Whether you’ve called Waxahachie home for generations, or you’ve just discovered its charm, this year is the perfect time to celebrate 175 years of rich history, traditions, and community spirit. As Waxahachie gears up for its milestone birthday, we invite you to be part of the fun, the memories, and the pride that makes our town “A Place in Your Heart, Texas!” One of the Gingerbread City’s most cherished annual events returns June 7-8 to celebrate our architectural charm and legacy: The 55th Annual Gingerbread Trail Tour of Homes. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, architecture lover, or simply looking for a fun-filled day, this event has something for everyone!
This year’s tour features private historic homes, the Ellis County courthouse, unique exhibits at the Ellis County Museum, garden tours of stunning outdoor spaces, and Sims Library. NEW for 2025: Echoes of The Past Paranormal Tour – where attendees can discover the city’s haunted history on an enchanting evening walk and paranormal demonstration. Waxahachie is officially the Crape Myrtle Capital of Texas, and this summer we’re embracing 175 years of patriotic pride with the 27th Annual Crape Myrtle Festival. On July 3, enjoy a concert by Big City Outlaws, followed by the iconic H-E-B Fireworks Show at the Waxahachie Sports Complex.
Then, on July 4, the celebration will continue at 10 a.m. with the hometown parade from Getzendaner Park down Main Street to downtown. This celebration of freedom, family, and community feels like it was lifted straight from a Norman Rockwell painting of a street lined with crape myrtles, American flags waving, with families and neighbors gathered on the lawns of historic homes preserved with love.
Our city doesn’t slow down when Summer heats up. All around town, including Railyard Park, our beautiful outdoor amphitheater, we’re celebrating 175 years with a lineup of events for every age and interest. Mark your calendar for:
• Now-May 26: Scarborough Renaissance Festival
• May 3: Cinco de Mayo Festival
• May 18: King George’s Birthday Bash – A Tribute to George Strait
• June 14: Whiskey Stoll
• June 21: Make Music Day
• July 5: Summer Soul Affair
• Saturday mornings now through September: Saturday Morning Fitness
As summer carries on, so does the story of a town in the making. Around the year 1850, a pioneer named Emory Rogers settled near the Waxahachie Creek, planting the first seeds of what would become a town built on resilience, faith, and community. That legacy still runs deep today—in every friendly wave, every gathering on the square, and every celebration of who we are and where we’ve come from. This August, the City of Waxahachie will host a special birthday celebration to honor our milestone, and you’re invited to be part of the next chapter. Stay tuned for more details!
Here’s to 175 years of charm, celebration, and unforgettable memories—right here in beautiful Waxahachie, A Place in Your Heart, Texas. For a full calendar of events, updates, dining, shopping, and lodging info, visit the Waxahachie Convention & Visitors Bureau at VisitWaxahachie.com.
