Did you know the Oatmeal Festival, which began in 1978, has grown so much that it now stretches across four separate weekends of events each fall? Each gathering is unique, with its own focus, but all share one mission: supporting youth scholarships and community improvements in Bertram, Oatmeal, and Burnet County.
These events are not in competition—they’re pieces of a larger tradition. Each one contributes something special to our community while celebrating the small-town charm that makes this festival so loved.
Here’s a look at the 2025 Oatmeal Festival season and how you can take part.
🍽️ August 29, 2025 – Oatmeal Festival BBQ & Pageant Night
The celebration begins in the quaint community of Oatmeal, Texas at the Oatmeal Community Center and Old Schoolhouse.
The evening kicks off with an old-fashioned BBQ dinner, complete with plates of smoky goodness and homemade desserts prepared by local families. Afterward, the stage shines with the Oatmeal Festival Pageant, where girls ages 4–18 compete in charming categories:
- Miss Itsy Bitsy Oatmeal
- Miss Little Bit of Oatmeal
- Miss Oatmeal Muffin
- Miss Oatmeal Cookie
- Miss Oatmeal Princess
- Miss Oatmeal Queen
The night continues with a live cake auction and wraps up with live music and dancing. It’s an unforgettable evening of food, fun, and community spirit.
✨ Highlight: Pageant winners don’t just earn their crowns—they also serve as honored participants in the Oatmeal Festival Grande Parade on September 27 in downtown Bertram.
🥎 September 13–14, 2025 – Oatmeal Festival Youth Softball Tournament
Next up is the Annual Oatmeal Festival Youth Softball Tournament, bringing together teams from across the region. Game formats will vary depending on final team counts, with brackets for ages 10U through 18U.
- Pool Play: 60–65 minute games (depending on division), finish the inning.
- Bracket Play: 60–75 minute games, finish the inning.
- PAP Fees: $45–50 depending on age group.
- Gate Fee: $20 weekend pass, $15 daily, cash or Venmo accepted.
⚾ Special Bonus: The first-place teams will earn a spot marching in the Oatmeal Festival Grande Parade the following weekend!
This event highlights teamwork, sportsmanship, and community pride—while raising funds for youth programs.
🎉 September 27, 2025 – The Oatmeal Festival in Downtown Bertram
The main event arrives at the end of September, filling downtown Bertram with parades, music, vendors, contests, and family fun.
Morning Highlights:
- Trail Ride – Riders depart at 8:00 a.m. from Oatmeal Community Center to Panther Park for the Grande Parade.
- Grande Parade – 10:30 a.m., rolling through Vaughan Street with floats, community groups, marching bands, cars, and our Pageant winners leading the way.
- 3.3 Mile Run for Your Oats – Race day kicks off at 8:00 a.m. with awards at 9:30 a.m.
Daytime Fun:
- 90+ Vendors & Sponsors – Handmade goods, crafts, food, and more.
- Pet Parade – Registration 9:00 a.m., parade at 10:00 a.m., winners announced at 10:15 a.m.
- Oatmeal Bake-Off – Judging and awards at the Bertram VFD.
- Car Show – Vintage and custom cars on display from 12:00–4:00 p.m.
- Kid Zone & Family Games – Fun for the whole family.
Music & Food:
- Live music all afternoon at the Festival Stage.
- Food Court behind City Hall.
- Evening Street Dance on Vaughan Street with live bands.
The Oatmeal Festival is truly the heart of the season—a day where neighbors, families, and visitors come together to celebrate community.
🥎 October 2025 – Oatmeal Festival Scholarship Fundraiser Co-Ed Softball Tournament
The season closes with a co-ed softball tournament in October, raising funds for the Oatmeal Festival’s scholarship programs. Teams compete not just for bragging rights, but for the chance to make a lasting impact by helping fund future educational opportunities for local youth.
Why It Matters
Each of these four events may look different—some focus on food, others on sports, music, or parades—but together, they embody the same spirit. The Oatmeal Festival exists to support youth scholarships, strengthen community connections, and celebrate local traditions.
By attending, volunteering, or even just cheering from the sidelines, you’re part of something bigger: keeping this tradition alive for future generations.
Get Involved
- Learn more and stay updated at OatmealFestival.org
- Follow the Oatmeal Festival on Facebook for announcements
Explore specific events through their pages and flyers as details are released
✨ From BBQ dinners to pageants, softball games to parades, the Oatmeal Festival brings our community together in ways that are fun, meaningful, and impactful. Whether you’re waving to the newly crowned Pageant winners in the Grande Parade or dancing downtown on festival night, you’ll be part of a tradition that has been oat-standing since 1978.
📲 Stay Connected with the Oatmeal Festival
Celebrate the tradition, fun, and community spirit with us year-round!
Follow the Oatmeal Festival for the latest news, event updates, and behind-the-scenes fun:
👉 Facebook | Instagram | Nextdoor | Tumblr | X (Twitter) | Google
✨ Don’t miss a single update—subscribe to our website News updates for schedules, contests, and exclusive announcements delivered straight to your inbox.
📧 Questions? Reach us anytime at info@oatmealfestival.org
🎉 Don’t miss a moment of the fun — see the complete 2025 Oatmeal Festival schedule here and plan your day in Bertram!
🌟 Visiting from out of town? Be sure to check out The Highland Lakes of Burnet County, Texas for great places to stay, dining options, and more ways to enjoy your visit.
