Events at Star Hill Ranch, Bee Cave

About Star Hill Ranch

Star Hill Ranch is a unique Texas Hill Country event venue located in Bee Cave just west of Austin. Opened in 2004, it’s owned by brothers Matt and Adam Woolley and was deliberately built to resemble an early-1900s Hill Country town (austin.culturemap.com). The property includes dozens of authentic historic structures — for example, a restored 1899 country chapel and an old 1873 general store/saloon“groom’s quarters” — all carefully relocated and refurbished on site (www.starhillranch.com) (www.starhillranch.com). The centerpiece “Main Street” plaza is lit by overhead string lights, set amid panoramic oak-studded hill-country views (www.starhillranch.com) (www.starhillranch.com), creating what one visitor called “like a 1900 Texas time warp” (gsriley.com). Star Hill now functions as both a premier wedding/event venue and a film/TV production site, blending modern-day entertainment with the area’s historic character (austin.culturemap.com) (communityimpact.com).

Events and Programming

Star Hill Ranch hosts a wide variety of events year-round. It is best known for private functions (hundreds of weddings, corporate retreats, holiday parties, etc.), but it also opens for public and community events. The open-air plaza and halls can be set up for live concerts, fundraising galas, festivals or even festivals with pets and food. For example, in April 2024 the Abigail E. Keller Foundation held its annual “Abbey’s Concert at the Ranch,” featuring the Texas country band The Derailers (laketravis.com). In recent years the ranch has hosted charity events (like the “Abbey’s Star Shines On” gala with Grammy-nominee Jack Ingram), annual get-togethers (an enthusiastic dachshund meetup called Texas Wienerfest (allevents.in)), and even quirky local festivals (the Austin Mac & Cheese Festival is scheduled there in late 2025 (www.concertlands.com)). Smaller live music nights (regional bands or acoustic acts) occur occasionally, though there is no fixed concert series schedule. Ticket prices vary by event: smaller local shows might start around $20–$40, while larger charity concerts or benefit galas could run $50–$100 or more, with VIP tables at a higher rate (one 2024 program offered both individual tickets and a limited number of table packages (laketravis.com)). Recurring events are often tied to the seasons or local causes, but otherwise each concert or festival is a standalone affair announced separately (keep an eye on local listings and the venue’s announcements).

Tickets and Booking

Tickets for public events at Star Hill Ranch are typically sold through the event organizer or authorized vendors. The venue itself does not operate a regular box office for walk-up customers. For major concerts or fundraisers, tickets usually go on sale weeks or even months in advance – check with the hosting organization or official event pages for details. Popular shows can sell out, so the best strategy is to buy early. If an event is sold out, sometimes a limited number of door tickets are offered on the day of the show, but don’t count on it unless expressly advertised. For private events (like weddings or company parties), booking is handled directly with Star Hill’s event staff.

Seating and Layout

• Fitzhugh Chapel/Hall: This is the largest indoor building at Star Hill. It was built in 1914 as a community hall and now functions as a banquet-type space with seating for roughly 300 or more guests (www.starhillranch.com). Inside it has fixed pews or chairs for ceremonies, and a covered porch/verandah for overflow seating if needed.
• Main Street/Plaza: An open-air courtyard runs through the center of the ranch. All the main buildings face this “Main Street,” which is strung with carnival-style lights overhead. This area is highly flexible – it can be set up with banquet tables, a general admission concert pit, or a dance floor (www.starhillranch.com). For outdoor concerts and receptions, the best viewing spots are directly in front of the stage or under the lit pavilion area.
• Arbor & Pavilion: Under a grove of live oaks beside the Main Street sits a park-like Arbor. Many couples use this shaded space for outdoor ceremonies (www.starhillranch.com). It also provides relief from sun or rain if needed. The open-air Pavilion nearby is another covered area that can hold chairs or a small stage.
• Biergarten and Barn: Between the Fitzhugh Hall and a relocated 1850s-era barn is a covered “Biergarten” bar seating area (www.starhillranch.com). This alcove has picnic tables and serves as a fluid indoor/outdoor lounge – a great spot to sip drinks or eat between activities.
• Best Viewing Spots: For concerts or shows, front-and-center positions on the plaza or under the Pavilion will give the clearest sightlines. If tables are offered (as they were at one charity concert) they typically face the stage. The Biergarten and Arbor are more for socializing than ideal sightlines. Rhode – keep in mind that lighting is focused down the main street, so sidelines can be darker at night.

