Events

Naturescapes Photography Contest is celebrating its 21st year! The unique beauty of the natural areas within San Marcos inspired the first Naturescapes Photography Contest. The contest includes photographs taken in greenspaces and natural areas throughout Hays, Blanco, Comal, Guadalupe, Caldwell, and Travis Counties. Contest sponsors are the Hill Country Photography Club and the Hays County Master Naturalist program. Goals of the contest and exhibit include increasing public awareness of the importance of protecting our natural world and giving photographers at all levels of experience a chance to capture, share, and receive recognition for beautiful and inspiring images. Suggested subjects include natural scenery, wildlife, plants, and people and pets in the natural environment. Accepting entries through June 23, 2025. Prizes $150 for Best in Show $100 for Best Natural Waterscape, sponsored by the Hays County Master Naturalists. The photo must feature a natural water feature such as a creek, river, pond or lake. $75 for Best Youth $75 each for 4 Awards of Excellence $25 each for 4 Awards of Merit $100 for the Best San Marcos Natural Area, sponsored by the San Marcos Greenbelt Alliance. The photo must be taken within one of San Marcos’ six natural areas: Purgatory Creek Natural Area, Spring Lake Natural Area, Ringtail Ridge Natural Area, Schulle Canyon Natural Area, Blanco Shoals Natural Area, and Sessom Creek Park. You can find out more about them, including their locations, at https://smgreenbelt.org/natural-areas/. To be eligible for this prize, a photo must first be selected for the Naturescapes exhibition. $50 each for the Best Adult and the Best Youth Native Wildflower, sponsored by The Hill Country Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas. To be eligible for this prize, a photo must first be selected for the Naturescapes exhibition. The contest is open to resident and visiting photographers of all ages. Naturescapes Exhibition San Marcos Activity Center Walkers’ Gallery from August 30th – October 24st, 2025 Naturescapes Awards Reception San Marcos Activity Center on Saturday, September 27th, 2024 from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Texas Co-op Power Photo Contest: Country Life Contest ends August 10, 2025. Hauling hay, feeding chickens, harvesting crops; there’s a lot that goes into country living. For December, show us what country life looks like to you. Enter Now. You must be a member of a Texas electric cooperative to enter this contest. Original photography only. Images generated by computer/AI or heavily manipulated by editing software will be disqualified.

Texas Co-op Power Photo Contest: Snakes Alive! Contest ends September 10, 2025. Scaly, sneaky and often stunning, snakes are plentiful in Texas. For January, we want to see what you found slithering around. Enter Now. You must be a member of a Texas electric cooperative to enter this contest. Original photography only. Images generated by computer/AI or heavily manipulated by editing software will be disqualified.

Texas Co-op Power Photo Contest: From the Oil Fields Contest ends October 10, 2025 Dangerous, dirty work keeps many Texans busy. For February, show us what life is like in the oil patch. Enter Now. You must be a member of a Texas electric cooperative to enter this contest. Original photography only. Images generated by computer/AI or heavily manipulated by editing software will be disqualified.

Texas Co-op Power Photo Contest: Still Life Contest ends November 10, 2025 With the right light and attention, ordinary objects become captivating. For this contest, show us your best arrangements of common objects. Enter Now. You must be a member of a Texas electric cooperative to enter this contest. Original photography only. Images generated by computer/AI or heavily manipulated by editing software will be disqualified.

Texas Co-op Power Photo Contest: Gates Contest ends December 10, 2025 They keep livestock in and trouble out, but gates also welcome friends and family with their charm. For this contest, showcase the entry to your little slice of heaven. Enter Now. You must be a member of a Texas electric cooperative to enter this contest. Original photography only. Images generated by computer/AI or heavily manipulated by editing software will be disqualified.

Texas Co-op Power Photo Contest: Caught Napping Contest ends January 10, 2026 From grandpas who are “just resting their eyes” to young’uns who play until they drop, there’s nothing like a good nap. For this contest, we’ll see who you caught snoozing. Enter Now. You must be a member of a Texas electric cooperative to enter this contest. Original photography only. Images generated by computer/AI or heavily manipulated by editing software will be disqualified.