Back
These days, it seems like everybody loves New Braunfels, TX. From its utterly charming take on German culture to its beloved cypress-lined waterways, this little Hill Country town is about as idyllic as it gets.
So, whether you’re headed to New Braunfels for the day or you’re a local looking to spice up your calendar, leave the research to us: here are 10 of the best things to do in New Braunfels this October!
1. Cheers to Oktoberfest
New Braunfels is dripping with German culture, and we just can’t wait any longer for Wurstfest! Thankfully, Kra use’s is doing a proper Oktoberfest celebration that runs through the first week of October. Expect plenty of German-inspired bands, food, and of course, massive steins of beer.
When: Through October 7
Where: Krause’s Cafe, 148 S Castell Ave
2. Sip Some Wine in Gruene
Gruene Music & Wine Fest started as a one-day event in 1986 to bring local Texans together to drink wine and listen to music (all while raising money for the United Way of Comal County!). It has since grown to a four-day celebration that spans genres and cultures, adding in the bonus of a market. Gruene Music & Wine Fest raised $450 that first year and now averages well over $100,000 annually with no signs of slowing down. Get your tickets here!
When: October 4-7, (Check schedule for times)
Where: Gruene Historic District, 1281 Gruene Rd
3. Find Your Next Great Read
The Friends of the New Braunfels Public Library has given tens of thousands of dollars through their fundraising venues to support the library in enhanced programming, materials, and more. Head over to the civic center to browse through over 50,000 books, CDs, DVDs, Texana, Militaria, and other collectibles. Here’s some info about getting involved with the Friends.
When: October 5-6 (Various times listed here)
Where: New Braunfels Civic Center, 375 S Castell Ave
4. See a Broadway Cabaret
The Texas Hill Country Opera & Arts presents “Broadway Lights,” a cabaret featuring songs from your favorite Broadway tunes. Expect numbers by Porter, Rodgers and Hammerstein, Gershwin, Sondheim and Styne, with more to be selected throughout the evening. Get close in a traditional cabaret style with your cocktails, wine, and hors d’ouevers for a night of sensory goodness. Get your tickets here.
When: October 5, 7:30 PM
Where: Village Venue, 2032 Central Plaza
Image Courtesy of the Eli Young Band Facebook Page
5. Dance Along to the Eli Young Band
The Eli Young Band has been tearing up the red dirt country scene for nearly two decades, and fans seem to love them more than ever. Performing two nights at the end of this month at the historic Gruene Hall, Eli Young and his band of self-proclaimed “misfits” plan to kick up some dust on that old dance floor. Songs like “Crazy Girl”, “Even if it Breaks Your Heart”, and “Drunk Last Night” have skyrocketed this band to national fame, and they remain a Gruene Hall favorite.
When: October 25-26
Where: Gruene Hall, 1281 Gruene Rd
6. Support Your Local Community Theatre
Circle Arts Theatre is producing a performance in October that is slightly edgier than its typical roster. “She Kills Monsters” is a story of a young woman who discovers things she didn’t know about her deceased younger sister by playing a live-action role-playing game. This play contains more graphic language than a normal production, so keep that in mind when you buy the tickets for your friends and family!
When: October 5-14 (Times available here)
Where: Circle Arts Theatre, 124 Elizabeth Ave
7. Attend a Formal Cocktail Dinner
The Women’s Council of Realtors is putting on the 8th Annual “Bras for a Cause” to benefit the Pink Warrior Angels, a non-profit that supports women with cancer. Wear your after-five cocktail attire and enjoy a plated dinner, open bar, live entertainment, and a slew of local firefighters who will sport beautifully decorated bras. Reserve your seats now!
When: October 25, 6:00 PM
Where: New Braunfels Civic Center, 375 Castell Ave
8. Tie Your Running Shoes for a 5K
Speaking of doing something fun for a great cause, the3rd annual Shoebox Shuffle 5Kis happening at the end of the month to benefit Operation Christmas Child. The shoebox in this shuffle should be a donated box of personal items, toys, school supplies, and whatever else kids might enjoy or need. If you are looking for a great way to prepare for the Turkey Trot happening next month, sign up now and get a 5K under your belt!
When: October 27, 8:00 AM
Where: Rockin R, 1405 River Rd
Image Courtesy of Fall into Art Festival
9. Stroll through a Local Art Festival
The Fall Into Art Festival is a local favorite showcase of New Braunfels’ best local artisans! As we all know, summer in Texas doesn’t end until Halloween, so as the weather begins to cool off, what better way to spend a night than taking a stroll around Gruene and checking out some pretty diverse and exceptional art? Better yet, if you purchase a bottle of wine from the Vino en Verde tent, you can take it with you on your walk around the show. Attendance is free to the public!
When: October 27-28
Where: 936 Gruene Rd
10. Celebrate the Spookiest Day of the Year
Texas Halloween gets to celebrate a special way every year with the Día de Los Muertos celebration put on by the New Braunfels Chamber Hispanic Business Alliance. Held downtown, the event features kids’ activities, live entertainment, mariachi, food, face painting, and so much more. This event is free, so make sure you make your way downtown and enjoy the fun!
When: October 27, 12:00 -10:00 PM
Where: Downtown New Braunfels
