BRAZOS LIFE: ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT DIRECTORY 2023
ART GALLERIES
DEGALLERY is a hub for local artists of all kinds. Art aficionados can enjoy the rotating art collections from around the world that line the walls. Musicians can attend recitals from local performers. This art gallery also offers art classes for every skill level. Degallery is a great place to explore the arts or host your next party or event. 930 N Rosemary Dr, Bryan | degallery.us | 979.704.3090
BENJAMIN KNOX GALLERY & ART CENTER is a hub for local artists of all kinds. Art aficionados can enjoy the rotating art collections from around the world that line the walls. Musicians can attend recitals from local performers. This art gallery also offers art classes for every skill level. Degallery is a great place to explore the arts or host your next party or event. 405 University Dr E, College Station | benjaminknox.com | 979.696.5669
| Art979 & Village Café 210 W 26th St, Bryan thevillagedowntown.com | 979.703.8514 Arts Council of Brazos Valley Benz Gallery of Floral Art Brenham Fine Arts League Horlock Art Gallery Lost Creek Gallery |
Red Velvet Fine Art Gallery 803 S Lasalle St, Navasota redvelvetinnandgallery.com | 979.799.7698 SEAD Gallery & Bookshop Texas Artisan Gallery University Art Galleries West 31st Street Murals Wright Gallery |
ATTRACTIONS
GEORGE H.W. BUSH PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY AND MUSEUM The George H.W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum at Texas A&M University creates an experience that’s both educational and entertaining for the whole family. This state-of-the-art facility is dedicated to the preservation, research, and exhibition of official records, personal papers, and memorabilia of President George H.W. Bush. The museum has over 100 interactive elements, allowing visitors to learn hands-on about history, government, the presidency, and public service. 1000 George Bush Dr W, College Station | bush41.org | 979.691.4000 (Voted Best Museum and Best Tourist Attraction in The Best of the Brazos Valley 2022)
SANTA’S WONDERLAND Howdy! Y’all come enjoy a Texas-style Christmas Celebration. Bring the whole family to enjoy nostalgic Texas foods, unique shops, live music, real snow, tubing, campfires, and of course meet Santa and Mrs. Claus! Experience the most popular attraction, the Trail of Lights, on a hayride or in a horse-drawn carriage. Millions of dazzling Christmas Lights and spectacular displays will spark your Christmas spirit! 18898 Hwy 6, College Station | santas-wonderland.com | 979.690.7212
HISTORIC DOWNTOWN BRYAN Historic Downtown Bryan features unique retail shops, restaurants, and other businesses that are committed to the revitalization efforts of the Downtown Bryan Association. Visitors will find the Downtown Bryan area the perfect place to spend a leisurely afternoon, take in a live concert or play, or do some shopping or dining at one of the area’s distinctive retail and dining establishments. 110 S Main St, Bryan | destinationbryan.com | 979.721.9506
AGGIELAND WILD ANIMAL SAFARI Take a walk on the wild side and visit Aggieland Safari. A great adventure awaits behind the front gates of Aggieland Safari for the entire family to experience together. Drive through their 250-acre Safari and stay the day to experience the wildlife up close and personal at their Adventure Zoo. 18075 FM 974, Bryan | animalsafari.com | 979.599.5440
BONFIRE MEMORIAL The Bonfire Memorial celebrates the tradition, history, and spirit of Texas A&M and the dedication of those involved in the tragic collapse of the 1999 Bonfire. Uniting Aggies past, present and future, the Memorial is comprised of three design elements: The Tradition Plaza marks the entrance to the memorial and reflects on the activities that bring Aggies together. Spirit Wall separates the outer world from the intimate experience of the memorial, while the Last Corps Trip Wall recites the poem traditionally read prior to the lighting of Bonfire each year. Texas A&M University, History Walk, Spirit Ring, College Station | bonfire.tamu.edu | 979.845.8161
