Weekend roundup: Upcoming events include Texas State Button Society show in Temple, Salado Music Crawl and Chili Cook-off | News

The Cultural Activities Center will hold a “Lunch and Learn” program at 11:30 a.m. on Friday.

The theme is “Art is Everywhere: Architecture” and the guest speaker will be architect Kelly Garcia, who will lead a discussion on design in modern architecture and offer insights into the themes behind her work.

The program costs $10 (includes lunch) and will be held in Wendland Hall.

The CAC is located at 3011 N. Third St. in Temple. For information and registration visit cacarts.org/events.

The Bell County Crime Victims Coalition will hold its fourth-annual Flowers on Nolan Creek program at 11:30 a.m. on Friday at the creek located near The Gin at Nolan Creek restaurant, 298 S. East St. in Belton.

During the event, which is part of National Crime Victims Rights Week, participants will honor victims of crime by placing flowers in the creek.

Flowers will be provided by Gibson Counseling and Wellness. There is no cost to participate in the program and it is open to the public.

The Texas State Button Society will hold its annual show this weekend at the Hilton Garden Inn, 1749 Scott Boulevard in Temple. Show hours are from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday.

This year’s theme is “Celebrating 55 Years of Buttons and Friends.” It will include a variety of buttons on display and button vendors.

Students with special needs will get a chance to shine on stage as Belton ISD’s Penguin Project presents performances of “Madagascar — A Musical Adventure Jr.” this weekend.

The show features more than 90 student performers and two casts, the Adventure Cast and the Wild Cast.

“With more than 90 students involved, adding a second cast and an additional performance allowed us to create even more opportunities for students to step into larger roles, build confidence and truly shine on stage,” Bree Strnad, show choreographer, said in a news release.

The story follows Alex the Lion, Marty the Zebra, Melman the Giraffe, and Gloria the Hippo as they escape New York’s Central Park Zoo to explore the wild. After being shipped away and washed ashore in Madagascar, they navigate the madcap world of King Julien and the Foosa, ultimately celebrating friendship and adventure.

Show times for the Adventure Cast are 7 p.m. Friday and 2 p.m. Saturday. Show times for the Wild Cast are 7 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. All performances will be held in the performing arts center at Belton High School, 600 Lake Road in Belton. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students and may be purchased at bit.ly/BISDMadagascar.

Local students will take audiences on a trip down the Yellow Brick Road as Central Texas Christian School’s Wandering Lions Theatre Company brings its production of “The Wizard of Oz” to life April 24-25 at the Cultural Activities Center, 3011 N. Third St. in Temple.

Show times will be offered at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, April 24, and at 12:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 25.

The Temple Area Builders Association will hold its annual “Parade of Homes” event this weekend.

Each year, the event features the latest and greatest from area home builders.

Show hours are from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. All participating homes will be open to the public.

Temple Civic Theatre will present performances of Ken Ludwig’s “Dear Jack, Dear Louise” this weekend.

The play details the World War II-era courtship of Ludwig’s parents, U.S. Army Captain Jack Ludwig (a doctor in Oregon) and aspiring dancer/actress Louise Rabiner (who is in New York City). The two fall in love through letters after their parents connect them. The play explores themes of love and resilience and culminates is a joyful meeting after years of separation.

Show times are 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2:30 p.m. Sunday. The show also will be offered Friday, April 24, Saturday, April 25 and Sunday, April 26. Tickets are $14-$25 and may be purchased at templecivictheatre.com.

The theater is located at 2413 S. 13th St. in Temple.

The Temple Civic Theatre has an exhibit of 12 wedding gowns all with Bell County ties, including two World War II gowns. This display is held in conjunction with the World War II-era play, “Dear Jack, Dear Louise,” running now at the theater.

“We are so pleased to offer this display to our patrons and will have the exhibit open to the public this Thursday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.,” Norman Northen, president of Temple Civic Theater, said in a news release.

