attend • Entry Fees Vary by Artist Type
Silent Auction runs Friday through Sunday at 4:30 PM
Official Art Show Rules 🖼️ A celebration of creativity, color, and community from across Gonzales County.
🎨 About the Event
Hosted by the Gonzales Art Group, the Come and Take It Art Show returns to the historic Crystal Theatre for a full weekend of original works by local and regional artists — from seasoned professionals to emerging student talent.
Artwork categories include oil, acrylic, watercolor, sculpture, mixed media, photography, textiles, and a special category for pieces inspired by Gonzales County. All entries must be original, and adult entries are judged separately from student work.
Visitors can browse dozens of submissions throughout the weekend and place bids on items in the Silent Auction, with proceeds benefiting the Gonzales Art Group’s Community Art Projects Fund.
Whether you’re an artist, collector, or just an admirer of creativity, this show is one of the hidden gems of the Come and Take It Celebration.
🖌️ Event Details

Location: Crystal Theatre – 511 Saint Lawrence St, Gonzales TX
Dates & Times:

Friday, October 3: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Saturday, October 4: 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Sunday, October 5: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Silent Auction: Runs during show hours, closing Sunday at 4:30 PM
Entry Fees: $4/member, $5/non-member, $1/student

Want to Enter?
Artists may submit up to **8 entries total**, with **3 entries max per category**. Student work must be mounted on stiff backing, and adult entries should be framed or display-ready with easels or hanging wire. No nude or obscene works will be accepted.
Drop-off is on Thursday, October 2 from 2:30 PM – 5:00 PM at the Crystal Theatre.
Artwork must be picked up Sunday between 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM — no early pickups allowed.
Questions? Contact:

Janice Williamson – (830) 857-5694 / jsw0883@gmail.com
Sarah Bailey – (830) 857-5695

Petting Zoo
2026-10-03 17:00 - 2026-10-06 20:00
Petting ZooLocation: Texas Heroes Square
Admission: Free! Open to all ages.
Come meet our furry (and sometimes feathery) friends at the Come and Take It Petting Zoo! This hands-on experience is perfect for families, animal lovers, and anyone in need of a little snuggle therapy. Whether you’re brushing a goat, feeding a sheep, or just soaking up the smiles, this stop is guaranteed fun for kids and grown-ups alike.
📅 Petting Zoo Schedule

Friday: 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Saturday: Noon – 8:00 p.m.
Sunday: Noon – 5:00 p.m.

Come early, stay late, and enjoy the most adorable part of the festival! JTVCbW9kdWxhJTIwaWQlM0QlMjI2MTMzJTIyJTVEJTBBJTBB

Come and Take It Carnival
2026-10-03 18:00 - 2026-10-06 22:00 | Texas Heroes Square, Texas Heroes Square, Gonzales, 78629, United States
Come and Take It CarnivalThursday: 6-10 p.m.
Friday: 6-10 p.m.
Saturday: After parade until 11 p.m.
Sunday: 1-5 p.m.
Tickets: $1 each
Bracelets: All day rides, $30
Location: Texas Heroes Square
The Pride of Texas Shows Carnival is back at the Come and Take It Celebration, bringing three days of thrills and family fun! Known as one of the premier carnivals in the Midwest, this Elm Mott–based, family-run operation serves up classic midway magic across Texas and beyond.
🎟️ Entry Info: Wristbands and ticket options will be available on-site. Previous years offered all-day ride wristbands and individual ride tickets (rides range from 4–6 tickets).
🎠 Previous Years’ Rides Include:
Major Thrill Rides

Alien Abduction: Centrifugal force pins riders to the wall inside a rotating spaceship.
Cliff Hanger: Soar face-down at a 45° angle on this hang-glider style experience.
Giant Expo Wheel (x2): Twin 50-ft Ferris wheels with LED light shows and a sweeping view of the celebration.
Kamikaze: A giant 55-ft upside-down looping ride for brave souls only.
Sea Ray: The giant swinging pirate ship that delivers moments of weightlessness.
The Storm: Multiple spinning axes whip riders in intense circles.
Vertigo: Towering 80-ft swing ride with incredible views and even better thrills.
Zero Gravity: A glowing take on the Round-Up with that floating feeling.
Also Seen: Aloha, Sizzler, Super Shot, Triple Twist

