Bastrop honors veterans with a full weekend downtown on Friday, Nov. 13, and Saturday, Nov. 14, 2026. Friday night brings a Main Street cruise-in, and Saturday has the Heroes and Hot Rods car show, a tribute march, a ceremony at the courthouse and an evening banquet.
What is happening Friday, Nov. 13?
The weekend starts with a cruise-in from 5 to 9 p.m. on Historic Main Street. It is a relaxed evening to walk downtown and see the cars roll in. Main Street parking near the event is held for registered car show participants until 9 p.m., so plan to park a block or two away.
What is the Saturday schedule?
Here is the Saturday plan from the Bastrop Area Cruisers:
| Time | What | Where |
|---|---|---|
| 7:30 a.m. | Gates open, show cars check in | Historic downtown Bastrop |
| 10:30 a.m. | Veterans Tribute March | Starts at the Bastrop Post Office, 1106 Main St. |
| 11 a.m. | Veterans Day Tribute and Ceremony | Bastrop County Courthouse Gazebo, 804 Pecan St. |
| 1 p.m. | Silent auction closes | Downtown |
| 3 p.m. | Awards ceremony | In front of the Visitor Center and Museum, 904 Main St. |
All military are welcome to join the tribute march. The organizers expect about 400 cars across Main Street, the side streets and nearby lots. Show car registration is pre-registration only, with no day-of sign-up.
Where does the money go?
The Bastrop Area Cruisers say more than 75% of proceeds go to veteran support organizations in Central Texas. The rest supports automotive technology scholarships for Bastrop County high schools and local charities.
When is the veterans banquet?
Red, White and Blue Veterans of Bastrop County holds its annual Veterans Appreciation Banquet on Saturday, Nov. 14, at the Bastrop Convention and Exhibit Center, 1408 Chestnut St. Tickets are $30 for a veteran, spouse or surviving spouse and $40 for others, on the group’s ticket page. Guest names for seating are due by Nov. 9.
Before the dinner, guests can see military memorabilia, pick up veteran benefit information and hear the Honor Choir. You can also donate a ticket so a veteran or surviving spouse can attend. The start time was not posted yet, so check rwbveterans.com before you go.
Times and details come from the organizers’ websites. Please confirm with them before you head out.
Making a weekend of it?
Pair the car show with lunch downtown from our Where to Eat guide, or find more ideas in Things to Do. If you are thinking about a move, our Moving to Bastrop guide is a good place to start.
Frequently asked questions
- When is the Heroes and Hot Rods car show in Bastrop?
- The Heroes and Hot Rods Veterans Weekend Car Show is Saturday, Nov. 14, 2026, in historic downtown Bastrop. Gates open at 7:30 a.m. and awards are at 3 p.m.
- What time is the Veterans Day ceremony in Bastrop?
- The Veterans Tribute March starts at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 14, at the Bastrop Post Office, 1106 Main St. The tribute and ceremony follow at 11 a.m. at the Bastrop County Courthouse Gazebo, 804 Pecan St.
- Is there a cruise-in the night before the Bastrop car show?
- Yes. The cruise-in is Friday, Nov. 13, from 5 to 9 p.m. on Historic Main Street in downtown Bastrop.
- How much are tickets to the Bastrop County veterans banquet?
- Red, White and Blue Veterans of Bastrop County lists tickets at $30 for a veteran, spouse or surviving spouse and $40 for others. The 2026 banquet is Saturday, Nov. 14.
Sources
- Bastrop Area Cruisers: Heroes and Hot Rods car show
- Red, White and Blue Veterans of Bastrop County
- Red, White and Blue Veterans of Bastrop County: Banquet tickets
- Community Impact: Bastrop events this November (venue address)
Thinking about moving to Bastrop? Start with our moving guide and neighborhood guide, or send us a question.
