Every November, a small Texas city turns into the most delicious place in America. New Braunfels comes alive with the sound of polka, the smell of sizzling sausage, and the clink of cold steins. This is Wurstfest — a ten-day celebration of German heritage, Texas spirit, and community pride. If you have never been, 2026 is the year to go. If you have been before, you already know why you are coming back.
This complete guide covers everything you need to plan your visit, from the exact dates and hours to tickets, food, entertainment, and parking tips.
When It Happens: Festival Dates and Hours
The 2026 festival runs from Friday, November 6, through Sunday, November 15, 2026. That is ten full days of food, music, and festivities along the banks of the Comal River in New Braunfels, Texas.
The schedule varies depending on the day of the week. On the opening Friday, gates open at 4 PM and close at 11 PM. Saturdays offer the longest window, running from 11 AM all the way to midnight. Sundays are open from 11 AM to 10 PM. On weeknights, Monday through Wednesday, the festival runs from 5 PM to 10 PM. Thursdays and Fridays beyond opening night run from 5 PM to 11 PM.
Therefore, if you want a full day of fun, a Saturday visit gives you the most time. However, weekday evenings tend to be less crowded and can offer a more relaxed experience. Planning around your preferred pace can make a big difference.
Where It All Takes Place
The festival is held at Landa Park, located near the headwaters of the beautiful Comal River in New Braunfels, Texas. The grounds are spacious, well-organized, and easy to navigate. Multiple entertainment halls, food zones, outdoor stages, and carnival areas are spread across the property.
The Wursthalle is the main indoor hall and the heart of the festival. This is where the biggest bands perform and where the iconic keg-tapping ceremony kicks off each evening. Additionally, the Spass Haus, Kinderhalle, and various outdoor tents give the grounds a genuine village feel, with something happening around every corner.
New Braunfels itself is about 30 miles northeast of San Antonio and roughly 50 miles southwest of Austin. It is an easy drive from both cities, making the festival a popular weekend escape for residents across central Texas.
A Rich History Worth Knowing
The story of this beloved Texas tradition begins in 1961. A local veterinarian and city meat inspector named Ed Grist had a simple idea: celebrate the German heritage of New Braunfels with a sausage festival. The first event drew a crowd of around 2,000 people.
The idea caught on fast. Within just a few years, the festival was serving five tons of sausage per event. By the end of the 1960s, attendance had already passed 75,000. Today, tens of thousands of visitors show up every November, making it one of the largest annual festivals in the state of Texas.
The festival is run by the Wurstfest Association, a nonprofit organization governed by a board of more than 200 honorary directors known as Opas, which translates to “grandfathers” in German. Their mission is to preserve German heritage, promote local business, and give back to the New Braunfels community. Since its founding, the association has raised over $800,000 for community youth programs. That generosity is part of what makes this event so beloved.
The Entertainment: Music, Dance and More
The entertainment lineup is one of the biggest reasons people keep coming back year after year. More than 40 bands perform across five stages throughout the ten days. The music ranges from traditional German polka and Alpine brass to country, folk, and rock-infused sets.
Each evening begins with a crowd-pleasing tradition: the ceremonial biting of the sausage and the official keg-tapping. This signals the start of the night’s entertainment and draws cheers from everyone in the Wursthalle.
Some of the most beloved acts to grace the stages over the years include Alex Meixner, known for his high-energy accordion performances and crowd interaction. Jimmy Sturr and His Orchestra, a four-time Grammy Award winner, have performed at the festival multiple times. The Jodie Mikula Orchestra, AlpenMusikanten, Mollie B and Squeezebox, and the Yodel Blitz comedy folk act are also among the fan favorites that return season after season.
Additionally, traditional dancers take the floor throughout the week. Waltzes, polkas, and folk dances fill the halls with energy and color. Whether you know the steps or not, the atmosphere pulls you in. Many first-time visitors find themselves on the dance floor before the night is over.
The full band schedule for 2026 will be published on the official website at wurstfest.com closer to the event. However, it is worth checking back regularly as popular acts tend to bring their own loyal fan bases who book travel around specific performance nights.
Family-Friendly Fun for All Ages
Wurstfest is not just a festival for adults. It is genuinely family-friendly and designed to welcome visitors of all ages. Children ages 12 and under are admitted free of charge, which makes it an affordable outing for families.
The Kinderhalle is a dedicated children’s entertainment area introduced in 2007 in cooperation with the New Braunfels Parks and Recreation Department. It offers performances, activities, and programming tailored specifically for younger visitors. The area has received regional awards for its quality and creativity.
Carnival rides and midway games are spread throughout the grounds, giving older kids and teens plenty to enjoy between musical sets. Craft booths and local artisan vendors line the walkways, offering handmade goods, festival merchandise, and unique souvenirs. There is also a costume element to the event. Many visitors arrive dressed in traditional German attire, including dirndls and lederhosen, adding to the immersive atmosphere.
For history enthusiasts, the Sophienburg Museum and the Museum of Texas Handmade Furniture in New Braunfels host special events during the festival period to introduce visitors to German cultural heritage. It is a wonderful complement to the main event.
The Food: A Sausage Lover’s Paradise
At the center of it all is the food. This is, after all, a ten-day salute to sausage. Bratwurst, knackwurst, and weisswurst are staples at nearly every food stall. They are served grilled, in buns, and alongside a variety of traditional sides.
Beyond sausage, visitors can enjoy pretzels fresh from the oven, potato pancakes, sauerkraut, strudel, and spaetzle. German mustards, pickled vegetables, and hearty bread complete the spread. The food is prepared fresh throughout each day and evening, and the aromas alone are worth the price of admission.
