San Antonio may have its share of honky-tonks, but the Gruene Historic District of New Braunfels is where South Central Texans go for some good old-fashioned dancing. This year Gruene Hall, the oldest continually operating dance hall in Texas, is celebrating 50 years under one family's wing with a historical exhibit, a giveaway, and of course, lots of live music.
The 50th anniversary follows the 2024 death of patriarch Pat Molak, who left a life of corporate success to book shows, drink beer, and revive Gruene's music scene. Gruene Hall, which was already 100 years old when Molak got to it, was his initial purchase, and his minimal renovations landed him in New Braunfels' good graces. He and his family went on to restore other hospitality institutions including Gruene Antique Company and the Gristmill Restaurant, and San Antonio's Josephine Street and Down on Grayson.
Many artists credit Gruene Hall and Molak with part of their success, including country superstar George Strait and Texas musical icon Ray Benson of Asleep at the Wheel.
“It’s hard for me to think about my career in country music without thinking about Gruene Hall,” said George Strait as quoted in a press release. “It had a magic to it back in the 70’s and 80’s when me and the Ace in the Hole Band regularly played it, and the last time I was in there, not too long ago, that same magic was still alive and strong. I love that it’s part of my history. There’s just no other place like it — it’s iconic. No other way to say it. Salud Gruene Hall, and all those helping to keep Pat’s dream alive. God Bless the Molak family!”
Benson said playing at Gruene Hall "for 50 years is one of the cooler things I can say about what our band has done."
“To show up in 1975, to a literal ghost town with nothing there but the Hall and the Mansion, to what it has become today is incredible," he continued. "The first time I heard George Strait sing was at Gruene Hall. Every time I walk onto that stage it puts a smile on my face. Congrats to the Molak Family and thank you! Texas is so lucky to have Gruene Hall and I know I’ll keep on playing there till I can’t play anymore.”
Other musicians will join the celebration in person. Live shows are scheduled for the following acts, plus more to be announced later:
- Gary P. Nunn – July 11, 2025
- Roger Creager – July 23-26, 2025
- Cooder Graw – August 1, 2025
- Bob Schneider – August 2, 2025
- Jamie Lin Wilson – August 8, 2025
- Cory Morrow – August 9, 2025
- Dale Watson – August 15, 2025
- Ray Wylie Hubbard – November 21, 2025
- Ray Wylie Hubbard– November 26, 2025
- Django Walker & The Jerry Jeff Walker Band – December 6, 2025
Visitors to Gruene Hall on or after June 13, Molak's 77th birthday weekend, can take a look at the venue's past at the newly unveiled Pat Molak Legacy Wall, which will include never-before-seen memorabilia.
Coming up this year, there will also be a giveaway for admission to all Gruene Hall shows in 2026; a photo contest for snapshots of memories at the venue; and a limited-edition merch collection including apparel, stickers, and some collaborative designs.
Finally, fans can look forward to a community-wide celebration this fall. Details have yet to be announced, and can later be found on social media.
“This place is bigger than any one artist — it’s where music lives and history happens,” said Molak's wife, Susie Molak, in the release. “The 50th Anniversary isn’t just about celebrating Gruene Hall; it’s about honoring the fans, the artists, and the community that have kept this tradition alive.”
The Molak's daughter, Katie Courtney, also thanks the community: “My father saw something in Gruene Hall that no one else did,” she said. “50 years later, his vision is still thriving, and this celebration is a tribute to the artists, guests, and staff who have made it all possible."
