Wurstfest 2024 is a unique annual celebration rich in German culture and full of Texas fun. I always look forward to this ten-day event, typically held in early November near the beautiful Comal River in New Braunfels, Texas. Expect an extensive lineup of Bavarian style entertainment for kids and adults, from live music and dancing to seeing everyone dressed in lederhosen and dirndls. The exciting carnival rides, games, and special events make it even more fun, not to mention the amazing food vendors offering delicious options and an abundance of German, Texan, and domestic beer.
If you’ve ever wanted to experience Oktoberfest, this year’s Wurstfest in New Braunfels is bigger and better than ever—you definitely don’t want to miss out! And if you have a few extra days in New Braunfels, be sure to check out all the best things to do in New Braunfels, TX!
Wurstfest New Braunfels 2024: History and Basics
Wurstfest started in 1961 by Ed Grist, a dedicated city meat inspector in New Braunfels, Texas, to honor the beloved Bavarian delicacy of sausage. What began as a one-day affair held on Saturday named “Sausage Festival” has now evolved into a 10-day, sausage-obsessed, German cultural event with continuous expansion of festival grounds and attracting hundreds of thousands of sausage-hungry visitors worldwide each year.
Today, Wurstfest stands as a vibrant homage to German tradition and the history of sausage-making featuring a bustling marketplace filled with an array of local and imported sausages and refreshing beers. The culinary offerings have grown to include beer-battered chicken, delicious wurstchen, mouthwatering pork chops, sausage on a stick, and irresistible cheese curds, making it a true feast for the senses.
Wurstfest New Braunfels 2024: Schedule & Hours
The New Braunfels annual Wurstfest 2024 will occur from Friday, November 1, 2024, to Sunday, November 10, 2024, until 5 PM. The festivities will kick off at 120 Landa Street in New Braunfels, Texas, near the Comal River, from 4 PM to 11 PM. The timings vary on weekdays and weekends. You may view the daily event schedule here.
Wurstfest grounds will welcome visitors on weekends from 11 AM to 12 midnight on Saturdays and 11 AM to 10 PM on Sundays. On weekdays, visitors can attend the festival from 5 PM to 10 PM on Mondays and Wednesdays and 5 PM to 11 PM on Thursdays and Fridays.
Wurstfest New Braunfels 2024: Admission & Tickets
If you visit Wurstfest on weekends, you can purchase a Saturday Ticket for $25 that can be used on any day or a Friday/Sunday Ticket for $20 that is only valid for Fridays or Sundays. One of the best things about this year’s Wurstfest is that you can enjoy free admission on weekdays, from Monday, November 4 to Thursday, November 7, and Sunday, November 10, after 3 PM till the festival concludes (although you still have to pay $10 for parking).
Tickets and further admission details can be found online.
Wurstfest New Braunfels 2024: Shuttle Service
The best way to enjoy Wurstfest 2024 is by using the convenient Park and Ride service at the Comal County Fairgrounds. For just $10 per person (ages 13 and up), and free for kids 12 and under, festival-goers can easily hop on the official shuttle. This service is available daily throughout the festival.
Guests can purchase admission and drink tickets at the fairgrounds, allowing them to skip the lines upon arrival at Wurstfest. Please note that payment is only accepted via credit or debit card, and round trip fare is $25 per person. Walk-ups are welcome; just pay upon arrival at Gate 3. For full details and to book your spot, click here!
Wurstfest New Braunfels 2024: Parking Guide
Parking near the festival grounds is limited, and high-attendance nights may fill up spots quickly, so you might need to plan ahead for a stress-free experience. Explore the parking map for potential spots.
The ultimate parking hack for attending the festival is to use the Park and Ride at the Comal County Fairgrounds. Instead of parking at the festival grounds, park at the Comal County Fairgrounds and hop on a shuttle service for just $10 per person ages 13+ and free for children 12 and under. The shuttle service is available daily during festival dates.
Wurstfest New Braunfels 2024: Food & Beer
Expect a lot of sausage on a stick, bratwurst on a roll, Schnitzel on a stick, hand-made pretzels, pretzel brats, Ham Hocks and Sauerkraut, and more. Restaurants, food vendors, and nonprofits in the area come together and have different stands decorated in German style. Bring friends so you can try everything!
