Every November, New Braunfels puts on its lederhosen and throws one of the best-loved parties in Texas. Wurstfest, the town’s “10-day salute to sausage,” celebrates the area’s German heritage with polka bands, sausage on a stick and plenty of cold beer along the Comal River. Here’s what to know about the 2026 festival, from dates and ticket prices to parking and the best nights to go.
Wurstfest 2026 dates and hours
The 65th annual Wurstfest runs Friday, November 6 through Sunday, November 15, 2026, on the festival grounds at Landa Park in New Braunfels. According to the official Wurstfest website, the daily schedule looks like this:
- Friday, Nov. 6 (Opening Day): 4 p.m.–11 p.m.
- Saturdays, Nov. 7 and 14: 11 a.m.–midnight
- Sundays, Nov. 8 and 15: 11 a.m.–10 p.m.
- Monday–Wednesday, Nov. 9–11: 5 p.m.–10 p.m.
- Thursday–Friday, Nov. 12–13: 5 p.m.–11 p.m.
New Braunfels sits in Comal County along I-35, about 30 minutes northeast of San Antonio and about 45 minutes to an hour south of Austin, so it’s an easy trip from either city.
Tickets and admission
Wurstfest keeps its pricing simple, and there’s a real deal for folks who can go on a weeknight:
- Monday–Thursday (Nov. 9–12): Free admission.
- Fridays and Sundays (Nov. 6, 8, 13 and 15): $15 online or $20 at the gate.
- Saturdays (Nov. 7 and 14): $25 online or $30 at the gate.
- Final Sunday (Nov. 15): Free after 3 p.m.
- Kids 12 and under: Free every day.
Buying online saves $5, and the festival suggests downloading your ticket to your phone before you arrive to move through the gate faster. Ticket sales help support more than 20 local New Braunfels nonprofits.
What to expect once you’re inside
Wurstfest started in 1961 as a one-day sausage celebration dreamed up by a local veterinarian who also served as the city’s meat inspector. It has since grown into a festival that draws well over 200,000 people a year.
Today the grounds include the big Wursthalle, the Marktplatz food area and the Kinderhalle children’s area, among others. Expect more than 40 bands across five stages, with over 250 sets during the run. Polka and German oompah music lead the way, and opening ceremonies this year feature accordion player Alex Meixner. You’ll also find crowd-pleasing contests, including polka, waltz and yodeling contests and a stein-holding state championship.
Sausage is the star of the menu, but the food booths offer much more, so come hungry and plan to graze. Every bar accepts credit and debit cards plus Apple Pay and Google Pay.
Parking and the Park ‘N Ride shuttle
Parking near Landa Park fills up quickly, especially on weekends. The easiest option is the festival’s Park ‘N Ride shuttle from the Comal County Fairgrounds at 701 Common St., where parking is free. The shuttle costs $10 per person age 13 and up; kids 12 and under ride free. Shuttle tickets don’t include festival admission. On weekends the lot opens at 10 a.m. (3 p.m. on opening Friday and 4 p.m. on weeknights), and shuttles run continuously until closing. Walk-ups are welcome, or you can buy shuttle tickets ahead of time on the Wurstfest shuttle page.
Rideshare is another good option, especially if you plan to enjoy a few beers. Always plan a safe ride home.
If you’re staying overnight, book a room early. Hotels in New Braunfels fill up on festival weekends, and the festival’s website has an accommodations page to help you find a place nearby. Staying close means you can skip the parking hunt, walk or catch a short ride to the grounds, and enjoy the evening music without watching the clock.
Tips for a great Wurstfest
- Go on a weeknight if you can. Admission is free Monday through Thursday, and the crowds are lighter.
- Buy tickets online for weekend days to save $5 per ticket.
- Bring the kids during the day. Children 12 and under get in free, and the Kinderhalle is built for them.
- Dress for the weather. November in the Hill Country can swing from warm afternoons to chilly nights.
- Make a day of it. The historic Gruene district is just a few minutes away.
Good to Know
- When: Nov. 6–15, 2026.
- Where: Wurstfest grounds at Landa Park, New Braunfels (office: 178 Landa Park Dr.).
- Admission: Free Mon–Thu; $15 online/$20 gate Fri & Sun; $25 online/$30 gate Sat; kids 12 and under free.
- Shuttle: $10 per person 13+ from Comal County Fairgrounds, 701 Common St.; free parking there.
- Contact: Wurstfest office, (830) 625-9167.
Hours, dates and prices can change. Check the official Wurstfest website before you head out.
Wurstfest is pure Texas-German fun: good music, good food and a whole town ready to celebrate. Grab your tickets, practice your chicken dance and plan a November trip to New Braunfels.
Featured photo: STALPHONSUS17 via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0.
