Register & Participate

49th Annual  ·  September 26, 2026  ·  Bertram, Texas

Register & Participate

Everything you need to show up and join in — registrations, applications, and day-of details for the 2026 Oatmeal Festival.

8 AM Festival kicks off — be ready early
Free Admission all day — all activities
Sept 26 One day, downtown Bertram
Forms opening soon: Some 2026 registrations are still being finalized. Items marked Coming Soon will be linked here as they open. Sign up for email updates below to be notified.
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3.3 Mile Run for Your Oats

Online Pre-Registration Open Now

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.

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Parades

Grande Parade Entry Reg Required

Floats, horses, cars, marching groups, and community entries all welcome. Pre-registration is required — all entries must register in advance to receive lineup details and position assignments. Parade begins at 10:30 AM.

Pet Parade Day-Of Sign-Up

Bring your best-dressed companion! Registration is day-of only, opening 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 Reg Required

Back for its second year after a 20-year hiatus! Registration is required this year (form coming soon) — 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, with judging and awards around 1:00 PM. If you’d also like your car in the Grande Parade, indicate that on the entry form — parade and non-parade vehicles stage in separate lineup areas.

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Contests & Competitions

Oatmeal Bake-Off Day-Of Entry

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 around 2:00 PM.

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 on-site right after the Grande Parade, approximately 11:30 AM–12:00 PM. Exact location and entry details for 2026 are still being finalized. Ribbons awarded to winners.

Washer Tournament Day-Of Sign-Up

A Texas staple. Grab a partner and compete in this classic washer toss tournament. Registration opens approximately 1 hour before the tournament begins. Prizes awarded.

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Live Art & Raffle

Live Art Mural Artist Confirmed

Watch a local artist paint a live mural on Vaughan Street as the festival unfolds around them. Noon–4:00 PM. This year’s artist has been confirmed — full announcement coming soon. No registration needed, just come watch!

Raffle — Original Artwork

Sara Mack creates original artwork each year just for the festival raffle. Ticket prices and booth location to be announced. All proceeds benefit the Oatmeal Festival Scholarship Fund. You do not need to be present to win.

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Live Music & Street Dance

12:00 – 1:00 PM

Performer Coming Soon

1:15 – 2:15 PM

Performer Coming Soon

2:30 – 3:30 PM

Daniel Hopkins

Central Texas country artist and classically trained vocalist, known for high-energy shows blending original songs with classic covers.

3:45 – 4:45 PM

Bryan Groce

Central Texas singer-songwriter with a decade of experience playing dance halls, town squares, and festivals across the Hill Country.

NOON – 5 PM
Daytime Live Music — Festival Stage Free admission. Bring a chair and enjoy live music with food & drinks from festival vendors. 2 of 4 slots confirmed — full lineup coming soon
EVENING
Free Street Dance — Vaughan Street Cap off the day with live Texas music under the stars. Free and open to all. Start time TBD
Opening Act

Performer Coming Soon

Confirmed Headliner

Ben Watson

Hill Country musician, previously seen taking the stage at the Burnet Bluebonnet Festival.


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Vendor Application

Apply for a Vendor Booth Open Now

One online application for all vendor types — Artisan, Business, Craft Food, Herbal, Resale, Alcohol, and Food Court/Concession. Spaces are first-come, first-served. Applications close Monday, August 24, 2026.

Vendor Guidelines & Quick Reference

Download before applying. Covers booth sizes, fees, setup times, parking, utilities, and what to expect on festival day. Read this first.

Payments: Accepted vendors receive payment instructions directly after approval. The festival accepts check, cashier’s check, money order (payable to Oatmeal Festival Association), and Square online payments. Questions? info@OatmealFestival.org
Questions?   📧 info@OatmealFestival.org  ·  📬 Oatmeal Festival Association, PO Box 70, Bertram, TX 78605

Ready to Get Involved?

For activity details, event times, and downloadable flyers, visit the Schedule page.

Oatmeal Festival Association  ·  PO Box 70, Bertram, TX 78605  ·  info@OatmealFestival.org