100 Years of Simon! The story of her glory years, her decline, and her renaissance due to the hard work and determination of community members dedicated to her restoration—all meticulously documented in this exhibit. Thank you to everyone who visited the exhibit and celebrated this historical building with us! Thank you to the community members who spent their precious time and money to Save the Simon! And thank you to all of our patrons who come to the shows and continue to make this theatre a special place to socialize and be entertained!
Happy New Year from Brenham and all of Washington County! Keep Growing in 2025!
It’s not always 80 degrees in December! Throwing back to a snowy December day in 2022!
Traveling Smithsonian Exhibit in Brenham
In Texas, Museum on Main Street (MoMS) is a special partnership of the Smithsonian Institution and Texas Historical Commission (THC) that serves the small-town museums and citizens of rural America. Brenham was chosen as 1 of 7 towns in Texas to host the Smithsonian traveling exhibit, Crossroads: Change in Rural America. This exhibit offers small towns a chance to look at their own paths to highlight the changes that affected their fortunes over the past century. The exhibit prompts discussions about what happened when America’s rural population became a minority of the country’s population, and the ripple effects that occurred.
This exhibit will be shown in Brenham in Morriss Hall at The Barnhill Center (106 South Douglas Street) from December 7, 2024 – January 19, 2025, and will be open 7 days a week.
Along with the main attraction of the Smithsonian exhibit, visitors can enjoy local exhibits, immersive experiences, and activities that highlight the unique history and culture of Washington County.
Activities & Events:
- SMITHSONIAN CROSSROADS EXHIBIT December 7, 2024 - January 19, 2025: Morriss Hall
- A CENTURY OF SIMON EXHIBIT December 7, 2024 - January 26, 2025: Morriss Hall
- FREEDOM COLONIES IN WASHINGTON COUNTY Year-long exhibit with Scavenger Hunt: Belle’s Alley
- CAMPTOWN SOUNDWALK EXPERIENCE Year-long immersive activity: Camptown, Brenham
- WASHINGTON COUNTY SOUNDWALK EXPERIENCE Year-long immersive activity - Burton, Chappell Hill, Independence, Washington on the Brazos
- BRENHAM HERITAGE MUSEUM SPEAKER SERIES AT THE BUS DEPOT
November 5, 19 | December 3, 17 January 7, 21
- POLISH KOLEDY December 28, 2024: Chappell Hill
- SAM HOUSTON SPEECH REENACTMENT January 11, 2025: Historic Simon Theatre at The Barnhill Center
- CEMETERY HAYRIDE TOURS January 12, 2025: Independence
- “ALL TRAILS LEAD TO HOUSTON” Temporary Exhibit AT THE BRENHAM HERITAGE MUSEUM October 2024-January 2025
- FILM ROUND-UP WITH TEXAS ARCHIVE OF THE MOVI
Step back in time with the small town Christmas festivities in Brenham this weekend! The Christmas Stroll in Downtown Brenham is packed full with events and activities for the entire family, and the fun starts on Friday!
🎄Friday, Dec. 6
* Jingle Bell Market at Ant Street Inn - 10 am - 7 pm Ant Street Inn Brenham First Fridays Farmer & Artisan Market - 3-6 pm
* “Cold Nights, Holiday Tunes” - FREE outdoor concert at 7 pm featuring Suede
🎄Saturday, Dec. 7
* Breakfast with Santa - 8:30am & 10am - at The Barnhill Center Reservations & tickets required. tickets.cityofbrenham.org
* Jingle Bell Market at Ant Street Inn - 10am - 7pm
* Crossroads Smithsonian Exhibit Opens
* Kid Zone- Snow Village & Life-Sized Snow Globe - 1-4pm
* Carriage & Invader Rides - 1-4pm Take a ride in a horse-drawn carriage or on our 1950 Invader Fire Truck
* Christmas Tree Lighting and Caroling - 5 pm at Courthouse Square
* Lighted Christmas Parade - 6 pm
* Sit with Santa at the Court House Gazebo After the Parade
* Unity Theater - “Fruitcakes” a comedy will be playing on the main stage at 8pm.
For more details and events around the county, visit our website! Link in comments.
The Simon Theatre is celebrating 100 years! In conjunction with traveling Smithsonian exhibit, we have created A Century of Simon Exhibit to take visitors on an interactive journey through the long colorful history of the Simon Theatre.
The history takes visitor through the Simon’s early vaudeville days, Hollywood’s Golden Era, movie trends and censorship, the Great Depression, WWII, and its eventual decline, as with most other American downtown districts.
Finally, the Simon’s Great Revival story is told, which restored the magnificent building and began its current robust operation. Personal stories are shared from those who attended during all eras. Visitors are invited to take photos in front of an authentic vaudeville stage backdrop, and possibly leave their own memories and stories.
When & Where:
December 7, 2024 - January 19, 2025
Morriss Hall inside The Barnhill Center
(106 South Douglas Street Brenham, Texas 77833)
Hours:
Monday-Friday: 10am-4pm
Saturday: 10am-2pm
Sunday: 11am-2pm
FREE admission to Exhibits
Be sure to stop inside our Visitor Center, located at The Barnhill Center!
Barnhill Center at historic Simon Theatre
Texas Historical Commission
Smithsonian Coming to Brenham
Texas Arts & Music Festival is happening NOW in downtown Brenham! 🎨 New murals being painted by @mendoza.creates and @toniardizzoneart on exterior walls @balladofthebirddog & @thelaundrytx 🎶 Live Music (schedule in stories)🎨 Juried Art Show inside @thelaundrytx 🖼️ Art Village Saturday & SundayShopping, dining & drinks in @downtownbrenham
Here are FIVE things to do this fall around Brenham! Find a longer list on our blog!1️⃣ Chappell Hill’s Scarecrow Festival, Oct 12-132️⃣ @texasartsmusicfestival, October 18-20 3️⃣ Antique Shows, Throughout October 4️⃣ Scarecrow Extravaganza @downtownbrenham, Throughout October 5️⃣ Fall Festival of Roses @antiqueroseemporium, Nov 1-3
September is a great month to visit Washington County! In addition to the oldest and best county fair in Texas, there are fun things happening around the county! Check our website for a complete list of events and details, including live music and weekly happenings.
The Brenham Fire Museum in Downtown Brenham is home to THREE historic fire engines. See the restored engines, including the 1879 Silsby on Saturdays, 11am - 2pm. 🎟️ FREE admission. Private tours during the week can be scheduled through our Visitor Center (979) 337-7580.
Are you ready for the party? Every Saturday night in July, join the fun for Hot Nights Cool Tunes Downtown Brenham! For two decades, this FREE concert series has been bringing the music to Saturday nights in July! Come for the amazing music, classic cars, and all the fun in Downtown Brenham.5:00-6:30 - Summer Showcase local bands in Alamo Alley5:00 - Stray Katz Car Club on west end of Alamo St.7:00 - Feature Bands on Alamo & Baylor, Courthouse Square⭐July 6th: Suede Austin - High-energy hits from the 70s to today!⭐️July 13th: The Pictures Band - Voted best Austin wedding band, they’re bringing the party!⭐️July 20th: Brown Sugar Band - Get ready for a mix of rock, Motown, R&B, and contemporary jams!⭐️July 27th: The Spicolis: - Close out the series with a killer tribute to classic 80s MTV hits!
It’s time to kick off summer with the Chappell Hill Art Walk, Saturday, May 25. Enjoy the charm of the shops in the heart of historic Chappell Hill while local artists share their talents.