Family Rides

Carousel: Painted horses, exotic animals, and chariots for all ages.
Dragon Wagon: A mini rollercoaster kids can enjoy
Merry Go Round: Classic fun with vibrant color and nostalgia.
Puppy Roll: Spin the center wheel to make your puppy tub twirl faster!
Slide Walk: A funhouse-meets-slide obstacle course.
Super Slide: Glide down a 90-ft fiberglass slide on felt sleds.
Also Seen: Toon Town

Kiddie Rides

ATVs: Kid-sized quad runners for little speed demons.
Baja Buggies: Miniature 4x4s with steering wheels and working horns.
El Paso Train: All aboard for a gentle ride full of cheer!
Farm Tractors: Sparkly, colorful tractors kids can drive.
Jeeps: Continuous circular ride with honking fun.
Marvel Maze: Inflatable obstacle course with bridges, slides, and more.
Red Baron: Bi-planes that go up and down while rotating.
Also Seen: Bulgy the Whale, Flying Tigers, Happy Pond, Slime Bucket, Triggers Mine Train

🎯 Games & 🍿 Food

The games at Come and Take It are designed to be family-friendly and fair, often awarding a prize every time for kids. Whether you’re aiming for that jumbo stuffed bear or just want to test your luck, there’s something for everyone.
Food concessions include fan favorites like cotton candy, popcorn, funnel cakes, curly fries, slushies, corn dogs, pizza, and more—basically everything your inner child craves.

🛡️ Safety & Inspections
Pride of Texas Shows takes safety seriously. Each ride is inspected daily by trained operators and a Level Three NAARSO-certified ride superintendent, among the highest-rated certifications in the U.S. Additional inspections are performed annually by the State of Texas and the carnival’s insurance company, Haas & Wilkerson.
General Ride Safety Rules

Keep arms, hands, and legs inside the ride.
Always use provided seat belts, lap bars, or harnesses.
Stay seated until the ride comes to a complete stop.
Read and follow posted rules and age/height restrictions.
Listen to the ride operator at all times.

🎟️ Carnival entry and ride info will be updated closer to the event. Stay tuned for wristband pricing and ticket details! JTVCbW9kdWxhJTIwaWQlM0QlMjI2MTI4JTIyJTVEJTBB

Come and Take It Cook-Off
2026-10-04 06:00 - 16:30 | Independence Square, Independence Square, Gonzales, TX, United States
Come and Take It Cook-OffHosted by: Gonzales Noon Lions Club
Date: Sunday, October 6, 2025
Time: All Day Event (Exact turn-in times will be provided to registered teams)
Location: Downtown Gonzales – 400 block of St. George Street and 600 block of St. Paul Street
Fire up your grills and grab your spices — it’s time for the annual Come and Take It Cook-Off! Hosted by the Gonzales Noon Lions Club, this beloved Sunday tradition invites competitive cooks from across the region to show off their best recipes in a sizzling, family-friendly showdown. All ages are welcome, and the crowd is just as important as the cook teams. So whether you’re competing or taste-testing, there’s something for everyone!
🍴 Cook-Off Categories & Entry Fees

T-Bone Steak (Steak provided) — $60
Chili — $25
Beans — $25
Appetizer — $15
Kids Pork Chop — $15
Cocktail — $25

Registration Deadline: September 20, 2025
To enter, complete the registration form and submit it with payment by mail or hand delivery:

📬 Mail: Gonzales Noon Lions Club, PO Box 1881, Gonzales, TX 78629
📍 In-Person: Drop off at Gonzales Texas Farm Bureau (1731 Seydler St, Gonzales, TX 78629), Attention: Lion Britney Jones-Caka

💰 Sponsorship Opportunities
Support a great cause while putting your brand in front of a hungry crowd! Two sponsorship levels available:

$500 Sponsor: Includes entry in all categories, logo on all promotional materials, and 6 branded team cooling cloths.
$250 Sponsor: Includes entry in 3 categories of your choice, business name on signage, and 3 branded team cooling cloths.

Sponsorship Deadline: September 15, 2025
To sponsor, complete the sponsorship form and return with payment via the same mailing or in-person drop-off options listed above.
📞 Contact Info
Have questions or want more info?

