Once a popular stop for cowboys driving cattle herds to northern states before its incorporation in the late 1800s, Copperas Cove is better known today for being a neighbor of Fort Hood. The Army post, covering 340 square miles of Texas, is a powerful economic generator for Copperas Cove and other surrounding communities. With a population of about 30,000, seven parks and an 18-hole golf course, Copperas Cove's annual festivals have a distinctly small town flavor, from old-fashioned Wild West shows to a winter holiday market patterned after Old World traditions.
Celebrating Rabbit Fest
- Every third week in May, Copperas Cove attracts as many as 20,000 visitors to Rabbit Fest. The four-day festival includes Wild West shows, arts and crafts booths, pony rides, a petting zoo and carnival rides. The festival is held at Copperas Cove City Park, just a few blocks from downtown. Local musicians entertain from the park’s open-air stage. A parade through downtown streets is also part of the festival.
Zombies: The Friendly Kind
- Locals and visitors don lots of red paint and ripped clothing before staggering through the streets of downtown Copperas Cove in October for the one-day Zombie Walk and Fall Festival. The Zombie Walk is a daytime celebration of the fictional “undead” and features local music performances, a costume contest and a children’s scavenger’s hunt. The event’s proceeds go to the Copperas Cove Soup Kitchen.
A Traditional Christmas Market
- Each December, the Copperas Cove Downtown Association hosts the Krist Krindl Markt, patterned after traditional German celebrations. Handmade gifts and traditional holiday foods are on sale at dozens of booths. A Saturday morning Christmas parade is part of the festivities and local school choirs sing carols at the outdoor celebration. To give it a distinctly Texas touch, a junior college football game is usually scheduled during the festival.
Free Fireworks at Fort Hood
- Just 9 miles from downtown Copperas Cove, Fort Hood is where locals drive to watch a fireworks show set to patriotic music every Fourth of July. The fireworks end an evening of local musical performances at Hood Stadium. The base opens its gates to the public for the annual show, handing out visitor passes to civilians. Food and beverages are for sale, but no alcohol is allowed at this free family-friendly Independence Day event.
