Local attractions
Festival
Scarborough Renaissance Festival
2511 FM 66Crossroads of Texas Country Festival in Downtown Waxahachie
Mark your calendars for the Crossroads of Texas Country Festival. This new and improved arts and music festival will take place in downtown Waxahachie on the last Saturday of October from 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Admission is FREE.
Surrounding the courthouse square will be more than 200 booths set-up with artists, craftspeople and the best of festival foods from Texas and beyond.
This bigger than Texas event will feature music on more than 10 stages in restaurants, breweries and wine bars in addition to the main stage with musicians from Texas and the surrounding states, plus the Grown Local stage showcasing local Ellis County talent.
Returning to Waxahachie, also known as The Crossroads of Texas, is the “GO TEXAN Experience” featuring a marketplace of GO TEXAN vendors, wineries, Southern Roots Brewing, Boyce Feed & Grain and FRESH Market Coffee.
“The Crossroads of Texas Country Festival will be a celebration of all things country from around the country in addition to the best of what Waxahachie has to offer on that day in our historic downtown. Waxahachie is an accredited National Main Street, Texas Music Friendly Community and Texas Film Friendly Community, plus an international destination. We invite everyone to enjoy the charm of Waxahachie.
101 W Main St
Crossroads of Texas Country Festival in Downtown Waxahachie
Mark your calendars for the Crossroads of Texas Country Festival. This new and improved arts and music festival will take place in downtown Waxahachie on the last Saturday of October from 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Admission is FREE.
Surrounding the courthouse square will be more than 200 booths set-up with artists, craftspeople and the best of festival foods from Texas and beyond.
This bigger than Texas event will feature music on more than 10 stages in restaurants, breweries and wine bars in addition to the main stage with musicians from Texas and the surrounding states, plus the Grown Local stage showcasing local Ellis County talent.
Returning to Waxahachie, also known as The Crossroads of Texas, is the “GO TEXAN Experience” featuring a marketplace of GO TEXAN vendors, wineries, Southern Roots Brewing, Boyce Feed & Grain and FRESH Market Coffee.
“The Crossroads of Texas Country Festival will be a celebration of all things country from around the country in addition to the best of what Waxahachie has to offer on that day in our historic downtown. Waxahachie is an accredited National Main Street, Texas Music Friendly Community and Texas Film Friendly Community, plus an international destination. We invite everyone to enjoy the charm of Waxahachie.
Hachie Eclipse of the Heart: Waxahachie Solar Eclipse 2024 Weekend
Where the Eclipse Comes for Fun!
April 6-8, 2024
It's time to make science history again . . . in the 90s, Waxahachie became internationally known as a science destination with the Superconducting Super Collider project . . . it was so cool that even Young Sheldon still talks about it today.
This time, Waxahachie, Texas USA will make science history and be a science destination by being located in the path of totality on April 8, 2024 . . . the total eclipse is going to be so cool that YOU will be talking about it 20 years later.
Join us for a 3-day weekend filled with science, live music, activities for the family and FUN throughout the community.
Railyard Park, downtown Waxahachie's amphitheater, will be your epicenter of fun with “Hachie Eclipse of the Heart” - a 3 day solarbration taking place April 6-8. Festivities begin on Saturday evening with a Here Comes the Sun party featuring Britishmania – a tribute to the Beatles. On Sunday evening, it’s the Dark Side of the Moon Pink Floyd laser light show followed by the Official Watch Party on Monday with DJ Alexx and Kevin Crouch of South Metro Weather.
Plus, we have many more community partners lining up great festivals and events to enjoy during your stay.
455 S Rogers St, Waxahachie, TX 75165, USA
Hachie Eclipse of the Heart: Waxahachie Solar Eclipse 2024 Weekend
Where the Eclipse Comes for Fun!
April 6-8, 2024
It's time to make science history again . . . in the 90s, Waxahachie became internationally known as a science destination with the Superconducting Super Collider project . . . it was so cool that even Young Sheldon still talks about it today.
This time, Waxahachie, Texas USA will make science history and be a science destination by being located in the path of totality on April 8, 2024 . . . the total eclipse is going to be so cool that YOU will be talking about it 20 years later.
