Situated between Austin and San Antonio, New Braunfels is a gem in the Texas Hill Country that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, rich history, and family-friendly activities. Whether you’re a local or planning a weekend getaway, this guide will help you make the most of your time in this charming town.
Why New Braunfels Is the Place to Be
New Braunfels isn’t just a weekend destination — it’s a lifestyle. This Hill Country treasure has mastered the art of blending small-town charm with big-city convenience, making it one of the most desirable places to live in Central Texas.
It begins with community. Whether you’re chatting with neighbors at the farmers market, tubing down the Comal River, or catching live music at Gruene Hall, there’s a warmth and friendliness here that’s hard to come by in larger cities.
However, you shouldn’t let the relaxed atmosphere fool you — New Braunfels is thriving. As one of the fastest-growing cities in Texas, New Braunfels is home to excellent schools, job opportunities in both San Antonio and Austin, and a healthy mix of shopping, dining, and entertainment, making it the ideal place for families, retirees, and young professionals alike.
Nature lovers are spoiled for choice. With the Guadalupe and Comal Rivers, Canyon Lake just up the road, and over 700 acres of parkland, outdoor recreation is practically a daily ritual here. Whether it’s paddleboarding on the lake, hiking Panther Canyon, or having fun at Fairway Park, there’s always something to do under the Texas sun.
New Braunfels is rooted in German heritage and hosts year-round festivals like Wurstfest and Wassailfest, blending old-world traditions with modern flair. Add in a growing arts scene, boutique shopping in Gruene, and a restaurant landscape that includes everything from Tex-Mex to upscale Southern cuisine, and you’ve got a town that punches way above its weight.
Friday Afternoon: Kickstart the Weekend
Dinner at Union Station Diner
Begin your weekend with a hearty meal at Union Station Diner, a local favorite known for its train-themed decor and classic American fare. Located on a historic corner at 512 East San Antonio Street, Union Station Diner has been a beloved fixture in New Braunfels since 2015.
Housed in a building with roots dating back to the 1920s, the diner offers a nostalgic atmosphere adorned with train memorabilia donated by patrons over the years.
The menu features over 100 varieties of omelets, fluffy buttermilk pancakes, Texas-sized chicken-fried steak, and their signature Hungry Texan Breakfast— a crowd favorite loaded with eggs, three meats, hashbrowns, and pancakes. Whether you’re in the mood for something sweet or savory, Union Station serves up generous portions with a side of small-town charm.
It’s a cozy spot that sets the tone for a family-friendly weekend.
Movie Night at Stars & Stripes Drive-In Theatre
In the evening, head over to the Stars & Stripes Drive-In Theatre for a unique and nostalgic family outing. This retro-style drive-in offers double features under the stars, complete with a 1950s-themed café serving up classic snacks.
The theater boasts three massive outdoor screens showcasing double features of both the latest blockbusters and classic favorites, ensuring there’s something for everyone. Sound is broadcast directly to your car’s FM radio, providing clear audio while you relax in the comfort of your vehicle. For those who prefer the open air, lawn chairs and blankets are welcome, allowing families to create their perfect viewing setup.
Saturday: Adventure and Exploration
Morning: Landa Falls
Start your day with a float down the beautiful Comal River, an experience tubing at Landa Falls. This family friendly outfitter offers free parking, shuttle services, and tube rentals.
The float typically lasts two to three hours, and features gentle currents suitable for all ages. It’s the perfect way to cool down and wear out any energetic kids before lunch.
Afternoon: McKenna Children’s Museum
Visit the McKenna Children’s Museum, designed specifically for children under the age of eight. The museum features interactive exhibits that encourage creativity and exploration, which will ensure that your little ones enjoy a fun-filled afternoon.
Evening: Dinner in Gruene Historic District
As the sun sets over the Hill Country, there’s no better place to savor the evening than the Gruene Historic District. This charming enclave, nestled along the Guadalupe River, offers a blend of rich history, vibrant culture, and delectable dining options that cater to every palate.