Remember to stop by the Rotary Club of New Braunfels’ food booth to try a plate of their world-famous Kartoffelpuffers (German potato pancakes), fried to golden perfection and served with applesauce and sausage!
For those with a sweet tooth, Fredericksburg Mini Donut will serve freshly cooked gourmet mini donuts topped with yummy scratch-made donut glazes, sugars, and toppings cooked to perfection.
You can check out the lineup of food vendors here!
Of course, beer is just as important as food! People can bring their own beer steins, buy a cup, or even a full pitcher! They bring in Oktoberfest beers, imported German beers, and domestic beers. For people who still want to join in the fun but aren’t big beer people, they have Austin Eastciders available, as well as wine.
There are beer stands throughout the park, but for the smallest lines, head to the back.
Wurstfest New Braunfels 2024: Live Music Performances
Over 40 bands are set to take the stage at Wurstfest, showcasing their dazzling musical performances across five venues. Attendees can look forward to a rich blend of sounds in both English and German. Among the lineup, you’ll find notable acts such as the lively Chardon Polka, the spirited Lederhosen Junkies, and the beloved Walburg Boys, each bringing their own flair to the celebration.
For a closer look at the entertainment at the 2024 festival, explore the comprehensive list of performers, complete with insights into their backgrounds and musical styles.
Wurstfest New Braunfels 2024: Kids and Adults Entertainment
Aside from live music, the Steinholding State Championship is the crowning moment of the 2024 festival! On Sunday, November 10, 2024, the best Steinholders from the state will unite to test their beer-holding skills while their best buddies cheer for them. Both men’s and women’s victors receive over $500 in prizes!
This year’s champions will also don a complete Oktoberfest outfit, generously provided by Wurstfest partners at BavariaTrachten.com, where they can enjoy a 10% discount using the code STEINHOLDING throughout the season!
Kids are also allowed at the New Braunfels Wurstfest, and there are plenty of carnival rides and games to keep them busy!
Wurstfest New Braunfels 2024: Shopping
Looking to bring home a souvenir? At New Braunfels Wurstfest, you’ll find a variety of branded merchandise, including hats, t-shirts, mugs, and jewelry from vendors throughout the festival grounds.
If you’re searching for the perfect vessel for your ice-cold beer, be sure to visit Sophie’s Shop. This dedicated non-profit offers an impressive selection of authentic German steins and mugs that make for a unique keepsake!
And because it’s never too early for Christmas, you can get some fun Wurstfest-themed Christmas ornaments and gifts from the New Braunfels High School Band Boosters stall.
Wurstfest New Braunfels 2024: FAQs
How long is Wurstfest in New Braunfels?
Wurstfest in New Braunfels is a 10-day festival from Friday, November 1, 2024, to Sunday, November 10, 2024.
Is Oktoberfest the same as Wurstfest?
Oktoberfest is a traditional German festival, while Wurstfest is an exclusive celebration in New Braunfels, Texas, inspired by German culture, specifically sausages, domestic and German beer, and local traditions.
What is the largest annual event celebrated in New Braunfels, TX?
The Comal County Fair and Rodeo, the oldest and largest fair in New Braunfels, is a must-see event in late September! This fun-filled annual celebration features a lively mix of classic fair attractions, from thrilling carnival rides to delectable fair food, and experiences the excitement of the rodeo and beyond.
What do you wear to Wurstfest New Braunfels?
At Wurstfest New Braunfels, many attendees wear traditional German attire, such as lederhosen for men and dirndls for women. Casual, comfortable clothing is also appropriate.
Wurstfest New Braunfels 2024: Final Thoughts
Wurstfest is more than just an annual festival in Texas; it’s a joyous celebration of German culture and a testament to Alpine and Bavarian-style entertainment. Whether you’re a seasoned Wurstfest attendee or a first-timer, the vibrant atmosphere, the aroma of sizzling bratwurst, the joyous melodies of polka bands, and the heartwarming hospitality of New Braunfels will leave you eagerly counting down the days until next year.
So, mark your calendars, gather your closest friends, and set the destination for New Braunfels for the best 10-day celebration in the world at this year’s Wurstfest.
Last Updated 3 weeks ago by Jessica Serna | Published: November 1, 2024
