New Braunfels, TX, is known for its unique old-world charm, its beautiful location at the rim of the Texas Hill Country, and its ability to give residents and visitors a genuine small-town feel within easy striking distance of San Antonio and its many amenities. For more than a week every autumn, however, New Braunfels is also known for a paradox. That’s because every November, the best thing about New Braunfels… is the wurst.

What Is Wurstfest in New Braunfels, Texas?

Wurstfest is an Oktoberfest-style celebration that occurs at a seriously impressive scale, outdoing even many celebrations “back in the old country.” Wurstfest New Braunfels includes everything you’d expect from a Texas-sized celebration of German culture: 

• Dancing and music, including traditional Alpine folk music as well as some more contemporary acts. There are a number of different musical acts scheduled for each night of the festival, so be sure to take a look at this year’s schedule to find your favorites before planning your trip.
• Plenty of Bavarian and Texan beers, with multiple locations for purchasing liquid refreshments located throughout the festival grounds. 
• Thrilling carnival-style games and rides 
• Authentic German cuisine (with plenty of Texan BBQ within striking distance for those looking for alternatives) 

While New Braunfels residents are among the most dedicated revelers, the New Braunfels Wurstfest also sees an annual influx of out-of-town visitors, with total Wurstfest attendance nearing a quarter million people in recent years! The festival is so large that portions of major New Braunfels thoroughfares, namely Landa Street, temporarily close to vehicle traffic. Be sure to read up on festival-related road closures and detours before heading into town.

When Is Wurstfest in New Braunfels?

Wurstfest New Braunfels occurs each year in early November, with the exact schedule and hours varying from year to year. Vacationers planning a trip to Texas centered on a visit to Wurstfest will enjoy roughly a ten-day window in which to make their way to our unique Alpine-Texan celebration, but be aware that the schedule of events and entertainers changes from day to day, and not only from year to year. If your favorite musical act is only scheduled for one night of Wurstfest, for example, you’ll want to plan your trip accordingly.

For a full, up-to-date schedule, you can pay a visit to the official New Braunfels, Texas, Wurstfest website at wurstfest.com, which features a detailed breakdown of where and when all your favorite Wurstfest acts will be performed. 

Some of our favorite iconic Wurstfest acts that have played in recent years include:

• Jodie Mikula Orchestra – Accordionist Jodie Mikula established this beloved family band focusing on traditional Czech polka numbers.
• Squeezebox with Mollie B – Squeezebox takes the supergroup formula and applies it to the world of polka. Featuring Mollie B of the Polka Party TV Show fame.
• Cloverleaf Orchestra – No strangers to the Wurstfest stage, this versatile outfit specializes in the traditional German music that Wurstfest is known for but can seamlessly switch to other dance-worthy styles if the mood calls for it.
• AlpenMusikanten – Thankfully, you don’t have to attempt to pronounce the band name to enjoy this vintage polka outfit that has been evolving and delighting audiences since its formation as a trio back in 1990.
• Chris Rybak – Dynamic Texas accordionist Chris Rybak knows how to pack a dance floor–or, in the case of Wurstfest, a lively beer hall.
• Mark Halata & Texavia – Another standard bearer in the proud tradition of Texan-Czech accordionists, Mark Halata’s Texavia hails from the Houston area.
• Yodel Blitz – Comedy and German folk music may not seem a natural pairing at first glance, but Yodel Blitz deftly weaves the two genres into a brilliant art form all its own.
• Terry Cavanagh & Alpine Express – Self-styled as “America’s Oktoberfest band,” you need only hear a few bars of their jaunty and expertly performed tunes to agree it’s a well-earned title.
• Das Ist Lustig – The band name translates to “this is funny,” but their mastery of a vast catalog of beloved polka, folk, and variety songs is anything but laughable.
• Austin Polka Band – They may not get any points for creative band naming, but this polka band from Austin makes up for it with every toe-tapping tune they deliver.
• And so many other great acts are also slated to perform!

