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Summer in Texas has its own rhythm.
It’s measured in long weekends, sunset concerts, and moments spent outdoors with friends and family. And just 20 minutes from downtown Austin, Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa offers a place where every holiday weekend becomes something worth planning around.
Set across 4,000 acres of rolling Hill Country, the resort blends wide-open space with curated experiences, creating a summer escape that feels both elevated and easy. Whether you’re planning ahead for a specific weekend or looking to make the most of the season, Summer in the Hills is designed to turn every visit into something memorable.
A Hill Country Escape That Sets the Scene
There’s something about summer in the Hill Country that draws people in. The landscape stretches endlessly, the sunsets linger a little longer, and the days unfold at a pace that feels just right.
At Omni Barton Creek, that setting becomes part of the experience. Mornings begin with coffee overlooking the hills, afternoons are spent poolside or on the fairways, and evenings transition into open-air events under the Texas sky.
It’s the kind of place where you can arrive for a weekend and quickly find yourself wanting to stay longer.
Summer, Your Way
One of the defining qualities of Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa is its versatility. Every visit can look a little different depending on who you’re traveling with and what kind of escape you’re seeking.
Families can move easily between pool days, outdoor recreation, and casual dining, with plenty of space for kids to explore. Couples can slow things down with spa treatments, scenic dinners, and quiet moments overlooking the hills. And for groups of friends, the combination of live music, golf, and social experiences creates a lively but relaxed atmosphere.
No matter your travel style, the resort meets you where you are and then elevates it.
Memorial Day Weekend: Summer Begins Here
Memorial Day Weekend at Omni Barton Creek sets the tone for the season with Barton Creek Live on Friday, May 22, an outdoor concert experience that brings guests together for an unforgettable night under the stars. This year, iconic country group Little Texas takes the stage, delivering a high-energy performance that feels both nostalgic and celebratory.
It’s more than just a concert. It’s the official kickoff to Summer in the Hills.
The weekend continues with Barton Fest on Sunday, May 24, a vibrant outdoor market featuring local artisan vendors, handcrafted goods, live music, and a culinary showcase highlighting the resort’s diverse dining experiences. The atmosphere is lively, relaxed, and distinctly Hill Country.
In between, the rest of the weekend unfolds effortlessly. Days are spent by the pool, cocktails in hand, or exploring the resort’s expansive grounds. As the sun sets, the atmosphere shifts into something more social, where music, conversation, and Hill Country views come together.
For many guests, this weekend becomes the moment they decide this is how summer should feel.
Father’s Day Weekend: Fire, Flavor, and a Culinary Experience Like No Other
Father’s Day Weekend brings one of the most anticipated events of the season: SMOKE: A Celebration of Fire & Flavor, taking place June 20 through June 21.
This two-day experience transforms the resort into a destination for bold flavors, live-fire cooking, and unforgettable culinary moments, bringing together standout talent from across Texas, Oklahoma, and Alabama.
The weekend begins on Friday, June 20, with the Legends of the Flame: VIP Dinner Experience, an elevated six-course dinner where legendary pitmasters and Michelin-starred chefs showcase their craft through expertly prepared dishes and thoughtful pairings. This year’s dinner is hosted by Austin’s own John Bates, Kevin Lee, Chris Lilly, and the resort’s Executive Chef, Hervé Cuyeu. It’s an intimate, refined evening that sets the tone for what’s to come.
On Saturday, June 21, the energy builds with the Masters of the Flavor: Barbecue Showdown, where top pitmasters from each state go head-to-head in a lively, open-air competition. Guests can enjoy unlimited samples, sip on craft cocktails, and see winners crowned by a celebrity judging panel in a high-energy setting.
Live music runs throughout the weekend, featuring standout performances from country icon Clay Walker and rising talent Channing Wilson, adding a dynamic soundtrack to an already immersive experience.
Whether you come for the food, the music, or the atmosphere, SMOKE delivers a weekend that feels distinctly Texan and completely unforgettable.
Fourth of July: A Texas-Sized Celebration
Few holidays capture the spirit of summer quite like the Fourth of July, and at Omni Barton Creek, the celebration is as big as the Texas sky.
The Red, White & Blue BBQ, taking place on July 3, brings together everything you want from a summer holiday: bold flavors, live music, and a festive atmosphere that feels both elevated and welcoming. This year’s celebration is even more special as guests gather to commemorate America’s 250th birthday in true Texas style.
Country star Neal McCoy headlines the evening, delivering a performance that keeps the energy high as guests come together to celebrate. As the night unfolds, the experience builds toward a spectacular fireworks finale, lighting up the Hill Country skyline.
For those looking to elevate the evening even further, the Star-Spangled VIP Experience offers a premium vantage point from the Mokara Spa private pool deck, where guests can enjoy Texas-style barbecue, gourmet treats, and craft cocktails while taking in the best views of the fireworks.
It’s a moment that feels both nostalgic and unforgettable, the kind of summer memory that brings people back year after year.
Labor Day Weekend: A Fitting Finale to the Season
As summer begins to wind down, Labor Day Weekend offers one last opportunity to experience it all.
The Barton Creek Live series returns on Thursday, September 4, with a performance by Cody Canada, closing out the season with the same energy and atmosphere that defined its beginning. It’s a full-circle moment, one final chance to gather, celebrate, and soak in the sounds of summer under the stars.
The weekend continues with Barton Fest on Saturday, September 6, where guests can explore a vibrant outdoor market featuring local artisan vendors, handcrafted goods, and a lively Hill Country atmosphere.
There’s a sense of ease to this weekend. The pace slows slightly, the crowds feel more relaxed, and the experience becomes less about kickoff and more about savoring the final days of the season.
It’s the perfect ending to a summer well spent.
Beyond the Weekends: A Destination Worth Staying For
While the events anchor the season, Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa offers far more than a calendar of experiences.
Golfers can take on four championship courses designed by legends like Tom Fazio, Ben Crenshaw, and Arnold Palmer, each offering its own challenge and sweeping Hill Country views. The award-winning Mokara Spa provides a quiet retreat, where customized treatments and serene surroundings invite guests to fully unwind.
Dining is equally thoughtful, with multiple on-property restaurants offering everything from refined Texas cuisine to casual poolside fare. And for those looking to explore beyond the resort, Austin’s renowned food and music scene is just a short drive away.
This balance between energy and relaxation, activity and ease that defines the experience.
Stay Longer, Experience More
With so much happening throughout the season, one weekend may not feel like enough.
This summer, Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa invites guests to extend their stay with the America Is Calling offer. Enjoy 15% off when you stay two nights or 20% off when you stay three or more nights, giving you more time to experience everything Summer in the Hills has to offer.
Families can take advantage of even more value with kids eating free from April 27 through September 7, making it easier to plan a summer getaway that feels both elevated and accessible.
Because here, summer isn’t just a moment—it’s a season worth experiencing fully.
And once you arrive, you may find yourself already planning your next long weekend before the first one ends.
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Cover Photo Courtesy of Omni Barton Creek
This post is a sponsored collaboration with Omni Barton Creek
