It was the best of times, it was the wurst of times at New Braunfels annual celebration of brats and brews. Credit: Courtesy

Tickets went on sale Tuesday for the 65th Annual Wurstfest, New Braunfels’ 10-day “Salute To Sausage.”

Held every fall in Landa Park along the banks of the Comal River, Wurstfest serves up more than a week of German-inspired food, drink and entertainment to celebrate the country’s deep roots in the Texas Hill Country.

The festivities run Friday, Nov. 6, through Sunday, Nov. 15, with a robust entertainment schedule, including polka and waltz dance contests, a stein-holding state championship and, naturally, sausage-making.

Discount tickets are available online, priced at $15 for Fridays and Sundays and $25 on Saturdays. Those who wait to purchase tickets at the gate on the day of the event will spend $20 for Fridays and Sundays and $30 for Saturdays.

Admission to the event is free Monday through Thursday. Children 12 and under get free admission daily. Admission also is free after 3 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 15.

Credit: Courtesy

Though Wurstfest is known for its biergarten, the gathering also includes loads of family fun, complete with amusement rides, artisan shops and a special children’s area called Kinderhalle.

“In honor of our 65th anniversary, we are pulling out all the stops to ensure our patrons have the ‘best of the wurst’ times,” 2026 Wurstfest President Marc Allen said in a statement. “I was a young boy when I attended my first Wurstfest. What used to be a local tradition for New Braunfels residents now draws people from all over Texas and the nation. Yet over the last 65 years many things remain the same — enjoying Gemütlichkeit and the very best in German entertainment, all while supporting vital nonprofits in the New Braunfels community.”

Gemütlichkeit, for Volk not in the know, is a German concept of the warmth, friendliness and peace of mind brought about by camaraderie.

More than 25 local nonprofits sell food, drink and wares at Wurstfest, many meeting their annual fundraising goals through that event alone, according to organizers.

Grammy-winning accordion player Alex Meixner will kick off WurstFest with the ceremonial “biting of the sausage.” Credit: Courtesy

As a new offering this year, Wurstfest is introducing an expanded German wine selection at the Weingarten, which can be found next to the mill pond within a historic section of the grounds. Local cheese shop Otto’s also will provide cheese pairings.

Meanwhile, patrons can learn the art of Wurstmachen, or sausage making, which has been passed down through generations of local families.

The festival will offer musical entertainment across five stages and multiple dance areas, with 40-plus bands playing more than 250 sets. Performers include Grammy Award-winning polka musician Jimmy Sturr and his Orchestra as well as Grammy-nominated accordion maestro Alex Meixner.

Meixner kicks off the festival’s opening ceremonies with the famous “biting of the sausage” — what else? — on Friday, Nov. 6.

Want to know how the sausage is made? There’s a workshop for that. Or you can just enjoy eating it. Credit: Courtesy

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Stephanie Koithan is the Digital Content Editor of the San Antonio Current. In her role, she writes about politics, music, art, culture and food. Send her a tip at skoithan@sacurrent.com.