For dinner, The Gristmill River Restaurant & Bar offers delicious meals with a view of the Guadalupe River, making it a perfect spot to end the day. If an upscale atmosphere is more your speed, The Gruene Door — located five minutes away — might be right up your alley.
After dinner, take a leisurely stroll through the district’s quaint shops and historic landmarks, or catch a live performance at the iconic Gruene Hall.
Sunday: Nature and Culture
Morning: Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch
Embark on a safari adventure at Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch, where you can drive through and observe exotic animals in a natural setting. It’s an educational and exciting experience for kids and adults alike.
Afternoon: Landa Park Aquatic Complex
Unwind at the Landa Park Aquatic Complex, which re-opened in May 2025 after a $2.75 million renovation — its first since 1968. Located at 350 Aquatic Circle, dive into the newly enhanced Olympic pool, enjoy the updated bathhouse, or have fun on the playground.
Shaded by majestic oak trees and enriched by the crystal-clear waters of Comal Springs, the Landa Park Aquatic Complex offers a serene setting for families to relax and cool off.
Evening: Ice Cream at Gruene General Store
Conclude your weekend with a sweet treat from the Gruene General Store. This old-timey soda fountain offers a variety of ice cream flavors, candies, and souvenirs, providing a delightful end to your family adventure.
New Braunfels: A Hill Country Gem
Offering a perfect blend of adventure, culture, and relaxation, New Braunfels is an ideal destination for family weekends, and for those living in communities like Mayfair, these experiences are part of everyday life. Whether you are visiting or considering making New Braunfels your home, there’s no shortage of family-friendly fun to be had.
Mayfair came alive with music, color, and celebration for the 2nd Annual Mayfest Festival on Saturday, May 10 – and what a day it was! Thousands of residents, visitors, and future homeowners gathered to enjoy an unforgettable event that perfectly blended small-town charm with big-time fun.
This year’s festival took place next to Fairway Park, Mayfair’s brand-new public park that opening at the end of March. The scenic park was the perfect backdrop for the event and gave guests the chance to explore one of New Braunfels’ newest amenities, complete with a playground, disc golf course, and a bike pump track. The Path on Mill St. bike shop was on site with bikes available for attendees to try out on the track and the entire park buzzed with energy as families enjoyed this new outdoor space designed for all ages.
Over on the main stage, live music and a dance floor kept the good vibes going all afternoon. The entertainment lineup featured something for everyone, with performances by Stephanie & The Southern Drive Band, Triple J Band, DJango, and headliner Spjok.
The vibrant vendor market showcased a diverse mix of local artisans, makers, and small businesses. Among the many booths, Costco made a special appearance, generating plenty of buzz as they prepare to open their first New Braunfels location right here in Mayfair next year.
Families and prospective homeowners explored the beautiful model homes from Coventry Homes, Highland Homes, Perry Homes, and Toll Brothers, offering a firsthand look at the craftsmanship and lifestyle available in Mayfair. Excitement was in the air as our four newest builders, David Weekley Homes, Scott Felder Homes, D.R. Horton Homes, and Wes Peoples Homes, set up booths to preview the future of Mayfair living, including new homes from the $300s and much-anticipated townhomes.
Local food trucks brought an eclectic mix of flavors, serving everything from street tacos to sweet treats, while the beer and wine garden gave adults a place to relax and unwind. Yard games, a bubble artist, and inflatables kept the kids entertained, and other activities included rock climbing, axe throwing with Loki Haus, a photobooth and photo ops, a bouquet bar for Mother’s Day, an Art Walk featuring live mural paintings, and a friendship bracelet station. Guests were also excited for the surfing preview presented by Texas Ski Ranch and The Stoke House, giving guests a glimpse of the exciting outdoor experiences opening soon at Mayfair’s neighboring water park.
Mayfair homeowners were treated like stars in the exclusive VIP tent, sponsored by Pape-Dawson, offering a shaded retreat with refreshments and lounge seating. Other sponsors helped bring the event to life, including Mayfair’s homebuilders, Corridor Title, who provided trolley transportation throughout the community, and ForeverLawn San Antonio, the yard game sponsor.
