Wurstfest: Your Complete Guide to the Wurst Festival in TX
In New Braunfels, the “wurst” is the best. And the city doesn’t go small on that idea. Every year, there is a “10-day salute to sausage” the first full week of November. That’s Wurstfest.
If you’re not a fan of sausage, you may not be too interested at first. But if you love live music, good friends, great food (there’s more than just sausage), and cold beer… Wurstfest might become your new favorite November holiday. It’s a party like no other, and it’s held in New Braunfels every year, right on the banks of the Comal River.
What is Wurstfest?
It’s about German Heritage
Wurstfest, in a nutshell (ahem, in a sausage wrap), is a 10-day celebration of German heritage that transforms the quaint city of New Braunfels into a lively, bustling hotspot every November. But let’s be clear—calling it a ‘sausage festival’ doesn’t do it justice. No, no. There’s much more to it than that.
It’s About Fun
The festival takes place right on the banks of the Comal River, adding a picturesque backdrop to the festivities. And as you’re walking through the grounds, whether you’re heading to the Big Tent, the carnival, or the Biergarten, there’s no doubt you’ll find yourself caught up in the infectious cheer, your hand clutching a frothy Texas beer, your foot tapping along to the rhythm, and your hands gripping onto a plate of delicious food (more than just sausage… we’re talking strudels, reubens, pretzels, pork chops, schnitzel, fried oreos, potato pancakes, and so much more…)
It’s About the Community
Not only does Wurstfest serve up a hearty helping of fun, but it also plays a significant role in supporting the local community. You see, beneath the lively music, the laughter, and the aroma of sizzling sausages, Wurstfest is a driving force for good, helping numerous non-profit organizations meet their fundraising goals.
Since 1967, Wurstfest has annually featured vendor booths manned by local non-profits inside the Marktplatz. These organizations use the platform provided by Wurstfest to raise funds, which they then use to carry out their missions.
Wurstfest is a nonprofit itself, with a mission to preserve the local community heritage of New Braunfels, promote the local economy, and encourage community involvement. Over the years, it has committed millions of dollars to local philanthropy projects. From providing landscaping and erosion control to supporting various other community initiatives, Wurstfest is truly dedicated to giving back.
Wurstfest is a celebration of community and a testament to how the ‘wurst’ can indeed be the best.
Wurstfest History (Abridged)
Over 60 years ago, in 1961, the humble beginnings of Wurstfest took root in a small downtown area of New Braunfels. It started as a one-day event in November to celebrate the city’s rich German heritage.
The festival quickly gained momentum and expanded into a 10-day extravaganza over the course of a few years, attracting visitors from near and far.
Over the years, Wurstfest has stood the test of time. It’s weathered floods, fires, and COVID-19. Despite these challenges, the festival has continued to thrive, growing bigger and better each year.
If you want to learn more about the history of Wurstfest, the Texas State Historical Association has a much lengthier history lesson.
Why Do People Celebrate Wurstfest?
Who wouldn’t want to be part of the ‘wurst’ party in Texas?
You’re surrounded by the infectious energy of laughter and cheer, the rhythm of polka music, and the enticing aroma of sausages and pretzels filling the air. There’s something incredibly thrilling about being part of this vibrant tapestry of sights, sounds, and smells.
People come to create unforgettable memories. It’s a time to reconnect with old friends (and make new ones) while you raise a toast to good times and enjoy a selection of food that you can’t get anywhere else.
It’s a ‘wurst-case’ scenario where everyone wins—you get to have fun, eat delicious food, enjoy fantastic music, support a good cause, and create lasting memories.
When is Wurstfest?
Wurstfest takes over New Braunfels for ten days starting from the first Friday of November and keeps the party going through the following Sunday. 2023 dates are November 3-12.
Where is Wurstfest?
Wurstfest takes place in New Braunfels, Texas, near the headwaters of the beautiful Comal River. The main entrance to Wurstfest is right next to the entrance to Landa Park (another great place to visit in New Braunfels – whether you have kids or not).
What’s an Opa?
At Wurstfest, Opas are the heart and soul of the festival. They’re a group of spirited volunteers who not only help run the show but also ensure everyone’s having a blast.
Just follow the sound of laughter and clinking beer mugs, and you’ll find an Opa spreading joy and making Wurstfest the amazing celebration that it is!
When you’re walking around, you’ll notice there are Opas with green vests and Opas with red vests. The Opas wearing green vests are known as Kleine Opas. They are the junior members, learning the ropes and bringing fresh energy to the festivities.
The Opas donning red vests are the senior members. To get a red vest, you have to serve as a Kleine Opa (green vest) for at least 3 years and be voted into official Opa status.
Interested in becoming an Opa? You’re not the only one. According to the Wurstfest Association, there are 50+ applicants per year and a limited number of positions available. If that doesn’t scare you, you’ll need to get a recommendation from a red vest Opa and fill out an application. It may be a few years before you’re selected.
