Love Downtown Awards
2026 AWARDS NOMINATIONS ARE NOW OPEN!
Downtown San Marcos is full of thriving shops and iconic spots—and we think that deserves a little love! The Love Downtown Awards are your chance to cheer on the businesses that make our downtown the place we all adore. From cozy cafés to creative shops, these awards start with YOU.
Nominations close Saturday, January 31, 2026 at 11:45 pm so be sure to nominate your favorites today to help them take center stage!
Get behind the scenes, sign up to volunteer!
The Love Downtown Awards ceremony is a private event, but volunteers play a key role in making it happen! If you’d like to help us celebrate the businesses that make Downtown San Marcos special, sign up to volunteer. It’s a great way to support your community and be part of something meaningful.
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Downtown Business of the Year2025 – Wild Rice Studio
2024 – Douglas Smith Soap Company
2023 – The Halal Project
2022 – Zelick's Ice House
2019 – KnDs Boutique
2018 – Root Cellar Cafe
2017 – The Bloom Bar
2016 – Stonewall Warehouse
2015 – The Marc
2014 – Hill Country Humidor
Outstanding New Business
2025 – The San Market
2024 – Zablosky Film
2023 – Jax Burgers
2022 – Pho Tran 88
2019 – North Street
2018 – Buzz Mill
2017 – Blue Dahlia Bistro
2016 – Rio Claro Studio
2015 – Redbud Roasters
2014 – The Marc
Downtown Legend
2025 – The Marc
2024 – Root Cellar Cafe
2023 – Bobcat Quickie
2022 – Vagabond Vintage
2019 – Royal Cleaners
2018 – Showdown
2017 – Ault & Ault Orthodontics
2016 – The Price Center
2015 – Cafe on the Square
2014 – Paper Bear
Downtown Partner of the Year
2025 – Economic Development & Historic Preservation
2024 – Hays County
2023 – City of San Marco Planning Department
2022 – KZSM Community Radio
2019 – The Price Center
2018 – Splash Coworking
2017 – Downtown Association
2016 – Texas State University Alcohol & Drug Compliance Services
2015 – Texas State University Community Relations
2014 – Hays County Historical Commission
Kelly Franks Volunteer of the Year2024 – Joshua Del Bosque
2023 – TXST Delta Sigma Phi
2022 – Lower Colorado River Authority
2019 – Christopher Paul Cardoza
2018 – Linda Coker
2017 – Clay DeStefano
2016 – Stephanie Symmes
2015 – Gilbert Perez
Innovation Award
2024 – First Tuesday Film Series
2023 – Blind Salamander
2022 – Putt Pub
2019 – Slash Coworking
Revitalization Award
2024 – Ford Jackman Building
Downtown Champion2025 – Art Squared Art Market