The most exciting moment of the day was the official reveal of the new mascot for Mayfair Elementary, the Mountain Lion! This big announcement had kids cheering and families lining up to snap photos with the friendly feline. Mayfair Elementary, Comal ISD’s newest school, is set to open in Mayfair this fall, and students will soon get the chance to vote on the mascot’s name.
The energy, enthusiasm, and turnout at this year’s Mayfest far exceeded expectations, building on the success of last year’s inaugural event and setting the stage for even more excitement in the years to come. From the music and food to the home tours and community spirit, Mayfest once again proved why Mayfair is more than just a neighborhood – it’s a blossoming small town for the modern age.
Thank you to everyone who came out to celebrate with us, and a special thanks to all our sponsors and vendors who made the day possible. We can’t wait to see you again next year for Mayfest 2026!


















NEW BRAUNFELS, Texas — The Mayfair community development, spearheaded by SouthStar, is making significant strides with multiple new projects underway, according to Gretchen Howell, the Chief Operating Officer of SouthStar.
Read More: WOAI News 4 San Antonio
A continuous walking trail from San Antonio to Austin is still years away, but the people behind the ambitious plan say progress is being made and the idea is now closer to reality.
Called the Great Spring Project — and managed by a nonprofit with the same name — the plan envisions a 100-mile trail between the two cities, connecting the San Antonio Springs, Comal Springs, San Marcos Springs and Barton Springs, conserving open space over the Edwards Aquifer’s recharge zone and creating recreational opportunities in the fast-growing Interstate 35 corridor.
Read More: San Antonio Express-News
As New Braunfels continues to grow, its neighborhoods are embracing a fresh wave of design trends that blend modern innovation with the enduring allure of the Texas Hill Country in 2025. This year is shaping up to be one of bold design choices grounded in timeless Hill Country charm.
Homebuyers aren’t just looking for a place to live — they want homes that reflect both modern sensibilities and a deep connection to the land, culture, and lifestyle of Central Texas. Whether a homeowner plans to build from the ground up or is simply dreaming of what’s next, these are the home design trends small-town locals in New Braunfels are gravitating toward this year.
Embracing Organic Modernism
The organic modern style is gaining popularity among New Braunfels homeowners. This design approach combines clean, minimalist lines with natural materials like wood, stone, and linen, creating spaces that feel both contemporary and connected to nature. Think open-concept living areas with large windows that frame the scenic Hill Country views, complemented by earthy textures and neutral color palettes.
The Return of Warm Neutrals
After years of cool grays dominating interiors, warm neutrals are making a comeback. Beige tones, once considered outdated, are now being reimagined with softer, more refined hues. Colors like Sherwin-Williams’ “Sunbleached” and Benjamin Moore’s “Cinnamon Slate” are popular choices, offering a cozy and timeless backdrop for any room.
These shades pair beautifully with natural materials and are perfect for creating a serene atmosphere in your home. Pair either with shaker moss cabinets to complete that organic look.
Sustainable and Locally Sourced Materials
Sustainability is more than a buzzword — it’s a way of life for many in New Braunfels. Homeowners are increasingly interested in eco-friendly materials and locally sourced products.
Incorporating reclaimed wood, recycled glass, and organic textiles not only reduces the impact on the environment but also adds unique character to your home. Supporting local artisans and using materials native to the Hill Country can make your home truly one-of-a-kind.
Modern Rustic Fusion
The charm of the Texas Hill Country is being reinterpreted through a modern lens. This modern rustic trend blends traditional elements like exposed wooden beams and stone accents with sleek, contemporary finishes. The result is a warm, inviting space that honors the region’s heritage while embracing modern design sensibilities.
Biophilic Design: Bringing the Outdoors Inside
With the natural beauty of Canyon Lake and Fairway Park, it’s no surprise that biophilic design is resonating with New Braunfels homeowners. This approach integrates natural elements into the home, like large indoor plants, artificial living walls, and ample natural light, promoting well-being and a deeper connection to nature. Incorporating local flora and materials can enhance this connection and create a harmonious living environment.
