There’s a festival for that in New Braunfels!
New Braunfels is a town that likes to celebrate. No matter what time of year you visit, odds are you’ll find a festival that turns the city’s heritage, culture, culinary feats and traditions into a big ol’ party. Each festival is a party with a purpose, because every event raises funds for worthy causes. So save the dates and plan on a great time all year long #VisitNBTX!
Here are some highlights from New Braunfels’ festival calendar for 2025.
Folkfest, April 12
This family-friendly festival transports you from modern-day New Braunfels nearly 200 years into the past. You’ll experience what life was like here in the mid-1800s, when the city was established by German immigrants. Located at Heritage Village, a collection of several original New Braunfels buildings and artifacts, Folkfest offers living history demonstrations, live entertainment, an artisan marketplace and locally-produced food and drinks, all to keep the city’s past alive.
Hill Country Craft Beer Festival, April 26
Now in its sixth year, this event is a must for those who love craft beer and great music. More than 35 Texas craft breweries and wineries will come together to serve more than 150 different beers and wines. It’s a chance to sample dozens of different beers, all in a beautiful setting along the Comal River, as a lineup of talented musicians entertains you. As a bonus, every beer helps the community. This year’s event benefits the New Braunfels Youth Collaborative, a nonprofit serving the city’s middle and high school students.
Saengerfest, May 3
New Braunfels has always loved live music. That passion led to Saengerfest, a free music festival that transforms historic downtown New Braunfels each year into a day-long party. Stroll city streets near Main Plaza while listening to live music on multiple stages, sampling wine and craft beer, shopping at storefronts and street merchants, and enjoying family activities and fare from local food trucks and restaurants. Proceeds benefit the New Braunfels Downtown Association and the New Braunfels Parks Foundation, which both work to keep downtown beautiful and welcoming.
Comal County Fair & Rodeo, Sept. 24-28
Thrilling carnival rides, delicious food, entertainment, livestock shows - there’s nothing like a county fair, and the Comal County fair is one of the best. The county’s Texas heritage is on full display, with a rodeo, BBQ cookoff, homemade salsa tasting contest and much more. It’s an event that brings the community together each fall to celebrate tradition, culture, family and fun.
Gruene Music & Wine Fest, Oct. 9-12
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 in the city’s Gruene Historic District, from wine tastings to performances at Gruene Hall, all benefiting the United Way of Comal County.
Texas Clay Festival, Oct. 25-26
This festival in the Gruene Historic District brings together 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.
Wurstfest, Nov. 7-16
No town celebrates its heritage like New Braunfels, and there’s no celebration quite like Wurstfest. It’s the city’s biggest festival, with ten days devoted to German-inspired food, Texas-style fun, live music on multiple stages, dancing, carnival rides and games, and of course, plenty of beer and sausage. It’s a non-stop party, featuring a steady stream of entertainment from around the country (and other countries) on Wurstfest’s five stages. With a dazzling array of food options, from sausage samplers to schnitzels, potato pancakes to pork chops on a stick, you’ll need multiple visits to get the full Wurstfest experience.
Weihnachtsmart, Nov. 21-23
If you can’t make it to a German village to visit a festive Christmas market, this New Braunfels holiday tradition is the next best thing. Pronounced vy-noks-markt, this event is a German-style Christmas market with merchants and artisans offering authentic German collectibles and ornaments, unique decorations, specialty items, gifts, apparel, antiques, traditional baked goods and more. This event is the largest fundraiser of the year for the Sophienburg Museum & Archives, a museum dedicated to the city’s history and cultural heritage.
Wassailfest, Dec. 4
One night each December, city streets around downtown’s Main Plaza become pedestrian-only walkways as revelers search for the best wassail (with stops along the way for great food and shopping at downtown businesses). Sample the various versions of wassail, a hot, spiced apple cider dating back hundreds of years, traditionally spiked with a little liquor to warm the soul. With the sparkling Christmas lights of downtown and holiday music from local choirs, drink in both wassail and the holiday spirit on a beautiful December night.
New Braunfels Renaissance Faire, Dec. 5-7 & 12-14
Jousters, fire spinners, glass blowers, axe throwers and musicians will all be doing their thing at the third annual New Braunfels Renaissance Faire, taking place the first two weekends of December at Heritage Village. The festival celebrates all things Renaissance with a holiday theme. Saint Nikolas will be available for visits and pictures. A Christmas Market will offer gifts and other treasures for sale. Come hungry! The menu includes turkey legs, mead and hot chocolate, among other delicacies.
Plan now for a year of unforgettable celebrations #VisitNBTX! Visit visitnbtx.com to find lodging, restaurants, shopping and more to complete the adventure!
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