Getting Involved in New Braunfels Wurstfest

If you’re ready to be part of the Alpine action and celebrate Old World Bavaria under the big Texas sky, there are a number of ways you can get involved in Wurstfest: 

• Tickets – Simply attending Wurstfest is, of course, the best first step for most people. There are various options for purchasing both admission and drink tickets online before the event, which can save you a lot of time when you arrive. It can also save you a ton of disappointment if gate tickets aren’t available when you arrive. Admission fees vary depending on the day and year you visit, but certain special days in recent years’ festivals have even been free to the public. Children may also be eligible for free admittance to Wurstfest–check the official website for details. The prospect of free tickets for kids makes the festival a great choice for families looking for a big Texas experience on a budget.
• Vendors – If you have a business or brand that you think would make a great fit for Wurstfest, you can apply to be a vendor by downloading a form from the Wurstfest website and then returning it to the festival organizers via mail or e-mail. 
• Employment – When your celebration of German culture and heritage attracts over 200,000 revelers every year, it takes a lot of dedicated workers to make it all run smoothly. Becoming one of them is a great way to take a hands-on role in the annual fun while also earning an income. You can apply for a seasonal position with the Wurstfest Association of New Braunfels through a page on Wurstfest’s official website. 
• Attend Satellite Events – While the main focus of this ten-day Bavarian boogie is Wurstfest itself, many local businesses and groups throughout New Braunfels add to the celebration in their own independent ways. Look for all sorts of specials and events throughout New Braunfels and the surrounding area while Wurstfest continues. Take part in museum tours, the annual Wurst five-mile run/walk, or even the Wurstfest Regatta on Canyon Lake in the nearby Texas Hill Country. 
• Move to New Braunfels – If Wurstfest is the highlight of your year, maybe it’s time to consider moving to the heart of it all. The “Wurstwagen” shuttle service offered by the festival organizers is great, but it can’t compare to actually living near the festival grounds and being a part of New Braunfels year-round. The Mayfair residential development resonates with the charming, small-town spirit of New Braunfels and makes an awesome home base for Wurstfest fun, excursions to the Texas Hill Country wine trail, and a lifetime of other big Texas adventures.

Wurstfest Through the Years

You might be surprised to learn that Wurstfest is over 50 years old. First conceived in the early 1960s, Wurstfest has developed a storied history over the ensuing decades, reaching a place of prominence as one of the world’s premiere Oktoberfest-style community festivals. As the festival steadily grows and flourishes, each year sees exciting new artists and vendors attracted to the gathering.

You can check the Mayfair blog for a more complete rundown of the Wurstfest timeline, but some of our favorite highlights include:

• 1961 – A community festival is launched, apparently with the intention of celebrating or selling sausages.
• 1963 – Only two years after its inception, the festival has already expanded to a full “Wurst Week” format.
• 1974 – The festival grounds see a major upgrade with the addition of a Biergarten and improved facilities.
• 1998 – Grammy winner Jimmy Sturr headlines the fest’s musical entertainment.
• 2007 – The Kinderhalle debuts: a special space at the festival with entertainment and activities just for children.
• 2011 – Wurstfest celebrates its 50th anniversary–not bad for what began as a single-day sausage celebration!

Whatever the future of Wurstfest holds, New Braunfels hopes you’ll come be a part of it. While the festival is known for its world-class entertainment and foods from the other side of the globe, one of the things that makes every Wurstfest special is the friendly, small-town atmosphere of New Braunfels that permeates even this bustling festival. No matter where you’re from or how long you’re staying, Wurstfest feels like a much-needed get-together with your best friends.

Mayfair, TX – The Ultimate Home for Wurstfest Enthusiasts

Planning that once-in-a-lifetime (or, better yet, annual) trip to Wurstfest is exciting, but living in New Braunfels full-time allows you to take in the town’s captivating old-world charm every day on your morning commute or your evening stroll along the Comal River. For many Wurstfest fanatics, it’s only a matter of time before the daydreams of moving to New Braunfels permanently begin to take hold.