A docent will be on hand to give a history of the dresses. The dresses belong to Glennys Bay, Stacey Carrington, Sammie Marshall, Raye Virginia Allen, Wanda Donaldson, Joan Northen, Vonda Crawford, Betty Bass Hiles, Sarah Henderson Dorn, Dorothy Ann Aldrich, Carol Landherr and one bridesmaid gown worn by Peggy Bass Alvin. The dates of the gowns range from 1944 to 1960.

“Come and share this once in a lifetime walk gown memory lane,” Northen said.

An evening market will be held from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday at 201 E. Main St. in Troy. For information contact Laurie Bailey at 254-421-2485.

A farmers market will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday at Barrow Brewing Company, 108 Royal St. in Salado.

The events, which are open to the public, will feature vendors selling locally sourced foods, arts and crafts and more.

The United in Jesus ministry will hold a prayer walk from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday at the Santa Fe Plaza, 301 W. Ave. A in Temple.

Attendees will gather at 9 a.m. and the walk will begin at 9:30 a.m. Participants will pray for the community, schools and the local government.

The program is open to the public.

Draughon-Miller Central Texas Regional Airport will hold a “Lunch at the Airport” event from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday at 7720 Airport Road in Temple.

The event will include information for flight school, aircraft tours, and airplane rides available for purchase. Also, Flexin’ Texas and Scotti’s Italian Ice food trucks will be on site providing food and cool treats.

The program is open to the public.

The annual HERPS Exotic Reptile and Pet Expo will return to the Cadence Bank Center this weekend.

The show, which features thousands of reptiles, amphibians, inverts, small mammals, and pet supplies will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.

Daily admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 5-12. Children age 4 and younger receive free admission. A two-day ticket also is available for $15 for adults and $8 for children.

The Cadence Bank Center is located at 301 W. Loop 121 in Belton. For tickets and information visit www.cadencebankcenter.com.

The Bell County Museum will hold “A Day on the Texas Frontier,” a special education event, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday at 201 N. Main St. in Belton.

Attendees will have an opportunity to learn about life on the Texas frontier. There will be demonstrations of soap making, candle making and more. Participants also will have the opportunity to pan for gold and meet a real pioneer at 11:15 a.m. The event also will include a petting zoo.

Admission is free and the event is open to the public.

The Central Texas Film Society will hold a free screening of the film “Eero Saarinen: The Architect Who Saw the Future” at 2 p.m. on Sunday in the auditorium at the Cultural Activities Center, 3011 N. Third St. in Temple.

The film is a documentary that explores the visionary Finnish-American architect behind iconic landmarks such as the Gateway Arch in St. Louis and the General Motors Technical Center in Michigan.

The screening is free and open to the public.

Bird Creek Brewing in partnership with The Art Dept will hold a plant and art market from noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday along Fourth Street in downtown Temple.

The street will be shut down for the event, which will feature vendors selling plants and artwork. There is no vendor fee. Those who would like to register as a vendor may email [email protected] to reserve a spot.

Jerry Haisler and Friends (Billy Havlik, Bob Haisler and Joe Morris) will perform at 6 p.m. today on the patio at Clem Mikeska’s BBQ, 1217 S. 57th St. in Temple. The band will perform indoors if there is bad weather.

Lucas Turner will perform at 7 p.m. today; Roy Carroll and the Alibis will perform at 7 p.m. on Friday; Bronson Louis will perform at 11 a.m. on Saturday and Everett Wren will perform at 7 p.m. on Saturday; Twilight in Texas will perform at 4 p.m. on Sunday; and Brad Brockman will perform at 6 p.m. on Monday at Barrow Brewing Company, 108 Royal St. in Salado.

Scott D. Taylor will perform at 7 p.m. on Friday at Bar 1859, 21 N. Main St. in Salado.

J.D. Notaro will perform at 1:30 p.m. Saturday and Eley Buck Davis will perform at 5 p.m. on Saturday at Axis Winery, 1420 N. Robertson Road in Salado.

Michael Carubelli will perform at 7 p.m. on Saturday as part of the West Temple Music Series at Bold Republic Brewing Company, 7070 Stone Hollow Drive in Temple.

In celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, the Salado Community Chorus will present a special concert, “I Hear America Singing” at 7 p.m. on Tuesday at the First Baptist Church of Salado, 210 S. Main St. in Salado. The concert will feature classic songs such as “Amazing Grace,” Daddy Sang Bass,” “Climb Ev’ry Mountain” and more. Admission is free and the concert is open to the public.

The Salado Music Crawl and Chili Cook-off, an event benefiting the We Are Music Salado non-profit group, will be held from 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Saturday at 7 N. Main St. in Salado.

The event will feature a chili cook-off and live music throughout the day. Registration for the cook-off will begin at 8 a.m., public tasting opens at 11:30 a.m., chili judging turn in will be at 2 p.m. and an awards ceremony will be held at 3 p.m. There are two competition division: a C.A.S.I.-sanctioned division (points awarded) and an open division for non-sanctioned competitors.

Luke Daniel will provide live music from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. and Curt & Hannah will perform from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Registration for a cook-off team is $28.52, chili tasters may register for $17.85, and registration for the open division is $12.51. Registration is available online at tiny.cc/5×42101.

Proceeds will benefit We Are Music Salado, which works to promote live music initiatives in the local community.

The American Legion Post 133-Temple will hold a car show Saturday at 1300 S. 25th St. in Temple. This event is open to the public and free for spectators.

Gates open at 9 a.m. and the car show will begin at 10 a.m. Judging will be held at 1 p.m. and awards will be announced at 2 p.m.

There is a $25 fee at the gate for car show participants. Non-food or beverage vendors and sponsors also are sought. The fee is $20 for a 10-foot by 10-foot vendor space.

The American Legion Auxiliary Unit 133 will be selling food, drinks, and a bake sale for their fundraiser at the event.

Proceeds from the car show and bake sale will help support veteran programs.

The Benevolent Patriotic Order of Does will hold a golf tournament on Sunday at Sammons Golf Course, 2727 W. Adams Ave. in Temple. Check-in starts at 7:30 a.m. and tee-off will begin at 8:30 a.m.

The cost to participate is $100 per player, which includes breakfast, golf cart, range balls and lunch. Several prizes will be awarded, including first place, closest to the pin, and longest drive for men and women.

Hole sponsors also are sought. Sponsorship costs $50 and includes a sign made with sponsor’s name or logo.

For registration forms and information email Pam Hensley at [email protected]. Proceeds from the event will help fund scholarships for students in need.

Our Lady of Guadalupe Knights of Columbus Council 18056 will hold a barbecue chicken and sausage dinner from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday at 707 S. Sixth St. in Temple.

Plates cost $15 each and include chicken, sausage, potato salad, pinto beans, pickle onion and tea.

Proceeds from the event will help support the group’s community projects and initiatives.

“Together We Heal,” a banquet to raise funds for the Body of Christ Community Clinic, will be held Thursday, April 30, in the McLane Great Hall at the Bawcom Student Union on the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor campus in Belton.

Doors will open at 5:15 p.m. The event will include a silent auction and keynote address by Charles “Skeeta” Jenkins.

Covenant Lutheran Church, 4202 Hickory, Temple, will hold its annual garage sale from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 2.

The event also will include a bake sale and sausage wraps, hot dogs and bottled water also will be available for purchase.

Proceeds from the sale will help the church’s youth attend summer camp.

TAMRA Learning Academy will hold “Dancing Through the Decades,” a variety show fundraiser, at 6 p.m. on Thursday, May 7, at Temple College, 2600 S. First St. in Temple.

Students will showcase their creativity through music and dance routines. The event also will include a dinner prepared by the academy’s workforce program as well as a silent auction.

General admission tickets are $35 and tickets for TAMRA families cost $25. Tickets may be purchased at tinyurl.com/58v3r4ze.

Proceeds from the event will help support the non-profit school, which is dedicated to serving students with autism, dyslexia, ADHD, and other learning differences.