How Long is Wurstfest in New Braunfels?
Wurstfest is always a 10-day celebration at the beginning of November.
What to Expect at Wurstfest
First things first, security. As you approach the festival gates, you’ll notice a security team and metal detectors. The folks at Wurstfest take safety seriously, so don’t be surprised when they ask you to open your bags for a search. And remember, certain items are a no-go. I’ve seen people have to throw away pocket knives, pepper spray, and more. So, leave those at home!
Once you’re in, prepare for a sensory overload. The smell of sizzling sausages will hit you first. The food here is a big deal. Expect to feast on all kinds of German goodies like pretzels, sauerkraut, strudel, and of course, a variety of sausages.
Then there’s the music. From the Big Tent to the Little Tent, Wursthalle to Stelzenhaus, there is music everywhere. You’ll want to check the Wurstfest official website for the schedule so you don’t miss your favorites (Alex Meixner Band and Die Bayrischen Hiatamadln are always crowd-pleasers, but you really can’t go wrong with any of it).
Don’t let the lines dampen your spirits (the line to get in, the ticket lines, the beer ticket lines, the food lines…). It’s all part of the experience. After all, good things come to those who wait, right?
You can skip some of the lines by purchasing tickets online (entry and beer tickets), getting there early, or going on weekdays.
Here are more of my favorite things to do at Wurstfest.
How Much Does it Cost to Get in?
The price of your ticket will depend on the day you plan to attend. Here’s the breakdown for 2023:
- Saturday: $25.00
- Friday/Sunday: $20.00
But hey, if you purchase your tickets in advance (up until November 2, 2023), you can snag a discounted rate! Here’s what those look like:
- Advance Friday/Sunday: $18.00
- Advance Saturday: $22.50
Planning to roll in with a squad? There’s a discount for that too:
- Group of 15 on Friday/Sunday: $18.00 per ticket
- Group of 15 on Saturday: $22.50 per ticket
There’s also a BOGO coupon. This little gem is valid for the first Friday and both Sundays of the festival. Buy one ticket, get one free.
Looking for a local tip? Entry to Wurstfest is FREE Monday through Thursday… AND it’s way less crowded.
How to Get Tickets
In Advance: If you’re all about planning ahead, you can snag your tickets in advance for a discounted rate. Just head over to the Wurstfest website, choose your preferred date, and make your purchase. Remember, advance sales end the day before the opening ceremonies, so don’t wait too long!
Online: Missed the chance to buy in advance? You can still purchase your tickets online and skip the ticket lines at the gate. Simply visit the Wurstfest website, select your date, and voila! The tickets will be emailed to you. You can either print them out or show them on your phone at the gate.
At the Gate: More of an in-the-moment kind of person or prefer to use cash? No problem! Tickets are available at the festival gate too.
How to Get to Wurstfest
Since parking is limited around the Wurstfest grounds, there are a number of shuttles that take people to the fest, both in New Braunfels and in the surrounding cities: San Marcos, Austin, and San Antonio.
And if you stay the weekend at Schlitterbahn, they have packages that include tickets and transport.
And of course, there’s always Uber and Lyft, and some locals even offer golf cart shuttles to get you to/from the entrance.
What Kind of Food is at Wurstfest?
There’s a wide variety of food at Wurstfest. You’re bound to find something to enjoy: everything from juicy sausages and mouth-watering Reuben sandwiches to crispy schnitzel and fried Oreos!
Craving something on a stick? The pork chop on a stick from New Braunfels Little League is one of the most popular items (watch out for those long lines though).
If you’d prefer some classic fair food, dig into a fluffy funnel cake or get adventurous with chocolate-covered pickles!
But my personal favorite? The Wurstentachen: a bratwurst plopped into a pita pocket, topped with grilled peppers, onions, and sauerkraut.
And let’s not forget the buttery pretzels and sweet baked strudels. But that’s just the start – there’s so much more to discover.
The best part? Most of the food is made by local non-profits, so every bite you take supports the New Braunfels community.
Wurstfest Beer Selection
The bars at Wurstfest have a wide selection of beers, from popular brands to unique craft beers that will surely quench your thirst.
The star of the show is Shiner Oktoberfest, which is always my go-to and is available at every bar throughout the grounds. But if you want to try something a little different, you’ll want to head down to the Stelzenhaus – there is usually a broader selection of beers down there.
Just a friendly reminder: don’t leave your ID at home. They’re quite careful about making sure everyone enjoying a beer is of age.
Entertainment
If you’ve never experienced polka music before, you’re about to have your mind blown. It’s fun, fast-paced, and utterly irresistible. You’ll find yourself tapping your feet before you even realize it!
But hey, maybe polka isn’t your thing? No worries at all! This festival is packed with so many different stages and areas that you can simply wander off and find something else that tickles your fancy. There’s always something happening at Wurstfest!
Is Wurstfest Kid Friendly?
