5 Ways to Enjoy Art & Music In Kerrville, TX

In Kerrville, Texas, you won’t believe your eyes--or your ears. A treat for the senses, the “Capital of Texas Hill Country” is a renowned arts and culture destination. From live music to fine art, and from outdoor sculpture to handmade jewelry, there’s no shortage of sights and sounds to excite the mind and stir the soul. Art is one of life’s great escapes, and there is no better place to soak it in than Kerrville.

Welcome to Kerrville Mural Photo Credit: Brandon Robinson

Enjoy world class music at the historic Arcadia Live Theater

Get ready for live music like you’ve never experienced it. Some of the country’s most talented singer songwriters come to play in Kerrville’s intimate and historic Arcadia Live Theatre. Originally built in 1926, the Spanish mission-style theater sat vacant for 30 years until a major restoration project brought it back to life in 2020.

Located in downtown Kerrville on the Guadalupe River, the performing arts hall hosts a steady line up of live music, comedy shows, classic films, trivia nights, karaoke and multi-media events. Before you head in, grab a bite at one of the nearby downtown eateries. Opt for seats in the orchestra level or balcony and enjoy a drink from bars located on both levels.

Charley Crockett Band at Arcadia Live Photo Credit: Dale H. Leach

Ready for more live music? You have come to the right place. Kerrville’s restaurants, bars, saloons and canteens regularly book live acts playing original music in every genre. Get ready to put on your dancing shoes!

Spend the Afternoon at a Museum or Gallery

Kerrville is filled with opportunities to enjoy fine art. Start with the Kerr Arts and Culture Center (KACC), a vibrant community arts center representing six hundred-member artists working in a variety of media. Experience works installed in three permanent galleries: the James Avery Gallery, the Aline Cornels Gallery, and the James and SJ Derby Gallery, which hold breathtaking paintings, sculptures, three-dimensional pieces, fiber art, and much more. A trip to the KACC is a fantastic way to discover the deep bench of artistic talent in the Texas Hill Country.

Next stop, check out the famed Museum of Western Art, MoWA for short, where the mythic character of the American West is captured through art. See how different perspectives and cultures are depicted in paintings, sculpture and other media. Do not miss the late 19th Century stagecoach replica, a visitor favorite. To enjoy more Western art, plan a visit to Tom Moss Studio. For more than 40 years, Moss has made stunning, handcrafted bronze Western-themed sculptures of cowboys, cattle, horses and Native Americans. The studio also features Moss’s Western paintings.

Museum of Western Art Bronze Sculpture

Kerrville is a wonderful place to shop for art for the home. Visit the Rivers Edge Gallery, a 20,000-square-foot gallery in historic downtown Kerrville, holds an expansive variety of contemporary and traditional artwork, complete with framing services. Private viewings are available through the gallery’s convenient concierge service.

Spoil Yourself with Original Jewelry from James Avery and Other Retailers

Kerrville is a haven for artisan jewelry. Visitors come from miles around to experience the headquarters and production facility of James Avery Artisan Jewelry, an internationally known brand that first started in Avery’s Kerrville garage in 1954. You will be wowed at the intricate silver and gold rings, bracelets, pendants, charms, earrings, as well as the beloved “faith” collection. Visit the campus, see how the pieces are fabricated, enjoy the outdoor gazebo and shop at the company’s first retail showroom.

James Avery Artisan Jewelry

For hand-crafted silver shaped into high end belt buckles and Western wear, be sure to stop by Clint Orms Engravers and Silversmith in nearby Ingram. The company is known for creating items of the finest materials and artisanship. And for original pieces crafted for individuals, organizations or groups, be sure to visit Jim Morris Designer. For more than 30 years, this home-grown company has been crafting treasured designs in sterling silver, 14-carat gold and platinum meant for a lifetime of wear. From engagement rings and celebratory gemstones to personalized Christmas ornaments and religious pocket pieces, Jim Morris Designer has the right piece for every occasion.

Take an Art Walk to See Outdoor Sculpture and Murals

Art is embedded so deeply into the personality of Kerrville that you can see it all around you outdoors. One of Kerrville’s most iconic pieces is the “Mother’s Love” sculpture, renamed the James Avery Memorial in 2018. Equal parts whimsical and elegant, the large, heart-shaped piece was designed and created by Avery and erected in downtown Kerrville in 2012. It is a favorite spot for Instagrammers, so get your camera ready!

Mothers Love - James Avery Memorial Sculpture

Continue your journey through Kerrville’s public art displays with a visit to The Coming King Sculpture Prayer Garden, a 24.5-acre garden holding 11 monumental spiritual sculptures donated by international artists. Schedule time for reflection and contemplation as you stroll through this moving sculpture garden whose pieces include the 77-foot high “Empty Cross.” Meander through paths and relax on benches as you appreciate each massive work of art.

Kerrville’s enthusiasm for art is also apparent through its multitude of outdoor murals. One of the newest is an expansive piece called “Regenerate,” painted on the Voelkel building near downtown. Designed and painted by local artists Sarah and Andrew McWilson, this refreshing mural is an impressionistic design depicting two boys shelling native Texas pecans. On another downtown mural celebrating Kerrville’s character, an armadillo, a roadrunner and larger than life wildflowers come together in vibrant colors. And in nearby Ingram, a series of fifteen murals, restored in 2017, depict life in the Hill Country between the 1880s and the 1920s.

"Regenerate" Mural Photo Credit: Hand in Hand Creative

You have heard of Stonehenge? Well, Kerrville has its own version of the ancient stone circle with Stongehenge II, an art project created by artist Al Shepperd and one of the area’s most visited sites. At 90% of the height and 60% of the width of the original structure in England, the massive site is a breathtaking replica, right here in Texas. Don’t miss the Easter Island head replicas also on the site, another of Shepperd’s fanciful projects.

Stonehenge II Photo Credit: Brandon Robinson

It is Showtime! Explore Kerrville’s Live Theater Scene and Annual Events

Kerrville’s robust performing arts scene also includes high-quality theatrical productions. Time your visit with a show staged by the Hill Country Arts Foundation, which features a full slate of productions for adults and children. See side-splitting comedies, Tony award-winning dramas and musicals that will have parents and kids humming tunes for days to come.

Smith-Ritch Point Outdoor Theatre

Kerrville is also home to annual arts events including the always entertaining Stonehenge Celtic Festival Highland Games, and the Texas Arts and Crafts Fair, a gathering of 120 artists, musicians and demonstrators showcasing their talents to a crowd of more than 5,000.

Kerrville, Texas is a popular destination for arts and music. With a wide variety of venues and events throughout the year, there is always something to see and do in this charming town. If you're looking for a weekend getaway, be sure to check out Kerrville's upcoming events schedule and see what piques your interest. You won't be disappointed!

5 Ways to Enjoy Art & Music In Kerrville