I Heart New Braunfels – Wurstfest

One More Reason Why I Heart New Braunfels: Wurstfestwhy i heart new braunfels

I’m not German, but New Braunfels loves me anyway. German heritage and culture are an important part of the New Braunfels community which truly shows during Wurstfest. Starting as a one day sausage festival in 1961 the event has grown into a 10 day salute to sausage!

There is something for everyone during this week and our town is full of visitors who come to support the festival. Many travel to attend and it’s not unusual to meet guests who have traveled internationally to visit our town. The festival itself is a massive party that includes continuous live polka and other German influenced music in 4 different locations of the Wurstfest grounds including the original Wursthalle where you will find the dance floor full of patrons wearing a mixture of attire including tradition German garb (dirndls for ladies or lederhosen for men) or even silly hats which are highly encouraged. Having our picture made in the Jail Haus with friends is one of many Wursfest traditions that my husband and I have.

Wurstfest 2003Next door in the Marketplatz is a vendor hall bursting full of over 40 vendor booths with German inspired foods and wares. In this area you might procure a variety of foods on-a-stick (of course sausage and pork chops) or cups/pitchers of beer (German and otherwise) and in the very next booth you might purchase some fun headgear to stand out in the crowd like a chicken hat or some blinking antlers! The Wurstfest grounds are extensive and beautifully laid out with seating and walking areas lining the Comal river. There are even events for children as well in the carnival area which includes Kinderhalle (music hall for the children) and carnival rides including a Ferris wheel!

Wurst Jail

Wurstfest is organized by the nonprofit Wurstfest Association which includes over 200 beloved Opas (grandfathers). This group continues to enable Wurstfest to raise large amounts of money for community projects. In addition to the vendor booths which are run mostly by volunteers of local charities there are also dozens of local events that are tied to or inspired by Wurstfest. Some of these include: the Wurst Five Mile Run, Wurstfest International Walkfest, Wurstfest Regatta, Tour de Gruene Bicycle Classic, Wurstfest Skat Tournament, ARToberfest, Wurstfest Lacrosse Invitational, Kunsthalle (Arts & Crafts) and many more events that bring the community together.  (See full list)

Opening night of Wurstfest is when many locals attend including my husband and I (for 12 years). Traditionally at 5pm the biting of the sausage ceremony kicks everything off and admission is free until 7pm (on opening night and after 3pm on the final Sunday) which is a nice perk for locals.  I consider Wurstfest one of my absolute favorite things about living in New Braunfels. Years ago, when we had our store in Gruene, I met so many interesting people from all over the world and most of that was during Wurstfest. We always look forward to seeing what crazy polka/rock mash-up the Alex Meixner Band has come up with. I’m pretty sure I heard a polka version of Ozzy Osbourne this year!

Free Admission Coupon (with one paid 11/3/13-11/6/13)

Visit the Wurstfest Website

View the Wurstfest 2013 Schedule

Like Wurstfest on Facebook

If you would like more information about living in New Braunfels, give me a call!

Clair Devers
Keller Williams Realty-Heritage
Licensed Realtor
clair@casanewbraunfels.com
830.237.3109
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