Getting There and Parking

• Address: 15000 Hamilton Pool Road, Bee Cave, TX 78738 (www.cvent.com). (Note: this sometimes appears as “Austin, TX” in GPS systems, but it is a few miles southwest of Bee Cave town center.)
• Driving Directions: The ranch is about a 20–25 minute drive from downtown Austin (www.starhillranch.com). The simplest route is: take Loop 360/Capital of Texas Highway west to Bee Caves Road (TX-2244), then head west to Hamilton Pool Road and turn north. You will see the Star Hill Ranch sign and entrance on the right. Highway 71 west can also connect via Bee Caves Road.
• Parking: There is ample free parking on-site. A large gravel lot and overflow areas serve guests; event staff will often direct cars. Parking is usually included with your event admission. There is no paid public parking structure or valet unless arranged privately for a specific event.
• Rideshare/Taxi Drops: Uber/Lyft or taxi drop-off is allowed on Hamilton Pool Road near the main gate. If you are arriving by rideshare, coordinate with the driver to let you out in front. Keep in mind that roads are somewhat rural, so pick-up times after a late event can be slower than in the city.
• Public Transit: There is no direct bus or rail service to Star Hill. The nearest Cap Metro bus stop is on Bee Caves Road near the Hill Country Galleria (about 1–2 miles east). Using public transit would require a taxi or rideshare from that stop; most visitors drive or carpool.

Inside the Venue

Inside Star Hill Ranch you’ll find a collection of connected historic spaces and amenities. Entry is usually through the stone Lodge or Main Plaza entrance, where staff will check tickets or host the guest list. Enveloped by its vintage storefronts, the venue feels like a small old-town town square. Key buildings include the Fitzhugh Chapel/Hall (the largest event hall with 300+ capacity (www.starhillranch.com)), the smaller “Chapel” (an original 1899 church building) (www.starhillranch.com), a reception hall (a converted early-1920s schoolhouse) (www.starhillranch.com), and the Bridal Suite (a circa-1910 farmhouse). The old Bee Cave Store & Post Office from 1873 now serves as the Groom’s Quarters/Saloon, featuring a restored antique bar for event service (www.starhillranch.com).

Food and drink are well supported. A professional caterer’s kitchen on site (www.starhillranch.com) means meals can be prepared full-scale; for concerts or weddings this often translates into buffet stations or food trucks. The Biergarten provides a covered bar area between the barns, and bartenders typically serve beer, wine and cocktails there and in the halls. (Outside alcohol is generally not allowed – the ranch maintains a liquor license for events.) Bathrooms are located inside the main buildings (accessible from the plaza and banquet hall); portajohns may supplement during large outdoor events. There is no permanent retail shop, but at concerts you might find artists’ merchandise tables set up in the plaza or lobby.

Connectivity is straightforward: cell reception is usually good (most major carriers cover this area). Star Hill Ranch does not advertise public Wi-Fi, so assume you need to use your phone data. Expect friendly, on-site staff during events, often in western attire. Key features not to miss: the vintage vehicle collection housed in one of the barns – a dozen or more classic Model-T-era cars are parked under cover for guests to see (gsriley.com), reflecting the owners’ passion for period props. Keep an eye out for these historic cars and other photo-worthy rustic details throughout the venue.

