The arts in Round Rock are blooming back to life in full, vivid colors after an uncertain year. Guided by a mission to enrich local quality of life by bringing diverse and engaging experiences to residents, the City continues to engage new initiatives to provide enjoyment, resources and education while also serving local, individual artists and arts organizations throughout the community.
Round Rock features many local artists, arts and cultural non-profit agencies, a vibrant Downtown historic area full of creative opportunities, businesses, restaurants, galleries and live performances featuring theatre, artist studios, an arts integration academy and public art sculptures that make for a successful and fun place to see morning, noon and night. The Round Rock arts and cultural scene is becoming a tourist destination that attracts visitors, strengthens our community, inspires investment and creates a greater sense of place for all.
In 2019, the City hosted 17 arts and culture events that saw just shy of 80,000 attendees, featured 12 art exhibits with more than 58,000 visitors, and sponsored multiple other special events that drew thousands more to town to discover and create.
Want to learn more about how you can participate in our emerging arts scene? Grab a Monet and Gogh check out a list of five things to know about arts and culture here in Round Rock:
It’s official – Round Rock is certified as a music friendly community, y’all! Round Rock joined just 20 other Texas cities when it received the certification as a Texas Music Friendly Community by the Texas Music Office on Wednesday, May 5.
Cities that have received the official Music Friendly Communities designation from the Texas Music Office include Fort Worth, Austin, San Antonio, Denton, Lindale, Stephenville, Conroe, San Angelo, San Antonio, Denton, Lindale, Stephenville, Conroe, Nacogdoches, Abilene, McKinney, Waxahachie, Waco, Alpine, Bastrop, New Braunfels, Victoria, Arlington, Denison, Lubbock and Brenham.
“As we focus on revitalizing all aspects of the Lone Star State — work, school, entertainment and culture — Texas is committed to working alongside music industry, business, and community leaders in Round Rock to ensure they have the knowledge and tools they need,” Gov. Greg Abbott said. “Music is a big part of the Texas brand and our local economies, and I thank the Texas Music Office for helping communities like Round Rock succeed.”
Learn more about the designation, watch the ceremony online and rock on over to a local live concert soon!
Envisioned as a gathering place for creativity and the arts in its many forms, the Downtowner Gallery welcomes the community to wander through its doors and kindle their sense of wonder. From art exhibitions, to hands-on educational opportunities and events, this maker-type space sets the scene for meaningful interactions among artists, students and community audiences.
The gallery’s most recent “Modern Masterpieces” exhibit revealed how local visual artists are inspired by other artists and artistic movements spanning across time and the globe.
Information and details regarding upcoming events, exhibits, and hours of operation can be found here.
Art sculptures are continuously placed throughout Round Rock to showcase and support local artists. These sculptures are results of the partnership between the City and local art groups for beautifying and creating a more diverse and visually interesting place community.
In addition to the 51 sculptures on display at public exhibits in gathering spaces, highly trafficked pedestrian areas and civic buildings throughout Round Rock, the City is also working with local business to place art for public viewing.
“Bringing art to the community is something I’m extremely passionate about,” Arts and Culture Director Scot Wilkinson said. “Public art can be directly connected to how people see and connect with a place, and the work we’re doing as a City to emphasize the power of artwork to positively impact the identity of our community is significant.”
Interested residents can take a walking tour of public art in downtown. A map of sculpture locations is available online.
Chalk Walk Arts Festival, Round Rock’s largest and most prestigious festival, is back this October! The festival, which draws more than 60,000 people annually, showcases hundreds of artists, vendors, local musicians, and theatrical performances. Did we mention the delicious food and drinks? Of course, the main highlight of the event are the chalk mural artists creating street paintings. Talk about a weekend jam-packed full of arts, creativity and inspiration!
Festival Details:
- Friday, Oct. 1, 2021: 2 p.m – 9 p.m.
- Saturday, Oct. 2, 2021: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
More information and details about the festival, including artist and vendor applications, is available online.
The Music on Main concert series restarted in May 2021 after COVID-19 forced the cancellation of shows throughout 2020. The series kicked-off with a concert by Dale Watson and has since featured The Derailers, Carolyn Wonderland. Bob Schneider and others. Sir Woman, an act also set to play at the famous Austin City Limits Festival in October, will close out the summer portion of the series as the City begins work putting together a fantastic fall lineup of musical talent.
Grab your boots and get scootin’ to one of the concerts held in Downtown Round Rock’s Prete Plaza on Wednesdays for good vibes and even greater music.
For more details, visit the Music on Main website to stay updated on the latest.
