Community

Community Picnic

The Community Picnic is Sunday, May 4, 2025

Each year, the Headwaters School Community Picnic brings together over 400 members of our school family for a day of connection and celebration. As our largest event of the year, the picnic is a unique opportunity for families, students, and staff to enjoy time together outside the classroom, building relationships and sharing in the culture that makes Headwaters special.

This event also serves as a warm welcome to our newly admitted families. Whether it’s field games, live music on the lawn, or activities like button-making and swimming, the picnic highlights the creativity, sustainability, and collaboration that define our community.

For many, the picnic is a highlight of the year—a moment to slow down and appreciate the vibrant network of people that make up Headwaters School.

Sponsor the Picnic!

Community Picnic Sponsors
Headwaters School Community Picnic is an annual tradition that brings together families from all three of our campuses—spanning ages 18 months to 18 years—for a day of celebration and fun.

With over 400 attendees and volunteers, this event offers a unique opportunity for brand visibility and engagement with a diverse and community-driven audience.

Sponsoring the picnic not only showcases your support for education but also places your brand in front of a loyal network of families, faculty, and supporters who value local businesses and organizations.

Sponsor today!

Frequently Asked Questions

List of 13 items.

  • Weather & Emergency Text Alerts

    The picnic is rain or shine!

    In the event of severe weather or dangerous conditions, we will use our Emergency Text Alert System to reach out via email and text the phone number you provided when purchasing your ticket. We will also post on social media and our website. If you do not hear from us, the picnic is on!

    For current community members who already receive our Emergency Text Alert Messages, there is nothing further to do. If you are a new community member who purchased tickets, please opt in by texting "YES" to 79041. Learn more about our Emergency Text Alert system at this link.

    If we have to cancel, we will share next steps with you all then.
     

  • What to Bring & What NOT to Bring

    What to Bring:What NOT To Bring:
    • Sunscreen
    • Sun glasses
    • Hat
    • Insect repellant
    • Refillable water bottle/cup
    • Swimsuit
    • Towel
    • Chairs/picnic blanket if you want to hang out in the field area
    • Hair Tie
    • Snacks
    • Anything with nuts
    • Pets
    • Glass
    • Alcohol
    • Cigarettes, e-cigs, vaporizers
    • Weapons, firearms, or fireworks



    No pets are allowed on site.

    Please notify us at picnic@headwaters.org if you plan on bringing a service animal (no emotional support animals permitted).

  • Getting There & Parking

    Shady Springs Party Barn is located at 9401 Sherman Road, Austin, TX 78742. Plenty of parking is available on site. There is also limited handicapped parking available.

    When you arrive, please stop by the Welcome table to check-in. You do not need an email confirmation or ticket printout. Just tell us your name and we will check you off. 

    If you purchased merch with your tickets, we will have those items in a bag for you to pick up.

    Learn more about Shady Springs Party Barn by clicking more.
    Read More

  • Food & Drink

    We’re excited to welcome P. Terry’s to this year’s Community Picnic! They'll be serving up fresh, delicious meals alongside our longtime friends from Thistle Cafe.

    This year’s ticket price includes a full catered meal, with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options available. We heard from families that great food and easy service were a top priority—so we made it happen!

    We will also have generously donated Rambler sparkling water along with chilled tap water to refill water bottles. 

  • Headwaters Spirit Gear Swap at the Picnic

    Got gently used Headwaters shirts, hoodies, or gear your kids have outgrown? Bring them to the Community Picnic on May 5 and take part in our Spirit Gear Swap!

    Drop off what you no longer need and pick up something new-to-you in return—no cost, just community sharing. All sizes welcome, and donations are encouraged even if you don’t need to take anything home.

    Let’s keep the spirit (and the gear) going strong!

  • Volunteer With Us!

    Yes! We have lots of short day-of opportunities for volunteers to help make this picnic a success. Thank you in advance!

    Click this link to sign-up.

  • Performances at the Picnic

    Details Coming Soon!


     

  • Swimming

    Shady Springs has two pools–one Olympic-sized (with a lifeguard) and one wading pool. If your child is swimming in either pool, please be sure you are in the pool area supervising. 

    Additionally, those with long hair must wear hair in a ponytail or braid. If you need an elastic, we will have some available on-site.


  • We're a New Family, Should We Come?

    Yes! We welcome our new families to join us at the Picnic for a fun casual way to meet community members. We'll even have up signs for each current grade level so you can find some people in your child's grade.

  • First Aid

    We will have a first aid table with basic first aid at the Welcome Table. Stop by if you need something!

  • Tickets

    • $20 for ages 6 to adult
    • $15 for ages 3–5
    • Free for ages 2 and under
    Each ticket includes entry, all activities, and a full meal. If you need financial assistance for tickets, please email Alex Penry. 

    Each ticket includes entry, all activities, and a meal. Please note ticket prices went up this year to cover our new food truck, P. Terry’s. We’re so happy to have them out catering along with our good friends from Thistle Cafe. There will be vegan, gluten-free, and vegetarian options.

    Click here to get your tickets.
     

  • ADA Considerations

    Accessibility
    There are handicap parking spaces available, and a ramp into the barn. The ground is uneven and gravelly in spot. Please let us know if you would like to make a plan.

    Service Animals
    Service animals are allowed, but please let us know if you plan on bringing your service animal. The ADA defines a service animal as "dogs that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities." Further, "A service animal must be under the control of its handler. Under the ADA, service animals must be harnessed, leashed, or tethered, unless the individual’s disability prevents using these devices or these devices interfere with the service animal’s safe, effective performance of tasks."

    We request any service animals are clearly marked with a proper vest. You will also be asked these two questions:
    1) is the dog a service animal required because of a disability?
    2) what work or task has the dog been trained to perform?

    Please note, no pets allowed are allowed at Shady Springs. Per the ADA, "Service animals are working animals, not pets. The work or task a dog has been trained to provide must be directly related to the person’s disability. Dogs whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service animals under the ADA." At this time, emotional support, therapy, comfort, or companion animals are not covered by the ADA.

  • More Questions?

    Contact us at picnic@headwaters.org.

    • Under the trees at Shady Springs

Springs Campus

List of 1 items.

Creek Campus

List of 1 items.

River Campus

List of 1 items.

As a 501(c)3 non-profit school, Headwaters School does not discriminate because of race, color, creed, national origin, religion, gender, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other classes protected by federal, state, or local law in its admissions, financial aid, hiring, or board membership processes.