If you love the Bavarian vibes and Old World charm of your annual Wurstfest visit, a permanent home in New Braunfels might be more accessible than you think. Visit the Mayfair New Braunfels main page and click the “Stay Connected” link in the upper left corner so that you can be the first to know about new units available. 

Nestled within America’s amber fields and independent farms lies a timeless autumn treasure. The pumpkin patch is where magic and nostalgia intertwine, and every pumpkin has its own tale, waiting to be told through you, your imagination, and your best efforts with a carving knife. Aside from being the perfect place to choose the perfect jack o’ lantern for Halloween, a great pumpkin patch might also have games, face painting, a corn maze, hay rides, hot cider, and any number of other treats. Texas tends to do everything a little bigger, and the pumpkins — and their patches — are no exception in terms of both size and fun!

If you’re looking for pumpkin patches in New Braunfels, look no further than the annual New Braunfels Pumpkin Patch conveniently located at the popular Rockin’ R tour operator in Gruene, TX. Carve out your perfect day on the farm with your family.

New Braunfels Pumpkin Patch Details

Where: The Pumpkin Patch at Rockin’ R takes place at Rockin’ R Gruene, located at 1405 Gruene Road, nestled along the scenic banks of the Guadalupe River. 

The Rockin’ R’s main business is operating river rides and other tours, but they put this family-oriented customer service experience to great use running their Pumpkin Patch event. Consider coming back during the summer months to try out one of their hugely popular Guadalupe River tubing packages, with prices as low as $25 for a basic tube. 

Local newspaper readers recently voted The Rockin’ R Best of New Braunfels 2023, so you know your New Braunfels Pumpkin Patch 2023 experience is in good hands with them. 

Please note that there are three other Rockin’ R locations along the Guadalupe River alone and others on the Comal River. The Rockin’ R facility you want to visit for fall pumpkin patch fun is the Rockin’ R in Gruene, once again located at 1405 Gruene Road. 

When: The Pumpkin Patch at Rockin’ R is usually a month-long event, but the exact details can vary from year to year. For example, in 2023, the Pumpkin patch opened September 30 and lasted through November 18, Wednesdays through Sundays, with operating hours of 10 AM to 8 PM, while the 2024 event tightened up a bit, going to a Thursday through Sunday schedule spanning September 28 through November 3 and closing doors at 6 PM instead of 8.

The pumpkin patch typically operates throughout October and extends into both September and November, giving you a generous window for planning your visit. You may want to plan your visit around other special seasonal events taking place in the area.

What: Rockin’ R’s more than month-long pumpkin patch has a full complement of traditional and unique pumpkin patch amenities, including: 

• Awesome fall photo opportunities 
• Fall decor 
• Various activities for the kids 
• Seasonal treats and drinks 
• The pumpkin patch itself, of course! 

The New Braunfels Pumpkin Patch at Rockin’ R has a great reputation, with online reviews to match. Here’s what real New Braunfels visitors and residents are saying about the pumpkin patch and its host, Rockin’ R River Rides:

• “It was amazing!”
• “Will definitely be visiting again, for years to come.”
• “Awesome place at a great price!”
• “They care about people and offer the best experience possible!”
• “The family area was kid-friendly, and there were plenty of pumpkins available to buy.”
• “Setup was great!”
• “Excellent customer service.”
• “The pumpkins were pretty cheap, and good quality!”
• “It was awesome!”
• “There’s a large area with kids’ bounce houses and a corn pit. The kids have a lot of fun.”
• “Plenty of things for the kids to do.”

