Arts & Culture:

Art Alley – A new project is in the works that will transform the alley next to the Plaza Theater in downtown Cleburne into a revolving outdoor art gallery. Plans call for some permanent art work with frequent changing of different art works on display for a limited time. www.downtowncleburneassociation.com  

 Brazos Chamber Orchestra – This non-profit volunteer group of music professionals from throughout the DFW metroplex delight the residents of Cleburne and Johnson County with concerts combining classical works to Broadway favorites. The concerts are free to the public and are held at various locations throughout the area during the year. www.brazoschamberorchestra.org

Cleburne Public Library – The library was founded in 1904 and originally was housed in the Carnegie Library Building on Caddo Street. Today it is on W. Henderson and along with its traditional function of providing books to residents it also provides weekly storytime and summer reading programs for children, author book signings, exhibits and a monthly book club as well as film series throughout the year. It also provides online databases, genealogy and a local history collection. (817) 517-7294,http://www2.youseemore.com/cleburnepl/Default.asp?):

Plaza Theater Company – Now in its new theater-in-the-round, the Cleburne Performing Arts Foundation, also known as the Plaza Theater, brings live professional theater to Cleburne 52 weeks a year. Each weekend the stage comes alive with productions such as “Singin’ in the Rain”, “Don’t Drink the Water” and Disney’s “High School Musical”. The theater brings audiences from throughout the DFW metroplex and beyond each week to enjoy live theater at its best. (817) 202-0600, www.plaza-theatre.com 

Greater Cleburne Carnegie Players – This group of community players have delighted audiences in Cleburne with a wide ranging array of plays for many years.  Plays range from drama to large musical productions that will entertain theater goers of all ages. The group will soon move into its  new theater venue when the Cleburne Conference and Performing  Arts Center opens its doors early next year. (817) 645-9255, www.carnegietheater.com 

Antique Alley & Yard Sale – This semi-annual event is held the 3rd weekend in April & September. Started in 1999, it covers 30 miles on FM4 S from Cleburne to Maypearl and draws over 500 dealers from across the country to participate. There are food vendors, non-profit organizations as well as regular vendors. Approximately 25,000 visitors attend the show from 26 states, Canada and England. www.myantiquealley.com  

Fourth of July – The 4th of July is celebrated with a patriotic parade in the downtown area in the morning followed by a fabulous evening fireworks display that takes place at Lake Pat Cleburne.  

Johnson County Pioneers and Old Settlers Reunion – This annual event is held the 2nd week in August each year a short drive east of Cleburne in Alvarado. Some of the events that place are a parade, queen contest, baby contest, fiddle contest, carnival rides as well as country and gospel musical groups throughout the week long festivities. (972) 366-8204  

Springfest – Normally held at the end of April of 1st weekend in May, this event sponsored by the Cleburne Downtown Association features vendors, food, music located throughout the downtown area, bake cook-offs, sanctioned bar-b-que cook-offs, talent contests, pet parades and the ever popular Ducky Derby held in Buffalo Creek. www.downtowncleburneassociation.com  

 Whistle Stop Christmas – Christmas time is celebrated in a big way in Cleburne, Texas. This annual event, which began in 1996, is located in Hulen Park and magically transforms it into a winter wonderland with over 3 ½ million Christmas lights illuminating beautiful displays throughout the park for residents and visitors alike to enjoy.
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History

 Chisholm Trail Outdoor Museum – Come see where legend and history meet. The Chisholm Trail Outdoor Museum is an evolving project that will eventually be comprised of several buildings depicting life as it was when the Chisholm Trail was the main artery used to move cattle in this area to the rail heads to the north. Visit the oldest log courthouse in Texas built in 1856, visit thestage coach station welcome center and see the replica

Johnson County Courthouse – Built in 1912 and restored to its original grandeur in 2007, the courthouse on the downtown square gives visitors a wonderful trip back in time to see life as it was in the beginning of the 20th century in small town Texas. (817) 202-4000  

 Johnson County Cemeteries – As in all towns’ big and small, cemeteries give a history of the lives and times of the many generations where they are located. To honor those who have gone on before us and to preserve local history, the Johnson County Cemetery Association has produced a map of all the cemeteries in Johnson County and can be picked up at the chamber office for free. (817) 641-1671  

 Layland Museum of History – Housed in one of only 13 Carnegie Library buildings still left in Texas, the Layland Museum has a treasure trove of artifacts that depict life as it was in north central Texas from some of its earliest Native American settlers up through the 1960’s. Come enjoy the beautiful architecture of this historic building as well as interesting history of the west. (817) 556-8840, www.cleburne.net/museum.aspx

Steam Engine 3417 - Cleburne was a major part of the Santa Fe railroad for more than a century. To help honor that exciting time in history when steam engines roared across the country moving goods and people you will find Steam Engine 3417 on permanent display in Hulen Park. The engine went on line in 1919 and was retired in 1954. A new railroad museum will soon open in downtown Cleburne. 901 Hillsboro Street.
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Sports & Recreation

Buffalo Creek – Used as a watering stop by conquistadors, Indians and cowboys, Buffalo Creek is now part of the downtown attractions. You can stroll along its banks of tree lined paths, relax on benches and take in the quiet serenity provided by the flowing waters of the creek. Only a short walk from shops and restaurants in the downtown area, Buffalo Creek is another part of the historical charm of Cleburne.   

Cleburne Golf Links – This brand new city owned 18 hole, full service golf course sits on the shores of scenic Lake Pat Cleburne. The course is designed with players of all skill levels in mind with five sets of tees on each hole. Yardage is available from 2,600 yards for juniors and beginners to 7,100 yards at the championship tees. Have a beverage and light meal on the deck of the new club house while you enjoy panoramic lake views. (817) 641-4501, www.cleburne.net/golfweb/index.html  

Cleburne Golf Ranch – Public 9 Hole Golf Course - Lighted Driving Range - PGA recognized course - Challenging Par 3 - Complete Pro Shop 

(817) 774-1999    www.golf-ranch.com

 Cleburne Youth Sports Complex – This beautiful recently built 90 acre sports complex features 20 soccer fields, 7 baseball/softball fields and 2 football fields along with 2 playgrounds, batting cages, four pavilions, scoreboards as well as lights on several fields. Perfect for regional as well as state tournaments, it is known for its combination of a classic look with modern features. (817) 645-0949

Hamm Creek County Park – This beautiful park is located on the Brazos River and is recognized as one of the top ten places for river skiing in Texas. The park also has a two lane boat ramp, parking for 50 trailers, 30 picnic shelters with plans for 5 family sites, 2 large pavilions and 30 pull-through camp sites. (817) 645-5960  

Johnson County Sherriff’s Posse PRCA Rodeo & Parade – Held the 3rd weekend in June, the event draws competitors from all over Texas and beyond. Over several days there are country western singers, nightly dances, calf roping, bull riding and the crowning of the new JCSP Rodeo Queen. www.sheriffsposse.com  

Lake Pat Cleburne – Located on the southwestern edge of Cleburne, this 1500 acre lake is available for boat access at four boat ramps conveniently located around the lake. Recreational activities include boating, fishing, bird watching, swimming and picnicking on the eastern portion of the lake. There is a master plan being developed which will include a 13.2 mile walking/jogging path completely around the lake, pavilions, beach area, dock and possibly a marina, restaurant, hotel and other recreational amenities.