New Braunfels residents love that the town provides so much to see and do while still maintaining a distinct culture and small town feel. This month is no exception! No need to research: We've handpicked 15 of the best things to do in New Braunfels in May. Hopefully, this list will make planning a perfect Texas Hill Country weekend a little easier!
1. Go on a Beer Tour
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Every Friday this month, OffRhodes Craft Beer Tours will host a craft beer tour, heading around New Braunfels and the surrounding areas. Taste delicious beer at places like Ruggedman Brewing, Altmeyer & Lewis Brewing, Middleton Brewing, and more! Hear knowledgeable leaders guide you along the tour while you drink, eat, and make new friends. The bus leaves from Faust Hotel and has snacks and drinks on board. Register here.
When: Every Friday
Where: Meet at The Faust Hotel & Brewing Company, 240 S Seguin Ave
2. Get Productive
The New Braunfels Business University presents: “Appy Hour” hosted at the Alamo Drafthouse in New Braunfels! The event is designed to teach participants to learn how to use apps to increase productivity and efficiency both at work and at home. Tickets include an appetizer and your first drink. Get your tickets here!
When: Thursday, May 4 - 4:00-5:30 PM
Where: Alamo Drafthouse, 651 N Business IH 35
3. Use the Force
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Pour Haus will host the New Braunfels Community Cat Coalition for their Star Warz themed event: Paw Warz: May the Fourth Be With You! The Coalition is just one of thousands of nonprofits competing in the Big Give SA fundraiser, and they wanted to put a little fun spin on it for the whole family to enjoy. The event will feature a costume contest, Star Wars trivia, silent auction, feral cat education, and more.
When: Thursday, May 4, 4:00-8:00 PM
Where: Pour Haus, 343 W San Antonio St
4. Compete in a Golf Tournament
The Guadalupe River Classic is happening this month at the Landa Park Golf Course, Bandit Golf Club, and River Crossing Club. Compete over the course of three days (get it?) and over 50 holes! Each team costs $650, and each player will receive an entry gift, three days play, lunch each day, and an invitation to the tournament cocktail party (as well as team prizes). Register here!
When: Friday, May 5 - Sunday, May 7
Where: Landa Park Golf Course at Comal Springs, 180 Golf Course Rd
5. Head to a Festival Downtown
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Wein and Saengerfest will kick off the first weekend in May, offering up tons of activities and entertainment for the family. Enjoy live music, a grape stomp, artisan market, food seminars, and plenty for the kids to do. Admission is free, and proceeds go to benefits the New Braunfels Parks Foundation and the New Braunfels Downtown Association.
When: Saturday, May 6
Where: Main Plaza, New Braunfels
6. Compete in a Triathlon
On Sunday, May 7th, the Rockin R Triathlon will take place in and along the Guadalupe River. In this race, competitors will swim 400 meters in the river, immediately run a 3.3-mile race inside the roads of Gruene, and bike 13.4 miles along country roads with rolling hills and beautiful scenes. Another competition is the kayak triathlon, where you will bike first, then kayak in the river for a mile, exit the river, and run 3 miles to the finish line. Registration is here - don’t be late!
When: Sunday, May 7, 5:00 AM
Where: Rockin R, 1405 Gruene Rd
7. Go to a Fish Fry
The Canyon Lake Lions are hosting their annual Fish Fry at the Community Resource and Recreation Center on Sunday, May 7. Enjoy a catfish dinner with some coleslaw, beans, plenty of fixin’s, iced tea, and desserts. There will be a raffle for four $250 prizes during the event, so don’t forget to stick around! Tickets are $12 and can be purchased at the Lions Club members or at the door.
When: Sunday, May 7, 11:30 AM
Where: Community Resource and Recreation Center, 1917 FM 2673
8. Sip Coffee and Find Some Jobs
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Grab a fresh cup of Starbucks coffee at the New Braunfels Food Bank and talk with someone who can help you find a job! This is a free event put on for those who need some assistance (and maybe a little coffee as well). Snacks will be provided!
When: Friday, May 12, 9:30 AM
Where: New Braunfels Food Bank, 1620 S Seguin Ave
9. Admire a Car Show
The Hill Country Young Marines are hosting the 3rd Annual Semper Fi Car Show at the VFW Post 7110 on May 13 in support of their own organization, which is a non-profit for the betterment of young adults. Register here to showcase your vintage car and a chance to win a prize for the best looking ride.
When: Saturday, May 13, 8:00 AM-5:00 PM
Where: VFW Post 7110, 600 Peace Ave
10. Do Something Thoughtful for Mom
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Don’t forget that Sunday, May 14th is Mother’s Day! There are several ways you can celebrate this special lady in New Braunfels. Some ideas we love: take her to brunch at the Buttermilk Cafe or dinner at Huisache Grill; treat her to see a great movie at the Alamo Drafthouse; or spend a day with her catching up on a walk around downtown or at Landa Park. We love you, moms!
11. Take the Kids to Schlitterbahn
Summer is almost here, and that means New Braunfels’ most famous waterpark (Schlitterbahn) is almost completely open for business. Until then, enjoy each Sunday this month at the Blastenhoff, Surfenburg, and Tubenbach parks on the Schlitterbahn LITE days.
When: Sundays in May
Where: Schlitterbahn, 588 S Union Ave
12. Celebrate the Arrival of Spring
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Alex Meixner, Wurstfest’s most precious polka-playing gem, will be at Krause’s Cafe at the end of the month to celebrate Manifest, a German tradition of welcoming the Springtime. Bring some friends down to the Biergarten and enjoy some polka music and plenty of German brews.
When: Thursday, May 25 - Saturday, May 27
Where: Krause’s Cafe, 148 S Castell Ave
13. Shop at the Farmers Market
What better way to get fresh and organic produce for your home than to head down to the New Braunfels Farmers Market and shop for delicious goodies. Each Saturday, farmers set up shop and sell their very best to their friends and neighbors of New Braunfels. Bring fresh ingredients home and make a wonderful weekend meal!
When: Every Saturday
Where: New Braunfels Farmers Market, 186 S Castell Ave
14. Watch the Spazmatics Perform
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The Spazmatics are performing at the end of the month at the Whitewater Amphitheater in Canyon Lake. If you have never heard them, just picture a band of four nerdy guys playing the most rock and roll show of your life. All covers, no worries - these guys know exactly how to get a crowd going! Tickets available here.
When: Sunday, May 28, 7:30 PM
Where: Whitewater Amphitheater, 11860 FM 306
15. Float on Memorial Day Weekend
It may be insane, but why not get your first float of the year in on Memorial Day weekend? Sure, it’ll be a little crazy that day with tons of tourists coming in, but floating is always fun...and you’ll get to meet plenty of characters along the way. Make sure to stay safe and be respectful to those around you (and to the rivers themselves)!
When: Memorial Day Weekend
Where: Comal River or Guadalupe River