How to Make the Most of Lone Star Showdown Weekend in Aggieland
The age-old rivalry between the University of Texas and Texas A&M University is coming back to Aggieland!
After a 12-year hiatus, fans will rally at Kyle Field for an epic game on Thanksgiving weekend. The excitement will be in full swing during the game, but there's even more fun to be had throughout the weekend. Keep reading for tips on how to make this Lone Star Showdown experience a full weekend in Aggieland that you'll never forget.
Friday, Nov. 29
Grab Coffee at The Kyle House
Polite Coffee Roasters is one of the friendliest local coffee shops around! It's also located in the former home of Dr. Edwin Jackson Kyle, the namesake of Kyle Field. This is the perfect weekend to visit his historic home and enjoy a drink from Polite's fall menu before gameday begins.
Location | 800 S Bryan Ave, Bryan, TX 77803
Hours | 7 AM - 7 PM
Experience a Local Grain-to-Glass Distillery
Just down the street from Polite Coffee, in the heart of Historic Downtown Bryan, you'll find Hush & Whisper Distilling Company. This local grain-to-glass distillery uses grains from local farmers in the Brazos Valley to create craft whiskey, gin, and vodka. The whole process happens here, in the historic Varisco Building, where spirits are milled, fermented, distilled, and bottled. Stop in for Happy Hour from 5-7 PM, or schedule a distillery tour (at the top of every hour from 2-9PM).
Location | 219 N Main St, Bryan, TX 77803
Hours | 2 PM - 11 PM
Learn A&M History at Rudder Theater
Dive into the traditions of Texas A&M during two movie showings at Rudder Theatre. At 2 PM, experience Standing Room Only: The Legend of the 12th Man, a documentary that tells the story of the history, tradition and legend of the 12th Man at Texas A&M University. Later in the evening at 7 PM, watch The Burning Desire, a documentary that chronicles the collapse of the Aggie Bonfire in 1999.
Location | 401 Joe Routt Blvd Suite 205, College Station, TX 77843
Hours | 2 PM and 7 PM
Watch a Film at a Historic Movie Theatre
The Queen Theatre will be showing the new movie Wicked throughout the weekend. This iconic theatre in Historic Downtown Bryan first opened in 1939 as one of the finest movie houses in Texas. It's been restored to its former glory, complete with The Crown Bar on the third floor (located in the former projector room).
Location | 110 S Main St., Bryan, TX 77803
Hours | Showtimes Vary | Friday, 2:30 PM, 6:00 PM, 9:30 PM
Learn About The Brazos Valley's History
Explore the history and culture of the Brazos Valley at The Brazos Valley Museum of Natural History. This unique museum has exhibits that showcase fossils from The Ice Age, pieces of Texas history (including a 1910 Cannonball Safe used in the City National Bank of Bryan), and more. It's worth also visiting Boonville Heritage Park, a short drive away from the museum. This is the last preserved remnant of the town of Boonville, the original county seat of Brazos County.
Museum Location | 3232 Briarcrest Dr, Bryan, TX 77802
Museum Hours | Friday & Saturday, 10 AM - 5 PM
Boonville Location | 2421 Boonville Rd, Bryan, TX 77802
Boonville Hours | Daily, Dawn to Dusk
See Prince at The Palace Theater
Sing along at a Prince tribute concert during "1999: The Legacy of Prince" at The Palace Theater on Friday night! This outdoor amphitheater is a comfortable venue in Historic Downtown Bryan, perfect for a night of fun before the big game on Saturday.
Location | 105 S Main St, Bryan, TX 77803
Hours | Doors at 7 PM, Show at 7:45 PM
Take Part in Aggie Yell Practice
For the last game of the year, there's no better way to rally the spirit than Fightin' Texas Aggie Yell Practice! Midnight Yell has been moved to 5:30 PM for this game, so even the little ones can join in the excitement. View a video of what to expect here. Yell Practice will be held at Kyle Field and will be followed by an incredible 12-minute, Texas-sized fireworks show.
