Started 60 years ago by a meat inspector in New Braunfels, Texas, Wurstfest is a 10-day, sausage-obsessed, German cultural event attended by hundreds of thousands to celebrate Oktoberfest. You’ll find a marktplatz of local and imported sausage and beer, beer-battered chicken, wurstchen, pork chops on a stick and cheese curds. More than 40 bands perform on five stages, some acts making the trip from Germany to play polka music in English and German. Even if you don’t know how to polka or if it’s your first time holding a foot-long sausage, you will be taught the essential German phrases and thrown onto the dance floor.
The Specs
- In 2022 a total of 220,000 people attended the sausage festival.
- 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
Where does Wurstfest 2024 take place?
Wurstfest 2024 will take place at 120 Landa Street in New Braunfels, Texas, which is near the Comal River.
When does the fest take place?
It runs from November 1 – 10. (The fest bills itself as the 10 best days in sausage history.) The festival hours are:
- First Friday – 4:00 pm-11:00 pm
- Saturdays – 11:00 am-12:00 midnight
- Sundays – 11:00 am-10:00 pm
- Mon – Wed – 5:00 pm-10:00 pm
- Thurs – Fri – 5:00 pm-11:00 pm
What is the closest airport to Wurstfest 2024?
The San Antonio International airport (SAT) is a balmy 27-mile drive from New Braunfels.
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.
It’s my first time attending the fest. What should I expect?
This is a celebration of German culture and all-things sausage, via Texas. So, expect German, Texan and domestic beer. Expect live music (and lots of it German music). Expect Alpine and Bavarian-style entertainment, carnival rides and even kraut-making classes. You will also find lots of food — bratwursts, wieners, pretzels, schnitzels, sauerkraut and more — and people flexing their German heritage.
Is Wurstfest ADA 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.
What are the Wurstfest 2024 ticket prices?
Advanced pricing
- Saturday ticket – Advanced ticket prices (through 10/31) – $22.50 (Can be used on any day)
- Friday/Sunday ticket – Advanced ticket prices (through 10/31) – $18 (Good for only Friday or Sunday)
Festival pricing (11/1/24 – 11/10/24)
- Saturday Ticket – $25 (Can be used on any day)
- Friday/Sunday Ticket – $20 (Good for only Friday or Sunday)
Free admission times
- Monday, November 4: 5-10pm
- Tuesday, November 5: 5-10pm
- Wednesday, November 6: 5-10pm
- Thursday, November 7: 5-10pm
- Sunday, November 10: After 3pm – FREE ADMISSION
What’s the festival’s email?