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

No event found!

FREE LIVE MUSIC

No event found!
Art
Gonzales

COME AND TAKE IN THE HISTORY

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

HISTORICAL MUSEUMS AND COLLECTIONS
Art

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, Come & Take It shirts, or just grab a table and take a seat in the shade. Tent is partially cooled by Port-O-Cools. 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
Restrooms
First Aid Station
Old Jail Museum: Check back closer to the event where we will post tour information.
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 the Visitor’s Center and the Come and Take It Shop. Also home to 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.
Confederate Monument, 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. Visit the Come and Take It Shop to purchase your own Come and Take It flag.
Saint George street will host the cook-off contests, check back closer to the event for contest rules and schedule.

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.