Celebrating big for 150 years!

parade celebrating the convention of the East Texas Chamber of Commerce in downtown Bryan in 1929.

The time has come for the City of Bryan to celebrate its 150th Anniversary of Incorporation in person.

The City of Bryan’s actual anniversary date is Nov. 29, 2021, but since that falls on Thanksgiving weekend, we’re celebrating all this week!

Time Capsule burial

Just like we did in 1996 for the 125th anniversary, the City of Bryan is burying a time capsule to commemorate 150 years. The time capsule will be buried in front of the Municipal Office Building at 300 S. Texas Ave.

Everyone in the community is invited to the event, which will be at 12:15 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 9, 2021. The Bryan City Council will be joined by city staff and community members. A wreath will be on display, donated by Brazos Valley Wreaths Across America.

Free community concert

Celebrate the 150th with music! Head down to the Palace Theater in Downtown Bryan on Friday, Nov. 12 for a free community concert in celebration of our 150th anniversary.

The concert will begin with the Bryan ISD Mariachi Group performing in front of the Carnegie History Centerfrom 6 to 7 p.m. Local musician Kane Alvarado will perform at the Palace from 7 to 7:45 p.m. and headlining band Midnight Express will perform at the Palace from 8:15 to 10 p.m.

Admission is free, and everyone is invited!

Community Thanksgiving meal

The city is hosting 800 community members for a free Community Thanksgiving Meal on Nov. 13. There was an enormous response to the event, and all spots are full, with an extensive waitlist.

We apologize, however, due to catering and capacity limitations, this is an RSVP-only event, and walk-in attendees cannot be accommodated on the day of the event.

Other ways to celebrate

  • Historical exhibits: Visit the Clara B. Mounce Public Library and Carnegie History Center to see the 150 Collection, a group of more than 30 historical documents and items that tell the cultural story of Bryan through the years. This physical and interactive exhibit will be on display through Dec. 30.
  • Self-guided history tour:  Grab your phone and head to destinationbryan.com/history to sign up for the self-guided history tour. This tour allows you to see more than 20 historical sites in Bryan at your own pace. You check in on your phone through the mobile-based tour. And, everyone who checks in to all locations before Dec. 31 will receive a Bryan-themed gift pack.
  • 150th Anniversary special section: The City of Bryan partnered with The Eagle to create a commemorative special section for the 150th anniversary. Printed editions are available by emailing kwaggener@bryantx.gov, or you can see a digital version on The Eagle’s website. 
  • Explore the timeline: If you want to learn even more about Bryan’s history, you can immerse yourself in the narrative timeline at 150.bryantx.gov. This interactive, media-rich timeline tells the story of Bryan through peoples’ experiences, video essays, oral histories and photos.