Location | 161 Wellborn Rd, College Station, TX 77840
Time | 5:30 PM
Get in the Spirit with a Lone Star Showdown Concert
Head to Reed Arena for an electric concert that's all about celebrating tradition! The night before gameday, everyone's invited to come together at Reed Arena to see The Randy Rogers Band, Shane Smith and The Saints, and Pat Green during an incredible one-night performance. The Lone Star Showdown Concert is sure to be filled with great music, camaraderie, and the Aggie Spirit.
Location | 730 Olsen Blvd, College Station, TX 77843
Time | 7 PM Doors Open; 8 PM Concert Begins
Join in a Rivalry Tradition: Bonfire
What began in 1907 as a celebration of defeating Tulane University has transformed into a tradition attached to the University of Texas rivalry. Over the process that lasts an entire year, Texas A&M Students strategically and carefully build a massive bonfire. They fill the boots of those who have gone before, rekindling the Bonfire legacy. Admission to attend Bonfire is per vehicle and will increase throughout the evening, being free at 12 PM, $10 at 4 PM, and $20 at 6 PM.
Location | Old Hearn Road, Bryan, TX 77807Time | 8:15 PM Welcome; 8:40 PM Lighting Ceremony
Saturday, Nov. 30
There's plenty to explore before the game kicks off on Saturday. Want to avoid the gameday traffic on campus? Park in Historic Downtown Bryan and take the free Gameday Shuttle to Kyle Field!
Shop Small in Historic Downtown Bryan
It may be gameday, but it's also Small Business Saturday! Bryan, Texas, is home to many locally-owned small businesses. Get a head start on your Christmas shopping and find unique finds at boutiques, antique stores, and thrift shops, all walking distance from the free Gameday Shuttle.
Location | 203 N Main St, Bryan, TX 77803
Hours | Times Vary
Explore The Farmers' Market in Brazos County
Every Saturday morning, rain or shine, local farmers and artisans sell everything from bread to flowers at The Farmers' Market in Brazos County. Stop by the farmers market before the game and find some locally-produced goods to bring home!
Location | 500 N Main St, Bryan, TX 77803
Hours | 8 AM - 12 PM
Vintage resale finds, custom-made cowboy hats, original works of art, hand-blown garden ornaments...You'll find all this and more among the locally owned retail shops in Historic Downtown Bryan.
Eat & Drink Before The Game
Get gameday ready with a great meal at a local restaurant. Whether you're craving pizza, burgers, or tacos, there's plenty to choose from in Historic Downtown Bryan. If you're looking to grab a drink before heading out, get in the spirit with the "Saw 'Em Off" beer special at Blackwater Draw Brewing Co., or the "F 'Em" mead at Lonestar Meadery.
Location | 100 S Main St, Bryan, TX 77803
Hours | Times Vary
Catch The Shuttle
The free Gameday Shuttle makes getting to the game a breeze! The shuttles are air-conditioned and run on a continuous loop 3 hours pre-game, throughout the game, and 1 hour post-game to and from Roy Kelly Parking Garage (200 E. 27th St.) in Historic Downtown Bryan and Texas A&M's Memorial Student Center (right next to Kyle Field). Free parking is available around Downtown, and $5 parking is available at the Roy Kelly Parking Garage. Check the gameday time here.
Location | 100 S Main St, Bryan, TX 77803
Hours | 3 Hours Pre-Game until 1 Hour Post-Game
Taste the 13-0 Burn BBQ Cook Off
Savor great food and embrace the heart of the Aggie Spirit with the 13-0 Burn BBQ Cook Off next to Kyle Field! This new event on the Aggie Spirit Lawn is a nod to a rivalry event that dates back to 1920. A total of 20 teams will serve up mouthwatering BBQ and compete for the win! This event is open to the public to come and experience.
Location | Aggie Spirit Lawn on Throckmorton Street
Time | 10 AM - 6:30 PM
See the A&M Corps of Cadets March
Watch as the Corps of Cadets, including the Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band, Parsons Mounted Cavalry and the university’s first lady and mascot, Reveille X, march-in to Kyle Field. The pre-game march to the field is an anchor Aggie tradition that's sure to get you in the gameday spirit!
