Schedule
A Full Day of Fun
in Downtown Bertram
Free admission, all ages, all day — here’s everything happening at the 2026 Oatmeal Festival. Show up, soak it in, and be part of a Texas tradition nearly five decades in the making.
3.3 Mile “Run for Your Oats”
Festival day kicks off with a 3.3-mile fun run winding through downtown Bertram. Cheer on runners as they cross the finish line — awards follow around 9:30 am.
📍 Festival Stage · Vaughan & Grange Streets
Want to run? Pre-register online, or pick up your packet in person Friday evening (5:30–7:30 pm) or day-of starting at 7:00 am — a late fee applies after pre-registration closes.
Register to Run →Car Show
Back for its second year after a 20-year hiatus, this year’s show features four official car groups — vintage, hot rod, truck, and motorcycle. Cars arrive and are staged 8:30–10:00 am, on display through 2:00 pm, with Best in Show and category judging and awards around 1:00 pm.
📍 Downtown Bertram — exact display street being finalized
Want to enter your car? Registration is required — email us to reserve your spot. Want your car in the Grande Parade too? Mention that when you register.
Email to Register →Pet Parade
Pets dressed in their finest make their way from Johnnie Mae Wheeler Park to the Festival Stage — it’s a quick, one-block walk, so get there early! Winners are announced shortly after arrival at the stage.
📍 Johnnie Mae Wheeler Park → Festival Stage
Registration opens at 8:30 am at the Wheeler Park sign-up table — about an hour before the walk begins. No pre-registration needed.
Grande Parade — Don’t Miss This One
Floats, horses, community groups, and the Car Show lineup roll down Vaughan Street in one of the Hill Country’s most beloved parade traditions. Oatie and the Grits Guzzler make their annual appearance — including the Guzzler’s famous “arrest” by the Police Chief. Claim your curb early for the best view!
📍 Vaughan Street · Panther Park → East Street
Oatie & the Grits Guzzler
Two beloved festival characters roam the grounds during the morning hours — but only through the Grande Parade. The Texas heat limits how long volunteers can be in costume, so catch them early if you want a photo.
The Grits Guzzler is brought to life each year by a different volunteer — the character’s look may change, but the mischief never does.
Oatie
The festival’s beloved mascot — a giant oatmeal container spreading smiles wherever he goes. Oatie represents everything the Oatmeal Festival stands for: community, fun, and Bertram pride since 1978.
The Grits Guzzler
A festival prankster on a mission to convince everyone to “Eat Grits, not Oats!” — complete with dramatic dry-grits theatrics. The Guzzler always meets their fate in a playful “arrest” by the Police Chief during the Grande Parade. The Guzzler always vows to return. They always do.
Oatmeal Bake-Off
Entries are dropped off in the morning and judging begins at noon. Winners are announced at the Festival Stage at 2:15 pm — a great time to cheer on your favorite baker.
📍 Drop-off & judging: Bertram Volunteer Fire Dept. · 163 W Vaughan St
📍 Winners announced: Festival Stage · Vaughan & Gabriel
Want to enter? Bring your dish between 9:30–11:30 am and sign in on-site. No late entries. BVFD pans/dishes may be picked up 2:00–4:00 pm.
Wacky Games — Free for All Ages
Only-in-Texas silly competitions the whole family will love — tortilla toss, egg toss, cow chip kicking, and the stick horse race. Fun ribbons awarded for every game — whether you’re competing or cheering, you won’t want to miss it.
📍 Vaughan Street
Free to enter. Sign up on-site right after the Grande Parade wraps up, approximately 11:30 am–12:00 pm.
View Wacky Games Flyer →Washer Tournament
A Texas backyard classic. Grab a partner and compete in the bracket behind City Hall. Great spectator sport — come cheer on your favorite team.
📍 Behind City Hall, Bertram · Contact Neal or Shelbie Denton on-site
Walk-up registration: 11:30 am – Noon · Entry fee: $20/person or $40/team of 2
View Tournament Flyer →Kids Zone
A free, open-play area inside Johnnie Mae Wheeler Park packed with yard games — Giant Jenga, Four Across, sidewalk chalk, hula hoops, jump ropes, and more. Free face painting runs noon–4:00 pm, generously sponsored by Atmos Energy. Don’t miss the crowd favorite: the Oatmeal Dig, where kids dig through a kiddie pool filled with oatmeal to uncover hidden toy surprises inside. Open all afternoon, no ticket required.
📍 Johnnie Mae Wheeler Park · Free admission · All ages
Live Art & Raffle Artist Confirmed — Details TBD
Watch a local artist create an original mural live within the festival grounds as the day unfolds around them. A raffle will also be held for an original artwork designed by Sara Mack — all proceeds benefit the Oatmeal Festival Scholarship Fund. Winner announced at 4 pm; you don’t need to be present to win.
📍 Vaughan Street
Featured artist announcement and raffle ticket pricing coming soon.
100+ Vendor Booths
Local artisans, Texas wineries, craft food, herbal goods, and small businesses line Gabriel and Grange Streets between Hwy 29 and South Street — open all day. Browse, taste, shop, and find something you’ll love.
See who’s vending this year →Food Court
The festival food court is in the City Hall rear parking lot off Gabriel Street — food concession vendors set up there all day long with plenty of options for the whole family.
📍 City Hall rear lot · off Gabriel Street
Festival Stage
The main stage is in the City Hall front parking lot at the corner of Vaughan and Gabriel Streets. Bring a lawn chair — live music runs noon through 5:00 pm with the evening street dance to follow.
📍 City Hall front lot · Vaughan & Gabriel
Downtown Bertram Is Open
Local small businesses throughout downtown Bertram will be open on festival day. A wonderful way to explore the town, grab a bite, or find a one-of-a-kind keepsake while you’re here.
Music All Day Long
The Festival Stage at Vaughan & Gabriel comes alive with live music from noon through 5:00 pm. Three of four performers are confirmed — bring a lawn chair!
Opening slot — coming soon · Bring your lawn chairs!
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 — no ticket, no cover, just great music and good company.
📍 Festival Stage · Vaughan & Gabriel Streets · 7:00 – 10:00 pm
Eley Buck Davis
Warming up the crowd and getting everyone on their feet ahead of Ben Watson’s headline set.
Ben Watson
Raw, authentic South Texas country to close out the night. Ben’s storytelling and sound are the perfect way to end a perfect festival day.
Good to Know
Mark Your Calendar
September 26, 2026 — downtown Bertram, Texas. Free admission, all ages, all day. Want to do more than watch? Register to participate or apply for a vendor booth.