Join us for a 3-day weekend filled with science, live music, activities for the family and FUN throughout the community.
Railyard Park, downtown Waxahachie's amphitheater, will be your epicenter of fun with “Hachie Eclipse of the Heart” - a 3 day solarbration taking place April 6-8. Festivities begin on Saturday evening with a Here Comes the Sun party featuring Britishmania – a tribute to the Beatles. On Sunday evening, it’s the Dark Side of the Moon Pink Floyd laser light show followed by the Official Watch Party on Monday with DJ Alexx and Kevin Crouch of South Metro Weather.
Plus, we have many more community partners lining up great festivals and events to enjoy during your stay.
Celebrating 72 Years of Ennis Bluebonnet Trails: Ennis was designated by the 1997 State Legislature as the home of the Official Texas Bluebonnet Trail and was designated the Official Bluebonnet City of Texas. From April 1-30, Ennis showcases over 40 miles of mapped driving Bluebonnet Trails sponsored by the Ennis Garden Club. These trails are the oldest such trails known in the state, and tens of thousands of visitors make the short trek to Ennis to view this wonderful wildflower show. The Ennis Garden Club will drive the trails to check the bloom status each week starting in April.
Ennis
Celebrating 72 Years of Ennis Bluebonnet Trails: Ennis was designated by the 1997 State Legislature as the home of the Official Texas Bluebonnet Trail and was designated the Official Bluebonnet City of Texas. From April 1-30, Ennis showcases over 40 miles of mapped driving Bluebonnet Trails sponsored by the Ennis Garden Club. These trails are the oldest such trails known in the state, and tens of thousands of visitors make the short trek to Ennis to view this wonderful wildflower show. The Ennis Garden Club will drive the trails to check the bloom status each week starting in April.
Screams Halloween Theme Park is the ultimate Halloween experience in the DFW Metroplex with 5 Haunted Houses & a whole lot more! Each of the haunted houses has a unique theme and design – they are sure to find what makes you Scream!! And there’s so much more – the Cool Ghoul Boolevard and Rottingwood Cemetery walk-through attractions, exciting live stage entertainment, Scary-Oke and games of skill for an entire night of Halloween fun.
When you are ready to take a break, partake in some food & drink or shop for some great Halloween merch at the Screams shops. Those over 21 can also enjoy an adult beverage at one of the 5 pubs.
All 5 haunted houses, the Cool Ghoul Boolevard, Rottingwood Cemetery, stage entertainment, and Scary-Oke are all included in your single admission price. To cut the wait times in half, there are a limited number of Fast Passes available each night. Screams is designed for ages 16+ and is not recommended for young children.
Operates in October.
2511 FM 66, Waxahachie, TX 75167, USA
Screams Halloween Theme Park is the ultimate Halloween experience in the DFW Metroplex with 5 Haunted Houses & a whole lot more! Each of the haunted houses has a unique theme and design – they are sure to find what makes you Scream!! And there’s so much more – the Cool Ghoul Boolevard and Rottingwood Cemetery walk-through attractions, exciting live stage entertainment, Scary-Oke and games of skill for an entire night of Halloween fun.
When you are ready to take a break, partake in some food & drink or shop for some great Halloween merch at the Screams shops. Those over 21 can also enjoy an adult beverage at one of the 5 pubs.
All 5 haunted houses, the Cool Ghoul Boolevard, Rottingwood Cemetery, stage entertainment, and Scary-Oke are all included in your single admission price. To cut the wait times in half, there are a limited number of Fast Passes available each night. Screams is designed for ages 16+ and is not recommended for young children.
Operates in October.
Sightseeing
Ellis County Museum
201 S College StUnrequited Love Carvings on the Ellis County Courthouse
The courthouse is an imposing edifice, nine stories tall, including the clock tower, swallowing up most of the town square. The ornate sandstone carvings are along the top of a series of granite columns that frame entrances on all sides of the building.
In 1894, stone mason Harry Herley was brought to Waxahachie to sculpt and decorate outer walls of of the new courthouse, replacing a wooden courthouse that cost $59 to build. While he carved some of the porches and arches himself, he also supervised several German-trained carvers.
