Leonard Picnic returns for 146th year with music, food, and small-town magic — July 9–12, 2025

Leonard, Texas -- Country roads are calling, and they lead straight to Leonard, Texas, where the town is preparing to host the 146th Annual Leonard Picnic—a celebration steeped in community, tradition, and good old-fashioned fun. First held in 1880 as part of a land sale and community meal, the Leonard Picnic has become one of the longest-running festivals in Texas history.

Set against the charming backdrop of the downtown square and Old City Park, (Hwy 69, Locust St.) this year’s theme, "Take Me Home, Country Roads," couldn't be more fitting.

The festival kicks off Wednesday, July 9, with a laid-back evening featuring Gospel Night, food trucks, and vendors, all open from 6 to 9 p.m.

On Thursday, July 10, the celebration kicks into high gear. The carnival, food trucks, and vendors will run from 6 to 10 p.m., offering classic festival treats and entertainment for all ages. Families can enjoy a meet-and-greet with Bluey from 7 to 8 p.m., followed by live music from the Buzz Andrews Band from 7 to 10 p.m.

Friday, July 11, brings a full day of fun as the 14th Annual Leonard Sports Association (LSA) Golf Tournament tees off at 8:00 a.m. at Webb Hill Country Club, located at 438 FM 2358, Wolfe City, TX 75496. Registration is still open through July 10 and can be completed online at Leonard Sports Association.

Please note: the website may still show last year’s date (July 19), but the correct tournament date is Friday, July 11, 2025.That evening, from 6 to 10 p.m., the fun continues with carnival rides, food trucks, and vendors. A Lainey Wilson tribute takes the stage at 6:15 p.m., followed by the LSA Cornhole Tournament at City Park beginning at 7 p.m Leonard Sports Association - Registration -https://www.leonardsportsassociation.com/registration

Entry is $50 per player, with payouts for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place. Brackets will be created the day of and tracked through Scoreholio. Also at 7 p.m., the Ice Cream Contest gets underway. Live performances continue with Ashmore from 7 to 8 p.m., followed by a Turnpike Troubadours tribute band from 8:30 to 10 p.m.

Then comes Saturday, July 12, packed from morning till night. The day begins with the LSA 3v3 Basketball Tournament at 9 a.m., the always-anticipated parade and Stroll on the Square at 10 a.m., and the LSA Horseshoe Tournament at 11 a.m. From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., car lovers can enjoy the Car & Truck Show, while the Firemen’s BBQ runs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. At 12:30 p.m., the Leonard Preservation League hosts its delicious and competitive Cake & Pie Auction.

The evening brings more live music and festival energy. Tristan Roberson performs from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., and the carnival, food trucks, and vendors are back from 6 to 11 p.m. David Lewis takes the stage from 7 to 8:30 p.m., followed by headliner Josh Ward from 9 to 10:30 p.m. The night—and the picnic—wraps with a dazzling fireworks show at 10:30 p.m.

The Leonard Picnic traces its roots to July 22, 1880, when settlers gathered for a community meal during a town lot sale—likely fueled by whatever could be hunted, gathered, or shared. One year later, with only 50 residents, the town celebrated its first birthday—and a tradition was born. The picnic has been held every summer since—except in 1918 and 1945, when World Wars I and II cast their shadow across the globe.

Leonard’s growth followed steadily. By 1885, the town’s population had grown to 350, and on September 14, 1889, with a population of 400, Leonard was officially incorporated as a town. That same year, City Hall was established in a two-story building on the square, and in 1880, the community newspaper, The Leonard Graphic began publication—and continued until it ceased printing operations on December 31, 2024.

Now a multi-day homecoming of sorts, the Leonard Picnic draws current residents, returning families, and visitors alike. It’s a celebration of where the town has been—and where it’s going.

If you’re looking for food, fun, family, and small-town charm wrapped in history, the road home leads to Leonard.