Holy Trinity Catholic High School will hold a golf tournament at 8:30 a.m. on Monday, May 11, at Sammons Golf Course, 2727 W Adams Ave. in Temple.

Participants can register as individual golfers or teams, and local businesses are encouraged to get involved through sponsorship opportunities. Sponsors will receive recognition at the event.

In addition to friendly competition on the course, the event also will feature contests and prizes.

Proceeds from the event will be used for tuition assistance, student programs, and campus initiatives.

Cost to participate as an individual is $150 and $500 for a four-person team. Cost for participants younger than 18 years old is $100.

The Temple Education Foundation will hold its second car show and contest from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, May 16, in the main parking lot of Temple High School.

Vehicles of all types are welcome — from classic cruisers and modern muscle cars to lowriders, imports, trucks and motorcycles. Early vehicle registration is available for $15, with day-of registration set at $25.

The event also is seeking sponsors. Sponsorships range from $250 to $2,000, and each level includes different perks such as social media promotion, signage at the event and complimentary car entries.

Registration can be completed online at onecau.se/tefcarshow2026 or by calling the TEF office at 254-215-6125.

The Belton Chamber of Commerce will hold the “Better Together Benefit,” an event to raise funds for local scholarships, from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday, May 16, at The Commonwealth, 11830 W. Adams Ave. in Temple.

The event will feature live music from Jared Johnson, food and drinks, and casual pickleball play.

Wildflower Country Club, 4902 Wildflower Lane, will hold its two-part 2026 Charity Classic event benefiting the Invited Foundation and Feed My Sheep on Saturday, May 16, and Monday, May 18.

The first portion of the fundraiser is the Charity Classic Gala, which will be held at 6 p.m. May 16. The event will include a multi-course menu, live music, a prize drawing and keepsake portraits. Gala tables are included with event sponsorship. At this time, individual tickets are not available for the gala.

The other half of the event, the Charity Classic Golf Experience, will be held at 11 a.m. May 18. The event will include a pre-round lunch, team photographs, and a Shootout Finale on Hole 18 followed by a post-round reception.

The Temple Children’s Museum will hold its annual pickleball tournament fundraiser May 22 and May 23 at The Commonwealth 11830 W. Adams. Ave in Temple.

This year, a kickoff party will be held 6-9 p.m. on Friday. May 22. The “Party With a Purpose” event will feature dinner, drinks and live music by Beau Heitmiller.

The “Play With Purpose” pickleball tournament will begin at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 23. All skill levels are welcome to participate as teams or as individuals.

Team registration costs $150, individual player registration costs $75, spectator registration is $35, and a VIP spectator registration package is available for $60. Registration is available at tinyurl.com/55w9br2j.

Proceeds from the event will help support the children’s museum.

The annual ASCO Spartacus Dash, which benefits Family Promise of Bell County, will be held at 9 a.m. on Saturday, May 23, at Liberty Park in Belton.

The event features a 3-mile obstacle course designed for all ages and abilities. Obstacles will include a rope climb, cargo net climb, a mud pit, a slip and slide, an ice bath and more. At the completion of the race, each participant will receive a medal and post-race foods. Custom awards will be presented to the top three winners of each age division.

The Temple Civic Theatre Guild will hold a Texas Hold ‘Em tournament 7-10 p.m. July 18.

Admission is $50 for players and $25 for non-players. Admission includes food and beverages.

Proceeds from the event will benefit programs at the Temple Civic Theatre.

The Moffat Community Center Association will hold its annual market day fundraiser from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sept. 26 at 13410 Kuykendall Mountain Road in Temple.

The market will feature more than 30 vendors selling a variety of products, including arts and crafts, home decor, baked goods and more. The MCCA also will have food and drinks available for purchase. Proceeds from the event will help support the upkeep and maintenance of the old schoolhouse, which now serves as a community center. Vendors interested in reserving a space may contact Cathy Boniface at 254-913-8103.

Events and fundraisers may be submitted by emailing [email protected]. All items are due by noon Monday.