| Century Square 175 Century Square Dr, College Station century-square.com | 979.559.9380 Downtown Brenham Downtown Caldwell Downtown Calvert Downtown Navasota Fanthorp Inn The Gardens at Texas A&M University |
Kyle Field 161 Wellborn Rd, College Station 12thman.com | 888.992.4443 Lake Bryan Lake Walk Old Baylor Park Sam Houston National Forest Texas A&M University Washington-on-the Brazos State Historic Site |
CONCERTS + LIVE MUSIC
MSC OPAS Founded in 1972, OPAS at Texas A&M University presents professional productions of theatre, music and dance programs that enlighten, entertain and inspire audiences of the Brazos Valley. OPAS programs are funded entirely by revenue generated from ticket sales and contributions. The 2022-2023 season celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of OPAS. Purchase tickets for a single event or the whole season! Rudder Tower, 401 Joe Routt Blvd College Station | opastickets.org | 979.845.1234
BRAZOS VALLEY SYMPONY ORCHESTRA The Brazos Valley Symphony is a non-profit performing arts organization with the mission to maintain a symphony of high artistic standards, and to promote the musical arts for cultural and educational purposes in the Brazos Valley. The Brazos Valley Symphony Orchestra was originally founded as a community orchestra comprised of volunteer musicians from Bryan-College Station and throughout the Brazos Valley, as well as Texas A&M students, faculty, and staff. The orchestra now features concerts with musicians from around the world. The MSC Box Office can accommodate your ticketing needs in any way: in person, by phone, and online. 4030 SH, Texas 6 Frontage Rd, College Station | bvso.org | 979.696.6100
THE THEATER COMPANY OF BCS The Theatre Company of Bryan-College Station is dedicated to changing lives in our community with the magic of live theatre. They provide professional quality productions at an affordable price while creating a welcoming, diverse, and inclusive environment for all. This mission includes providing community enrichment through the production and educational components that accompany TTC productions. Many cast members achieve their own success on the Broadway stage, television, and movies. 3125 Texas Ave Ste 500, Bryan | theatrecompany.com | 979.779.1302
BRAZOS VALLEY TROUPE Brazos Valley TROUPE began its journey to entertain over 25 years ago. There has been an amazing amount of growth in membership, artistic development, youth enrollment, audience patronage, and community service. Productions are frequent and offer a great deal of variety! Youth productions, improv shows, musicals, revues, and concerts are just a few productions TROUPE boasts. Special theater programs and activities are available for children ages 5-18. 3705 E 29th St, Bryan | bvtroupe.org | 979.846.4903
NAVASOTA THEATER ALLIANCE Navasota Theatre Alliance was founded in 1985 by Kim Parks as a grassroots effort to bring the joy of community theatre to Navasota and surrounding towns. Since the early 1990s, the Theatre has thrived as a non-profit organization in its donated historic downtown Navasota building on Washington Avenue. 104 W Washington Avenue, Navasota | navasotatheatre.org | 936.825.3195
| Freudian Slip Texas A&M, College Station linktr.ee/fslipimprov | fslipimprov@gmail.com StageCenter Theatre Unity Theatre The BarnHill Center at Historic Simon Theatre |
Brazos Valley Chorale PO Box 10644, College Station bvchorale.org | 979.476.8199 Friends of Chamber Music Grand Stafford Theater The Palace Theater |
MOVIES & CINEMAS
STAR CINEMA GRILL Star Cinema Grill has a swanky and sophisticated atmosphere with a full-service bar and lounge, and luxury reclining theater seats. Star Cinema Grill’s refined selection of appetizers, entrees, desserts, and cocktails can be ordered and delivered right to your theater seat. 1037 University Dr, College Station | starcinemagrill.net | 979.431.3800
BRYAN PREMIERE LUX CINE 15 IMAX & PIZZA PUB Premiere’s enhanced theater boasts a 100% digital 5-story IMAX, luxurious reclining seats with motorized headrests, and 7.1 stereo surround sound. The theater also offers a fun-packed Game Zone, food and drink delivery right to your seat, and totally cool fireside Backstage Bistro with gourmet sliders, pizza, and more. Full Starbucks and beer/wine selections available right at the concession!