Known as "The Legend of the Ellis County Courthouse," the story goes that Herley fell in love with beauty Mabel Frame, the daughter of the owner of the boarding house where Herley stayed. He carved her radiant likeness over one of the courthouse entrances. Mabel ignored Herley's affections; as time went on, he became embittered and subsequent carvings of Mabel depicted her as a twisted demon.
A demure stage of Mabel.
A demure stage of Mabel.
Visitors can follow Herley's evolving infatuation by walking around the courthouse.
101 W Main St
Unrequited Love Carvings on the Ellis County Courthouse
The courthouse is an imposing edifice, nine stories tall, including the clock tower, swallowing up most of the town square. The ornate sandstone carvings are along the top of a series of granite columns that frame entrances on all sides of the building.
In 1894, stone mason Harry Herley was brought to Waxahachie to sculpt and decorate outer walls of of the new courthouse, replacing a wooden courthouse that cost $59 to build. While he carved some of the porches and arches himself, he also supervised several German-trained carvers.
Known as "The Legend of the Ellis County Courthouse," the story goes that Herley fell in love with beauty Mabel Frame, the daughter of the owner of the boarding house where Herley stayed. He carved her radiant likeness over one of the courthouse entrances. Mabel ignored Herley's affections; as time went on, he became embittered and subsequent carvings of Mabel depicted her as a twisted demon.
A demure stage of Mabel.
A demure stage of Mabel.
Visitors can follow Herley's evolving infatuation by walking around the courthouse.
The most unique engineering feature in the historic district. Manufactured by the Wrought Iron Bridge Company in Canton, Ohio, it was shipped by rail to Waxahachie and assembled on site. Today, it is a connected piece of the Waxahachie Creek Hike & Bike Trail.
S Rogers St, Waxahachie, TX, USA
The most unique engineering feature in the historic district. Manufactured by the Wrought Iron Bridge Company in Canton, Ohio, it was shipped by rail to Waxahachie and assembled on site. Today, it is a connected piece of the Waxahachie Creek Hike & Bike Trail.
All aboard! After enjoying a day of shopping and eating in downtown Waxahachie, head down to Railyard Park. Just a few blocks south at 455 S. College Street, there is always plenty of fun in the sun with room for picnics or just tossing the ball. The park’s amphitheater is home to movie screenings, concerts, performances, and the little ones won’t want to miss the splash pad—perfect for escaping the Texas heat.
Other amenities include picnic tables, a sensory music garden, a splash pad, bike racks, food truck parking, historic appreciation areas and a water fountain not just for you, but your furry friends, too!
This vibrant space adds connectivity from our fabulous downtown shops and restaurants, to the Waxahachie Hike-and-Bike trail, and our dog park, Wags-A-Hachie.
If you are attending an event at Railyard, you have parking options!
Park at the new Downtown Parking lot on the corner of Rogers St. and Cantrell St. (entrance on Cantrell.) Heading south on Rogers St. from City Hall, you will pass the park, and the lot will be on your right. Then take the short, scenic walk on the historic Rogers Street Bridge, cross the street and you are there!
Parking is also available at the Hike and Bike Trail lot, behind City Hall, and at the city parking garage on Jackson @ Jefferson St.
No parking in front of or beside Boyce Feed and Grain or in the Fresh Coffee parking lot.
Railyard Park
All aboard! After enjoying a day of shopping and eating in downtown Waxahachie, head down to Railyard Park. Just a few blocks south at 455 S. College Street, there is always plenty of fun in the sun with room for picnics or just tossing the ball. The park’s amphitheater is home to movie screenings, concerts, performances, and the little ones won’t want to miss the splash pad—perfect for escaping the Texas heat.
Other amenities include picnic tables, a sensory music garden, a splash pad, bike racks, food truck parking, historic appreciation areas and a water fountain not just for you, but your furry friends, too!
This vibrant space adds connectivity from our fabulous downtown shops and restaurants, to the Waxahachie Hike-and-Bike trail, and our dog park, Wags-A-Hachie.
If you are attending an event at Railyard, you have parking options!
