Texas Wurstfest Brings German Heritage, Music and Ten Days of Big Flavour to New Braunfels

Image generated with Ai

Texas will welcome one of its best-loved November celebrations as Wurstfest returns to New Braunfels from 6 to 15 November 2026. The 65th annual festival will bring German food, live music, dancing, carnival rides and family fun to the banks of the Comal River. For ten days, New Braunfels will become a lively place for food lovers, music fans, families and travellers.

A Texas festival with a proud local story

Wurstfest began in 1961. Ed Grist, a local veterinarian and city meat inspector, created the event to celebrate sausage-making in New Braunfels. At that time, the city had 19 commercial sausage makers.

The first event was small. It lasted for one day. Around 2,000 people came to enjoy sausage, local food and community fun. The event was first called Sausage Festival. It later became Wurst Week. Finally, it became Wurstfest.

The celebration moved to Landa Park in 1967. It grew into a ten-day festival in 1968. Since then, Wurstfest has become a major Texas tradition. It celebrates the German roots of New Braunfels while adding a strong Texas spirit.

New Braunfels was built by German settlers. Their influence remains in the city’s food, music, customs and family traditions. Wurstfest brings these stories to life. It gives visitors a chance to enjoy German-inspired culture in a relaxed Texas setting.

Ten days of food, music and family fun

Wurstfest will feature more than 40 bands and over 250 live sets across five stages in 2026. Visitors can expect polka, Alpine music, folk songs, yodelling, German dance bands and Texas entertainment.

The confirmed line-up includes Alex Meixner Band, Jimmy Sturr and His Orchestra, Kerry Christensen Master Yodeler, Chardon Polka Band, Copperbox, Austin Polka Band, Terry Cavanagh & Alpine Express, Walburg Boys, Lederhosen Junkies and Die Bayrischen Hiatamadln.

The music will fill the festival grounds from day into night. Each stage will have its own style. Some will play dance music. Others will feature folk acts, polka bands and traditional Bavarian sounds.

The festival will also host a polka contest, a waltz contest, a yodelling contest and a stein-holding state championship. These activities make Wurstfest feel more like a shared celebration than a simple concert event.

Food remains the heart of the festival. Visitors can enjoy sausage, German-inspired dishes, baked treats and festival snacks. Sausage-making demonstrations will show how the event connects to the history of New Braunfels. Wine talks will add another flavour to the programme.

A festival for children and families

Wurstfest is not only for adults. It has a full programme for children and families. The Kinderhalle will offer bubble shows, puppet theatre, story sessions, dance performances and other activities.

This gives families a space to relax between the music and food areas. Children can enjoy their own shows while parents explore the festival grounds.

Children aged 12 and under can enter free every day. This makes Wurstfest a more affordable option for families travelling through Texas Hill Country during November.

Carnival rides will add more excitement. The rides, games, food stalls and music make the festival a full-day experience. Visitors can arrive in the afternoon and stay until late evening.

Opening weekend will bring the biggest crowds

Wurstfest opens on Friday, 6 November, at 4pm. The opening programme will include a ceremony with Alex Meixner. The first weekend will bring long hours, live music and a large crowd.

Saturday, 7 November, will run from 11am until midnight. Sunday, 8 November, will run from 11am until 10pm. The second weekend will follow a similar pattern, with music, food and entertainment from Friday through Sunday.

The festival offers free admission from Monday to Thursday, between 9 and 12 November. These days may suit travellers who want a quieter visit. Families may also find it easier to move around the grounds during the week.

Online tickets for Fridays and Sundays cost $15. Saturday online tickets cost $25. Prices are higher at the gate. The final Sunday will offer free entry after 3pm.

Festival entry gives visitors access to the entertainment programme and public areas. Food, drinks, rides and other purchases are separate.

A celebration that supports the community

Wurstfest is organised by the non-profit Wurstfest Association of New Braunfels. The group uses the event to promote local tourism, support businesses and protect the city’s cultural heritage.

The festival also supports community groups. Ticket sales help more than 20 local non-profits. This means visitors do more than enjoy food and music. Their spending helps organisations that work across New Braunfels.

This community purpose gives Wurstfest extra importance. It is a major tourism event, but it is also part of local life. It helps keep traditions alive and gives civic groups a way to raise funds.

Planning a Wurstfest trip

Wurstfest takes place at 178 Landa Park Drive in New Braunfels. The festival grounds sit near the Comal River and close to the city centre. Visitors can explore local shops, restaurants and riverside spaces before entering the festival.

Parking near the festival grounds is limited. It can fill early, especially on Saturdays. Visitors should arrive early or use transport options.

The official Park ‘N Ride service will operate from Comal County Fairgrounds. Parking there is free. The shuttle costs $10 for visitors aged 13 and over. Children aged 12 and under can use the shuttle free.

Rideshare services, hotel shuttles on selected evenings, accessible transport and tour-bus routes will also be available. Planning ahead can make the visit smoother.

A powerful November travel experience

Wurstfest gives travellers a bright reason to visit Texas in November. It mixes food, music, dancing, carnival fun and heritage in one place.

New Braunfels will offer a celebration that feels both large and local. It will be loud, colourful and full of flavour. Yet its story remains simple. A small sausage festival began in 1961. Today, it has grown into one of Texas Hill Country’s most memorable annual cultural events.