Every November, a small Texas city transforms into one of the most festive places in the entire country. New Braunfels comes alive with the smell of sausage, the sound of polka, and the clink of beer steins raised high in celebration. That tradition continues in 2026, and if you have never been, this is the year to change that. If you have been before, you already know why you are going back.
This complete guide covers everything you need to plan the perfect visit. From dates and ticket prices to parking tips, food highlights, music stages, and family activities, you will find all the details right here.
The Dates You Need to Know
Wurstfest 2026 runs from Friday, November 6, through Sunday, November 15. That is a full ten days of celebration, which is exactly why locals call it the Ten Day Salute to Sausage. The event kicks off on the first Friday of November each year, right as the Texas Hill Country begins to cool down. The timing is perfect for outdoor festivities.
The opening weekend draws the biggest crowds, so plan accordingly. If you prefer a slightly quieter experience, the weekday sessions during the middle of the run offer a more relaxed atmosphere with shorter lines and easier access to food vendors.
Hours of Operation Day by Day
The schedule changes depending on the day of the week. Here is how it breaks down.
The opening Friday runs from 4:00 PM to 11:00 PM. Saturdays are the longest days, running from 11:00 AM all the way to midnight. Sundays open at 11:00 AM and close at 10:00 PM. On Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays, gates open at 5:00 PM and close at 10:00 PM. Thursdays and Fridays after the opening week run from 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM.
Knowing the hours in advance helps you plan your day around travel, parking, and meals. Additionally, arriving early on weekends gives you first access to the best food stalls and prime spots near the main music stage.
Venue and Location
The event is held at the Wurstfest Grounds on Landa Park Drive in New Braunfels, Texas. The official address is 178 Landa Park Drive, New Braunfels, TX 78130. The grounds sit along the banks of the beautiful Comal River, which adds a scenic backdrop to the entire experience.
The venue includes multiple entertainment buildings, outdoor stages, food vendor rows, a craft beer garden called the Stelzenplatz, a children’s area, and a midway packed with carnival rides and games. The layout is well-organized with clear signage throughout, making it easy to navigate even for first-time visitors.
Ticket Prices and How to Buy
Getting your tickets in advance is one of the smartest moves you can make. Online tickets cost around eight dollars per adult, compared to ten dollars at the gate. That small savings adds up quickly for families and groups.
Children aged twelve and under are always admitted free. Group discounts are also available, typically offering one free ticket for every fifteen purchased.
Tickets can be purchased through the official Wurstfest website at wurstfest.com. The website also lists any free admission days, which have traditionally included certain weekdays earlier in the run. Always check the site for the most current pricing before you go, as details can change from year to year.
One important note: the festival operates as a cashless event. Major credit and debit cards and mobile payments are accepted throughout the grounds. However, ATMs are available near the main entrance for those who need them.
Parking: What to Expect and How to Avoid the Headache
Parking near the festival grounds fills up quickly, especially on weekends. The good news is that the organizers have a solid system in place to help visitors get there smoothly.
Free parking is available at two main locations: the Comal County Fairgrounds at 701 Common Street and New Braunfels City Hall at 955 North Walnut Avenue. Both locations offer shuttle service to and from the festival grounds via the Wurst Wagen Park and Ride service.
Round-trip shuttle fares are approximately twenty dollars for a ride only, or thirty dollars for a combined ride and festival admission package. Children under twelve ride the shuttle for free. The Wurst Wagen also services many major hotels in New Braunfels, making it a convenient option if you are staying locally.
If you choose to park privately, lots near the venue typically charge around ten dollars. The Knights of Columbus lot is a popular choice among regular attendees. Whichever option you choose, arriving earlier than you think you need to will save you significant time and frustration.
A useful tip from longtime attendees: the festival has multiple entry gates. The main gate on Landa Street tends to get backed up early. Therefore, using one of the side entrances can save you a noticeable amount of time getting in.
The Music Experience: Five Stages of Non-Stop Entertainment
Music is the heartbeat of the festival. The entertainment lineup spans more than forty bands performing across five stages throughout the ten days. The style of music leans heavily into German tradition, with polka and Alpine brass band sounds filling the main hall. However, the lineup also includes waltzes, rock-infused sets, yodelers, and local Texas acts that give the event its unique character.
Fan favorites who have performed at the event in past years include Alex Meixner, Jimmy Sturr and His Orchestra, and Mollie B and Squeezebox. Each night begins with the traditional biting of the sausage and keg tapping ceremony, which officially opens the evening’s festivities to enthusiastic applause from the crowd.
The Stelzenplatz, the outdoor expansion area along the Comal River, added a fifth music stage and has quickly become one of the most beloved spots on the grounds. It offers a more relaxed setting with river views and an expanded craft beer selection, making it a great place to unwind between sets.
Additionally, the various halls and outdoor venues create a layered experience. You can move from one stage to another throughout the evening and catch a completely different musical atmosphere each time.
Food and Drink: A Sausage Lover’s Paradise
The food at the festival is one of its greatest draws, and it absolutely lives up to the reputation. This is, after all, a ten-day salute to sausage. Bratwurst and other German-style sausages are the stars of the show, served grilled and piping hot alongside soft pretzels, sauerkraut, and mustard.
Beyond sausage, you will find schnitzel, strudel, potato pancakes, roasted nuts, funnel cakes, and an array of other dishes covering both German classics and Texas comfort food. The variety is impressive, and most vendors are positioned throughout the grounds so you rarely have to walk far to find something to eat.
