Welcome to the Come and Take It Celebration, the annual festival that brings the town of Gonzales, Texas to life with a wide range of exciting activities and events. This beloved festival commemorates the town’s rich history as the birthplace of Texas independence, with a host of cultural and entertainment offerings. From live music and theater performances to food and craft vendors, there’s something for everyone at the Come and Take It Celebration. Don’t miss out on the carnival rides, parade, and reenactments that pay homage to the town’s legendary past. Join us in Gonzales and experience the spirit of Texas like never before!

The Come and Take It Celebration is completely free to attend.

COME AND TAKE IT EVENTS

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FREE LIVE MUSIC

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Gonzales

COME AND TAKE IN THE HISTORY

Visit some of our historical museums and collections while you’re here

HISTORICAL MUSEUMS AND COLLECTIONS
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CELEBRATION EVENT GROUNDS

Main Stage: Your source for live musical acts, announcements, contests, and more.
Ticket Booth: Accepts cash to purchase tickets for the food booth and tokens for adult beverages.
Food Tent: Find a variety of foods and carnival fare from local and commercial vendors. Also home to cold drinks, or just grab a table and take a seat in the shade. Tent is partially cooled by Port-O-Cools. Food trucks nearby also accept tickets. Food tickets must be purchased at Ticket Booth.
Beer Tent: Find a variety of adult beverages, some small musical acts, or take a break at some tables. Tokens must be purchased at Ticket Booth.
Restrooms & VI-PEE trailer
First Aid Station
Old Jail Museum. Open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday and Saturday of Come and Take It.
Arts and Craft vendors: there’s something for everyone at different tents featuring arts, crafts, toys, and more.
Historic courthouse: A useful landmark for those looking to meet up during the celebration.
All Accessible Entrance: Use this intersection for an accessible to all entrance to the celebration grounds. The Come and Take It Celebration, partnering with GISD and Gonzales County Emergency Service District will be able to provide shuttle & handicapped parking with a shuttle service to the festival grounds. Shuttle & Handicap parking will be located in the Gonzales Primary Academy parking lot (222 Saint Joseph Street).
Petting Zoo: Presented by Camels and Critters.
Come visit Tour Gonzales and the Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture. Look for the cannon outside!
Chicken Flying Contest: Sign up on Saturday, after the parade, to see if your chicken can fly the farthest. Bring your own, or rent a chicken. Presented by the Gonzales Rotary Club.
Carnival Grounds: Find rides for the young and young at heart.
Brand Monument: A reflection of some of the earliest days of Gonzales as cattle trading area, this monument is branded with many registered Gonzales County livestock brands.
Monument in the center of Independence Square, erected in 1910 by the United Daughters of The Confederacy, Chapter 545.
Texas Heroes Monument, sculpted in 1910.
Texas Heroes Square is home to the largest Come & Take It Flag in the world.
Saint George street will host the cook-off contests on Sunday
New for 2024! Mobile Axe Throwing, Mini Golf, and an Alamo Themed Escape Room.
Official Come and Take It merchandise has moved! Find our booth for shirts, flags, and other merch.

LOGISTICS & PARKING

From San Antonio: Take I-10 East for about 80 miles until you reach the exit for Highway 97 in Waelder. Turn left onto Highway 97 and follow it for approximately 12 miles until you reach downtown Gonzales.

From Austin: Take Highway 183 South for about 55 miles until you reach the intersection with Highway 80. Turn right onto Highway 80 and follow it for approximately 14 miles until you reach downtown Gonzales.

From Houston: Take I-10 West for approximately 120 miles until you reach the exit for Highway 97 in Waelder. Turn right onto Highway 97 and follow it for approximately 12 miles until you reach downtown Gonzales.

Shuttle Information: The Come and Take It Celebration, partnering with GISD and Gonzales County Emergency Service District will be able to provide shuttle & handicapped parking with a shuttle service to the festival grounds. Shuttle & Handicap parking will be located in the Gonzales Primary Academy parking lot (222 Saint Joseph Street). 

Parking Information: As for parking during the Come and Take It Celebration, there are several options available. There is free parking available throughout downtown Gonzales, including nearby schools and various public lots. However, during peak times such as the parade or concerts, parking may be limited. Visitors are encouraged to arrive early or carpool to ensure that they find a parking spot close to the festival grounds.

The streets around the downtown squares will be blocked off to traffic. If you need an accessible for all entry and exit, please plan to use the intersection of Saint Louis and Saint Joseph. There will be limited handicapped parking available along Saint Paul street.