📱 Lion Cynthia Green: (512) 284-3377
📱 Lion Charlie Gray: (830) 263-2614

This sizzling event is a true Sunday tradition — a chance for cooks to compete, families to gather, and the Gonzales community to show off its flavor and pride. Bring your appetite and your competitive spirit!
🧾 Cook-Off Info & Rules
🛠️ Set-Up | 6:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Event takes place in downtown Gonzales on 600 block of St. Paul Street and 400 block of St. George Street

Use the intersection at St. George & St. Paul to drop off equipment.
All vehicles must be removed by 10:00 a.m.
Load-out resumes at 4:00 p.m.

📝 Team Check-In | 8:00 – 9:30 a.m.
At the front of the Running M
Pick up containers and tickets for each category you’re competing in.
⏱️ Turn-In Times
• Appetizer – 11:00 a.m.• Kids Pork Chop – 11:30 a.m.• T-Bone Steak – Starting at 12:00 p.m. (Turn-in times assigned at check-in)• Cocktails – 1:00 p.m.• Chili – 2:00 p.m.• Beans – 3:00 p.m.
🗺️ Turn-in location announced during check-in
🎭 Showmanship | 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (or throughout event)

Family-friendly decorations & costumes encouraged

Judged on theme, costume, and crowd appeal

Anonymous judges

Keep music at a respectful volume

Business promotion only allowed for paid sponsors

⚖️ General Rules

No business promotion unless you are a paid sponsor

No outside alcohol – Cocktails are for judges only, not for public sampling

No glass containers

No pets allowed

Set-up and breakdown only allowed during designated hours

Kids category must be 95% child effort – adult prep will disqualify

Clean up required – all coals, ash, and trash must be properly disposed of

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Ministerial Alliance Gathering
2026-10-04 07:00 - 08:00 | Independence Square, Independence Square, Gonzales, TX, United States
Ministerial Alliance Gathering📅 Sunday, October 5, 2025
🕖 7 a.m. – 8 a.m.
📍 Gonzales Independence Square

Begin your Sunday morning with a moment of unity and reflection led by the Gonzales Ministerial Alliance. This brief but meaningful gathering welcomes all community members and visitors to join in prayer, fellowship, and gratitude in the heart of Gonzales.
Come early, bring a chair if you’d like, and join others as the town gathers in peace and purpose before the day’s festivities begin.

Gonzales Classic Cruisers Car Show
2026-10-04 08:00 - 18:30 | Saint Joseph Street, 401 St George St, Gonzales, TX, 78629, United States
28th Annual Come & Take It Car ShowDate: Sunday, October 5, 2025
Time: Show runs all day; Participant registration from 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Awards Presentation: 3:00 PM
Location: St Joseph Street
Admission: Free for spectators
Gonzales Classic Cruisers Website ➝ About the Show
The Come & Take It Car Show celebrates its 28th year with a stellar lineup of classic cars, hot rods, and custom builds. This family-friendly event is free to attend and open to all ages. Whether you’re a serious car enthusiast or just strolling the square, you’ll find shady seating, festival food, restrooms, and live music nearby.
The Car Show runs all day Sunday and is a perfect way to close out the final day of the celebration.
For Car Show Participants

Day-of Registration: 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Awards Presentation: 3:00 PM
Pre-Registration Encouraged
Location for Check-In: Independence Square (St. Joseph & St. George)

Trophies and awards will be announced in the afternoon. Don’t miss your chance to be recognized! JTVCbW9kdWxhJTIwaWQlM0QlMjI2MDYxJTIyJTVEJTBBJTBB

Jurassic Dino Experience & Caged Raptor
2026-10-04 11:00 - 15:00 | Texas Heroes Square, Texas Heroes Square, Gonzales, 78629, United States
Jurassic Dinosaur ExperienceSunday, October 5
🦖 Downtown Gonzales – roaming throughout the day!
View Jurassic S.A.'s website Bring the whole family out to experience prehistoric party vibes with Jurassic S.A., a high-energy dinosaur entertainment group traveling all the way from San Antonio! These life-sized dinos will be stomping through the Come and Take It Celebration all Sunday long — dancing to live music, judging the car show, and (probably) sneaking a few snacks from the cook-off.
This interactive experience features Rocko – the heavy metal Rex with a wild streak!
Expect:

Roaming dinosaurs throughout the day
Meet-and-greet photo opportunities
Mini dino shows and kid-friendly games

🎟 Free with festival admission
📍 All over the Come and Take It grounds — keep your eyes open! 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

Daughters of the Republic of Texas Annual Memorial Service
2026-10-04 12:30
Daughters of the Republic of Texas Gonzales Chapter CommemorationLocation: 400 Block of St. Matthew Street (Behind the Presbyterian Church)
Date & Time: Sunday, 12:30 p.m.

