Austin families can take a short drive north to Georgetown Friday, Apr. 24 through Sunday, Apr. 26 for the 16th Annual Red Poppy Festival. Head to Historic Georgetown Square to enjoy tasty food, shopping at more than 100 arts and crafts vendor booths, the classic car show and three stages of music. But the most exciting part for children is in the free Red Poppy Kid’s Fun Zone that’s open on Saturday from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. where kids can try an obstacle course, a bungee run, huge slide, bounce house, basketball game and a toddler playground.

–> History of the Red Poppy Festival
Seeds from poppies in Europe were sent to Georgetown right after World War I. Henry Purl Compton served in the American Expeditionary Forces, and sent them to his mother who planted them in the location that is now 507 East 7^th Street. From there, they were spread (by birds, bees, and people) down the river and over much of Old Town. On April 25, 1990, Georgetown was certified by the Texas Legislature as the “Red Poppy Capital of Texas”. Red poppies have been a part of Georgetown’s landscape for over seventy years. Each April as the poppies bloom, Georgetown celebrates with the annual Red Poppy Festival.

–> Schedule, Parking & More Info
With so many activities happening during this three-day fest, it’s best to head straight over to the Red Poppy Festival website to browse the full schedule. Festival hours are Friday from 6 – 9 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. – 11:30 p.m., and Sunday 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Admission is free! For info about a shuttle and parking, click here.  For more detailed info about this festival, you can visit their website or Facebook page.

Have fun!