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-registration is open online; day-of sign-up available with a $10 late fee.
Register to Run →Pet Parade
Pets dressed in their finest make their way from Johnnie Mae Wheeler Park to the Festival Stage. All animals welcome — winners announced right after the parade ends.
📍 Johnnie Mae Wheeler Park → Festival Stage
No pre-registration needed. Walk up to Wheeler Park starting at 9:30 am to sign in.
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 in the early afternoon — 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.
Wacky Games — Free for All Ages
Only-in-Texas silly competitions the whole family will love. Think egg toss, tortilla throw, cow chip kick-off, and more. Just show up at the game table before each event begins, add your name, and play. Fun ribbons awarded for every game — whether you’re competing or cheering, you won’t want to miss it.
Free to enter. Walk-up sign-up at the game table before each game begins. Full game lineup and location coming soon.
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
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. 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 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.
📍 Location within festival grounds — to be announced
Featured artist, raffle ticket pricing, and exact display location coming soon.
Car Show Details TBD
Classic, vintage, and custom cars on display in downtown Bertram. Stroll the lineup, talk to the owners, and admire the craftsmanship that keeps these beauties rolling on Texas roads. Free to view all afternoon.
📍 Display location within downtown Bertram — to be confirmed
If you’d like your car in the Grande Parade as well, separate parade entry registration is required. Details 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.
Interested in a booth? Apply here →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. We’re finalizing this year’s daytime lineup — follow us on social media or sign up below to be the first to know when performers are announced.
Afternoon Lineup — 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
Opening Performance
A great local act to warm up the crowd and get everyone on their feet. Announcement coming soon — follow us on social media!
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.