Join the Copperas Cove Chamber of Commerce as it presents the annual Rabbit Fest in Copperas Cove City Park. Each year over 42,000 people attend this festival which offers food and craft vendors, carnival rides, live entertainment, and much more to bring this strong Texas community together. The Rabbit Fest parade will take place promptly at 10:00 am on Saturday morning. Originally a rabbit show and exhibit over 41 years ago, the festival now draws people from all over Texas for a full weekend of activity in Copperas Cove.
“We always have a rabbit show/exhibit, and now over the past 10 years that has subsided to focus on creating a family fun weekend for our community and encourage others to come to Copperas Cove that weekend and experience our community and all that we have to offer. There is a strong focus on arts and crafts vendors and food vendors as we try to bring in the most unique vendors with live entertainment all weekend,” said Outgoing Director of the Copperas Cove Chamber of Commerce, Alicia Menard.
Rabbit Fest 2021 begins on Thursday, May 13 and, in addition to family-friendly activities, there will be a firework show on Friday, May 14 and Saturday, May 15. The fireworks will begin at 9:00 pm on both nights.
Over 115 vendors will support the festival with everything from jewelry to home décor to an impressive menu of culinary adventures throughout the fairgrounds.
“We have everything from barbecue to Cajun to a soda pop vendor, and the traditional carnival food that would be expected. There is a large array of food that is sure to satisfy any appetite,” said Menard.
The weekend is a celebration of the Copperas Cove community. Every year, with the exception of 2020, the a crowd gathers with Festers stage as the focal point. The opening ceremony is on Thursday at 5:30 to kick off “Appreciation Night” to honor all military, civil service, teachers and students, with a free entry with valid ID. The festival grounds are open 4pm-10pm.
On Friday, gates open at 4:00 pm until 11:00 pm and there is live entertainment all night with Michael Carubelli headlining.
On Saturday the festival is open from 10:00 am until 12Midnight with live entertainment all day and headliner Curtis Grimes. For the finale on Sunday, May 16, the festival opens at 10:00 am with live music until close at 5:00 pm.
“It’s a Copperas Cove tradition, it’s truly that and to see the entire community come together and support the annual event is exceptional. The variety and expanse of vendors bring so much fun for the whole family,” said Menard.
The admission fee is $5 per carload for a Weekend Pass in an effort to keep this an accessible event for everyone.
The event attracts not only the local community, but visitors from all over. In an effort to encourage visitors to the area, the city partners with hotels to provide promotional rates over the weekend. The special lodging rates are available throughout Copperas Cove. Contact Copperas Cove Chamber of Commerce for more details on that promotion with area hotels.
