Learn About the 10 Day Celebration of Sausage called Wurstfest

Every historic community is capable of hosting its very own Oktoberfest. By the end of September and the beginning of October, beer stein-hoisting events may be seen all over the place. However, New Braunfels, located in central Texas and has deep ties to its German background, celebrates a sausage-related event in Germany a little later in the autumn than other cities do. In addition to preserving the city’s history, the non-profit corporation known as Wurstfest works to encourage local business growth by promoting tourism. The event will include live music, dancing, fun carnival attractions, and local food vendors selling their wares.

What is Wurstfest?

The annual Wurstfest is a celebration that celebrates German and Texan culture and takes place in New Braunfels, Texas. The festival lasts for ten days. The festival honors all aspects of German and Texan heritage, including, but not limited to, the cuisine, music, and dance, as well as the beer.

The first celebration of this event was held in 1961, and it has since grown to become one of the most well-attended festivals in the region. In addition, a wide range of activities aimed at preserving German-Texan traditions and boosting tourism are included in the Wurstfest program.

The residents of New Braunfels and the neighboring areas eagerly anticipate the annual Wurstfest, which is a time when the city comes alive with merriment and celebration. Everyone who takes part in the event is exposed to a one-of-a-kind fusion of German and Texan culture, from the historic folk dance and music played by brass bands to the copious amounts of delectable food and beer that are inspired by German cuisine.

The grounds of the Wurstfest transform into a bustling hub of activity, offering something that guests of all ages and interests can take pleasure in, whether it is a fantastic dining and dance experience, games, live entertainment, or simply taking in the ambiance.

Many people take advantage of the opportunity presented by Wurstfest to honor their German-Texan heritage while also creating new memories with their families and friends. The celebration serves as a reminder of how German roots have gotten intertwined with the culture of Texas, establishing a distinctive past that is worthy of being preserved and celebrated. Those of German descent in Texas will be able to recognize their history while also celebrating the present at Wurstfest.

What Does the Name Wurstfest Mean?

The Wurstfest is a festival that celebrates German culture as well as German food. The festival was first held in 1961 to honor the friendship that exists between the people of Germany and the United States of America and also to celebrate the contributions that Germans have made to the community of New Braunfels, Texas, which is the location of the festival.

The name originates from the German word “Wurst,” which translates to “Sausage.” In honor of the robust German food culture and the German custom of eating sausages with their meals, the holiday is now commonly referred to as Wurstfest.

The festival features a wide range of authentically German pursuits, such as yodeling, sausage making, German-style craft beer, and traditional dance and music from Bavaria. It’s a fantastic opportunity to learn about German culture, indulge in some mouthwatering cuisine, and meet some interesting new people.

History of the Wursfest

The Wurstfest grounds are located adjacent to Lan da Park in New Braunfels, Texas, and play host to the city’s annual celebration of food and music known as Wurstfest. The festival is held in remembrance of the German culture that was formerly prevalent in both the city and the surrounding area. Since its founding by Germans in 1845, New Braunfels has been home to a vibrant cultural scene that is heavily influenced by German cuisine as well as musical customs and traditions

The town’s cultural legacy was to be celebrated on the first Saturday of November every year, according to a proclamation given by the mayor in 1961. The inaugural event, which was held in the National Guard Armory, was attended by around 2,000 people. This festival is now commonly referred to as Wurstfest, and in the years since its inception, it has consistently seen rising levels of participation from locals as well as visitors.

The first year of the event took place in 1963, and it was held in the Rathskeller, also known as “Eiband’s Hole” by the locals. This was the burned-out basement of the former Eiband & Fischer Department Store. The expected number of attendees was 10,000, but by 1964, that figure had increased to 30,000. In 1967, the gathering was relocated to the Wursthalle, and the following year, it was extended to its current duration of ten days. In 1975, there were more than 160,000 people in attendance.

In 1978, the size of the Wurstfest grounds was increased thrice as a result of the acquisition of the nearby Dittlinger Feed Mill site and the sublease of a portion of the LCRA property. To increase the festival’s appeal as a family-friendly event by the late 1970s, the organizers introduced several stringent restrictions and a grounds admission price. This was done in response to the growing concern over big crowds that were occasionally disruptive.

