550 District an Epicenter of Antique Show Activities

Round Top Red Carpet Fashion Show is March 27

For years Round Top has been a destination for hardcore vintage enthusiasts and antique lovers alike, but thanks to visionaries, Cathy and Steven Frietsch, high fashion is quickly becoming the newest draw to one of Texas’s beloved towns. During this spring’s Round Top Antiques & Design Show, The 550 District is inviting fashion tastemakers to showcase their luxury pieces as collectors and designers from all over the world descend to Round Top for this widely celebrated antique show.

The 550 Market within The 550 District will serve as the epicenter for a meaningful convergence of vintage and new western classics with modern design and fashion. Its curator Cathy Frietsch has brought in two fashion exclusives - Balmain and Decades by Cameron Silver to feature their collections along with the market’s mainstays – Rockabilly Baroness, M.Renee Designs, The Vintage Outpost, Thunderbird Hats, Viva Denverado, and Chimayo Jackets. Paris fashion will descend onto Texas as Brett Kane of Balmain shares the fashion house’s men and women’s spring-summer 2024 pre-collection.

The 550 District will be hosting the Round Top Red Carpet Fashion Show on March 27. There will be tiered ticket levels with General Admission, VIP, and the Platinum Experience. The VIP ticket comes with front row seating and access to The Mark for a cocktail pre-party. The Platinum Experience will give guests a chance to meet with the designers and makers, premium front seating, specialty cocktails and Veuve Clicquot Champagne, personalized service, and a gift bag from the designers. Tickets can be purchased on The 550 District website under Round Top Red Carpet Fashion Show.

On nights March 23rd, the dance floor at The Round Top Dance Hall electrifies with the tunes of George Ducas.

George Ducas brings “his neo-traditional blend of modern-day and roots country music” to the dance floor along with the accomplished singer and songwriter James Hollingworth. Tickets can be purchased for these shows on The 550 District website. Show starts at 7 p.m.

Aligned with the incredible fashion featured during the antique show will be a group of galleries and artists. Visitors will get a taste of true Americana with Montgomery native, Todd Sanders’ of Roadhouse Relics. His neon contemporary art evokes memories of road trips across America with stops at roadside motels, diners, and attractions. Straight from Lockhart, Commerce Gallery will be featuring an array of artwork from their aweinspiring list of artists. Hailing from Houston, art boutique koelsch gallery will bring their carefully curated collection from around the world. Visitors will have the opportunity to watch Birmingham-based artist Kyle Rogers draw inspiration from Round Top to create new works live.

To satisfy the sweet tooths of shoppers, The 550 District will be hosting Houston’s micro- bakery, Gabriel’s Goodies. Self-taught baker and pastry chef Gabriel Gooley served as the head bread baker at Tiny Boxwoods before venturing out on his own. All of his breads and baked goods are naturally leavened and baked with only the finest ingredients.

The 550 District features six unique venues on its grounds where one can eat, drink, dance, shop and stay. During March 20-30, these locations’ hours will be modified, and they will open every day with extended hours. Visitors are encouraged to visit The 550 District’s website.

• The Stone Cellar, a local honky tonk stationed within a repurposed train depot built in 1861, serves an extensive menu of appetizers, burgers, sandwiches, pizzas, and Tex-Mex favorites along with beer and wine. Hours: Thursday 11-9 p.m.; Friday & Saturday 11-11 p.m.; and Sunday 12-8 p.m.

• Jon Perez Lounge, an upscale and impeccably designed lounge positioned within The Stone Cellar, serves elevated dishes and craft cocktails. Hours: Open daily from 5-9 p.m. for dinner, bar closes at 10 p.m.

• The 550 Market, Round Top’s upscale retail venue, features an extraordinary mix of fashion, home interiors, and art. Hours: Thursday 11-9 p.m.; Friday & Saturday 11-11 p.m.; and Sunday 12-8 p.m.

• The Mark, a sophisticated speakeasy nestled within The 550 Market, offers up high end cocktails served in an aesthetically designed lounge. Hours: Friday - Sunday 6 p.m.-12 a.m.

• Round Top Dance Hall, a historic dance hall saved from demolition and moved from the Czech community of Westley, Texas, serves as a music venue and event space. Open for events, refer to the calendar.

• Round Top Roll-Up RV Park features the best way to view Round Top’s starry skies. Open all year round.

The 550 District’s Address: 550 N. Washington Street, Round Top, TX 78954.