Belton packs a lot into a small town. You’ll find a historic downtown, Lake Belton, Nolan Creek and a 100-year-old movie theatre all within a few miles, with Temple just up the road. Use this guide to plan a day trip from Temple, Killeen or Austin, or find something new to do this weekend.
This Weekend in Belton
Updated Oct 28, 2026. Halloween weekend, Oct 30 to Nov 1.
- Poltergeist at the Beltonian, Oct 30 to Nov 1, first show Friday at 7:00 PM. Tickets
- Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit family matinees at the Beltonian, Oct 31 to Nov 1, first show Saturday at 11:30 AM. Tickets
- Candy Crawl, a Halloween community festival at Belton Nazarene Church, Saturday, Oct 31, 2:00 PM.
- Art After Dark, a Halloween art workshop at That Art Place, Saturday, Oct 31, 4:00 PM.
- Monster’s Ball costume dance party at Blackbird Books & Spirits, Saturday, Oct 31, 7:00 PM.
Coming up: the Belton Family Camp Out at Heritage Park, Nov 6 to 8, and the Belton Market Days Holiday Fall Market downtown on Saturday, Nov 21.
For more dates, see our Upcoming Events in the Temple–Belton Area guide.
Explore Historic Downtown Belton
Downtown Belton centers on Central Avenue and the Bell County Courthouse square. Browse the local shops, find a place to eat and take in the historic buildings around the courthouse. From there, it’s a short walk to The Beltonian Theatre at 219 E. Central Avenue.
The theatre brings movies, concerts, comedy and community events to downtown Belton. Check The Beltonian Theatre’s event calendar before your visit and build your evening around a show.
A Belton Day Trip for History Buffs
- Start at the Bell County Museum on Main Street. Its exhibits cover local history, archaeology and culture, including the Gault Site, and admission is free.
- Walk the courthouse square and downtown’s historic storefronts.
- Have lunch on Central Avenue.
- End at the Beltonian, a 1922 Art Deco theatre and the first business in Belton to receive a city historical marker. Musicians from the 1920s and 1930s signed the walls backstage. Read more on Our History.
Outdoor Fun: Nolan Creek and Lake Belton
Belton offers plenty to do outdoors. Take a walk along the Nolan Creek trail, bring a picnic to a park, or plan a day near Lake Belton. The lake is a popular choice for boating, fishing and time by the water. Check the specific recreation area you plan to visit for access and current conditions.
Family-Friendly Things to Do
Weekend family matinees at the Beltonian are an easy pick for kids, along with Belton’s parks and seasonal events. See showtimes, or plan a party with our Parties & Rentals options.
Things to Do at Night
Catch a movie, stand-up comedy or live music at the Beltonian, then grab dinner downtown. See what’s coming up on our Live Events page.
Make It a Two-City Day: Downtown Temple
A few miles away, Downtown Temple has its own mix of restaurants, shops, public art and gathering places. Look for murals and sculptures as you walk, then visit the Santa Fe district. The Santa Fe Community Market hosts scheduled markets with local farmers, makers and artisans.
Temple grew around the railroad, and the Temple Railroad & Heritage Museum tells that story inside the historic Santa Fe Depot. Explore the exhibits, see the railroad equipment outside and leave time for the nearby plaza and gardens.
Start with a walk and lunch in Downtown Temple, then head to Belton for the museum, the square and dinner. If The Beltonian has a screening or performance that night, it makes a natural final stop.
Seasonal Events
Every fall and winter the Beltonian runs seasonal programming. See our Halloween page in October and our Holiday Classics page for the holiday movie lineup. The City of Belton and downtown businesses add their own events through the year:
- Belton Market Days: 100+ vendors downtown each spring and fall, including the Holiday Fall Market on Nov 21, 2026.
- Bacon, Blues & Brews: a free two-day festival near the courthouse each September.
- Polka on the Square: polka music, food and family games downtown each October.
- Christmas on the Chisholm Trail: a Christmas movie on the Square and tree lighting on Friday, Dec 4, then vendors, Santa photos and the lighted Christmas parade on Saturday, Dec 5.
- Family, Fishin’ & Fun: free trout fishing on Nolan Creek, Dec 18 and Dec 29, no license needed.
FAQ
What is Belton, TX known for?
Its historic downtown, Lake Belton, the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor and the Beltonian Theatre, which has operated since 1922.
What is there to do in Belton at night?
Catch a movie or live show at the Beltonian and have dinner on Central Avenue.
Featured photo: Bell County Courthouse, Belton, TX, by Larry D. Moore, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