Bold Hardware and Fixtures
In 2025, hardware is stepping into the spotlight. Homeowners are opting for statement pieces in aged brass, copper, and polished nickel, moving away from traditional brushed finishes. These bold choices add personality and sophistication to kitchens and bathrooms, serving as the perfect finishing touch to a well-designed space.
Vintage and Mid-Century Modern Accents
There’s a growing appreciation for vintage and mid-century modern furniture in New Braunfels homes. Incorporating pieces like leather sofas, retro chairs, and vintage cabinets adds character and a sense of history to a space. Mixing these elements with modern accessories creates a balanced and stylish environment that feels both nostalgic and contemporary.
Where to Find Design Inspiration and One-of-a-Kind Pieces in New Braunfels
Designing a dream home doesn’t start and end with Pinterest boards. New Braunfels offers a variety of local spots where inspiration flows just as freely as the Guadalupe River. Here are some of the best ways to discover unique décor, finishes, and Hill Country style:
Local Boutiques & Home Stores
- Red Stag Home. Tucked away on West San Antonio Street, this boutique carries rustic-chic furniture, antique finds, and handcrafted items that feel right at home in the Hill Country.
- Lot 59. This trendy home and lifestyle store blends boho, modern, and vintage vibes. It’s a great place to discover bold accent pieces and design-forward gifts.
- New Braunfels Auction Company. You never know what you’ll find here — vintage treasures, antique furniture, or even architectural salvage perfect for a custom build.
Paint, Fixtures & Building Finishes
- Sherwin-Williams. For trending paint palettes and expert advice on finishes, Sherwin-Williams is a go-to.
- Hill Country Lighting. Located right off Loop 337, this store features an amazing range of light fixtures from rustic iron chandeliers to modern sconces, ideal for nailing that modern-ranch feel.
Hill Country Inspiration Trips: Design Ideas Just a Short Drive Away
Sometimes, the best way to get inspired is to step away from the screen and take a drive through the scenic backroads of the Hill Country. New Braunfels is just a stone’s throw from some of Texas’s most charming towns, each offering its own unique take on style, craftsmanship, and architecture. Whether you’re dreaming up your next home build or refreshing a space, these day-trip destinations are full of design gold.
Stay in Style: Design-Focused Airbnbs
Looking for a good source of real-world inspiration? Local Airbnbs and vacation rentals are designed with care. These homes in areas like Canyon Lake, or Blanco often showcase the best of modern Hill Country design. Think exposed wood beams, limestone fireplaces, polished concrete floors, and large glass walls to take in the views.
Visit Mayfair
Designing a home in New Braunfels is about more than following trends — it’s about creating a space that reflects the lifestyle and the unique charm of the Hill Country. When visiting Mayfair for their annual Mayfest, you’ll find a budding community boasting a collection of move-in-ready homes that embody bold design trends adorned with Hill Country charm.
By embracing organic modernism, warm neutrals, sustainable materials, and local craftsmanship, you can build a home that’s both stylish and deeply rooted in the local culture.
Springtime in Texas is all about those big, sunny skies, blooming wildflowers, and getting excited for another wild Texas summer. The weather is getting warmer, the days are getting longer, and those proverbial winter blues are drifting away on a warm breeze. Sounds to us like the perfect excuse for a lively outdoor community festival!
Mark your calendars for Saturday, May 10th, 2025, because you’re invited as Mayfair in New Braunfels hosts its highly anticipated annual community event, Mayfest. This fun, multi-faceted, family-friendly celebration is open to Mayfair residents, all of our New Braunfels neighbors, and curious visitors alike. The Mayfest celebration brings the community together for live music, delicious food, exciting activities, and exclusive home tours showcasing the finest work of some of the region’s most talented builders.
