Copperas Cove’s Rabbit Fest returns with music, carnival, fireworks

Rabbit Fest filled Copperas Cove City Park in Coryell County with a four-day mix of music, carnival rides, vendors, food and fireworks, and the Copperas Cove Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Bureau said the 46th annual festival remained the city’s largest event and signature community gathering, drawing more than 25,000 people a year. Families who wanted to avoid long lines could buy weekend or day passes online ahead of time, or pay at the gate with cash or card. Carload pricing and walk-in pricing were listed separately, and the carnival wristband prices and operating hours were posted in advance to help people plan.

The midway and carnival returned alongside a broad entertainment schedule meant to keep the park busy from afternoon through night. The festival opened with Members Only, an 80s tribute band, at 7 p.m. Thursday. Friday brought Terry Thomas and All U Need to the stage, giving the weekend a second straight night of live music before the heavier Saturday crowd arrived.

Saturday was the busiest day on the schedule. Curt & Hannah, a Texas country duo, played at 1 p.m., followed by Austin-based Junction at 4 p.m. David Lewis headlined at 7:30 p.m., bringing a resume that includes performances with Mark Chesnutt and Diamond Rio. The night ended with fireworks at 9:15 p.m., the kind of late show that has helped Rabbit Fest feel less like a single event than a full citywide celebration.

The day also included a car show from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. with 40 trophies and specialty awards, adding a second draw for families who wanted to linger in the park between sets. Sunday turned the focus back to the festival’s namesake tradition with rabbit shows and demonstrations at Fester’s Stage, a reminder that the event still carried the identity that started in 1981.

The chamber says Rabbit Fest began as a local tradition in 1981 and has continued every year except 2020, when COVID-19 forced a cancellation. Attendance figures have varied over the years, with the chamber putting the crowd at more than 25,000 annually and some past listings placing turnout at 35,000 or even more than 42,000. The chamber has also described the festival as a prime commercial opportunity for vendors, and however the number is counted, Rabbit Fest kept its place as one of Central Texas’ biggest community draws.