Weekend drive · Nov 13–15, 2026
Wurstfest and San Antonio weekend road trip 2026
Polka bands and sausages at Wurstfest on Friday night, a free artisan market at the Japanese Tea Garden on Saturday, then Luminaria's night of art along Houston Street in downtown San Antonio, and the Texas Book Festival in Austin on Sunday. Three of the four stops are free. November 13–15, 2026.
The four stops
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Friday night · German festival
Wurstfest
Friday, November 13 · New Braunfels, Texas · event dates: November 6 - 15, 2026
Wurstfest's 65th year fills Landa Park by the Comal River with German food, beer, carnival rides and more than 40 bands on five stages. Friday hours are 5 pm to 11 pm. Kids 12 and under get in free, and every bar takes cards.
- Drive about 40 min (about 33 mi) to San Antonio.
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Saturday daytime · Craft fair
Art in the Parks: Artisan Fair
Saturday, November 14 · San Antonio, Texas · event dates: November 14, 2026
Local artisans sell handmade goods in the Mexican Village at the Japanese Tea Garden, in a market that honors the artist Alberto Mijangos. It runs 10 am to 5 pm, and admission and parking are free.
- Drive about 15 min (about 4 mi) to San Antonio.
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Saturday evening · Arts festival
Luminaria Contemporary Arts Festival
Saturday, November 14 · San Antonio, Texas · event dates: November 14, 2026
From 6 pm to midnight, Houston Street turns into a free, outdoor night of art, with projections, sculpture, music, film, dance and poetry. Stops include San Pedro Creek, the Alameda Theatre and the Institute of Texan Cultures.
- Drive about 1 h 25 min (about 80 mi) to Austin.
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Sunday on the way home · Book festival
Texas Book Festival
Sunday, November 15 · Austin, Texas · event dates: November 14 - 15, 2026
More than 250 authors come to downtown Austin for author talks, signings, food trucks and exhibitors, and the festival is free and open to everyone. Check the 2026 schedule for Sunday's sessions before you go.
Drive home to New Braunfels, TX: about 55 min (about 48 mi). Gas prices near Austin
Drive times are approximate. Check your route before you leave.
At a glance
| Stop | Type | Dates | Drive from previous |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Wurstfest | German festival | Friday, November 13 (runs November 6 - 15, 2026) | Start |
| 2. Art in the Parks: Artisan Fair | Craft fair | Saturday, November 14 (runs November 14, 2026) | about 40 min |
| 3. Luminaria Contemporary Arts Festival | Arts festival | Saturday, November 14 (runs November 14, 2026) | about 15 min |
| 4. Texas Book Festival | Book festival | Sunday, November 15 (runs November 14 - 15, 2026) | about 1 h 25 min |
Event websites
Dates can change, so check the event’s website before you go.
More: All weekend drives · Texas events