ROCKWALL, TX (March 16, 2026) Celebrate Rockwall’s 172nd birthday as the city commemorates Founders Day on Saturday, May 16. The free festival takes place both in downtown Rockwall and at Harry Myers Park, with a robust lineup of family programming that begins at 8 a.m. downtown and culminates that evening in the park with high-energy performances by acclaimed musical acts.
Festivities at Founders Day, presented by Hiley Chevrolet of Rockwall, begin with the Rockwall Farmers Market, which takes place on the downtown square from 8 a.m. to noon. The farmers market has become a popular destination for locals to purchase fresh produce and specialty foods such as grass-fed meats, fresh-baked artisan pastries, seafood, honey, jams, pasta and tamales – plus, there’s live music!
From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., join Rockwall Art League for a Founders Day pop-up exhibit and sale downtown in San Jacinto Plaza. The pop-up will feature fresh new works from 15 local artists in a variety of media, plus plein air demonstrations and hands-on art activities for all ages.
From noon to 4 p.m., a wine walk will take place Downtown Rockwall, sponsored by Downtown Rockwall Association. Guests will purchase $25 wine glasses at San Jacinto Plaza, then go from shop to shop across downtown sipping samples from select merchants. Proceeds will benefit the Downtown Rockwall Association.
Founders Day continues at Harry Myers Park starting at 1 p.m. with fun for the whole family. Expect bounce houses, a rock-climbing wall and a food court featuring local food trucks. A vendor market will keep shoppers entertained till 5 p.m. Throughout the event, live animal shows will introduce exciting creatures to festivalgoers. A DJ will spin tunes all day, keeping the festival energy going.
Starting at 5:30 p.m., guests will see why Rockwall is widely recognized as one of the greatest live music cities in Texas. The city has been named the “Free Live Music Capital of North Texas” by the Texas House of Representatives.
Texas Country favorite Billie Jo Jones will kick off the evening’s concerts. Inspired by icons like Shania Twain, the Chicks, Patsy Cline, Ray Price and Loretta Lynn, Jones developed a deep love for classic country music that continues to influence her artistry today. Fans may know her from her song “Right Now Kinda Girl,” which topped the Texas Regional Radio Chart, or from her appearance on the CBS music competition series “The Road.”
Two additional nationally recognized country music performers will follow Jones on the Founders Day stage. They’ll be announced April 1.
“We’re one of the fastest-growing cities in North Texas, but we love to celebrate Rockwall’s origins that stretch back to the 1850s,” Mayor Tim McCallum said. “The array of activities – ranging from the farmers market, art pop-up and family fun to great music – will allow everyone in Rockwall and its surrounding areas to have a great Founders Day experience.”
Parking for Harry Myers Park will all be off-site this year, with the exception of handicap parking. Air-conditioned charter buses will be available to transport festivalgoers between a variety of conveniently located paved parking lots and Harry Myers Park from 12:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Shuttles have storage space for strollers, wagons and larger bags as well as staff to help load and unload.
For more information on Founders Day, including tips on where to park, visit rockwall.com/event_FoundersDay.asp.
EVENT DETAILS
What: Founders Day presented by Hiley Chevrolet of Rockwall
When: 8 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Saturday, May 16
- 8 a.m. to noon: Rockwall Farmers Market, downtown Rockwall
- 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.: Rockwall Art League pop-up sale and exhibit, San Jacinto Square
- Noon to 4 p.m.: Downtown Rockwall Wine Walk; purchase glasses in San Jacinto Square
- 1 to 5 p.m.: Founders Day Festival family activities in Harry Myers Park
- 5:30 to 9:30 p.m.: Founders Day Concerts in Harry Myers Park
Where: Downtown Rockwall, 101 E. Rusk St., Rockwall
Harry Myers Park, 945 E. Washington, Rockwall
Cost: Free
Information: rockwall.com/event_FoundersDay.asp
Press release and photos submitted by City of Rockwall.
Celebrate Rockwall’s Founders Day on May 16 with daylong activities, live music added by Editor on
View all posts by Editor →