There's always something going on in Shiner, Texas. For a town of about 2,000 people, the calendar stays surprisingly full — anchored by a world-famous brewery and a community that loves any excuse to gather in the park. Here's your guide to what's happening in Shiner and how to time your visit.
Half Moon Holidays — Shiner's Signature Festival
The town's marquee event is Half Moon Holidays, a celebration that nods to Shiner's very beginnings. Before the railroad arrived in 1887, the community was known as "Half Moon" — and the festival keeps that history alive every year.
What to expect
- Festive lights and decorations throughout town
- Live music and family entertainment
- Local food, drink, and craft vendors
- The warm, welcoming spirit Shiner is known for
It's the single best weekend to experience Shiner at its most spirited. Rooms book out early, so plan ahead and reserve your stay well in advance.
Spoetzl Brewery Events & Tap Room Releases
The Spoetzl Brewery drives much of the town's event calendar. Throughout the year the brewery hosts tours, seasonal and specialty beer releases, live music, and food trucks at the Tap Room. Checking the brewery's current schedule is the easiest way to plan your trip around a special release or celebration — and Tap Room hours shift seasonally, so always confirm before you go.
Concerts & Gatherings in Welhausen Park
The historic bandstand in Welhausen Park sets the stage for community concerts, seasonal markets, and family events right in the center of town. Bring a blanket and a lawn chair, settle in under the Texas sky, and enjoy the easygoing rhythm of small-town life.
The Best Time of Year to Visit Shiner
- Spring (March–May): mild weather, wildflowers along the back roads, and comfortable days for walking the town
- Fall (September–November): cooler temperatures and a busy festival season — ideal for brewery tours
- Holiday season: Welhausen Park and downtown light up, and Half Moon Holidays brings the community together
- Summer: hot but quiet, with the air-conditioned Tap Room and museums offering cool refuge
Make the Most of Your Visit
While you're in town for an event, build in time for the essentials:
- Tour the Spoetzl Brewery and sample legendary Shiner beer
- Admire the stained glass at the historic Shiner Catholic Church
- Explore local history at the Edwin Wolters Memorial Museum
- Shop Texas-made goods at Bluestem and the meat markets of Old Town Shiner
- Test your wits at Shiner Escape Rooms
Plan ahead: exact festival and event dates shift from year to year, so check the Half Moon Holidays website and the local Shiner Gazette for the current calendar before you travel — and reserve your room as soon as your dates are set, because the best stays in town go fast during event weekends.
Make Shiner Inn Your Home Base
Shiner is small and wonderfully walkable, so the smartest way to enjoy it is to stay the night and slow down. The Shiner Inn is the best bed in town: clean, comfortable rooms, a hot breakfast included, and a location just minutes from the Spoetzl Brewery, Welhausen Park, and Historic Old Town Shiner. Book a room, park the car, and explore the cleanest little city in Texas on foot.