950 N Earl Rudder Fwy, Bryan | pccmovies.com | 979.774.4200
| Cinemark Movies 18 and XD 1401 Earl Rudder Fwy, College Station cinemark.com | 979.764.9692 Queen Theatre |
Westwood Cinema 6 2100 US-290, Brenham westwoodcinema6.com | 979.836.7656 |
BREWERIES, DISTILLERIES, MEADERIES, WINERIES
MESSINA HOF WINERY & RESORT An award-winning Texas vineyard established in 1977 by the Bonarrigo family. The estate is also home to The Villa Bed & Breakfast, the Vintage House Restaurant, and the Winemaster’s Room wine bar. Special events are held on a regular basis, including wine tasting parties, grape stomping events, culinary classes with certified chefs, and more. 4545 Old Reliance Rd, Bryan | messinahof.com | 979.778.9463 (Voted Best Wine by the Glass in The Best of the Brazos Valley 2022)
WILDFLYER MEAD CO. An amazing country oasis created to escape the bustle of city life. Relax on the porch or in the beautifully designed tasting room with unique, delicious drinks handcrafted on the oldest, continuously operating apiary and honey farm near Navasota, Texas. 16481 County Rd 319, Navasota | wildflyermead.com | 936.213.0450
KINDERHILL BREW LAB This hidden gem was created by beer-lovers and owners/brewers Laura Hill and Jason Kinderman – who combined have over 10 years of professional brewing experience (both of their resumés are incredibly impressive). They’ve perfected the blending of “art and science” when it comes to concocting traditional and unique small batch beers. 800 S Bryan Ave, Bryan | kinderhillbrewlab.com | 979.217.2440
PATOUT’S WINE SHOPPE In the heart of downtown Navasota, Patout’s Wine Shoppe maintains a large selection of wine, beer, gifts, and select food items. Wine is sold by the bottle or served by the glass, and along with beer, can be enjoyed at the Shoppe or to-go. We look forward to seeing you at the Shoppe! 213 E Washington Ave, Navasota | napasota.com | 936.666.1040
THRESHOLD VINEYARDS Threshold Vineyards is a family-owned vineyard and winery located in Grimes County near Navasota, just a few miles off of the Brazos River. They planted their first grape vines in 2011, bearing a white variety called Blanc Du Bois. They now also offer Sangiovese and Viognier as well. 14615 County Road 318, Navasota | thresholdvineyards.com | 936.225.3355
| Back Porch Vodka brazosvalleyvodkacompany.com | 979.676.4417 Blackwater Draw Brewing Co. Brazos Valley Brewing Co. Chapelton Vineyards Downtown Uncorked En Gedi Vineyards & Winery Lonestar Meadery Old Main Brewing Company Perrine Winery |
Pleasant Hill Winery 1441 Salem Rd, Brenham pleasanthillwinery.com | 979.830.8463 Primrose Path Wine Rio Brazos Distillery Saddlehorn Winery Texas Star Winery Vino Boheme West Sandy Creek Winery Wildflyer Mead Co. Windy Winery |
JUST FOR FUN
BIGSHOTS GOLF AGGIELAND Complete with 60 tee boxes with virtual golf games for your whole crew – not to mention delicious, scratch kitchen menu items you won’t find anywhere else, BigShots has it all. Play on their premier driving range, experience their challenging virtual golf games, or putt a round of mini golf then wind down with drinks or sample the delicious fare that’s made BigShots a local entertainment and food destination! 400 W Villa Maria Rd, Bryan | bigshotsgolf.com | 979.321.65387 (Voted Best Birthday Parties, Best Family Entertainment (tie), and Best New Business in The Best of the Brazos Valley 2022)
GRAND STATION ENTERTAINMENT 3,000-square-foot, family-entertainment facility with attractions including 40 lanes for bowling, two-story Lasertron laser tag arena, virtual reality simulator, mini-golf, axe throwing, video arcade, Old Rock Grill, Grand Saloon bar, sports bar, and party room. Grand Station Entertainment, your “one stop fun spot”! 2400 Earl Rudder Fwy, College Station | grandstationent.com | 979.696.1100
PURPLE TURTLE ART STUDIO Whether you’re celebrating a birthday or team-building with your colleagues, Purple Turtle Art Studio offers a fun and inspiring environment for finding and expressing your creativity. Their fun, step-by-step art classes are perfect for artists of all skill levels and ages. Purple Turtle Art Studio, founded by LeAnn Hale, offers adult art classes, children’s classes, summer camps for grades K-12, and a lovely downtown event space for any gathering. 807 South Bryan Ave, Bryan | purpleturtleartstudio.com | 979.777.6535
TEXAS RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL The nation’s largest, most acclaimed Renaissance-themed park! Guests pass through the Festival’s gates and enter the magic of New Market Village for nine uniquely themed weekends starting in the fall. You may spend the day enjoying the shows and sights, or camp overnight in a designated area to witness it all. Texas Renfest also offers fanciful “After Dark” celebrations for those 21 and up!