Wurstfest is super kid-friendly and there’s a ton of stuff for the little ones to enjoy. (I have three between the ages of 2-8, and we go to Wurstfest almost daily!)
First up, there’s the carnival. My kids always love the carousel, but there are plenty of rides to give older kids an adrenaline rush too. There are also plenty of games where kids can test their skills and win some cool prizes.
And let’s not forget about the Kinderhalle. This is like the epicenter of fun for kids at Wurstfest. They’ve got magic shows that’ll leave them wide-eyed with wonder, exciting science experiments that’ll spark their curiosity, and even visits from reptiles. You’ll want to check the Kinderhalle schedule to see what’s going on the day you plan to go.
So yes, Wurstfest is definitely a place where your kids can have their ‘wurst’ time too! (And hopefully they’ll be on their best behavior for you.)
Where to Park
Parking can be a drag. I highly recommend getting an Uber, Lyft, or shuttle to the festival. Even if you don’t plan to drink, it makes it much more manageable. If that’s not possible, there are plenty of other parking options.
First, free parking is available at the Comal County Fairgrounds. You probably won’t want to walk that distance, but the Wurst Wagen will take you to the entrance quickly.
If you’re looking for a spot closer to the action, you have a few options. You can try to park in Landa Park, but parking there is very limited, and the roads are often closed and difficult to maneuver around. There’s parking available in both the Knights of Columbus and Lions Club parking lots located on Landa Street, right across from Wurstfest Gate #1. Those spots will cost about $20, but they’re about as close as you can get.
For more detailed information, make sure to check out the official Wurstfest website.
What to Wear to Wurstfest
Wurstfest is your chance to rock some traditional German attire, like dirndls and liederhosen. And let me tell you, there’s nothing like seeing a sea of people in their Bavarian best. It really adds to the whole atmosphere!
But hey, if you’re feeling more playful, why not don a silly hat? Whether it’s a felt hat adorned with feathers or a cap shaped like a giant beer mug, it’s all about having fun and getting into the spirit of things.
Now, a little tip from someone who’s been there many, many times – layers are your friend. Sometimes it can get a bit chilly at night. But trust me, once you’re in the big tent with everyone else, you’ll likely want to shed a layer or two. So, pack a light jacket or sweater just in case.
And if you want to take home a memento of your epic time at Wurstfest, head over to The Local and pick up a Wurstfest t-shirt. There is a year-around store in downtown New Braunfels, and they also set up a shop at Wurstfest.
So, whether you decide to go traditional, silly, or casual, the most important thing is to be comfortable and have fun. After all, that’s what Wurstfest is all about!
Best Time to Go to Wurstfest
If you’re not a fan of big crowds and would enjoy a more chill vibe, weekdays are your best bet. Plus, you can get in for free!
But hey, if you’re all about soaking up the energy and being in the thick of the action, then Friday and Saturday nights are where it’s at. You’re sure to make new friends while you’re there too.
Of course, if there’s a particular band you’re dying to see, make sure to check out the Wurstfest schedule. This way, you can plan your visit around their performance, and if you’ve got kids in tow, the Kinderhalle schedule will be your best friend. It’s usually published online closer to the festival, or you can pick it up at the Kinderhalle if you plan to go more than once.
Best Places to Stay During Wurstfest
In my opinion, you should stay right in New Braunfels for the whole weekend. Why? Because there’s too much fun to be had to cram it all into one day. Don’t drink and drive back to Austin or San Antonio… Stay local, where you can easily get an Uber, enjoy everything New Braunfels offers, and maybe even hit up Wurstfest twice! Because why not?
Now, if you’re into hotels, New Braunfels has a ton of options. From budget to boutique, you’ll find something that fits your needs. Schlitterbahn Resort is a great choice, too. It’s close to Wurstfest, and they even offer a shuttle service.
More of a home-away-from-home person? You’re in luck. There are loads of beautiful Vrbos and AirBnbs around. New Braunfels is pretty strict on short-term rentals, so there aren’t any right next to Wursfest, but you’ll find charming places downtown, near Gruene, and even spots right on the river.
What Else to Do in New Braunfels
New Braunfels isn’t just about Wurstfest, you know! A whole world of fun awaits you in this charming Texan town.
Fancy some retail therapy? You’ll love Downtown New Braunfels and Gruene. These areas are chock-full of unique shops where you can find everything from handmade goodies to vintage treasures. And if you like antiquing, there are plenty of antique stores too.
You can also grab some good eats at local restaurants. (We love Muck & Fuss, but you’ll want to get there early so you don’t have to wait in too long of a line.)
If you’re more of an outdoorsy type, don’t worry. There’s plenty for you too! Rent a boat to explore Canyon Lake (or take a dip if the weather is still warm… because it often is), explore beautiful parks like Landa and Fisher, or hit the trails for a refreshing hike.
So, while you’re here for Wurstfest, make sure to explore all the other gems that New Braunfels has to offer. Trust me, you won’t regret it!