Mayfair 2025 Fast Facts
Date: Saturday, May 10th, 2025
Time: 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Location: Mayfair (New Braunfels, TX)
Admission: Free, all ages, and open to the general public
Festival Features: Music, food, vendors, outdoor activities, and exclusive home tours
A Fun-Filled Festival for All Ages
Centered around Mayfair’s beautiful new Fairway Park, the 2025 incarnation of Mayfest will feature a diverse mix of entertainment, shopping, eating, and interactive experiences or just a pleasant afternoon mingling with neighbors and new friends.
Mayfest 2025 Activities
Some of the activities you can expect to find available at this year’s Mayfest will include:
- Friendship Bracelet Making Workshop – Kids, besties, and crafters of all ages are encouraged to stop in at the Mayfair welcome tent and create their own colorful, wearable keepsake to commemorate friendship, good vibes, and spring 2025.
- (Turf) Lawn Games – Thanks to our friends at ForeverLawn, visitors to Mayfest 2025 will be able to enjoy a variety of classic lawn games on a high-quality artificial grass surface.
- VIP Experience – Want to take Mayfest to the next level? Mayfair residents looking for an upgraded Mayfest experience will be able to relax and mingle in the VIP tent sponsored by top Texas civil engineering firm Pape-Dawson.
- Trolley Transportation – Our partners at Corridor Title are going to be sponsoring a convenient trolley service to help revelers get from one end of Mayfest 2025 to the other. Whether you’re headed to the main stage, trying to get back to the parking area, or looking to get in on a model home tour in the residential area, just hop on a Corridor Title trolley!
- Outdoor Adventures – We already mentioned the recently unveiled Fairway Park being a centerpiece of this year’s Mayfest, but have you heard that the park’s awesome bike pump track and disc golf course will also be open and available to Mayfest attendees?
- Summer Surf Preview – Our friends from The Stoke Factory & Texas Ski Ranch are also going to be on hand showcasing some of their offerings for this upcoming summer, including the epic new surf wave experience!
- Costco Membership Signup – Come say hello to Mayfair’s first official commercial tenant, beloved bulk brand Costco! Be one of the first residents to get your Costco membership.
The above is just a small sample of the activities and sponsors that will be on hand for Mayfair 2025. Other planned activities include an interactive bubble artist, face painting, rock wall climbing, Euro Bungy and a life-size “Hungry Hippos” style game! (If your business is interested in participating in next year’s Mayfest, please contact us.)
Mayfest Model Home Tours: Explore Stunning Mayfair Homes
If you’re looking for a dream home in a dynamic and welcoming community, Mayfest 2025 is also the perfect opportunity to check out some beautifully designed model homes at Mayfair. We work with a range of the area’s most reputable and sought-after builders, including:
- Toll Brothers – Mayfair has two stunning Toll Brothers models showcasing modern luxury and craftsmanship.
- Highland Homes – We also have two different Highland Homes units that blend comfort, style, and modern conveniences.
- Perry Homes – Two more exquisite Mayfair home designs, adaptable for families of all types and sizes, come from the renowned team at Perry Homes.
- Coventry Homes – Our Coventry models feature innovative, energy-efficient designs to help you and your family make the most of all four seasons in the heart of Texas Hill Country.
- David Weekley Homes – One of our newest offerings at Mayfair is a brand-new design from David Weekley Homes coming this Spring
- Scott Felder Homes – Be on the lookout for two new Scott Felder Homes designs arriving soon at Mayfair!
Mayfest 2025 Music Line-Up
No community festival is complete without a legendary music lineup, so Mayfest 2025 is bringing you some of the best acts from New Braunfels and beyond! (The music schedule is subject to additions and changes.)
- Triple J – Local favorites Triple J will kick off this year’s Mayfest, so get there early!
- Southern Drive – After Triple J’s set, Southern Drive Band will keep the crowd moving with more great music.
- DJ Ango – New Braunfel’s own DJ Ango is returning for his second straight Mayfest appearance, and we’re thrilled to have him back.
- Spjork – Our headliner, Spjork, is slated to hit the stage around 1 p.m. and will be wowing the crowd with a high-energy bag of tricks that includes mashups, medleys, and remixes of all your favorite dance, pop, and rock jams.
