McDade is one of the smallest and most genuine communities in Bastrop County, a rural town with deep roots and a real sense of place. If you are passing through, slow down, because the locals know something you do not.
Scales Cafe is the reason a lot of people make the trip, serving home-style comfort food and chicken fried steak with a loyal following well beyond town limits. McDade Antiques and Marketplace is a fun stop for vintage finds, and just outside town, Rising Sun Vineyard offers wine tasting with live music every weekend.
For a small town, McDade has a strong bench of trusted rural services, from electricians and plumbers to custom home builders and landscapers. You will find them in the directory, organized so neighbors can find help close to home.
Good to know
- Rural community in northern Bastrop County
- Home to the beloved Scales Cafe
- Rising Sun Vineyard offers weekend wine tastings
- Deep Old-Texas heritage and antiques
What is McDade, Texas known for?
McDade, Texas is best known for the McDade Watermelon Festival, a beloved July tradition for more than 75 years, along with the local favorite Scales Cafe, McDade Antiques and Marketplace, and nearby Rising Sun Vineyard. This small community in northern Bastrop County, Texas has deep Old-Texas railroad and farming roots.
The McDade Watermelon Festival
The McDade Watermelon Festival is the town’s biggest draw, held the second Saturday of July each year for more than 75 years. In 2026 the main day is Saturday, 🗓️ July 11. The festival features the Sweating Melons 5K, a melon weigh-in and live watermelon auction, a grand parade through downtown at 10am, a BBQ cook-off, a watermelon-eating contest, a car show, live music, and vendor booths. See more in things to do in Bastrop County, and get dates and details in the free Bastrop Current newsletter.
Where to Eat in McDade
Stop for chicken fried steak and home cooking at Scales Cafe, a McDade institution. Browse more local spots in our Bastrop County restaurants directory.
Things to Do in McDade
Beyond the festival, browse McDade Antiques and Marketplace, catch weekend wine tastings and live music at Rising Sun Vineyard, and visit the Sherwood Forest Faire on spring weekends nearby. See more in shopping in Bastrop County.
A Little McDade History
McDade grew as a railroad town in northern Bastrop County, Texas and became an agricultural center famous for watermelons grown in its sandy soils. It was also once known statewide for McDade Pottery, which closed during World War II.
Living in McDade | Rural Bastrop County
McDade offers quiet, rural Texas living east of Elgin, with country roads, farmland, and a tight-knit community. Residents can find local help in our Bastrop County home and trade services listings.
McDade at a Glance | Practical Info
McDade is a small community in northern Bastrop County, Texas, east of Elgin along Old Highway 20. It had about 720 residents as of the 2020 census.
Nearby Towns in Bastrop County, Texas
Exploring the county? Visit nearby Elgin, Paige, and Bastrop.
Explore McDade by category
Find local favorites by category: Restaurants & Food, Things to Do, Home & Services, Shopping, and Faith & Community. You can also browse the full Bastrop County directory.
McDade, Texas FAQs
What is McDade, Texas known for?
McDade is known for Scales Cafe and its chicken fried steak, McDade Antiques and Marketplace, and nearby Rising Sun Vineyard.
Is McDade worth visiting?
Yes, if you love authentic small-town Texas. Stop for a meal at Scales Cafe, browse the antiques marketplace, and catch live music at Rising Sun Vineyard.
When is the McDade Watermelon Festival?
The McDade Watermelon Festival is held the second Saturday of July each year. In 2026, the main day is Saturday, 🗓️ July 11, with festivities across the weekend.
What happens at the McDade Watermelon Festival?
The day features the Sweating Melons 5K, a melon weigh-in and live watermelon auction, a grand parade through downtown at 10am, a BBQ cook-off, a watermelon-eating contest, a car show, live music, and vendor booths.
What is the population of McDade, Texas?
McDade is a small community in northern Bastrop County, Texas with about 720 residents as of the 2020 census.
What is the history of McDade, Texas?
McDade grew as a railroad town in northern Bastrop County and became an agricultural center famous for watermelons grown in its sandy soils. It was also once known statewide for McDade Pottery, which closed during World War II.
Is Sherwood Forest Faire in McDade?
Yes. The Sherwood Forest Faire, a medieval and Renaissance festival, is held on grounds off Old Highway 20 in the McDade area of Bastrop County, Texas on weekends each spring, with a campground entrance on US-290 near Paige.