Nearby Amenities

• Restaurants: The closest dining is at the Hill Country Galleria, just 2–3 miles east on Bee Caves Road. This outdoor shopping center has dozens of restaurants and cafes, from casual burger and pizza shops to sit-down steakhouses and Tex-Mex. Well-known local favorites there include HopDoddy Burger Bar, Jack Allen’s Kitchen, Blue Baker Pizza and The Grove (Italian). Closer in Bee Cave there are also BBQ joints and food trucks off Highway 71. Plan to arrive early if you want to dine nearby before an event.
• Bars & Breweries: For pre- or post-event drinks, you can visit bars in Bee Cave and Dripping Springs. The Galleria has a wine bar and a brewery-style taproom. Cooper’s Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que (a beer garden at Fredericksburg Brewing) is along the route, and Live Oak Brewing is about 15 minutes away in Spicewood for craft beer fans.
• Hotels: If you need overnight lodging, there are several chain hotels within 5 miles. These include the Bee Cave area’s Hampton Inn, Holiday Inn Express, SpringHill Suites and Courtyard/Residence Inn (Marriott brands) near Highway 71, and the Dripping Springs area’s inns. These are 10–15 minutes’ drive from Star Hill. Booking early is advised for weekends, as Austin-area hotels fill up quickly around popular dates.
• Arrival Suggestions: For concerts or large public events, plan to arrive 30–45 minutes before the stated start time. This allows time to park, find a good spot and perhaps explore the venue grounds (the vintage storefronts and oak-shaded Arbor are very photogenic beforehand). Weekday events should factor in rush-hour traffic on Bee Caves Road/Highway 71.
• After the Event: The area outside of the event is quite rural after dark. If you’re relying on ride-shares or cabs, note that response times may be slower late at night. We recommend designating a driver in advance or arranging a pickup early to avoid wait. Public transit does not run late to this area.

What Makes This Venue Special

Star Hill Ranch’s standout feature is its immersive historic theme. All of the site’s buildings were originally constructed in the 19th or early 20th century and painstakingly transported here. In essence, the owners recreated a slice of old Bee Cave/Hill Country life. For instance, one of the main structures is Bee Cave’s own 1873 post office and general store, now serving as an event saloon (www.starhillranch.com). A City staff reporter even notes that the ranch contains “two other historic buildings from Bee Cave’s past, including the first Bee Cave Post Office & Store” (communityimpact.com). The Woolleys have said this lets them preserve local history: “The history of the community – we don’t have that much left... it would be a good opportunity to share the history of our town” (communityimpact.com). In short, the venue doubles as a kind of living museum for Bee Cave heritage.

Beyond the nostalgia, Star Hill Ranch is celebrated for its movie-set quality. The owners are veteran film prop specialists, and Star Hill has been used in real productions. An episode of the Discovery Channel’s series Monster Moves documented the relocation of one of the ranch’s historic buildings (gsriley.com). The on-site fleet of antique cars and trucks (several dozen vehicles) often shows up in Texas film shoots (gsriley.com). This means when you visit Star Hill, you’re on a working set, which gives events a cinematic feel. The rustic decorations are genuine antiques – from the church’s original pews to an old-fashioned saloon bar and even preserved porch steps from the 1800s. Many guests remark that the evening lighting is magical – in fact, Bee Cave is an official “International Dark Sky Community” (austin.culturemap.com), so under the real starry sky the plaza’s string lights appear extra bright and enchanting.

Finally, the ranch’s personality shines through in its community impact. It has become a local landmark and activity hub. For example, it serves charities (like the Abigail Keller Foundation) and local groups who treasure the venue’s storied backdrop. Even in mainstream media, Star Hill is quietly earning a reputation: a Texas auto writers’ blog described a past awards dinner there as “one of the best” events they'd attended, praising how the authentic gas-lamp lighting & setting created an unforgettable evening (gsriley.com) (gsriley.com). In sum, both artists and audiences love Star Hill Ranch because it offers something truly different – an atmospheric, historically rich environment you won’t find elsewhere in the region.