At the beginning of the 1990s, the number of attendees had stabilized at somewhat more than 100,000. Despite a terrible flood that occurred just thirteen days before the festival opening in 1998, members of the Wurstfest Association and companies from the surrounding area collaborated to clean up the festival grounds, and the event proceeded as planned. From a single weekend event in the early 1960s, the festival had grown into a ten-day extravaganza by the early 2000s. This extravaganza featured unique events, food, and musical groups during the whole festival. In 2006, the first day of Wurstfest was highlighted in a nationwide live broadcast of Good Morning America, which is carried on ABC.

Visitors to the Wurstfest are offered a wide selection of German dishes influenced by German cuisine. It’s possible that sausage, in all of its incarnations, including bratwurst and knackwurst, is the most popular type of cuisine there is. Beer is the beverage of choice for many guests, but there is also a selection of nonalcoholic drinks available. The Wursthalle is the largest of the music venues on the fairgrounds, and it features performances by both classic and contemporary acts. Polka music from Germany is particularly well-liked, but traditional Mexican-American and country musicians also draw significant crowds. Performances take place not only in the Wursthalle but also in smaller tents spread out around the grounds.

The Wurstfest provides local artisans and artists with a platform from which they can market and sell their items. During Wurstfest, the Sophienburg Museum and the Museum of Texas Handmade Furniture hold unique programs that teach travelers about German culture. The tour of Conservation Plaza, which features restored structures, gives tourists a taste of the old city. The Heritage Exhibit, which was housed at the city’s civic center from the 1970s through the 1990s, featured historical artifacts and exhibitions relating to the city of New Braunfels. In addition, the city’s Circle Arts Theater puts on productions during Wurstfest. The festival also hosts the Tour de Gruene bicycle classic, the Wurstfest Five-Mile Run, the Wurst Motorcycle Run, and the Wurstfest Regatta, which has over 200 sailboats competing on adjacent Canyon Lake. In 2001, the Wurstfest Review variety event, which was presented in the Wursthalle, became a new highlight during the festival. In 2007, the festival debuted a distinct entertainment area geared specifically at children called the Kinderhalle.

Since it began, Wurstfest has been successful in raising millions of dollars for charitable causes in the local community. A board consisting of more than 200 people is in charge of organizing the celebration. These directors are members of the Wurstfest Association, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to promote local commerce and tourism while also conserving German heritage. In 2010, New Braunfels celebrated the 50th anniversary of its annual Wurstfest event. In addition to the German lagers, Wurstfest began serving craft beer in 2014, with selections coming from over a dozen different American craft breweries. The festival venue was expanded by about one and a half acres as a result of the addition of the Stelzenplatz.

When is Wurstfest?

The festival always begins on a Friday that comes before the first Monday in November, and the customary “biting of the sausage” is how it kicks off the festivities. The event lasts for ten days and raises money for charitable causes and community improvement initiatives in the Lone Star State while celebrating the history and tradition of German culture in Texas. In addition to this, it is well-known for being the event where one can get the best food and drinks, particularly the much sought-after sausage-on-a-stick.

Where is the location of Wurstfest?

Around 55 years ago, the Wurstfest was moved to its current location at the Wursthalle at Landa Park, which is located on the fairgrounds close to the center of New Braunfels. Landa Park is the ideal location for the celebration because it features a Midway, which includes rides and games, as well as beer tents, refreshment stands, and dance halls.

The Tickets to Wurstfest

You should get your entrance tickets in advance so that you don’t have to waste time waiting in line to buy them and can instead spend that time sipping a drink or taking in the ambiance instead. Tickets are valid for entry throughout the day. The price of admission grants access to all of the stores and performances of entertainment. Get your hand stamped before you leave if you plan on returning on the same day you left and entering the facility.

If you can hardly contain your excitement about attending Wurstfest, you’ll be relieved to learn that purchasing tickets is a simple process. You may find all of the necessary information regarding ticketing, including up-to-date prices and schedules, on the website for the Wurstfest. With this ticket, you will have access to the main event, as well as all of the entertainment and all of the public areas. You will be able to purchase your tickets at the venue or online with special discounts and group pricing if you purchase them in advance. Free admission is always provided to children under the age of 12.

