The City of Blanco, Texas is often overlooked when thinking of fun destinations. Covering roughly three square miles and home to just 1,800 residents, it’s easy to understand how it gets lost being nestled between Austin and San Antonio. But on the weekend of April 7, this hidden gem will be the destination for more than 300 women participating in the Wild Woman Weekend.

The Wild Woman Weekend sprung to life in 2013 as an event created for women, by women, as a means to support local philanthropic causes in a fun and experimental way.

“Blanco is a small town in the shadows of Austin, San Antonio, and Fredericksburg and not on the destination radar,” explained Bette Vest, an organizer for the Wild Woman Weekend. “We are not a rich community and our nonprofits need support. While looking for ways to find more support for our nonprofits, the idea of a destination event was born.”

For three days, women from across the country “party with a purpose” and participate in more than 25 events ranging from wine tastings and photography classes to 5k runs and kayak excursions. Since its inception, the event has raised more than $178,000 to benefit local organizations like The Old Blanco County Courthouse Preservation Society, Friends of Blanco State Park, Gem of the Hills Seniors Community Center and the Blanco Library. The money raised by the event also helps to fund Blanco community projects such as disaster recovery efforts or improved emergency services on a rotating grant basis. Reception for the Wild Women Weekend has been warm and many previous attendees have praised the event for its friendly atmosphere.

“[We were] so impressed with this event, organization, fun, and variety presented by such a small community,” wrote one attendee in an anonymous online survey of the event. “This would have been a major accomplishment for a community 10 times the size!” Another woman wrote that the weekend was “an opportunity to have girlfriend time in a new place. Everyone was so kind and welcoming.”

With its mix of educational, physical and social activities, there are many ways to participate in the Wild Woman Weekend and help the community of Blanco — all while “partying for a purpose.”

“It is a chance to get away, spend time with your friends, in a safe, friendly environment,” emphasized Vest, “everyone can find something they enjoy doing and know that they are doing it for good causes.”

Register here for events on your own or with a group. It costs $30 to register, with additional fees for each available event. Online registration is open until April 3. You may also apply to be a vendor at the Chick Vendor Market or apply to be a sponsor of the event. For more information, contact wildwomanweekend@gmail.com or call (512) 750-6362.