This weekend marks the 14th annual Barbarian Festival in Cross Plains. This is a fun time for the whole family with lots of antique cars, tractor show, kids booths, crafts and more. Why is it called the Barbarian Festival? Simple, the creator of Conan the Barbarian was from Cross Plains and this is a time to celebrate author Robert E. Howard.

There have been many movies and television versions of Conan the Barbarian but you can't beat the original. Being able to see the home of the author, the typewriter the book was written on and just getting a feel of the man who created such a timeless character is quite an exciting learning experience for anyone of any age.

The Barbarian Festival is held in conjunction with Howard Days that both celebrate the famous author. The Robert E. Howard Museum will be open with tours of the Howard home and then of course there is the Barbarian Festival with lots more family activities going on at the park.

Whether you go for the day or spend the weekend in Cross Plains there will be plenty to do.

Information

Event:

Barbarian Festival

Where:

Treadway Park, Cross Plains on Hwy 36

When:

  • Saturday June 14th
  • 9 am - 4 pm

Other:

  • food
  • live music
  • kids booths
  • face painting
  • bounce house
  • car show
  • antique tractor show
  • arts & crafts booths
  • antiques & collectibles and more

More:

  • For more information see the Barbarian Festival website or Facebook page
  • There will also be a parade to kick off the festivities on Thursday, June 12th at 6 pm.

This is not only a historic event and learning experience but also a chance to have fun with the whole family.  There's lots of history in small towns around the Big Country that you would never know about if it wasn't for events like the Barbarian Festival to bring it to our attention.

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