Activities
Wondering what to do at the Oatmeal Festival in Bertram, Texas? Discover all the Oatmeal Festival activities happening on September 26, 2026 — from parades and live music to contests and a street dance.
A Full Day of Fun
in Downtown Bertram
From a morning fun run to an evening street dance — the 49th Annual Oatmeal Festival is packed with free activities for every age.
Annual festival — a deeply rooted community tradition
Admission — all day, all ages, no tickets needed
The year it all started — nearly five decades of fun
Presented by Bertram Fitness & PEC
🏃 “Run for Your Oats” – 3.3 Mile Fun Run
Kick off festival day on foot! The “Run for Your Oats” 3.3 mile fun run winds through the streets of downtown Bertram, starting at 8:00 AM. Register online in advance for a guaranteed complimentary t-shirt, or pick up your packet in person Friday evening or the morning of the race — late fees apply for day-of sign-up.
🎠 The Grande Parade
The Grande Parade is one of Bertram’s most beloved traditions. This year’s theme is “Bertram Proud: Celebrating America 250,” led by 2026 Grand Marshal Lanny Stone. Floats, horses, community groups, and local spirit fill W. Vaughan Street starting at 10:30 AM. Come early and claim your curb — and watch for Oatie and the Grits Guzzler making their annual appearance!
Oatie & the Grits Guzzler
Two beloved festival characters roam the grounds during the morning hours — but only through the Grande Parade, so catch them early for a photo. Watch for the Grits Guzzler’s playful “arrest” by the Police Chief along the parade route.
Oatie
The festival’s beloved mascot — a giant oatmeal container spreading smiles wherever he goes, representing community and Bertram pride since 1978.
The Grits Guzzler
A festival prankster on a mission to convince everyone to “Eat Grits, not Oats!” The Guzzler always meets a playful “arrest” during the parade — and always vows to return.
Oatmeal Festival Activities for Everyone to Enter
Put your skills — and your sense of humor — to the test. Contests are open to all ages and skill levels.
Presented by Synergetic Engineering – 3 Day Design
Oatmeal Bake-Off
Think your oatmeal recipe is the best in Burnet County? Drop off your covered, unnamed entry between 9:30–11:30 AM — no pre-registration needed. Judging begins at noon, and winners are announced at the Festival Stage at 3:30 PM. Free to enter.
Enter to Win
Fun & Zany Wacky Games
Only-in-Texas silly competitions for the whole family — tortilla toss, egg toss, cow chip kicking, and the stick horse race. Sign up in front of the main stage right after the Grande Parade wraps up (approx. 11:30 AM–noon). Free to enter, with ribbons awarded to winners.
All AgesPresented by Hill Country Humane Society
Pet Parade
Does your pet have star quality? All pets are welcome — no cap on entries — for a short walk from Johnnie Mae Wheeler Park to the Festival Stage. Compete in six fun categories, from “Best in Oat” to “Oatstanding Duo.” Sign-up opens at 8:30 AM at the Wheeler Park table. Don’t miss the Humane Society’s MASH Unit with adoptable pets all day.
Prizes AwardedPresented by James Engineering
Washer Tournament
A Texas staple, held behind City Hall. Grab a partner and compete in this double-elimination bracket — sign-up runs 10:30–11:45 AM, with games starting at noon. Entry is $20/person or $40/team. Top three teams take home medals, plus a cash payout for the top two.
Prizes AwardedFun for Every Age
No ticket required — just show up and explore. The festival grounds are packed with free activities all afternoon long.
Presented by Atmos Energy, Bertram Centre & DIJ Construction Inc.
Kids Zone – Johnnie Mae Wheeler Park
A free, all-ages play area packed with yard games like Giant Jenga and Four Across, sidewalk chalk, hula hoops, jump ropes, and the Kiddie Train ride around the festival grounds. Free face painting runs noon–4:00 PM. Plus the crowd favorite — the Oatmeal Dig! Kids dig through a kiddie pool filled with oatmeal to uncover hidden toy surprises inside. Open noon–4:00 PM.
Free · All AgesPresented by P&R Propane, Jr & Vicki Baladez, and Hill Country Manufactured Homes
Car Show
Back for its second year after a 20-year hiatus, Bertram’s Car Show returns bigger than ever with four official car groups joining in. Cars arrive and stage 8:30–10:00 AM, on display through 2:00 PM. Voting runs 10:30 AM–12:15 PM, with Mayor’s Choice and 8 Honorable Mentions — no classes or categories — presented at 1:00 PM. Registration required.
Judged Show
Live Art & Raffle
Watch local artist Libby Bratt paint a live mural right before your eyes on Vaughan Street, noon–4:00 PM. Then try your luck in the raffle for a one-of-a-kind Hill Country–inspired acrylic painting by local artist Sara Mack — tickets are $5 each, with all proceeds benefiting the Oatmeal Festival Scholarship Fund. The drawing is held at the Festival Stage at 3:45 PM; you don’t need to be present to win.
Artist Confirmed🛍️ 100+ Vendor Booths & Food
Local artisans, small businesses, and 10+ food trucks — including Cousins Maine Lobster, K.O. Barbecue, Honu Shaved Ice, Hot Diggity Dawgz, and Patchworks Coffee Co. — line Gabriel and Grange Streets and the City Hall parking lot all day. Browse, taste, shop, and discover something new.
Music All Day Long
The Festival Stage comes alive with live music from noon through 5:00 PM, featuring four Texas performers all day long.
All 4 Slots ConfirmedLevi Fowler
Texas-based Americana and Western-influenced singer-songwriter known for storytelling lyrics and engaging acoustic performances, blending laid-back country traditions with narrative-driven folk.
Kathryn Wood
A soulful acoustic set blending heartfelt lyrics and emotive melodies — an intimate style that invites festivalgoers to relax and settle into the afternoon.
Daniel Hopkins
Central Texas country artist and classically trained vocalist, known for high-energy shows blending original songs with classic covers.
Bryan Groce
Central Texas singer-songwriter with a decade of experience playing dance halls, town squares, and festivals across the Hill Country.
End the Night Dancing
After the sun sets, the party moves to the street. Grab your boots and join us for a free Texas street dance under the stars on Vaughan Street, 7:00–10:00 PM.
Eley Buck Davis
Warming up the crowd and getting everyone on their feet before the headliner takes the stage.
Ben Watson and The Hired Guns
A Highland Lakes favorite bringing classic Texas country, honky-tonk, and dancehall western swing built for two-stepping.
Join Us September 26
Mark your calendar, spread the word, and come be part of a Texas tradition nearly five decades in the making. Free admission — just bring your appetite for fun.