San Augustine Named “Music Friendly Texas” Certified Community; Ceremony Set for December 5

San Augustine County Courthouse, where the city will be officially recognized as a Music Friendly Texas Certified Community during a ceremony on December 5.

SAN AUGUSTINE — Governor Greg Abbott announced Monday that the City of San Augustine has officially been designated a Music Friendly Texas Certified Community, joining a statewide network of cities recognized for supporting musicians, live-music venues, and arts-driven economic development.

San Augustine is now the 91st community in Texas to complete the multi-step certification process through the Texas Music Office (TMO). The program, established in 2016, is the first of its kind in the nation and aims to strengthen local music economies and expand job opportunities across the state.

Governor Abbott praised the designation, noting that Texas’ music industry supports more than 196,000 permanent jobs and generates over $31 billion in annual economic activity each year.

Local Leaders Celebrate Recognition

State Representative Trent Ashby called the certification a well-deserved honor, emphasizing San Augustine’s unique blend of history, culture, and community.

“This recognition highlights what we already know — San Augustine is a place where these things come together in a way that is uniquely East Texas,” Ashby said.

County Judge Jeff Boyd said the area’s location and rich history make it a natural fit for music-centered events.

“Music is the universal language,” Boyd said. “We have several venues that are perfect for musicians to showcase their skills.”

Betty Oglesbee, Main Street Board Member for the City of San Augustine, noted that the designation aligns perfectly with the city’s growing list of performance spaces. Venues include the historic Augus Theatre, the restored Cotton Gin Community Center, Santa Fe Park’s outdoor stage area, and the open-air pavilions at Mission Dolores State Historic Site. A new state-of-the-art performance venue at the soon-to-be-completed high school is also expected to expand opportunities for concerts and productions of all kinds.

Certification Ceremony December 5

The official Music Friendly Texas Community Certification Ceremony will be held:

• Friday, December 5, 2025 – 5:00 p.m.

• San Augustine County Courthouse Lawn Pavilion

• 100 West Columbia Street, San Augustine, Texas

The ceremony will take place just ahead of the San Augustine Main Street Lighted Christmas Parade. Representatives from the Texas Music Office, city leadership, and community partners will participate.

The Texas Music Office encourages communities statewide to pursue certification as a way to promote tourism, boost local economies, and support Texas musicians.