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The Founders Day Committee and the City of Dripping Springs have announced that the 2026 Founders Day Parade will transition from motorized floats to a walking parade.
The parade has long served as the kickoff for the Founders Day Festival, and the committee said this evolution brings a renewed emphasis on community spirit, creativity, and connection.
“The walking parade allows our community organizations, schools, and families to engage directly with parade goers in a more personal and meaningful way,” said Founders Day Committee Vice Chair Clint Holtzendorf. “This change reflects our commitment to both safety and celebrating our unique Dripping Springs spirit.”
The Founders Day Festival, which is set for April 24-26, is the city’s largest community celebration. Thousands of residents and visitors gather each year in historic downtown Dripping Springs to honor the 1853 founding of the community by the Moss, Wallace, and Pound families. The three-day jubilee includes free music and entertainment, the Mighty Thomas Carnival, parade, street dances, cook-off competitions, food and beer vendors, and more than 150 arts, crafts, and business booths.
The city said that the decision to shift away from motorized entries was made after careful evaluation and discussion with public safety partners, festival organizers, and community representatives. Representatives said a walking format will open up participation to groups that may not have the resources to build or transport large floats, will increase interaction between parade walkers and the crowd, and will enhance safety for participants and spectators.
The change marks a return to the festival’s roots, highlighting the pioneer spirit and neighbor-to-neighbor connection the Founders Day Festival was built on, according to the committee. It will also be more environmentally friendly.
The Founders Day Committee and the city said they are committed to ensuring the parade maintains the same level of excitement, creativity, and hometown pride that generations of Dripping Springs residents have come to love. More information about the parade theme and participation will be released in the coming months. Updates can be found at www.foundersdayfestival.com or by emailing [email protected].
