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 September!
1. Stomp your feet to an Americana band
Image Courtesy of Blue Water Highway’s Facebook Page
If you have been to Gruene Hall on any given night in the past year or so, chances are you have seen Blue Water Highway completely tear up the stage with their soaring melodies and precise musicality. Zack Kibodeaux, Greg Essington, and the rest of the gang manage to grab for the audience's attention early and seem not to let go until the last chord rings. With their newest release, “Heartbreak City”, Blue Water Highway plans on taking Gruene Hall for a ride this Labor Day weekend.
When: September 1, 7:00 PM
Where: Gruene Hall, 1281 Gruene Rd
2. See a critically-acclaimed play
Grab your tickets for the final two shows of “Twelve Angry Men”, performed at the Circle Arts Theatre. An intense courtroom drama, Twelve Angry Men is a closed-room drama about a jury panel deciding the fate of one young man. Fans of the movie should make a plan to get tickets for this!
When: September 1, 8:00 PM & September 2, 2:00 PM
Where: Circle Arts Theatre, 124 Elizabeth Ave
3. Stare in wonder at a fireworks display
Image Courtesy of Shopify Partners
Due to bad weather, the Independence Day fireworks didn't happen, but the good news is that they are a go for this Labor Day Weekend! Kicking off at 6:30 PM, the J Abram Band will play at the Landa Park Dance Slab and shortly after (at 9:00 PM), the sky will light up with fireworks. Expect a large crowd and bring whatever you need to feel comfortable looking up at the sky!
When: September 2, 6:30 PM
Where: Landa Park, 110 Golf Course Rd
4. Let loose at a block party
Krause’s Cafe is teaming up with Lennon-Aid to produce a family-friendly block party on September 9th! Lennon-Aid’s purpose is to help families with children facing long-term, debilitating illnesses by financially assisting them in the long-term. Beer, food, stuff for the kids, live music, and much more will be all for the benefit of this great cause! Grab your block party tickets here.
When: September 9, 1:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Where: Krause’s Cafe, 148 S Castell Ave
5. Run a scenic race
Image Courtesy of Gruene Historic District’s Facebook Page
As the summer begins the slow fade into fall, take advantage of the cooler mornings and get in a good run! The Gruene 10K/5K is an awesome event for folks to run from Gruene Hall to charming neighborhoods all around the historic community and back. Post-race fun includes music, food, and beer for all the participants! Sign up here.
When: September 8, 8:00 AM
Where: Gruene Hall, 1281 Gruene Rd
6. Sing your heart out
Maybe it’s been a tough week at work and you just can’t wait until Friday to let loose. Make your way to the Phoenix Saloon on Thursday evenings for karaoke night! Pick your favorite tunes to belt out and relieve a little stress, or mix it up and play karaoke roulette with your friends.
When: Every Thursday, 8:00 PM
Where: Phoenix Saloon, 193 W San Antonio St
7. Explore new local artists
Image Courtesy of Art Haus’ Facebook Page
Every month, the Pour Haus is taken over by local artists to showcase their work for friends and strangers to view! Dubbed “Art Ha us” for the evening, the Pour Haus will feature painters, textile artists, body art, music, fire spinning, and more. Bring a few friends and make it a routine on the second Sunday of every month!
When: September 9, 7:00 PM
Where: Pour Haus, 343 W San Antonio St
8. Buy a vintage guitar
With all of the live music that goes on in the Texas Hill Country, musical instruments of all shapes and sizes are plentiful. The 10th Annual San Antonio Area Vintage Guitar and Instrument Show is an event created for players who have retired equipment and want to give it a second chance! Nothing sounds as good as the original models, and (if kept well) these instruments might one day make their way back to the stage!
When: September 21-22, 11:00 AM
Where: New Braunfels Civic/Convention Center, 375 S Castell Ave
9. Cheer on the dachshund races
Image Courtesy of Krause’s Cafe
The world has gone doggone crazy as of late, and New Braunfels is just as looney. In step with the times, Kra use’s Cafe is hosting a local favorite event: dachshund races! The turf patio will be set up with lanes for pups to compete against one another (while everyone else drools at how cute they are). Krause’s is accepting food and supply donations for the HSNBA.
When: September 23, 4:00 PM
Where: Krause’s Cafe, 148 S Castell Ave
10. Have a blast at the fair
The Comal County Fair is back and filled with events every single day. From the BBQ Cookoff to the washers tournament, costume contests, and pig-wrangling, the Comal County Fair has been a week full of fun for the whole family for 125 years. For a complete list of events and news, check out their website.
When: September 25-30
Where: Comal County Fair, 701 E Common St