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New Braunfels' Wurstfest kicks off 65th year of beer and brats
Wurstfest returns November 6-15.
Wurstfest is once again bringing its oom-pah-pah to New Braunfels. Tickets are on sale now for the 65th annual sausage party, held November 6-15 at Landa Park along the Comal River.
Veterinarian and meat inspector Ed Gris started the festival in 1961 to celebrate all things sausage. Since then, it has grown into a multi-day bash with beer, artisan crafts, rides for kids, on-theme eats, and more than 40 acts spread across five stages.
“I was a young boy when I attended my first Wurstfest,” said 2026 Wurstfest President Marc Allen in a release. “What used to be a local tradition for New Braunfels residents now draws people from all over Texas and the nation.”
Notable acts this year include humorous trio Yodel Blitz, accordionist Alex Meixner (who will kick off the festival with the "biting of the sausage"), Bavarian partiers Happy Hour Oktoberfest Band, the difficult-to-pronounce Alpenmusikanten, and eclectic outfit Walburg Boys.
Organizers say this year will expand the Student Day for local high schools and a bigger Veteran’s Day Salute. Those who usually skip the suds will find more German wine and cheese in the Weingarten.
As always, the food, drink, and merch stands will be manned by more than 25 local nonprofits, which will benefit from the sales they make.
Ticket prices vary by day, and always cost less online. Wurstfest is always free for children 12 and under, but older kids and adults will have to pony up the following:
- Monday through Thursday: Free
- Friday: $15 online and $20 at the gate
- Saturday: $25 online and $30 at the gate
- Sunday: $15 online and $20 at the gate
