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Beer-and-wine lovers (or should we say “bier-and-wein” lovers), take note! Wein and Saengerfest is hosting its 15th annual festival this year in New Braunfels, TX on May 5th.
This wonderful celebration of all-things-German blends the traditions of early New Braunfels settlers with additional traditions and cultures that have been cemented into this city’s identity over the years...all while using proceeds to benefit downtown development.
And so, to spotlight this classic celebration, we put together a list of things that need to be on your radar if you plan on attending Wein and Saengerfest 2018!
Image Courtesy of the Wein & Saengerfest Photo Gallery
1. Wine
It goes without saying that wine is one of the fixtures of this “wein-derful” festival. (Get it?) For 2018, Wein and Saengerfest will highlight wines from 18 different Texas wineries (naturally), as well as several that hail from Germany, Spain, and the Washington coast. Sip some tried-and-true favorites (Dry Comal Creek, Becker Vineyards, and Water 2 Wine), or branch out and taste new flavors from Fiesta Winery, Copper Star Cellars, and Dionisio Winery! The cost is $15 for five tastings and includes a commemorative wine glass. Proceeds go to the New Braunfels Parks Foundation to enhance downtown parks!
Image Courtesy of the Wein & Saengerfest Photo Gallery
2. Craft Beer
Another local staple, craft beer is no stranger to New Braunfels and the surrounding areas. In fact, we have seen several NB breweries pop up over recent years, several gaining enough attention and popularity to hang right alongside the big boys in Austin! This particular festival will feature eleven different Texas breweries, each of which will offer two varieties for a sample. Breweries include Altstadt Brewery, Celis Brewery, Freetail Brewing Co, Karbach Brewing Co, Rough Diamond Brewery, Seguin Brewing Co, Twisted X Brewing Co, and more. The Craft Biergarten will be located at Seekatz Opera House at the festival and will cost $15 for four tasting tickets and a commemorative beer glass.
Image Courtesy of the Wein & Saengerfest Photo Gallery
3. Music and Entertainment
It isn’t a festival in New Braunfels without stellar music and entertainment! This year, expect non-stop tunes across multiple stages from artists like Zack Walther Band, White Ghost Shivers, Soul Sessions, and Tomar and the FCs...all culminating with the annual street dance feature performer Black Lillies! What better way to spend the first Saturday in May than with good music and good drinks in the streets of New Braunfels with your friends and neighbors? Check out the full m sic schedule here.
Image Courtesy of the Wein & Saengerfest Photo Gallery
4. The Marktplatz
The Marktplatz is truly where the intentions of the festival come together. More than 26 local and regional artists and crafters will be selling homemade food and handmade artisan goods, encompassing a wide variety of trades from 12:00-8:00 PM. Booths will include everything from handmade leather goods to antiques, salsa, wind chimes, and so much more.
Image Courtesy of the Wein & Saengerfest Photo Gallery
5. Food
Wein & Saengerfest will take place in downtown New Braunfels, which guests will have the full scope of local eateries at their fingertips. Head off-site and eat at favorite spots like McA doo’s Seafood Company, Myron’s, and The Phoenix Saloon. Then, stop by 2Tarts Bakery or Naegelin’s Bakery for a little sweet treat. Or, if you’d rather partake in traditional festival fare, on-site food trucks will cater to your hunger: Comal- Q, Cou sin's Maine Lobster, Gypsy Fl o's Roadside Diner, Rock A Dilly's, Twisted Traditions, and more! Make sure you let this day be your “cheat day.”
Image Courtesy of the Wein & Saengerfest Photo Gallery
6. Grape Stomp
Do a little something out-of-the-ordinary and participate in a grape stomp! If you are a wine aficionado, this is probably the most intimate time you get with the wonderful fruity beverage as you stomp away its infancy and begin the process of turning it into wine. (Tip: This is a really fun event for kids!) All we ask is that you stay safe - if you are familiar with videos going viral on the internet, you may remember the infamous Grape Stomp Lady who got a little too ahead of herself and took a bit of a tumble. Ow!
Image Courtesy of the Wein & Saengerfest Photo Gallery
7. WeinStein University
Another wonderful part of this festival is “WeinStein University,” a series of courses throughout the day for those who want to learn more about wine, food, and all things Wein and Saengerfest. The seminar “Summer Sippin’ Sangrias” will teach you “how wines blend and infuse to create summer-ready sippers”, while “Craft Ice Cream & Bier Floats” will seriously up your summer game by teaching you how to combine your two favorite cool-down treats. Other seminars throughout the day will discuss various food-and-drink pairings, and the day will end with game-show-style “The Wein & Bier Challenge”! Check the schedule for a more detailed list.
Image Courtesy of innewbraunfels.com
8. Kindermasken
One of New Braunfels’ oldest heritage traditions, the Kindermasken Parade was founded in 1856 in celebration of children and NB heritage! So, 162 years later, grab the kids, throw on a traditional costume, and march across town in celebration of the youth. If you are interested in walking in the event, be sure to be at the First Protestant Church at 11:00 AM with your costume ready and plenty of energy to march!
Image Courtesy of the Wein & Saengerfest Photo Gallery
9. Street Dancing
Wrap up the day with the final music performance of the festival (Black Lillies) and let loose your dancing moves on the streets of New Braunfels! This end-cap is a local favorite Wein & Saengerfest tradition because it celebrates community in the traditional New Braunfels way: quirky, fun, and full of tradition.
Image Courtesy of the Wein & Saengerfest Photo Gallery
10. Free Community Fun
Oh, and did we mention that admission to Wein & Saengerfest is free? Just one of the many reasons we love downtown New Braunfels. Plus, the event is providing a $5 round trip “ Park & Ride” shuttle service so you don’t have to stress about finding a nearby spot. For more information, including scheduling, layout maps, and FAQ's, visit the festival website. We’ll see you there!
Ready to live in a town that knows how to celebrate the finer things in life? We don’t blame you! We’d be honored to be the ones to help guide you through the whole process, from connecting with a lender to signing the closing papers. Plus, we’ve created an exclusive guide just for the New Braunfels buyer! Let us know how we can help your search for the right home as seamless as possible.