Eat, Shop, and Connect at Mayfest 2025
Mayfest 2025 is also a fantastic opportunity to support some great local businesses and vendors and discover everything that Mayfair and the greater New Braunfels area beyond have to offer. Festival goers will have the opportunity to browse a variety of vendor booths, including:
- Local, handmade arts, crafts, fashions, and unique pieces.
- A delicious selection of local food vendors and food trucks.
- Community partners like Costco (Mayfair’s first commercial tenant!)
Whether you’re looking for that unique local gift for your Mom for Mother’s Day or you want to find some mouth-watering Texas Hill Country style BBQ, Mayfest at Mayfair has your shopping and dining needs covered.
Mayfair – Your New Home in New Braunfels, TX
If Mayfest sounds like fun, imagine living here year-round! From the brand-new Fairway Park to a brand-new Costco, Mayfair is only getting bigger and better with each passing year. Making your way to Mayfair for the spring festival is a surefire recipe for a great time, but living here in the heart of it all is even better.
Bookmark the Mayfair website or contact our team today to learn about new homes that will be available in the near future.
A home is more than just four walls — it’s a retreat from the everyday hustle, a place to recharge and connect with the people who matter most. Just as important is the community that surrounds it, a neighborhood where you can build meaningful relationships and find a true sense of belonging.
Mayfair in New Braunfels is more than just a master-planned community, it’s a thoughtfully designed small town. Connected by scenic walking and biking trails and brought to life through events that foster genuine connection, Mayfair even includes over 2,000,000 square feet of mixed use commercial space for shopping, dining, and building your business.
Read More: San Antonio Express-News
A new 18-acre park opened within the Mayfair development—a master-planned community located within New Braunfels’ extraterritorial jurisdiction—on March 22.
Fairway Park, located at 137 Ransom Drive, brings various amenities to Mayfair and New Braunfels residents including an 18-hole disc golf course, bike pump track, playscape and walking trail, according to an email from Kristi Robinson, vice president of marketing & communications relations of SouthStar Communities.
The disc golf course totals over 4,000 feet with multiple elevation changes with holes ranging from 119 to 400 feet. The bike pump track was designed and constructed by Avid Trails—which has an asphalt track for bikes, skateboards, scooters, rollers and berms, Robinson said.
Read More: Community Impact
Mayfair is proud to announce the first donation checks have been awarded to the three local nonprofit beneficiaries of The Mayfair Promise initiative! This milestone marks the beginning of a project-long commitment to organizations dedicated to conservation, education, and community well-being in New Braunfels.
With every new home sold at Mayfair over the course of its development, an estimated 15 years, a $100 donation is made to each of three local organizations:
- Comal Education Foundation – Supporting Comal ISD students and educators
- Headwaters at the Comal – Preserving and protecting the Comal River’s unique ecosystem
- New Braunfels Parks Foundation – Enhancing local parks and recreational spaces
The first donation, $2,800 per organization, is based on the initial 28 home closings in late 2024. As Mayfair continues to grow, so will the impact of these contributions. With four homebuilders currently active and four more joining the community this year, The Mayfair Promise is just getting started.
A Lasting Commitment to New Braunfels
Mayfair isn’t just about building homes – it’s about building a stronger community. The Mayfair Promise ensures ongoing support for organizations that align with our vision of conservation, quality education, and wellness. This commitment will continue annually, with donations awarded each spring based on home closings from the previous year.
“The Mayfair Promise is our way of giving back to these amazing organizations who are doing so much to support the New Braunfels community, not just in a one-time donation but in a commitment for the life of Mayfair’s development,” said Thad Rutherford, CEO of Southstar, developer of Mayfair. “While there is no shortage of great charities here, we felt these three encompassed Mayfair’s vision for conservation, quality education, and healthy living. These groups are important to the region’s success, and we strongly support their efforts.”
We are honored to support these organizations and look forward to seeing their continued impact on the New Braunfels community. This is just the beginning, and we can’t wait to see how The Mayfair Promise helps shape a brighter future for our hometown!
