What to know: Schoolhouse Rock Live! is playing in Alpine, giving Midland families the perfect little mountain-town getaway just three hours away. The musical runs through Sunday, July 19, at the Kokernot Outdoor Theatre, bringing the classic educational cartoons to life on stage.

The big picture: Schoolhouse Rock Live! brings the beloved 1970s educational cartoons to the stage in this family-friendly musical. A nervous new teacher discovers songs like “Just a Bill,” “Conjunction Junction,” and “Lolly, Lolly, Lolly” are the secret to winning over his students. The theater is outdoors, so bring a light jacket.

Performances run through Sunday, July 19, from 8-10 p.m. at the Kokernot Outdoor Theatre, 1710 Loop Road in Alpine. Tickets are $21 for adults ages 13 and older and $16 for children and seniors 65 and older, while U.S. veterans and active-duty military receive free admission.  Tickets are available through theatrebigbend.org or at the Sul Ross State University box office.

Go deeper: Here are our recommendations for how to make a weekend trip out of the show.

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Where to Stay:

  • Holland Hotel — Historic 1920s gem right downtown. Walkable to everything and full of character, this hotel is a good option for small families who wish to take in local history.
  • Alpine Bed and Breakfast — Quiet, upscale, and known for excellent breakfasts. This location is not for families of more than 2 people per room. If you have children with you on this stay, I recommend one of the other options.
  • Hampton Inn or Holiday Inn — Reliable, modern options if you want something simple and familiar.

Where to Eat:

Breakfast/Lunch:

  • Penny’s Diner — Classic 1950s-style diner open 24/7. Think burgers, chicken-fried steak, milkshakes, and big breakfast plates. Fun, nostalgic atmosphere that kids usually love.
  • Alcove Social — Lively downtown spot (in the old Saddle Club building) serving craft cocktails and elevated grill-style food. Good for lunch or an early dinner.

Dinner:

  • Reata Restaurant — The must-try meal in Alpine. Upscale Southwestern / Texas cowboy cuisine in a warm, charming setting. Signature dishes include excellent steaks (ribeye is a favorite), chicken-fried steak, tortilla soup, and creative sides. This is the place locals and visitors consistently recommend as the best dinner in town. Reservations recommended on weekends.
  • Lucia Alpine — Fresh, authentic Italian downtown. A nicer alternative if you want something different from steakhouse fare. Expect well-executed pastas, pizzas, and classic Italian dishes in a relaxed but polished setting.

Other Things Worth Doing:

  • Museum of the Big Bend — Rated #4 best small town museum in the U.S. Exhibits cover the history and cultures of the Big Bend region, including dinosaurs, Native American artifacts, ranching history, art, and interactive displays. Plan on 1–2 hours inside. The museum opens at 10 a.m. Admission is $10 for adults, and kids under 12 are free.
  • Hancock Hill Hikes — Multiple trails lead up Hancock Hill behind Sul Ross University. The most popular destination is “The Desk”. Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes, bring water, and go early in the day to beat the heat. The trails are roughly 1.5 miles round-trip or 0.1-0.3 miles, are an easy to moderate hike, and take 45–90 minutes depending on your pace.
  • Downtown Alpine — Walkable, charming main street with murals, independent shops, and food and drink spots. Perfect for a relaxed afternoon of browsing.