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ROUND ROUND ABOUT TOP 110 By Candice Cowin MARBURGER RAISES THE BAR T he latest phase of an ongoing multimillion-dollar improvement project at Marburger Farm Antique Show (October 27-31) is unveiled this fall as owner Dallas-based Brook Partners, moves forward with plans to enhance the heritage property's position as a prime antiques and design destination. "Round Top has been changing at an accelerated rate since we became stewards of the iconic Marburger Farm property five years ago," says Brook Partners owner John Sughrue. "For it to remain the leading venue — the one that sets the bar and the schedule for all others — we simply have to up our game." Restoration of the property's historic structures and a rearrangement of the 43-acre grounds preceded this latest phase of development, which includes the addition of a new exhibit hall constructed with salvaged and reclaimed materials from across the property. New Marburger vendors for the fall show include B. Hester — Antiques & Unique Objects, Falcon & Owl, Found. by Lindsey Andersen, Krannitz Design, Matheson's Fine Art & Antiques, Patternmill, Rosaria Varra Fine Jewelry, Rue Michelle Antiques, Susan Wheeler Home, Virginia Richardson Antiques, Winston Auction Group NYC, and Kate Hornsby Antiques. A new food and beverage program also launches, inspired by the nouvelle Southwestern-style cuisine pioneered by James Beard Award-winning chefs Stephan Pyle and Dean Fearing. "We are very close to finalizing a contract with a group out of College Station that truly understands Texas hospitality and Texas cooking," Sughrue says. A lineup of notable recording artists is also in the mix. The traditional Opening Day Tailgate is Tuesday, October 27, at 9 am, with early shopping. The ringing of the triangle to open the vendor tents takes place at 10 am. For the first time, Marburger Farm is also open for the winter show, January 21 – 24, 2027. R ound Top Film Festival ha s c ho s e n Fa m i l y Movie as its opening- night film this November. The horror comedy, filmed in and around Round Top, was directed by Kevin Bacon and Kyra Sedgwick, who share billing with their children, Travis Bacon and Sosie Bacon. Some of the family is expected to attend the opening-night screening on Thursday, November 12. The festival has also unveiled new programming for the 2026 season. A music component presented in partnership with Nashville's iconic listening room Bluebird Cafe and Vinyll Studios includes the screening of an episode from the Vinyll-produced documentary Songwriter, featuring Grammy Award-winning songwriter Shane McAnally. He and fellow Grammy Award winner Josh Osborne will headline an intimate concert and storytelling round after the screening on Saturday, November 14. The Round Top Film Festival, founded by mother-daughter duo Shanna and Skylar Schanen t o c e l e b r a t e i n d e p e n d e n t filmmaking in Texas, is now in its third season, Thursday through Sunday, November 12 through 15. The festival continues to grow, offering screenings for more films in more categories, and drawing b r i g h t e r s t a r s . To s e c u r e passes to the film festival, visit roundtopfilmfest.org. ROUND TOP FILM FESTIVAL FLESHES OUT Marburger Farm Saloon at Marburger with original walls, ceiling, and floor