Register & Participate
Register & Participate
Everything you need to show up and join in — registrations, applications, and day-of details for the 2026 Oatmeal Festival.
3.3 Mile Run for Your Oats
Online Pre-Registration Open Now
Presented by Bertram Fitness & PEC
Register online via RunReg before Friday, September 25 at 5:15 PM CT to receive a guaranteed complimentary t-shirt and avoid late registration fees. Age categories from 8 & under to 70+; fees range from $15 to $30.
📅 Race Day: Saturday, September 26, 2026 · 8:03 AM start
📍 Start/Finish: 110 East Vaughan Street, Bertram, TX 78605
Packet Pickup & Late Registration
Pick up your bib, t-shirt, safety pins, and free energy bars at one of two opportunities:
- Friday, Sept 25 · 5:30–7:30 PM
163 West Vaughan Street (next to Globe Theater, by the Bertram Fire Dept)
$5 late fee for run registration; t-shirt not guaranteed but we’ll do our best. - Saturday, Sept 26 · 7:00–7:50 AM
Start/Finish Line — 110 East Vaughan Street
$10 late fee; t-shirt not guaranteed but we’ll do our best.
Picking up Friday evening helps everything run smoothly before the 8:03 AM start.
Parades
Grande Parade Entry
Register OnlineFloats, walking groups, businesses, civic organizations, churches, schools, clubs, families, equestrian entries, antique & classic vehicles, and tractors are all welcome — this year’s theme is “Bertram Proud: Celebrating America 250.” Judged entries check in 8:00–9:00 AM (judging at 9:15 AM); non-judged lineup starts at 9:30 AM. The parade steps off at 10:30 AM along W. Vaughan Street through historic downtown to East Street. No entry fee and no cap on entries, but registration closes Monday, September 21, 2026 — late entries go to the back of the lineup and won’t be announced by the MC. Already registering for the Car Show and want your car in the parade too? Use this same form — the two lineups stage separately.
📍 Check-in: 721 W. Vaughan Street (Bertram Swimming Pool) · 🕥 Parade starts 10:30 AM
Pet Parade
Day-Of Sign-UpPresented by Hill Country Humane Society
Bring your best-dressed companion! Registration is day-of only, opening at 8:30 AM — about an hour before the parade — at the Johnnie Mae Wheeler Park sign-up table. No cap on entries. Compete in six categories, from “Best in Oat” to “Oatstanding Duo.” All pets must be up to date on vaccinations, well-socialized, and leashed or carried — please consider your pet’s comfort in a crowd before entering. Participants 15 and under should have an adult with them. Don’t miss the Hill Country Humane Society’s MASH Unit with adoptable pets all day!
Car Show
Register OnlinePresented by P&R Propane, Jr & Vicki Baladez, and Hill Country Manufactured Homes
Back for its second year after a 20-year hiatus! Registration is required — vintage, hot rod, truck, car, and motorcycle categories all welcome, with four official car groups expected. Arrival 8:30–10:00 AM, on display 8:30 AM–2:00 PM. Voting runs 10:30 AM–12:15 PM, with awards — Mayor’s Choice and 8 Honorable Mentions, no classes or categories — presented at 1:00 PM. Want your car in the Grande Parade too? Just mention it when you register — parade and non-parade vehicles stage in separate lineup areas.
Contests & Competitions
Oatmeal Bake-Off Day-Of Entry
Presented by Synergetic Engineering – 3 Day Design
Think your oatmeal recipe is the best in Burnet County? Drop off your entry Saturday, September 26 between 9:30–11:30 AM — no pre-registration needed. Entries must be covered with no names visible for judging. Judging begins at noon, and winners are announced at the Festival Stage at 3:30 PM, following the 2:30–3:30 PM stage performance.
Fun & Zany Wacky Games Day-Of Sign-Up
Only-in-Texas silly competitions for all ages — 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, approximately 11:30 AM–12:00 PM. Free to enter, with ribbons awarded to winners.
Washer Tournament Day-Of Sign-Up
Presented by James Engineering
A Texas staple, held behind City Hall. Grab a partner and compete in this double-elimination tournament — a longtime Bertram family tradition. Sign-up runs 10:30–11:45 AM, with games starting at noon. Entry is $20 per person or $40 per team. First, second, and third place take home medals, plus a cash payout to the top two teams.
📍 Behind City Hall · 🕙 Sign-up 10:30–11:45 AM · Games start Noon
Live Art & Raffle
Live Art Mural Libby Bratt
Watch local artist Libby Bratt paint a live mural on Vaughan Street as the festival unfolds around her, noon–4:00 PM. Libby specializes in murals, family and marketing photography, and leads art and paint nights around the Hill Country and Austin area — her range of styles makes for an engaging live-painting experience. No registration needed, just come watch!
Raffle — Original Artwork $5/Ticket
This year’s raffle item is a one-of-a-kind Hill Country–inspired acrylic painting from local artist Sara Mack, whose work has shown in Egypt, throughout Europe, and across the U.S. — including a recent honorable mention in Round Rock. Tickets are $5 each. The drawing is held on the Festival Stage at 3:45 PM, right before the final musical act — you do not need to be present to win. All proceeds benefit the Oatmeal Festival Scholarship Fund.
📍 Ticket sale location — to be announced
Live Music & Street Dance
Performer Coming Soon
Kathryn Wood
An intimate acoustic artist blending heartfelt lyrics with soulful melodies — a serene start to the day, perfect for relaxing with friends and family.
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.
Eley Buck Davis
Independent singer-songwriter from Beckville, Texas, now based in the Austin area — his Americana songwriting has earned honors in national contests and opening slots for touring Texas acts.
Ben Watson and The Hired Guns
Hill Country musician, previously seen taking the stage at the Burnet Bluebonnet Festival.
Vendors
2026 Vendor Directory 100+ Vendors
See who’s joining us this year — artisans, food vendors, and businesses from across the Hill Country. Updated as new vendors are confirmed.
Food Court 10+ Food Trucks
Fuel up while you explore! The food court is set up in the City Hall parking lot all day long, with concessions and food trucks serving everything from lobster rolls to kettle corn.
- Cousins Maine Lobster — lobster rolls, bisque & lobster grilled cheese
- K.O. Barbecue — brisket, sausage, ribs & classic BBQ sides
- Honu Shaved Ice — Hawaiian shaved ice, 70+ flavors
- Hot Diggity Dawgz — hot dogs, pulled pork nachos & Frito pies
- Patchworks Coffee Co. — espresso, cold brew & gourmet cinnamon rolls
- …plus Froth & Fizz Co., JC’s Kettle Corn, Lemondoodle, Ricky B’s Concessions, and Taqueria The New Gym
Ready to Get Involved?
For activity details, event times, and downloadable flyers, visit the Schedule page.