Location | Along Houston Street (Near The 12th Man Statue)
Time | 5 PM
Celebrate the Win!
After cheering for your team and seeing the final touchdown, it's time for a "cheers"! If you don't want to navigate the crowds at Northgate, hop on the free Gameday Shuttle and head to Historic Downtown Bryan for great places to grab a drink, including Hush & Whisper Distillery Co., Lonestar Meadery, Blackwater Draw Brewing Co., and more!
Location | 100 S Main St, Bryan, TX 77803
Hours | Times Vary
Sunday, Dec. 1
Find Adventure at Aggieland Safari
Enjoy a drive-through and walk-through safari that's fun for the whole family, with giraffes, ostriches, zebras, and more. If Texas A&M wins the game on Saturday, entry to Aggieland Safari will be free on Sunday!
Location | 18075 FM974, Bryan, TX 77808
Hours | 9 AM - 5 PM
Indulge in a Delicious Brunch
A hearty evening of celebrating deserves to be followed by a hearty brunch! Check out our list of brunch and breakfast spots in Bryan, Texas, to find exactly what you're craving.
Take a Swing at Topgolf
Round out the weekend with some friendly competition at Topgolf Bryan! You don't need to be a golf pro to enjoy a game at Topgolf. With air-conditioned bays and delicious food and drinks, this is a great place to have fun with friends and family before heading back home.
Location | 400 W Villa Maria Rd, Bryan, TX 77801
Hours | 9 AM - 1 AM
Raise a Glass at Messina Hof
Not quite done celebrating? Head to Messina Hof Estate Winery, to raise a glass with some of the best wines in Texas. This is one of the most-awarded wineries in the state, and the Estate location in Bryan is where it all began in 1977. Enjoy a glass of your favorite Messina Hof wine or sample a few during a robust wine tasting. Cellar tours are also available on Sundays (and Saturdays!) at 12 PM and 3 PM.
Location | 4545 Old Reliance Rd, Bryan, TX 77808
Hours | 11 AM - 6 PM
Unwind on Lake Bryan
Soak in the sights at Lake Bryan, home to 20+ miles of hiking and mountain biking trails, easy to rent kayaks and stand-up paddle-boards, and a fun waterfront restaurant. Entrance to the park is $5 per person (but fees are waived if you show a receipt from Cadillac Ranch Bar & Grill upon exit). Children 10 and under receive free admission!
Location | 8200 Sandy Point Rd, Bryan, TX 77807
Hours | 9 AM - 8 PM
Weekend Meal & Drink Specials
"Saw 'Em Off" Gameday Beer
Blackwater Draw Brewery will be serving a special beer during gameday weekend called "Saw 'Em Off"! This Czech Pilsner has mild hops with a crisp flavor, perfect for gearing up before the game. They'll have cans available, too, so you can bring this special gameday beer to your tailgate. BTHO!
Location | Blackwater Draw Brewery | 701 N Main St, Bryan, TX 77803
Longhorn Burgers
This local farm-to-table restaurant is ready for gameday. Ronin will be serving up items made with longhorn meat, like the Bevo Smash Burger. They'll also have maroon out drink specials, making this an ideal place for Texas A&M fans to enjoy a meal! These specials will be throughout the weekend.
Location | Ronin Restaurant | 800 N Main St, Bryan, TX 77803
F 'Em Mead
Gig 'Em, Ags! Lonestar Meadery is releasing a special mead for gameday weekend called "F 'Em" (with a horns down logo on the bottle, of course). This delicious mead will have notes of elderberry and hibiscus. If you've never tried mead before, be sure to stop by during your time in town!
Location | Lonestar Meadery | 216 N Bryan Ave, Bryan, TX 77803
Make a Weekend Out of It!
Find comfortable accommodations at competitive rates right here in Bryan, Texas.
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