Nestled between the Northeast corner of the San Antonio metro and the heart of the Texas Hill Country, New Braunfels, TX, is a city that thrives on tradition, community, and that indomitable Texas spirit. Whether you’re a lifelong local or a first-time visitor, New Braunfels offers year-round celebrations of culture and community, with a calendar packed full of events that showcase the area’s rich heritage, diverse culture, and vibrant business climate. Celebrate our shared passion for food, fun, history, music, art, nature, and more.
First Friday
When: The first Friday of every month (March through October)
Where: Downtown New Braunfels – Main Plaza
Time: 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Kick off your month with some excitement through this beloved New Braunfels tradition. From March to October, the heart of downtown New Braunfels transforms into a lively hub of late-night shopping, live entertainment, and unique local experiences that you won’t find anywhere else. Stroll through the courtyard to enjoy awesome local bands, watch real Texas artists create on-the-spot masterpieces in awe-inspiring demonstrations, or even try your hand at some favorite local activities–axe throwing.
The 2025 First Friday season is set to kick off on March 7th at 5:00 PM. Visit the Downtown New Braunfels website for more information about First Friday and any other events organized or sponsored by the New Braunfels Downtown Association.
Folk Fest and Kindermasken Parade
When: Saturday, April 12, 2025
Where: Heritage Village – 1370 Church Hill Drive
Step back in time to celebrate the rich and diverse heritage of the New Braunfels area at the annual Folkfest, an action-packed weekend festival dedicated to early New Braunfels lore and Texan history. Held on the picturesque grounds of the New Braunfels Heritage Village and the Texas Handmade Furniture Museum, Folkfest brings the region’s rich past to modern visitors through living history exhibits where historians bring the past to life through demonstrations of traditional crafts and trades and a variety of reenactments.
One highlight of Folkfest is always the coinciding Kindermasken parade and Ball, a cherished local tradition dating all the way back to 1856. Founded by one of New Braunfels’ first educators, Hermann Seele, the parade was initially imagined as a May Day celebration to help local children connect with their German roots. Today, the event continues to honor that heritage, with local youth and families donning traditional Bavarian attire and participating in parades and dancing.
For more information about Folkfest or the Kindermasken Parade, head to the event webpage on the New Braunfels Heritage Society website.
Spring Fashion Plate
When: April
Where: Krause’s Cafe – 148 S Castell Ave
Tickets: Starting around $60 (includes lunch and wine)
Fashion enthusiasts in New Braunfels quickly mark their calendars whenever the details for the annual Spring Fashion Plate are announced. The Spring Fashion Plate is the area’s premiere style showcase, highlighting great spring and summer looks from a range of downtown boutiques. Held at the iconic Krause’s Cafe, this ticketed event is more than just a fashion show; it’s a full experience that includes door prizes, swag bags, and a delicious lunch spread complete with wine and dessert. Best of all, the proceeds from the Spring Fashion Plate go towards community beautification projects, making it a most stylish way to support New Braunfels.
Check the Downtown New Braunfels events schedule or the Krause’s Cafe website to find up-to-date information on plans for Spring Fashion Plate 2025 as they are finalized.
Saengerfest
When: Saturday, May 3, 2025
Where: Downtown New Braunfels – Main Plaza
Time: 12:00 noon to 10:00 PM
Admission: Free (drink tickets and souvenir glasses available for purchase)
An epic celebration of New Braunfels’ love for culture, community, and cool tunes, Saengerfest is one of the city’s most anticipated annual events. Originally known as “Wein & Saengerfest,” this festival is another long-standing local tradition that has evolved over the years but continued to thrive, much like New Braunfels itself. Today’s Saengerfest strives for a broader cultural appeal while still holding firmly to its roots in local heritage and music appreciation.
Saengerfest, which translates to “Singing Festival” in German, brings together the best of area music, food, art, shopping, and all sorts of family-friendly activities. Guests can sample Texas Hill Country wines and regional craft beers or hit up the local food trucks for an unforgettable feast. The festival’s early May date also makes it one half of a pair of great bookends for the perfect extended New Braunfels summer, with the other, of course, being the autumnal Wurstfest.
