Special by Lindsay Hajek, Assistant Director of Main Street and Destination Seguin
(Seguin) — This coming weekend is filled with history, music, and tradition as Seguin honors 190 years of Texas Independence at the 40th Annual Toast to Texas, hosted by the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, and celebrates artistic legacy at the 41st Annual Noche De Gala, hosted by Teatro De Artes De Juan Seguin.
Toast to Texas will take place Saturday, March 7, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Central Park, celebrating 190 years of Texas Independence and the 40th Annual Toast to Texas hosted in Seguin. Guests can enjoy food trucks, family-friendly activities, and educational displays highlighting Texas history. Hands-on demonstrations and interactive exhibits from the Seguin Guadalupe Heritage Museum, Seguin Conservation Society, Magnolia Hotel, Seguin Art League, Sebastopol House Historic Site, Casa Navarro State Historic Site, and the Bullock Texas State History Museum will bring history to life.
At 1:30 p.m., the official Toast to Texas Ceremony will honor the signing of the Texas Declaration of Independence, emceed by Alan Schoolcraft. Highlights include the Posting of Colors by the Seguin High School NJROTC, a proclamation from Mayor Donna Dodgen, a reading of William B. Travis’ letter from the Alamo, a special performance of “Texas, Our Texas” by Dottsy Dwyer, music by Clint Taft, the ceremonial Toast to Texas written by Joe Franz, and Taps performed by Navarro High School student Alex Soto. The ceremony will also feature appearances by the Guadalupe County Sheriff’s Posse and local dignitaries.
Visitors are encouraged to explore the “Paint the Town Texas” window decorating contest, where participating downtown businesses are transforming their storefronts with festive displays that showcase local creativity and community spirit.
The Palace Theatre will host the Toast to Texas Cinema Museum & Theatre Tour from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. This free event offers attendees the opportunity to tour the historic theatre, reminisce about classic films, and explore the Seguin Cine Museum. The museum features an impressive collection of vintage motion picture films, cameras, and memorabilia spanning the history of cinema, including rare and historic film formats. Concessions will be available for purchase.
In addition, Texas Public Radio will host a members-only Merienda during the Toast to Texas event. This special honor brings visitors from the San Antonio region to Seguin for the festivities, with activities and entertainment at local businesses and historic attractions, including Pecantown Books & Brews, Gift & Gourmet, 1908, Sebastopol House, and Heritage Village, among others. Seguin is proud to be selected as a TPR Merienda site and looks forward to welcoming visitors and showcasing the charm of downtown.
On Saturday evening at 7:00 p.m., Teatro De Artes De Juan Seguin will host the 41st Annual Noche De Gala: El Regreso a la Tradición at the historic Stephen & Mary Birch Texas Theatre. This meaningful event revives Seguin’s original gala tradition, featuring formal attire, world- class mariachi music, and folklórico dance.
The early galas were led by Mariachi pioneer Pedro R. Moreno Sr., his son Pedro Moreno Jr., and internationally renowned granddaughter Michelle Quintero. This year’s event honors that legacy. Gino Rivera, grandson of Pedro R. Moreno Sr. and Musical Director of Mariachi Azteca de América, will lead the evening. Performances will also feature Mariachi Juan Seguin and Los Legados del Ballet Folklórico De La Rosa.
All seating is reserved, with a ticket donation of $25 per seat. Proceeds directly support Teatro De Artes De Juan Seguin’s educational and cultural programming, making attendance both a celebration and an investment in the community.
This upcoming weekend, downtown Seguin celebrates Texas pride and artistic tradition, honoring the signing of the Texas Declaration of Independence and showcasing generations of music and dance that bring the city’s past and present to life.