Event Spotlight · Fall 2026
Wurstfest 2026: Sausage, Polka and Ten Days on the Comal
Every November, New Braunfels turns Landa Park into a German-Texas sausage festival on the banks of the Comal River. Wurstfest runs November 6 - 15, 2026 — ten days of bratwurst, polka, carnival rides and Alpine-style entertainment for the festival’s 65th year. Here’s how to make the most of it.
Since 1961: Ed Grist’s salute to sausage
Wurstfest started as a one-day sausage celebration in 1961. Ed A. Grist, a practicing veterinarian and the city’s meat inspector, wanted a festival to honor local sausage. The mayor proclaimed it that year; the first event drew about 2,000 visitors and had to move from Landa Park to the National Guard Armory when the weather turned. It was called "Sausage Festival," then "Wurst Week," and finally Wurstfest.
By 1963 the festival ran every night of the week downtown in the Rathskeller. It moved into half of today’s Wursthalle in Landa Park in 1967, expanded to a full ten-day run in 1968, and has grown around the Wursthalle, Biergarten, Marktplatz and riverfront acreage ever since. A 2019 fire destroyed the historic Marktplatz and damaged the Wursthalle; the festival rebuilt and reopened a new Marktplatz for its 60th year in 2021. The 2026 edition is the 65th annual.
Proceeds support local New Braunfels nonprofits. The festival’s own site says every ticket helps more than 20 of them; many of the food booths you will walk past are run by those groups.
What you’ll find on the grounds
The bill is German culture with a Texas accent: live music on five stages, more than 40 bands and over 250 sets across the ten days, carnival rides, artisan shops and a children’s area called Kinderhalle. Opening day includes the ceremonial "biting of the sausage," and the calendar has polka and waltz contests plus the Texas Steinholding State Championship (Masskrugstemmen). Grammy-winning accordionist Alex Meixner and Grammy-winning polka bandleader Jimmy Sturr are among the acts on the 2026 lineup.
New for 2026, the festival is expanding German wine service at the Weingarten by the mill pond, with cheese pairings from local shop Otto’s. There is also a Wurstmachen (sausage-making) workshop for anyone who wants to see how it is done. Admission covers access to the entertainment and public areas; leave and come back the same day with a hand stamp.
The food: stick with the sausage
Sausage is the point. New Braunfels Smokehouse has been at Wurstfest since the first year (1961) and still sells its Wurstkabob — five sausages on one stick (Original, Cheddar, Bratwurst, Jalapeño and Apple) — plus sausage on a stick, smoked turkey legs and sauerkraut. Carlton’s, on the grounds since 1966, runs a long list of sausages and brats on a stick or on a bun with kraut, with meat prepared locally by The Rust Game Place and Meat Market.
Nonprofit booths carry a lot of the tradition. The Rotary Club of New Braunfels has served Kartoffelpuffers (potato pancakes) since taking over a booth in 1967. Downtown Rotary’s Wurst-N-Tashen puts bratwurst, sauerkraut and peppers in a pita, with a simpler Wurst Dog for kids. Otto’s Cheese Shop melts Alpine-style raclette over hot potatoes. Woodstock Pretzel Company sells fresh pretzels, pretzel dogs and pretzel brats. Bars take credit, debit, Apple Pay and Google Pay; food vendors take cash, so bring some.
Outside food and drinks are not allowed on the grounds. The festival runs rain or shine with no rain dates.
Getting there, parking and what to bring
- Park ’N Ride: The festival’s recommended arrival is the shuttle from the Comal County Fairgrounds at 701 Common Street. Park for free, buy a shuttle ticket (kids 12 and under ride free; shuttle tickets do not include festival admission), and walk up — reservations are not required. Shuttles run continuously until closing. Opening Friday the lot opens at 3 PM; weekend mornings at 10 AM; weeknights Mon–Fri at 4 PM. Details are on the Park ’N Ride page.
- Near the grounds: Parking next to the festival is limited and can fill early on busy nights. Plan on the shuttle, a rideshare or a hotel shuttle rather than circling Landa Park Drive.
- Accessibility: The grounds are handicap accessible. Handicap parking is available through the Knights of Columbus and Lions Club lots on Landa Street across from Gate 1, and the Comal County Senior Citizens Center offers handicap spaces with bus transportation. Gate 2 is a handicap drop-off only (credentials required). See the ADA page.
- Bags and rules: Walk-through metal detectors are at every entrance and bags are searched. Leave chairs, coolers, outside food and drinks, pets (service animals only), weapons, drones and balloons at home. Shirts and shoes are required; dirndls, lederhosen and silly hats are encouraged.
- Free days: Monday through Thursday admission is free (gates open at 5 PM). Kids 12 and under are free every day. Closing Sunday (Nov. 15) is free after 3 PM. For weekend adult prices, buy online ahead of time on the admissions page — online tickets cost less than the gate.
Around New Braunfels
Wurstfest sits inside Landa Park, so you are already next to the Comal. A few nearby stops worth building into the trip:
- Landa Park and the Comal Springs. The city’s park is 51 acres with trails, playgrounds, a miniature train and the Comal Springs — the largest springs in Texas. Park hours are daily 6 AM–10 PM when the festival is not packing the grounds; check the city page before you plan a daytime walk.
- Gruene Hall. A short drive into the Gruene Historic District, Texas’ oldest continually operating dance hall (built 1878) still runs live music under its original tin roof. Parking across the street is free; check the calendar for ticketed vs. free shows.
- San Antonio. About 30–40 minutes south on I-35, the city makes an easy base or day trip if you are combining Wurstfest with the Veterans Day weekend events below.
Also on the calendar nearby
Three more events on our calendar fall in the same opening weekend, within about an hour of New Braunfels:
Texas Capital Air Show
Family-friendly flying at San Marcos Airport, with gates at 9:30 AM and flying noon to 4 PM both days. Proceeds support the Wings & Warriors Foundation. An afternoon of airplanes pairs cleanly with an evening at Wurstfest.
San Antonio Veterans Day Parade
The United States Military Parade Association’s Veterans Day Parade, presented by USAA, steps off Saturday in downtown San Antonio with floats, marching bands and military units. A morning in the city and a night in New Braunfels is a workable day.
Texas Rockabilly Bash
Two days of pre-1972 cars and bikes, pin-up pageant, vendors and live rockabilly at Gillespie County Fairgrounds in Fredericksburg. One wristband covers Friday, Saturday or both.
Before you go
Dates, times and an add-to-calendar link: Wurstfest on USA Fest Bot
More fall festivals are still on the calendar; see fall festivals 2026, or browse Texas events.
Dates can change, so check the event’s website before you go.
Quick answers
When is Wurstfest in 2026?
November 6 - 15, 2026, in Landa Park, New Braunfels, per our listing.
Is admission free any days?
Yes. Monday through Thursday are free, kids 12 and under are free every day, and closing Sunday is free after 3 PM. Weekend adult tickets are sold by the festival.
Where should I park?
Use the Park ’N Ride at the Comal County Fairgrounds (701 Common Street). Near-grounds lots fill early. Shuttle tickets are separate from festival admission; kids 12 and under ride free.
Can I bring food or a chair?
No. Outside food and beverages are prohibited, and personal seating is not allowed. Bars take cards; food vendors take cash.
Is it wheelchair accessible?
Yes. The grounds are handicap accessible, with handicap parking options near Gate 1 and a drop-off at Gate 2.
USA Fest Bot is not affiliated with this event or any event mentioned here and does not sell tickets. Found a detail that has changed? Send a correction.