Park at the new Downtown Parking lot on the corner of Rogers St. and Cantrell St. (entrance on Cantrell.) Heading south on Rogers St. from City Hall, you will pass the park, and the lot will be on your right. Then take the short, scenic walk on the historic Rogers Street Bridge, cross the street and you are there!
Parking is also available at the Hike and Bike Trail lot, behind City Hall, and at the city parking garage on Jackson @ Jefferson St.
No parking in front of or beside Boyce Feed and Grain or in the Fresh Coffee parking lot.
400 S Grand Ave
CALINA MISHAY JOHNSON BUTTERFLY MURAL at Getzendaner Park
HISTORY: The Waxahachie Chautauqua Auditorium, an unusual octagonal open-air auditorium, was built in 1902 to accommodate the throngs of people attending the annual Chautauqua Assemblies which were held 1900-1930. In the early 1970s, the decaying and almost demolished auditorium was saved and restored to its original glory in 1975.
It was awarded a Texas Historical Marker and placed on the National Register of Historic Places. Today it remains a monument to the Chautauqua history of Waxahachie. It is the only known original Chautauqua building surviving in Texas.
TODAY: The Waxahachie Chautauqua Auditorium sits in the 23-acre beautiful historical Getzendaner Memorial Park. It is the perfect venue for many events year round
Chautauqua Auditorium
400 South Grand AvenueHISTORY: The Waxahachie Chautauqua Auditorium, an unusual octagonal open-air auditorium, was built in 1902 to accommodate the throngs of people attending the annual Chautauqua Assemblies which were held 1900-1930. In the early 1970s, the decaying and almost demolished auditorium was saved and restored to its original glory in 1975.
It was awarded a Texas Historical Marker and placed on the National Register of Historic Places. Today it remains a monument to the Chautauqua history of Waxahachie. It is the only known original Chautauqua building surviving in Texas.
TODAY: The Waxahachie Chautauqua Auditorium sits in the 23-acre beautiful historical Getzendaner Memorial Park. It is the perfect venue for many events year round
Great university in our little town just a mile away from our home. Great location if you’re in town for graduation or special events.
Southwestern Assemblies of God University
Great university in our little town just a mile away from our home. Great location if you’re in town for graduation or special events.
Conveniently located at the intersection on I-35E and Highway 287, the Waxahachie Civic Center is within 25 minutes of the DFW Metroplex. This opportune location makes the Waxahachie Civic Center the perfect place for your event. From corporate events and meetings to conventions and expos to weddings and other formal events, our staff will work closely with you to create a custom-tailored event that will exceed your expectations, and you will leave looking forward to planning your next event with us. Whether a small business meeting or a large expo with hundreds of guests, the Waxahachie Civic Center will be A Place You Will Love!
Waxahachie Civic Center
Conveniently located at the intersection on I-35E and Highway 287, the Waxahachie Civic Center is within 25 minutes of the DFW Metroplex. This opportune location makes the Waxahachie Civic Center the perfect place for your event. From corporate events and meetings to conventions and expos to weddings and other formal events, our staff will work closely with you to create a custom-tailored event that will exceed your expectations, and you will leave looking forward to planning your next event with us. Whether a small business meeting or a large expo with hundreds of guests, the Waxahachie Civic Center will be A Place You Will Love!
April is the month to see our famous state flower, the bluebonnet. The 20 minute drive from Waxahachie to Ennis is beautiful.
Ennis was designated by the 1997 State Legislature as the home of the Official Texas Bluebonnet Trail and was designated the Official Bluebonnet City of Texas.
From April 1-30, Ennis showcases over 40 miles of mapped driving Bluebonnet Trails sponsored by the Ennis Garden Club. These trails are the oldest such trails known in the state, and tens of thousands of visitors make the short trek to Ennis to view this wonderful wildflower show. The Ennis Garden Club will drive the trails to check the bloom status each week starting in April.
Bluebonnet Trail, Ennis, TX 75119, USA
April is the month to see our famous state flower, the bluebonnet. The 20 minute drive from Waxahachie to Ennis is beautiful.
Ennis was designated by the 1997 State Legislature as the home of the Official Texas Bluebonnet Trail and was designated the Official Bluebonnet City of Texas.
