Super unorganized and a logistical failure. There were no hand wash or sanitize stations! None of…read morethe staff were helpful in helping us navigate the parking lot or even where to go for the concert venue. They closed down floating early both days with no notice and we didn't get a refund despite buying a float pass. Total BS. The shows were good and there was a large variety of food vendors but that's the only good part.

I am extremely unimpressed with the Customer Service Department. I sent a polite email today asking…read moreabout their refund policy and I received a condescending reply from "Ryan" implying that I should be praying for Joe (the Glass Animals drummer) instead of asking questions about refunds.  Their unsolicited morality check was immensely inspiring and uplifting said no one ever.   Secondly, my sister also emailed today to ask a question about the shuttle service that is posted all over their website/emails/newsletters.  That same "Ryan" responded back to her with the uber-helpful, two-word response, "What shuttle?".  Seriously, Ryan?!  You couldn't be less helpful if you tried.   For the record, his follow up email to her was equally rude and unhelpful. I enjoyed Float Fest so much last year that I upgraded my tickets to VIP this year.  Sadly, "Ryan" and your Customer Service Department has soured me on the entire festival so I will not be attending again.   My unsolicited advice to "Ryan" and your Customer Service Team is "Be kind whenever possible.  It is always possible." (Dalai Lama).

We went to Santa's Ranch the other night and had such a great time. From the moment you walk in,…read morethere's a cute concession and treats stand with hot cocoa, caramel corn, fun gifts, and even T-shirts, which really sets the tone for the experience. You can tell this place is special, it's family-owned and has been running for 20 years, and that care and tradition truly show. Everything felt festive, welcoming, and well done. I'm so glad we found this spot, and it's definitely a place we'll return to and recommend to others.

Santa's Ranch is one of those places that instantly puts you in a good mood the moment you pull in…read more It's warm, festive, and so full of Christmas spirit that even the Grinch would crack a smile. The light displays are beautiful -- creative, colorful, and way bigger than you expect. Every turn has something new and fun, and we found ourselves pointing things out like little kids. The staff was so kind and welcoming, and the whole experience felt organized and relaxed (no chaos, even with the crowds!). My favorite part? Rolling the windows down, letting the cold air in, and just soaking up that magical holiday feeling. It's the perfect cozy night out with family, kids, or your partner -- hot cocoa in hand, Christmas music on, and nothing but twinkly light happiness.

If you've gone to a concert or massive party anytime in the last few years and you're from San…read moreMarcos.......chances are, you've been to one of their events! AfterDark Entertainment is the preeminent promotor for all of Austin and San Marcos, who specialize in bringing major acts to places they've never been before, and putting the biggest smile on the faces of all who come to see them! These guys handle events ranging from weekly parties at some of the most exclusive clubs in Austin to stacking nationally known hip-hop and electronic music acts and having them perform at the brand new Texas Music Theater in San Marcos. These guys know how to throw a party, plain and simple. Local connections give them access to more sound and light hardware than most traveling festivals have. They do not simply pander to the large acts either, they bring in the big local names to help round out their sets. If you're thinking of opening a bar or club, perhaps you wanna throw the biggest, baddest concert your friends have ever seen, contact these guys. Their party prowess is unmatched and you will not be disappointed, GUARANTEED! Just look for the AfterDark logo, it will never lead you astray!

I've emailed these guys with a question four times over about a month and absolutely no response…read more They do seem to present some good sets though

Sights & Sounds, what can one say? It's hard to believe at times this little gem sits a mere two…read moreblocks away from the burgeoning 33,000+ student campus that is Texas State University-San Marcos. Sights & Sounds is truly about a small town, community-based gathering for the holiday season. No, it's not a 100,000 person a night extravaganza where you're confined by shuttles as the only effective means of transportation, and it's also not an overly commercialized event, either. You'll find plenty of lights in the trees and from the overhead light poles--and piped Christmas music emanating from speakers around the grounds--but it's not a thematic Trail of Lights replica by any stretch of the imagination. You really have to appreciate the simple life approach that Sights & Sounds takes to celebrating the Christmas season in order to enjoy it. The community draw is the sound stage, where school after school, group after group, choir after choir, troop across the sound stage in this city-wide Christmas pageant. I don't watch these shows as much as I once did, but I always know someone's child in them. And, honestly, this single aspect is one of the more enduring and endearing features of Sights & Sounds. I think the event's allure increases dramatically on the colder nights, when a particular mix of wintry atmosphere, Christmastide approaching, and "Wouldn't a hot chocolate be really great right now" rules. Balmy 70 degree temperatures just don't give this event the same curb appeal it has when the weather outside is frightful. I personally don't care for the expanded carnival midway atmosphere aspects of the event, but, fortunately, you can ignore that as it is isolated at the back of the fairgrounds. And, honestly, the event has to appeal to everyone. The Bethlehem exhibit seemed more disorganized than usual this year. I mean, when the angels in the manger scene announce "The real baby will be here in an hour", and it's already 6:30 (an hour after opening), it's one of those shake your head and laugh aloud moments. Since Santa arrives by a different conveyance each night of Sights & Sounds, maybe he should bring the baby with him. That is, if Mrs. Claus is okay with it. It was great fun checking out the baby goats and camel. I hadn't seen a camel drink from a soda can before, and that was really quite cool. Just in case you're wondering, they do know how to rotate the can with their tongue to get the opening right side down, and no, they don't want to give it up at the end any more than we do. The camels and goats will nibble at your hand so be sure to have food, because that's what hands are for! Last, but not not least, don't forget to check out the Arts & Crafts tent. It's at the back of the fairgrounds, between Bethlehem and the midway. There's only one solitary white tent, so there are fewer vendors than there once were when there were two plus candy-cane motif tents, but you still might find that unique Christmas gift for that special someone here. San Martian by trade, Austinite by residence, I will attest that Sights & Sounds is both a "Don't miss" and a keeper. UPDATE: Pictures added 12/5/2010.

