If you’ve never polka-danced while donning a dirndl or lederhosen, devoured a Wurst-n-taschen piled high with sauerkraut, or experienced the true feeling of Gemütlichkeit, you’ve been missing out on the beloved New Braunfels tradition known as Wurstfest.
Born and raised in New Braunfels, this annual 10-day salute to sausage has been an anticipated annual fall ritual for as long as I can remember –– and a fun-filled excuse to fill up on all of the German food, music and culture you can handle.
If you’re ready to experience this epic Bavarian bash, taking place this year from Nov. 7-16, here are 10 reasons Wurstfest is worth the trip.
Alex Meixner is a nationally acclaimed musician, performer, bandleader, and educator dedicated to the vibrant world of polka music. Contributed by Wurstfest
1. The music
There’s no denying that the true heartbeat of Wurstfest is the live music that pulses from five festive stages: Wursthalle, Das Grosse Zelt, Das Klein Zelt, Stelzenhaus, and Stelzenplatz. This year, Wurstfest will welcome 40 national and international live bands to its grounds to play a total of 250 musical sets over the 10 days. Garnering the best of the best when it comes to Alpine- and Bavarian-style entertainment, don’t miss Wurstfest staples including multi-instrumentalist and vocalist Mollie B, nationally acclaimed musician and accordion master Alex Meixner, and Grammy-winner Jimmy Sturr and his Orchestra. And at Wurstfest, crowd participation is encouraged –– more than 500 chicken dances and even more Eins Prosit (official toasts) unfold over the 10 music-filled days. Check out the full lineup.
A must-try menu item at Wurstfest is the Wurst-n-taschen. Contributed by Wurstfest
2. The sausage
There’s a reason why Wurstfest is known as the “10 day salute-to-sausage.” Wurstfest kicks off with the ceremonial “biting of the sausage” before tons of sausage is served over the course of the festival. Go for the traditional sausage on a stick, or sample a variety of flavors offered with the Wurstkabob, stacked with five types of sausage including original, cheddar, bratwurst, jalapeno and apple. My personal favorite? The Wurst-n-taschen –– a grilled bratwurst nestled in a warm pita and piled high with sauerkraut, grilled onions and bell peppers, and of course, German mustard.
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3. The history
Small town festivals come and go, but this annual event has been going strong for more than 60 years. What humbly began as a one-day “Sausage Festival” in 1961, drawing an impressive crowd of 2,000 for the then-tiny town of New Braunfels, later became “Wurst Week” before its final renaming. Now in its 64th year, Wurstfest has evolved into one of the top festivals in the country and the largest Oktoberfest celebration in Texas, welcoming around 230,000 visitors through its gates each year.
The carnival is one of the highlights of Wurstfest for kids of all ages. Photo by Mauri Elbel
4. Family fun
Wurstfest boasts plenty of fun for the whole family. A highlight for kids is always the carnival, where little ones can take spins on the carousel while the big and brave can beeline to the Ferris wheel and Gravitron. Special children’s programming unfolds in the Kinderhalle, where kids can enjoy entertainment in the form of chicken dance lessons, magic shows, movie nights, and more. The best time to enjoy Wurstfest with the family is during the lesser crowded weekday evenings and weekend days.
Bite into the many delicious festival food offerings at Wurstfest. Photo by Mauri Elbel
5. Festival food
While sausage may be the standout fare at Wurstfest, hungry festivalgoers have their pick of dozens of German-inspired foods to fill up on. Think potato pancakes (kartoffelpuffers) with applesauce, schnitzel on a stick, Reubens piled high with kraut, and flammkuchen — the crispy “flame cake” that’s Germany’s answer to pizza. Follow it up with a dizzying dessert lineup of deep-fried delights, spanning funnel cake to fried Oreos. This year, 22 nonprofits will be operating food booths, reinvesting profits back into the community. Be sure to bring your appetite.
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6. The bier
What’s the best way to wash down all the sausage? With a German bier of course. Prost friends with a Wurstfest pitcher or cup (which make great souvenirs) filled with Warsteiner Dunkel or Paulaner Oktoberfest. You’ll also find a slew of import and domestic beers on tap, as well as a wide variety of non-alcoholic beverages to choose from. For the first year, Wurstfest is ticketless and credit cards will be accepted for admission, food, and bar purchases.
Wurstfest, located near the headwaters of the beautiful Comal River in New Braunfels, is just an hour from Austin. Contributed by Wurstfest
7. The location
Nestled in Landa Park along the banks of the spring-fed Comal River, Wurstfest is an hour-long drive from Austin. Parking near the festival grounds is limited, but you can park for free at the Comal County Fairgrounds and jump on a shuttle that will take you straight to the festival gates ($10 round trip per person for ages 13+ and free for children 12 and under).
8. Free weekdays
Visit Wurstfest during the week to avoid crowds and enjoy free admission. Entry into Wurstfest is free Monday through Thursday, after 3 p.m. on the last Sunday (Nov. 16), and for children ages 12 and under every day. If you head to Wurstfest on the weekend, save a little money and dodge the lines at the gate by reserving tickets online in advance.
Dress in your dirndls and lederhosen and get ready to polka and Chicken Dance at Wurstfest. Contributed by Wurstfest
9. The contests
If there was an Olympic event for beer drinkers, Masskrugstemmen would be it. The traditional Bavarian beer-stein holding endurance contest determines who can hold a one-liter stein (weighing roughly five pounds) at arm’s length for the longest without spilling. The winner leaves with a custom Wurstfest stein and bragging rights for a year. If twirling around the dance floor is more your speed, waltz and polka competitions take place inside the Wursthalle.
Dirndls, lederhosen and silly hats are encouraged at Wurstfest, and Omas and Opas don them proudly throughout the 10-day festival. Contributed by Wurstfest
10. The German attire and phrases
At Wurstfest, Opas and Omas are the official trend setters, proudly parading their traditional lederhosen and dirndls. Those feeling festive can purchase authentic Bavarian dirndls and lederhosen inside the Stelzenplatz, or accessorize with German flair in the form of a Wurstfest “hut” or chicken hat. Wurstfest is also the perfect opportunity to practice your German with essential phrases like “Wie geht’s?” (How are you?) and macht schnell (hurry up). Brush up on the lingo before you go by watching this video.
