Ten days, five stages, more than 40 bands, and a whole lot of sausage. New Braunfels’ German-Texas tradition hits a major milestone this November.
Landa Park, New Braunfels, TX — November 6-15, 2026
Wurstfest didn’t start as a big deal. Back in 1961, local veterinarian and city meat inspector Ed Gris put together a one-day sausage festival, never imagining it would still be running 65 years later as one of the largest German heritage celebrations in the country. This November, New Braunfels celebrates that milestone anniversary with the full 10-day version of the festival, right along the banks of the Comal River in Landa Park.
The festival runs Friday, November 6 through Sunday, November 15, with hours shifting throughout the run: Fridays from 5 to 11 p.m., Saturdays from 11 a.m. to midnight, Sundays from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Monday through Wednesday from 5 to 11 p.m. Admission is free Monday through Thursday, children 12 and under get in free every single day, and admission is also free after 3 p.m. on the closing Sunday. For everyone else, advance online tickets run $15 for Fridays and Sundays and $25 for Saturdays, with gate prices running a bit higher at $20 and $30 respectively.
Opening ceremonies kick off Friday, November 6, at 4 p.m., building toward the festival’s signature moment: the traditional “biting of the sausage” at 5:30 p.m. inside the Wursthalle, led off by Grammy-nominated accordionist Alex Meixner.
Music is at the heart of Wurstfest, and this year’s lineup is massive. More than 40 bands are playing over 250 total sets across five stages and multiple dance areas throughout the 10 days, including Grammy Award-winning polka musician Jimmy Sturr and his Orchestra, along with German group Munchholzhauser Blaskapella and New York-based Die Schlauberger. Polka and waltz dance competitions run throughout the festival, alongside a stein-holding state championship that draws serious competitors every year.
Beyond the music, Wurstfest leans fully into its sausage-making roots with Wurstmachen demonstrations, a tradition passed down through generations of local families. This year brings an expanded Weingarten featuring German wine and cheese pairings, along with a bigger Veteran’s Day Salute and Student Day program for local high schools. Families can also enjoy amusement rides, artisan shops, and a dedicated children’s area called Kinderhalle. More than 25 local nonprofit organizations benefit directly from festival sales, often meeting their entire annual fundraising goals through Wurstfest alone.
