Book now for events celebrating the city’s vibrant arts and culture
As summertime fun winds down in New Braunfels, the party continues with multiple festivals throughout the fall. Whether you’re into art, live music, wine, sausage, beer, or polka music, there’s a festival to enjoy in the upcoming months.
Here’s a pro tip for any event: book your accommodations early to get the hotel, bed and breakfast, vacation rental, historic inn, or other lodging of your choice. Explore visitnbtx.com/ to plan your festival getaway today.
Here’s a look at some of the celebrations happening this fall #InNewBraunfels
38th annual Gruene Music & Wine Fest, Oct. 10-13, 2024
Two of the best things in life are music and wine. The Gruene Music & Wine Fest celebrates them both with a Texas flair: the festival includes some of the biggest names in Texas music, accompanied by wine and beer made here.
Event organizers call it “Drinkin’ for a Cause.” The celebration includes four distinct events over four days, all benefiting United Way of Comal County.
The fun starts on Thursday, Oct. 10 with a kickoff party at The Grapevine wine garden in the Gruene Historic District. Enjoy tastings from some of the best winemakers in Texas as live music plays under the shady tree canopy.
Friday night it’s Stars & Guitars at Gruene Hall, the oldest dance hall in Texas. This ticketed event includes a private concert and meet-and-greet with Randy Rogers and a full dinner catered by the Gristmill River Restaurant, along with wine tastings and auction items.
On Saturday, the fun continues with Tastings and Tunes at The Grapevine, where you’ll enjoy free admission, live music and tastings from some of Texas’ best wineries. Legendary Texas artist 2 Robert Earl Keen New plays at Gruene Hall that night (his show sold out within hours of tickets going on sale).
New this year is the Sunday Showdown, featuring 11 Americana and country artists playing on two stages at Gruene Hall, along with a pop-up market, food from the Gristmill Restaurant, and football games on the big screen in the beer garden.
For event admission, wine-tasting tickets or more information go to gruenemusicandwinefest.org/.
Two Rivers Plein Air, Oct. 14-19, 2024
New Braunfels offers plenty of artistic inspiration, from its historic European-inspired downtown to its scenic rivers. Each fall, dozens of artists come to capture the city’s charm in real time at Two Rivers Plein Air, an event that sends artists out into the city to create works of art over one creative week.
Plein air is a French term meaning “in open air.” The movement began when paint became available in metal tubes, giving artists the freedom to leave their studios to capture the world around them.
The festival kicks off with the Quick Draw, an event at Krause’s Café that challenges artists to go from a blank canvas to a finished piece of art in just two hours. The next morning, artists hit the streets to create as many paintings as possible before the submission deadline at noon on Saturday. An award ceremony takes place that evening and the artwork will be available for sale to the public on Sunday, the final day of the festival.
Part of the fun is when spectators spot an artist “in the wild” and get the experience of watching them paint, so keep an eye out for works of art being made before your eyes as you explore New Braunfels during Plein Air.
For more information go to the newbraunfelsartleague.com/two-rivers-plein-air-2024.html.
The 32nd annual Texas Clay Festival, Oct. 26-27
Pottery is in the spotlight at the 32nd annual Texas Clay Festival, happening in Gruene on October 26-27. Explore the work of more than 80 of the best potters and clay artists in Texas. You’ll find more traditional pottery pieces as well as sculptural works of art. As you treat your senses to an astounding array of colorful hand-made clay pottery, you’ll also get to meet the artists and learn more about this ancient craft with artist demonstrations. Admission is free, making it the perfect place to shop for one-of-a-kind gifts or find a treasure for yourself. For more information go to texasclayfestival.com/.
Wurstfest, Nov. 1-10
It’s the Grosse Opa (“big grandpa”) of all New Braunfels festivals. With German-inspired food, live music on multiple stages, dancing, carnival rides and games, and plenty of beer and sausage, Wurstfest is the biggest festival in New Braunfels.
This 10-day celebration along the Comal River pays tribute to the city’s German heritage with Texas-style fun. It’s a non-stop part featuring a steady stream of entertainment from around the country (and other countries) on Wurstfest’s five stages.
Let your stomach be your guide. Whether it’s a sausage sampler, schnitzel, potato pancakes or a pork chop on a stick, there are so many choices you can’t sample them all in one visit. Give yourself a few days to get the full Wurstfest experience.
For complete information and tickets (advance admission tickets are available online on Sept. 1) go to wurstfest.com.
Whatever you want to celebrate this fall, we’re here for it #InNewBraunfels. Check out lodging, festivals and other one-of-a-kind experiences at visitnbtx.com/.