On the beverage side, German imported beers sit alongside Texas craft brews and domestic options. Traditional beer hall steins are available for purchase as keepsakes. Cold beverages, warm food, and good company are a combination that makes the evenings feel timeless.
One important note for 2026 visitors: the festival operates as a cashless event. Only major credit and debit cards as well as mobile payment options are accepted on the grounds. Bring your card and leave the cash at home.
Ticket Prices and How to Buy
General admission for adults aged 13 and older is $10 at the gate. Online tickets purchased in advance are available at a reduced price of $8 each, making early purchase the smarter choice. Children aged 12 and under are always free.
Group tickets are also available. If you purchase 15 tickets, your group receives one additional ticket at no cost. This makes group visits a great value for offices, clubs, church groups, or large families.
There is also a special tradition tied to the opening Friday: admission is free until 7 PM on that first night, giving first-timers and budget-conscious visitors an easy entry point.
Tickets are available online at wurstfest.com and through authorized ticketing partners. Purchasing online ahead of time is strongly recommended, especially for weekend visits, which tend to draw the largest crowds. Third-party reseller prices may vary significantly, so buying directly from the official source is always the safest option.
Parking and Getting There
Parking near the festival grounds is limited, and weekend visits in particular require some planning. Free parking is available at the Comal County Fairgrounds at 701 Common Street and at New Braunfels City Hall at 955 North Walnut Avenue.
The Wurst Wagen Park and Ride shuttle service connects these parking areas to the festival grounds. Round-trip fares are $20 for the ride alone or $30 for a package that includes the ride and festival admission. The shuttle also services most major New Braunfels hotels, making it a convenient option for visitors staying nearby. Check the official website for a list of participating hotels and pickup times.
For those driving directly, arriving early in the day on weekends gives you the best chance of finding convenient parking. Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft also operate in the area and can be a stress-free alternative.
Tips for First-Time Visitors
A few practical tips can make your experience smoother and more enjoyable.
- Wear comfortable shoes. The grounds cover a large area and you will be on your feet for most of the day.
- Dress for November weather. Texas evenings in November can be cool, so bring a light jacket or layer up.
- Arrive early on Saturdays. The gates open at 11 AM and the crowds build quickly through the afternoon.
- Check the band schedule before you go. Popular acts fill the Wursthalle fast, so knowing who performs when helps you plan.
- Bring your cards. The event is cashless, so leave paper money at home.
- Explore beyond the main hall. Some of the best entertainment and hidden gem food stalls are in the smaller tents and outdoor spaces.
Giving Back: The Community Heart of the Festival
One thing that sets this festival apart from a typical fair or expo is its roots in community service. The Wurstfest Association has been raising money for local youth and community programs since its earliest days. The nonprofit structure means that the success of every festival translates directly into investment in New Braunfels.
More than $800,000 has been raised for youth programs over the years. Local charities, schools, and civic organizations benefit from the festival’s success. Visitors who attend are, in a small way, participating in something bigger than a good meal and a great night out. That sense of purpose is woven into the atmosphere of the event, and it shows in how warmly both locals and organizers welcome every guest.
Conclusion
Wurstfest 2026 in New Braunfels, Texas, runs from November 6 through November 15, 2026, at Landa Park along the Comal River. Now in its sixth decade, the festival has grown from a modest 2,000-person gathering into one of the biggest annual events in the entire state. Visitors can expect ten days of live music across five stages featuring more than 40 bands, authentic German food and beer, carnival rides, family-friendly activities in the Kinderhalle, and the warm community spirit that has defined the event since 1961. Tickets start at $8 online for adults, children under 13 are always free, and shuttle services make getting there easy from multiple parking locations.
Whether you are a first-timer curious about the hype or a longtime regular counting down the days, Wurstfest 2026 promises to be the best ten days in sausage history yet. Plan early, buy your tickets online, and get ready for an unforgettable November in New Braunfels.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the dates for Wurstfest 2026?
Wurstfest 2026 runs from Friday, November 6, through Sunday, November 15, 2026. The festival covers ten full days, with varying hours depending on the day of the week. Saturdays offer the longest hours, from 11 AM to midnight.
How much do tickets cost and where can I buy them?
General admission for adults aged 13 and older is $10 at the gate or $8 when purchased online in advance. Children aged 12 and under are admitted free of charge. Tickets are available at wurstfest.com. Buying online ahead of your visit is recommended to save money and avoid long gate lines.
Is Wurstfest suitable for families with young children?
Absolutely. The festival is fully family-friendly and features a dedicated children’s area called the Kinderhalle, with activities and performances designed for younger visitors. Carnival rides and games are also available throughout the grounds. Children under 13 enter free, making it a budget-friendly family outing.
What kind of food and drink is available at the festival?
Food offerings center on German sausage varieties including bratwurst, knackwurst, and weisswurst, served alongside pretzels, potato pancakes, sauerkraut, strudel, and spaetzle. On the drink side, visitors can choose from German imported beers, Texas craft brews, and domestic options. The event is cashless, so bring a debit or credit card.
Is there parking available at the festival, and how does the shuttle work?
Free parking is available at the Comal County Fairgrounds and New Braunfels City Hall. The Wurst Wagen shuttle connects these lots to the festival grounds, with round-trip fares of $20 for the ride alone or $30 for the ride plus festival admission. The shuttle also stops at most major hotels in the area, making it a convenient option for overnight visitors.