On the drinks side, the festival pours from a selection of approximately fifty-five beers, including German imports, Oktoberfest-style lagers, domestic favorites, and craft options from local Texas breweries. Wine and distilled spirits are also available. The Stelzenplatz craft beer garden features around thirty-five taps, including pours from New Braunfels’ own local breweries.
Stein-holding contests are a crowd favorite and happen regularly throughout the festival. Whether you are competing or just cheering from the sidelines, these contests add to the playful energy of the event.
Family-Friendly Activities and the Kinderhalle
The festival is completely family-friendly, and children have plenty to keep them engaged throughout the day. The Kinderhalle, which translates roughly to children’s hall, is a dedicated area designed specifically for younger visitors.
Inside the Kinderhalle, families can enjoy a bubble show, puppet theater, magic shows, chicken dance lessons, sausage making demonstrations, and hands-on crafts. The programming rotates throughout the ten days, so there is always something new to discover.
Beyond the Kinderhalle, the carnival midway offers a wide selection of rides and games spread across the festival grounds. Kids love the colorful atmosphere, and parents appreciate that the grounds are safe, well-organized, and easy to navigate. Since children twelve and under always get in free, the festival is one of the most cost-effective family outings of the fall season.
Additionally, the Circle Arts Theater next to the grounds hosts a Wurstfest-themed melodrama each year. The performances typically run about an hour and cost around twelve dollars per person. It is a fun, lighthearted way to experience local Texas theater during the festival period.
Things to Do Beyond the Festival Grounds
New Braunfels has plenty going on during the ten-day celebration. Several community events run alongside the main festival to round out the experience for visitors staying multiple days.
The Wurst Arts and Crafts Show takes place at the Main Plaza in the New Braunfels Utilities parking lot. It is a popular stop for anyone interested in locally made goods, art, and crafts. The Wurstfest Regatta at Canyon Lake draws boating enthusiasts from across the region.
For those who want to stay active, the Wurst Five Mile Run through Landa Park is a fun option. The Tour de Gruene Bicycle Classic, the Walkfest, and the Wurst Open golf tournament at Landa Park Golf Course round out the outdoor activities for sporty visitors.
Art lovers should check out ARToberfest at the New Braunfels Art League Gallery, where local artists showcase their work in a festival-inspired setting. These side events give the festival a true community character that goes well beyond the main grounds.
Tips for First-Time Visitors
A few practical tips can make your experience much smoother.
Buy your tickets online in advance to skip the gate line and save money. On weekends, arrive early to beat the crowds and get your pick of food vendors. Wear comfortable shoes because the grounds are large and you will be on your feet for hours. Dress in layers since November evenings in New Braunfels can get cool after dark.
Consider visiting on a weekday if you prefer a calmer atmosphere. Mondays through Wednesdays are traditionally the least crowded days and offer a more leisurely experience. Finally, if you are staying overnight, book your accommodation well in advance. The festival is one of the busiest periods of the year for New Braunfels, and rooms fill up fast.
Where to Stay in New Braunfels
The city offers a range of accommodation options close to the festival grounds. Charming bed and breakfasts, boutique hotels, riverside cabins, and vacation rentals are all available in and around New Braunfels. Some visitors choose to stay in nearby San Antonio, which is only about thirty miles to the south, and make the short drive each day.
Whatever your preference, booking early is essential. Aim to secure your accommodation at least a few months ahead of the November dates to get the best selection and rates.
Conclusion
Wurstfest 2026 runs from November 6 through November 15 at the Wurstfest Grounds in New Braunfels, Texas. It is a ten-day celebration packed with live music across five stages, authentic German food and drink, carnival rides, family activities, and a warm community spirit that has been growing since 1961. Tickets start at eight dollars online, children under twelve always get in free, and free shuttle options make parking stress-free. Whether you are joining for the polka music, the bratwurst, the craft beer garden, the Kinderhalle, or simply the festive atmosphere along the Comal River, there is something here for every kind of visitor. Plan ahead, arrive early, and get ready for one of the best fall festivals in the state of Texas.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Wurstfest 2026 take place?
Wurstfest 2026 runs from Friday, November 6, through Sunday, November 15, 2026. That is ten consecutive days of festivities at the Wurstfest Grounds in New Braunfels, Texas.
How much do tickets cost and where can I buy them?
Adult admission costs around eight dollars online and ten dollars at the gate. Children aged twelve and under are always free. Tickets are available through the official website at wurstfest.com. Group discounts are also offered for parties of fifteen or more.
Is there parking available near the festival?
Free parking is available at the Comal County Fairgrounds and New Braunfels City Hall, both of which offer shuttle service to the grounds. Private lots near the venue are also available for around ten dollars. The Wurst Wagen shuttle service also picks up from major hotels in the area.
What kind of food can I expect at the festival?
The food menu is heavily German-inspired and includes bratwurst, sausages, schnitzel, soft pretzels, strudel, potato pancakes, and more. Texas comfort food and classic festival snacks are also available. On the drinks side, you will find around fifty-five beers on tap, including German imports, Oktoberfest lagers, and local craft brews.
Is the festival suitable for children and families?
Yes, the festival is completely family-friendly. Children under twelve get in free. The Kinderhalle offers dedicated children’s programming including puppet shows, magic acts, bubble shows, and sausage making demonstrations. Carnival rides and games are available throughout the grounds, and the venue is well-organized and easy to navigate for families.