Visit the City of New Braunfels’ Saengerfest website for more details.
Mayfest
When: Saturday, May 10, 2025
Where: Mayfair
Time: 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Mayfest is one of New Braunfels’ newer annual traditions, and is hosted by the emergent Mayfair neighborhood. This single-afternoon event is jam packed with fun for the whole family, including live music, crafts, tours of Mayfair model homes, kids activities, and booths from lots of great local vendors and artists, which makes Mayfair’s Mayfest the perfect opportunity to pick up a unique Mother’s Day gift. For all the details on Mayfest, head over to our dedicated webpage all about the 2025 festival.
New Braunfels Pumpkin Patch
When: Autumn (2025 details TBA)
Where: Rockin’ R, 1405 Gruene Rd.
For your annual pumpkin patch experience done right, head towards the historic Gruene area and stop at the Rockin’ R tour operator along the Guadalupe River for fall-time festivities the whole family is sure to remember. This annual pumpkin patch experience includes a dedicated kids’ area, arts and crafts, awesome fall color photo ops, and–of course–high quality pumpkins for all your autumnal jack o’ lantern carving and pie-making needs.
Check out the Rockin’ R website for 2025 pumpkin patch details as they become available.
Wurstfest
When: November 7 – November 16, 2025
Where: Wurstfest Grounds – 120 Landa St
Admission: Around $20, but ticket price varies by day
Any list of annual New Braunfels events would be shamefully incomplete if it failed to include the 10-day experience known as Wurstfest, a beloved annual celebration that is nearly synonymous with New Braunfels itself. This iconic festival is like an Oktoberfest celebration cranked up to 11.
While this long-standing tradition is another rooted in celebrating the area’s rich German heritage, it has become so much more and is now a lively blend of foods, music genres, and fun activities that draws enthusiastic visitors of all different backgrounds. Whether you’re here for the sausages, the polka, or the beer, it’s nearly impossible not to have the best time at Wurstfest.
If you want to experience Wurstfest on a budget, be sure to check the schedule for Free Admission days, and you’ll be happy to know that children under 12 are always free. Visit the official Wurstfest website for full details.
Wassailfest
When: First weekend of December
Where: Downtown New Braunfels – Main Plaza
By now, you may be noticing a pattern where a lot of events here follow the naming convention of German word plus “fest,” but that’s just how we roll here in New Braunfels, where reminders of our old world roots are very literally built into the city’s architecture and are a part of daily life. Wassailfest is the last of our big Bavarian festivals for the year and is the New Braunfels version of a hometown Christmas fair.
Kick off your holiday season with a heartwarming event that celebrates the spirit of the season and the good cheer we’ve found in our community all year long. Come see the New Braunfels downtown transformed into a veritable winter wonderland of lights, carols, and seasonal treats.
Wassailfest has an official event page on Facebook if you want more details.
Christmastime in New Braunfels and the Texas Hill Country
When: The Holiday Season
While this final entry isn’t for a specific fair or festival, we felt we needed to give a shout out to the many other great wintertime and holiday themed activities occuring in the area. If you think of Wassailfest as the star atop the tree, you can think of these many other “Hometown Christmas” style events as the ample ornaments and tinsel. Whether you’re looking for that perfect locally made gift, a chance to support the local arts scene, or even just a memorable backdrop for this year’s family Christmas card photo, the holidays in New Braunfel have it all.
Check out Mayfair’s blog about Christmas in Texas Hill Country for additional details on some of our favorite holiday events. (This post will be updated with details for 2025 as they become available.)
Mayfair, TX – Celebrating Life in New Braunfels Year-Round
If you’re considering relocating, why not put yourself in the middle of all these great annual celebrations? Check out New Braunfels’ up-and-coming Mayfair district, located within easy walking and biking distance of New Braunfels’ biggest celebrations. Mayfair takes applications on new units regularly, so be sure to bookmark our blog and visit often.
Also, visit our events page to stay informed about all things happening in New Braunfels.