From April 1-30, Ennis showcases over 40 miles of mapped driving Bluebonnet Trails sponsored by the Ennis Garden Club. These trails are the oldest such trails known in the state, and tens of thousands of visitors make the short trek to Ennis to view this wonderful wildflower show. The Ennis Garden Club will drive the trails to check the bloom status each week starting in April.
Food scene
Don't miss this place while you're here! They have been featured on several tv shows and offer their own cookbook. Daily specials including my favorite tomato basil soup!
And the unique shopping on your way in or out is great!
13 Einheimische empfehlen
The Doves Nest
105 W Jefferson StDon't miss this place while you're here! They have been featured on several tv shows and offer their own cookbook. Daily specials including my favorite tomato basil soup!
And the unique shopping on your way in or out is great!
2167 N Highway 77
Waxahachie, TX 75165
Best fajitas in town!
Nice outdoor seating area.
Campuzano's Fine Mexican Food
2167 N Highway 77
Waxahachie, TX 75165
Best fajitas in town!
Nice outdoor seating area.
One of our favorite local places that’s been around forever.
Best double-meat cheeseburgers and breakfast burritos!
Don’t let the outside fool you. All the locals at here.
Oma's Jiffy Burger
403 Water StOne of our favorite local places that’s been around forever.
Best double-meat cheeseburgers and breakfast burritos!
Don’t let the outside fool you. All the locals at here.
Braum's Ice Cream & Dairy Store
Great icecream to end the day.
Chicken Express
Best fast-food chicken!
Taco Casa
Best fast-food Mexican food and sweet tea!
Outdoor activities
If you love the outdoors, this trail is for you. Several places to get on and off, but the starting point is at Getzendaner Park and extends 8 miles to Lion's park. Great for runners! Flat and paved.
Waxahachie Creek Hike & Bike Trail
Waxahachie Creek Hike & Bike TrailIf you love the outdoors, this trail is for you. Several places to get on and off, but the starting point is at Getzendaner Park and extends 8 miles to Lion's park. Great for runners! Flat and paved.
Waxahachie Downtown Farmer's Market
701 Howard RdOffers 18 holes for a flying good time with a mix of open and wooded holes with the creek coming into play on a few of the holes, as well as a pond. This is a multi-use park with a playground, walking trail and soccer fields.
Brown Singleton Park
Offers 18 holes for a flying good time with a mix of open and wooded holes with the creek coming into play on a few of the holes, as well as a pond. This is a multi-use park with a playground, walking trail and soccer fields.
Chapman Park
Nice concrete walking path around this park. 1-2 miles.
Waxahachie Golf Club
Take in a round of golf while you’re in town.
Waxahachie Sports Complex hosts baseball and soccer games as well as an outdoor walk/run trail
Waxahachie Sports Complex
Waxahachie Sports Complex hosts baseball and soccer games as well as an outdoor walk/run trail
Bring your family, boat and jet skis. Excellent source of fishing for crappie, white bass, largemouth bass and channel catfish
Lake Waxahachie, Waxahachie, TX 75165, USA
Bring your family, boat and jet skis. Excellent source of fishing for crappie, white bass, largemouth bass and channel catfish
Things To Do
Hilltop Lanes
2010 US-287 BUSLocal bowling alley for fun for the whole family
he Texas Motorplex is a quarter mile drag racing facility located in Ennis, Texas, United States, 40 miles south of downtown Dallas. Built in 1986 by former funny car driver Billy Meyer, the Motorplex was the first National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) "super track." It annually hosts the AAA Texas NHRA FallNationals each October, when hundreds of professional and amateur drag racers compete for over $2 million in prize money.
12 Einheimische empfehlen
Texas Motorplex
7500 US-287he Texas Motorplex is a quarter mile drag racing facility located in Ennis, Texas, United States, 40 miles south of downtown Dallas. Built in 1986 by former funny car driver Billy Meyer, the Motorplex was the first National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) "super track." It annually hosts the AAA Texas NHRA FallNationals each October, when hundreds of professional and amateur drag racers compete for over $2 million in prize money.