As you can imagine, Sights and Sounds of Christmas --while festive and fun-- does not provide a…read moremeans of indoor plumbing. As such, i had to use one of the many porta-potties available to attendees. Once inside, i switched the handle to indicate that it was "in use". That is when the horror began. I heard the voices of teen delinquents on either side of my porta-potty, saying things like "Let's tip this ***** over!" and "Bet, You won't!" Before i could even pull my pants up, the Ground was rocking back and forth beneath me. I shouted for help but my cries were in vain. With one final shove, the porta-potty was tipped and i was instantly drenched with the city of san marcos' bodily waste. The Horrifying stench was like nothing i'd ever experienced and the hot, soupy texture will plague my nightmares forever. Beyond that, festival is great! lots of food n rides, i recommend the cliff hanger if youre feeling adventurous :) looking forward to next year

My experience getting Henna with Kimberly was fantastic, from beginning to end! She really makes…read moresure her customers leave happy and I sure did. I could tell she has a passion for Henna bc of her extensive knowledge and also because she's willing to do just about any design, no matter how elaborate. For my session, she was a bit teary-eyed I think due to the floral ingredients in the Henna, but she still took her time to ensure I get the design I want. And mind you, my session took almost 3 hours! She's an amazing person overall. I don't know how I can go to any other artist after going to her. Def recommend her and will absolutely go to her again! (:

Contacted person via email, website was down, and called but they were not taking incoming calls…read more So I took my business elsewhere!

I'm impressed with EVO's manager, Nick, who responded well to a Christmas Day theatre-full of…read moredisappointed patrons during the movie, "David". Halfway through the movie, the colors "glitched" with unpleasant shades of pink and grey. Nick and team attempted to reset the film, but to no avail, so the movie continued in that condition. But Nick was cheerfully ready with a remedy, as he personally greeted each of us at the exit door with an apology, EVO passes, and refund. I'm appreciative of management and EVO who treat their patrons like they would want their own family to be treated. You gained my trust and faith!

Evo is not a bad place to go to for a movie. The prices for tickets are reasonable. The staff is…read morevery helpful. The service was on point. However, the food was not that good. It seemed that the food kinda went down hill. If you are not in the mood for a movie, you have the option to go bowling or play pool. Or at least have a beverage at the bar.

Eye of the Dog Art Center is worth checking out. Today was San Marcos Art Tour and Eye of the Dog…read moreArt Center was part of the tour. The art center is worth checking out. Nice drive to get to the art center.

This is the second time I have been here and both times I felt like it might just be the 8th wonder…read moreof the world. Went to the "Dirt Dauber" festival here which was a celebration of local pottery. Artists were set up everywhere, there were workshops/demos/contests, live music, pets and kiddos running around, hot dogs, and free beer (you were simply encouraged to purchase a vessel in which to pour it in). Everyone was ridiculously talented - and so friendly. The local community (san marcos I guess) is so supportive, but folks came out from all over in support. One highlight was they had the pottery wheels set up to play! SO. MUCH. FUN. (especially after beer) I totally want a wheel now, but it's easy to see it takes quite a bit of practice along with significantly more artistry than I possess. (Oh, and that scene from Ghost? Totally realistic because it's seriously erotic for some reason.) I am fortunate enough to be friends with the niece of the owners of the property (Beverley and Billy Ray rock!), and am unbelievably grateful for the opportunity to get a tour of the whole place. This includes their personal home which is a magical maze full of treasures. I have never seen so much art and sculpture and pottery and trinkets and souvenirs and momentos...the list goes on. It's a feast for the eyes. Everywhere you look there is something to explore. The house is divided up by season as well; for example, there is a "summer room" downstairs that has A/C, or the "Spring room" which has a handmade wooden murphy bed platform ON THE BALCONY that pulls down to sleep on. There is a fishtank for a wall by the tub indoors, or one could use the outdoor shower they crafted. They even have their own giant bar attached to the home. Walking around there is surreal; it makes you want an entirely different life. We also got to see a couple studios in which the owners (and visiting artists) work. So friggin cool. They do all sorts of workshops and also host celebrations/festivals/exhibitions of sorts (like the one I went to, or a salsa competition (the kind you eat ;). I encourage you to find any reason you can to get out there. The whole experience felt hippy dippy trippy to the max; by that I mean it didn't reek of patchouli or pot, but rather of a better place and time gone past where everyone was encouraged to be whoeverthefuck they want to be and express that however they wish (in dress, through art, or the way they live, who they love, and so on) and all were accepted, and appreciated. Good music, drank, and people all mashed up. Love.