For the past sixty years, on every first Friday of November, in the small unassuming town of New Braunfels, near where the Comal and Guadalupe rivers meet, people gathered around the sausage in a celebration of German culture. But what started by a local meat inspector as the smaller scale “Sausage Festival” in praise of the Bavarian delicacy, has turned into Wurstfest, a 10-day German cultural event attended by people in the hundreds of thousands to celebrate Oktoberfest.
Although the fest has changed significantly since its inception, the heart of Wurstfest is still the food. Strolling down the Landa Park grounds you are going to find a marketplatz full of food trucks with local and imported sausage, beer battered chicken, wurstchen, porkchop on a stick, and cheese curds. Definitely not the most vegetarian-friendly event around, candied nuts, potato pancakes, and baked goods are reportedly the move for the meat averse. Either way you are going to want to pick up a local or imported pint of beers to go with your food.
And while you eat? Last year more than 40 bands performed on five stages at Wurstfest, some acts even making the trip from Germany to play polka music in English and German. Participation isn’t voluntary. Even if you don’t know how to polka, if you don’t speak German, don’t even know how to spell lederhosen, or if it’s your first time holding a foot-long sausage, you will be taught the essential German phrases, thrown onto the dance floor, and seemingly adopted by all those around you. No excuses will do.
The Specs
- In 2021 a total of 240,000 people attended.
- Tickets prices have not yet been released at the time of this writing. Check for updates here.
- Want to learn more about central Texan culture and history? Check this out. For more things to do in Texas, get our guide here.
FAQs
What is the closest airport to Wurstfest 2023?
The San Antonio International airport (SAT) is a balmy 27 mile drive from New Braunfels.
Where is the festival held?
It’s located near Comal River in New Braunfels, Texas. The exact address used is 120 Landa Street in New Braunfels.
When does the festival start?
November 3rd.
It’s my first time attending. What should I expect?
Besides all the sausage, you can expect live music, German music and dancing, carnival rides, brews (foreign and domestic beer), kraut-making classes, what Wurstfest.com calls “Bavarian style entertainment” and more Oktoberfest fun.
How far is San Marcos from New Braunfels?
San Marcos is 19 miles north.
How far is Austin from New Braunfels?
Austin is 49 miles away.
Is Wurstfest accessible?
The grounds are handicap accessible and there is handicap parking provided at two different parking lots.
Does Wurstfest have a bag policy?
Bags are allowed but subject to a search upon entry.