This memorial stands in tribute to Green DeWitt, Empresario and founder of the DeWitt Colony, whose leadership helped shape the early settlement of Gonzales and surrounding areas. Alongside him, we honor Sarah Seely DeWitt, a Texas patriot and matriarch whose legacy includes the crafting of the now-iconic “Come and Take It” flag — sewn by her and her daughter, Naomi, in defense of liberty.
Green and Sarah’s partnership exemplified the resilience, vision, and sacrifice at the heart of the Texas story. Their lives and legacy continue to inspire pride in the people of Gonzales and all who carry forward the spirit of independence.
Erected by the Daughters of the Republic of Texas to preserve their memory and honor their role in the history of Texas.

Shiner Hobo Band
2026-10-04 13:00 - 17:00 | Beer Tent, Independence Square, Gonzales, TX, 78629, United States
Shiner Hobo BandSunday, October 5 • 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Beer Tent • Independent Square, Gonzales TX
Free Admission • Covered Seating Provided • Cold Beer Nearby
🪕 “No setlist. No director. No problem. The music, and the beer, never stop.” – A very unofficial Hobo motto
🎶 About the Band
The Shiner Hobo Band isn’t just a performance — it’s a living, laughing piece of Texas music history. Born in the years following World War I, the band was formed by returning veterans who had missed the simple joy of making music. With most family bands and dance hall groups disbanded during the war, these young men came home and stitched something new together: patched clothes, old instruments, and a promise to entertain again.
From the beginning, the Hobos embraced chaos, charm, and community. They were known for mismatched overalls, rowdy energy, and a standing arrangement with their sponsor — the Spoetzl Brewery — to supply a keg of beer per performance. Music and mischief went hand in hand. By 1936, under the plunger-wielding direction of Emmett Busch, the Shiner Hobo Band had become a regional sensation. Crowds in Shiner, Gonzales, and surrounding towns couldn’t get enough of their spirited brass and button accordion sound.
Through the 1950s, the Hobos continued to show up for church picnics, parades, and civic events — wherever joy was needed. But by the time longtime leader Curt Messer’s health began to decline, the band slowly faded from the spotlight.
That all changed in 1986, when the Hobos were reborn for the Texas Sesquicentennial. Local musicians rallied under the playful leadership of Joe Panus (and his famous toilet plunger baton), practicing just enough to keep up with tradition. Soon, the band was back — with a fresh coat of paint, a speaker-rigged school bus, and a renewed spirit of humor and heritage.
Today, the Shiner Hobo Band includes up to 30 active members from all across Central and South Texas — from Schulenburg to Port Lavaca. They operate as a nonprofit, still proudly sponsored by the Spoetzl Brewery, and still powered by memory: every song is played without sheet music. There’s no conductor, no setlist, and no shortage of laughter.
Whether they’re playing The Shiner Song, cracking jokes mid-polka, or just raising a cold one between verses, the Hobos remind us that sometimes the best music comes when you throw out the rules and play from the heart.
🎷 What to Expect on Sunday
Sunday afternoon at the Come and Take It Celebration belongs to the Hobos. From 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM, expect wall-to-wall music, storytelling, crowd engagement, and cold drinks flowing right alongside the brass.

No setlists
No conductor
Just pure Texas charm and old-world flavor

Their performances are full of spontaneous laughs, surprise solos, and inside jokes between bandmates that somehow include the whole crowd. You’ll hear their classic theme song, The Shiner Song, and polkas so lively they might get you dancing on your way to the beer line.
🍻 Plan Your Visit

Location: Beer Tent at Independent Square — shaded tables and seating available
Time: Sunday, October 5 • 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Admission: 100% FREE as part of the Come and Take It Celebration
No need to bring: Chairs, blankets, or anything but your good mood

🎺 Whether you’re a lifelong fan or just stopping by for a beer, this is the set you don’t want to miss. 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