Other Local Fall Fun

While the Rockin’ R Pumpkin Patch is our annual go-to, there are plenty of other fall activities and events around Gruene and New Braunfels, ranging from the spooky to the serene. While offerings and specifics will vary from year to year, be on the lookout for:

• Stahlman’s at Bear Creek – If you’re looking to grab some pumpkins to carve at home, along with a few groceries, and maybe even get in some Christmas shopping, it’s hard to beat a trip out to Stahlman’s at Bear Creek, just north of New Braunfels.
• Braune Farms Fresh Produce – For those who just can’t get enough fall fun, another highly regarded pumpkin patch option in the local area is located at Braune Farms.
• Farmers Market – The local New Braunfels Farmers Market is a great way to spend a Saturday, and it remains open into the autumn months.
• New Braunfels Holiday Market – It is almost an understatement to call this annual gathering a mere craft fair. Kick off your holiday season with amazing offerings from over 100 merchants and local artisans at this multi-day event.
• Wurstfest – When another Halloween wraps up, you know New Braunfels’ world famous Bavarian bash, Wurstfest, is right around the corner! If you’re planning a Halloween-time trip to New Braunfels, why not extend your stay and plan to take in a day or two of this Oktoberfest-style cultural celebration?

Little Pumpkin’s Play Patch – Young Children’s Pumpkin Patch New Braunfels, TX 

For the younger kids, Rockin’ R maintains a separate installation called “Little Pumpkin’s Play Patch.” While the standard pumpkin patch is free to enter, Little Pumpkin’s requires a modest entry fee. Children under two are free, however, and there is also no charge for parents who are only supervising and not partaking in the fun. However, entry fees may vary from year to year.

So, what exactly does your little pumpkin get for their admission fee? A full day of fall fun, including: 

• Unlimited playtime in the corn pit (think a vintage fast food restaurant ball pit, but full of corn kernels instead of plastic balls) 
• Unlimited playtime on the jump pad 

• Up to two “make and take” fall crafting projects 
• Access to the bubble station 
• Access to a variety of fun kids’ games, including “dress the scarecrows” 
• Watch out for new additions from year to year!

Fall Field Trips to the New Braunfels Pumpkin Patch 

A field trip with the whole class is a great way to experience the Pumpkin Patch at Rockin’ R and make lifelong memories with friends, teachers, and classmates. 

If you’re an educator considering a Texas pumpkin patch for a fall field trip destination, consider the package Rockin’ R has to offer you: 

• $8 per child discounted admission rate for schools (versus the normal $10 admission fee for Little Pumpkin’s Play Patch) 
• Access to the standard Pumpkin Patch 
• Admission to Little Pumpkin’s Play Patch (corn pit, jump pad, bubbles, crafts, etc.) 
• Special field activities

In addition to simply being a fun time for kids of all ages, a seasonal trip to a functioning pumpkin patch offers all sorts of potential for educational experience in areas like: 

• Biology – Pumpkin plants make a great prop for many a biology lesson, whether you’re focusing on their beautiful flowers and the pollination process, their edible seeds and flesh and the role they play in the ecosystem, or the various parts of the pumpkin itself that make them an awesome natural model of a cell.
• Weather – Pumpkins, like any crop, need certain weather conditions to grow well. An in-person visit to a working pumpkin patch is a great way to bring this lesson to life.
• Farming – A trip to the pumpkin patch is a great way to punctuate lessons about science and agriculture.
• Business – Get a behind-the-scenes look at a rewarding seasonal business model that enriches the local community.
• Physical fitness – Kids can get a great workout hitting the various activities at the Little Pumpkin’s Play Patch.
• Art – Various craft activities are also available for those who prefer to flex their artistic muscles. 

Please note that food is not included in the field trip package, but you can access picnic facilities for eating packed lunches.

Mayfair, TX – Your Year-Round Home in New Braunfels 

Instead of visiting New Braunfels for the excitement of pumpkin patch season, why not consider making it your new home? With various floor plans, styles, and ownership options being developed right now, Mayfair is a world-class residential development in New Braunfels that makes a perfect home base for year-round fun in the Texas Hill Country and beyond. Much like you might circle the pumpkin patch for hours before selecting the perfect orange gourd that speaks to your unique aesthetics, Mayfair offers various unit types and purchasing options to fit every style. 

There is no better time to move to New Braunfels, TX, by way of Mayfair than right now. After all, as soon as pumpkin patch season wraps up, another postcard-perfect Christmas in New Braunfels is just around the corner, and you won’t want to miss it.