21778 Farm to Market 1774, Todd Mission | texrenfest.com | 800.458.3435
| Antique Rose Emporium 10,000 FM 50, Brenham antiqueroseemporium.com | 979.836.5548 BCS Axe House BigShots Golf Aggieland Board & Brush Creative Studio Brazos Watercolor Retreats The Break Room Chappell Hill Lavender Farm Clockwork Gaming & Events The Cut Axe Throwing Escape Room BCS Horseshoe Junction |
Jumping World 3143 Wildflower Dr, Ste 1000, Bryan jwentertainment.com | 979.731.1011 Nerdvana Vintage Arcade & Toys Padlock Escape Games Pinspiration Silver Wings Ballroom The Skydiving Company Smarty Sprouts Kids’ Club Spirit Ice Arena Stone Co. Climbing U Paint It Urban Air Trampoline & Adventure Park |
MUSEUMS + LIBRARIES
GEORGE H.W. BUSH PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY AND MUSEUM The George H.W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum at Texas A&M University creates an experience that’s both educational and entertaining for the whole family. This state-of-the-art facility is dedicated to the preservation, research, and exhibition of official records, personal papers, and memorabilia of President George H.W. Bush. The museum has over 100 interactive elements, allowing visitors to learn hands-on about history, government, the presidency, and public service. 1000 George Bush Dr W, College Station | bush41.org | 979.691.4000 (Voted Best Museum and Best Tourist Attraction in The Best of the Brazos Valley 2022)
MUSEUM OF THE AMERICAN G.I. The museum is a repository of restored, working military vehicles used by the U.S. including transport and tracked armored vehicles, artillery pieces, and other hardware components used in the 20th century. Fully functional weapons including individual and crew served weapons, and mortars and artillery pieces are available for public demonstrations. The museum also houses a collection of uniforms and memorabilia of U.S. servicemen and women. 19124 Hwy 6, College Station | americangimuseum.org | 979.690.0501 (Voted Best Family Entertainment (tie) in The Best of the Brazos Valley 2022)
BRAZOS VALLEY AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSEUM This museum chronicles the triumphs and tragedies of African American life from ancient civilizations to the present, focusing on local histories of churches, families, and schools. Exhibits, artifacts, and historical records are available for viewing. Visitors can research genealogical records and attend a variety of lectures, workshops, and special events. 3232 Briarcrest Dr, Bryan | bvaam.org | 979.775.3961
BRAZOS VALLEY MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY The Museum of Natural History features several collections with thousands of natural history artifacts and specimens, research collections, and exhibits. The museum offers educational programming, field trips, discovery kits, lectures, and workshops. Special event rentals are available. 3232 Briarcrest Dr, Bryan | brazosvalleymuseum.org | 979.776.2195
THE CHILDREN’S MUSEUM Come explore the Children’s Museum of the Brazos Valley’s new location at Lakewalk – Bryan/College Station’s emerging hub of technology and innovation. The museum is a hands-on interactive and educational environment where families can learn through play and other activities. 4114 Lake Atlas Dr Suite 110, Bryan | cmbv.org | 979.779.5437
| Bedias Museum & Library 3348 Main St, Bedias bediaslibrary.wordpress.com | 936.395.2658 Boonville Heritage Park & Cemetery Brazos Valley Masonic Library & Museum Brenham Heritage Museum Carnegie History Center of the Brazos Valley Chappell Hill Museum Clara B. Mounce Public Library Cushing Memorial Library & Archives Elmer P & Jewel Ward Memorial Library The Giddings Wilkin House Museum Harrie P. Woodson Memorial Library Hearne Railroad Museum Depot |
Jewett Library 103 Robinson Ave, Jewett navasotatx.gov/public-library | 903.626.5872 Larry J. Ringer Public Library Madison County Library Nancy Carol Roberts Memorial Library Navasota Public Library Robertson County Carnegie Library Sam Houston Sanders Corps of Cadets Center Smith Welch Memorial Library Somerville Area Museum Star of the Republic Museum Texas Baptist Historical Museum Texas Cotton Gin Museum |