In a ghost town at the edge of Gillespie County, the Fredericksburg Oyster Festival brings maritime meals to the Hill Country.
More than just “big, beautiful Texas oysters served raw” will feature at the event: drinks, dancing and “Bankersmith’s World Famous Burger” accompany the oysters — all scored by live local music acts from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday.
The event occurs in Bankersmith, Texas — a saloon and dancehall 10 miles south of downtown Fredericksburg on 7905 Old San Antonio Road.
Bankersmith originated in 1913 as a train station between San Antonio and Fredericksburg, according to the saloon’s website.
The town became virtually abandoned in the 1940s, earning the “ghost town” moniker.
The town is also known for its former name — Bikinis — as it was purchased by the owner of the “breastaurant” chain, “Bikinis.” The ghost town reverted to Bankersmith in 2015.
General admission tickets are $10, excluding taxes and service fees. VIP passes into the event guarantee at least two dozen oysters and more if available, according to the event’s Eventbrite page.
Children under 10 enter free with a paying adult, and no ticket is eligible for refunds.
Ricardo.Delgado@express-news.net
Feb 24, 2023|Updated Feb 24, 2023 11:22 a.m.
By Ricardo Delgado Staff writer at the San Antonio Express
Ricardo Delgado covers the Hill Country for the San Antonio Express-News. He previously worked for The University Star at Texas State University. Email Ricardo at Ricardo.Delgado@express-news.net.