Visitor Tips and Information

• Accessibility: The ranch is mostly wheelchair-friendly. The large banquet hall and newer buildings have ramps and ADA-accessible restrooms. However, the historic chapel and schoolhouse have one or two steps. If you have mobility needs, plan to use the Fitzhugh Hall or reception building, which accommodate wheelchairs. Staff can assist with special needs if requested.
• What to Bring: If your event involves outdoor time, bring sun protection and bug spray (especially in warmer months). Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, since paths are gravel or wood deck. The venue recommends light jackets for cool evenings. Leave large umbrellas and stools at home – some events (especially concerts) may prohibit bulky items. Small bags and cameras are usually fine unless an event states otherwise. As with any venue, carry only essentials to speed entry and security checks.
• Weather Tips: Events generally proceed rain or shine. There are covered areas (verandas and the Biergarten) if weather turns. Still, if heavy rain is forecast, be sure you have rain gear (a compact poncho rather than a big umbrella, to avoid blocking others’ view). If it’s very hot, realize there is limited shade except under the oak Arbor and veranda – hydrate often. Check the event page for any nightmare/emergency policy (most concerts go on unless there’s thunder or flash floods).
• Age Restrictions: Star Hill Ranch itself has no age limit; it depends on the event. Many family-friendly events welcome all ages (for instance, one 2024 benefit explicitly sold children’s tickets alongside adult tickets (laketravis.com)). If alcohol is being served at an event, bars will be 21+. Private kid-focused events (like the Wienerfest) are exceptions. Always review the specific event’s policy. As a rule, if the event description doesn’t say “18+” or “21+,” it is safe for teens and children (though it’s wise to supervise young children in a large outdoor space).
• Dress Code: There’s no uniform dress code. Casual attire is common – jeans, ranch shirts or summer dresses work fine. For weddings or galas, guests usually dress in semi-formal or “Texas formal” wear (e.g. nice dresses and boots or sport coats). Hats and bandanas fit the theme but watch for sun and dust. If attending a concert, dress comfortably and consider a light jacket for later. Remember this is a walking venue (dirt paths and grass), so dress accordingly.
• Facilities: Restrooms are located in the main buildings and clearly marked. The venue does not have a coat check or lockers for general use. As an outdoor ranch, cell phone reception is generally good – don’t expect free Wi-Fi. The drinking water is usually available only via event vendors, so consider that (it’s not like a public park). There is no on-site apparatus like ATMs, so bring cash/credit card as needed.
• Prohibited Items: Common-sense rules apply: no weapons, no illegal substances. Outside alcohol is not allowed at public events (drinks are available for sale on site). Pets (aside from service animals) are not permitted, except that special events like the Dachshund festival are exclusions. Always check the specific event’s fine print; organizers often state rules on their tickets or websites.
• Common Mistakes to Avoid: Don’t underestimate travel time – traffic can build on Hamilton Pool Road if multiple events or rush hour coincide. Also, don’t assume late-night transit: plan for a booked ride if your show ends after 10pm. It’s wise to confirm parking and entry info ahead of time, since some first-time visitors may look for a “front gate” and find the rural path confusing. When on the premises, follow staff directions (they may ask you to use certain entrances or keep off grass until invited to sit). Importantly, respect the historic setting – for example, don’t climb on antique structures for photos. Finally, arrive at least 30 minutes early for most events to get settled, especially if there will be lines or you want a prime spot.
• Insider Tips: If your event is a live gig, grab a spot near the front early – the raw acoustics mean sound is clearest up close. At weddings, try to stroll the grounds during downtime – the owners’ antique vehicle collection and old storefronts make for great photos. If possible, time your visit to catch sunset (the oak-tree Arbor area and the pavilion look spectacular in golden light). And keep an eye on local Arizona’s Austin event fans: sometimes post-show meet-and-greets or fireworks are offered only to early arrivers. Overall, embrace the ranch’s laid-back, storybook atmosphere: it’s unlike a typical concert hall or hotel ballroom, and going with a flexible, adventurous spirit will make your visit more enjoyable.