How is Wurstfest Managed?

The New Braunfels, Texas Chamber of Commerce is in charge of organizing and running Wurstfest, and they enlist the assistance of over a thousand volunteers who willingly contribute their time and energy to the cause. The City of New Braunfels donates a large amount of money and other resources to the festival on an annual basis.

The Chamber of Commerce is in charge of all aspects of the event, including the selection of the performers and the vendors to be rented, as well as the coordination of the various activities, promotions, and other logistical details. Even though the City plays a significant role in the festival, it is ultimately the Chamber of Commerce and a large number of volunteers who work together to create the one-of-a-kind experience that Wurstfest is known for.

In addition to the help provided by volunteers, there is also a committed full-time team that is hard at work throughout the year to get everything ready for the event. They are concentrating on obtaining sponsorships, publicizing the event, planning the entertainment, finding volunteers, and managing the logistics for the 10-day festival.

It takes a vast and diverse group of people to make Wurstfest happen, and the fact that it has become one of the most important events in the Hill Country is a credit to the culture of the city of New Braunfels as well as the hard work of the Chamber of Commerce and the volunteers who help put on the event.

Food Options at Wursfest

There will be traditional fair foods available, such as turkey legs, sausage on a stick, roasted nuts, and fried Oreos; but, you shouldn’t pass up the opportunity to sample some German cuisine. Some of the most popular dishes at the event include Reuben sandwiches, doner kebabs, cheddar wursts, and pork schnitzels. While the Wursthaus Edelweiss booth will be preparing goulash, chicken fried bacon, and Belgian waffles, the New Braunfels institution that is Naegelin’s Bakery will be selling its traditional cookies, cinnamon buns, strudel, and frosted brownies. Naegelin’s Bakery has been in business in New Braunfels for 154 years. To put it another way, be sure to bring your appetite.

After a fire in 2019 destroyed the historic marketplace and sections of the Wursthalle, all of these things and more have been relocated to the Marktplatz, a brand-new structure that was constructed in its place. The event will feature vendors who will be holding fund-raising campaigns for the organizations that they represent. And even though some of the merchants selling beer will demand tickets, all of the vendors selling food will take cash payments. On the event grounds, visitors will not be permitted to bring their food or beverages.

Price of Drink Tickets for Wurstfest

Beer sellers will only accept tickets in place of cash, and attendees will be able to buy a sheet of twenty tickets for twenty dollars. A local glass of beer will set you back $7, while a domestic pitcher of beer would run you $29, and domestic steins of one liter will set you back $22. A glass of imported beer will set you back $9, while a pitcher would set you back $36 and a stein holding one liter of beer will cost you $26. There will be a sale of bottled water for $2 each.

How Many Individuals Attend Wurstfest?

Although the actual number of attendees at each year’s Wurstfest is never known for certain, the event regularly draws somewhere in the neighborhood of 200,000 people. The Texas Hill Country hamlet of New Braunfels, located just south of Austin, is the location of the annual Wurstfest, which lasts for ten days in the month of November.

In addition to carnival rides, food, beer, and live music, it features a significant amount of German and Texan culture. One of the most well-known and well-attended cultural events in Texas is called Wurstfest, and it features a Polka Pavilion, a Biergarten, and an authentic German Bandstand. Since its start in 1961, Wurstfest has been consistently successful in attracting record numbers of attendees and guests from all across the country and the world.

Is There Parking at the Wursfest?

There are only a few parking spots available in the area immediately close to the event grounds. There are options that guests of local hotels, motels, and resorts, as well as those staying at some important sites, will have access to a shuttle service.

Where to Stay During Your Visit to Wurstfest?

When it comes to finding a place to stay, you will have a wide selection of options available to choose from. Hotels and other local lodgings are two examples of these alternatives.

How Do You Dress at Wurstfest?

It is essential to dress appropriately for the outdoor environment of Wurstfest if you plan on attending the event. Because of the nature of the festival, the easiest way to stay cool in the heat is to dress in lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton, linen, and even some combinations of these materials. It is crucial to wear comfortable shoes that you can walk long distances in, as well as clothes that help protect you against the sun, such as broad-brimmed hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Loose, breathable clothing is also important to wear. You might also want to think about carrying rain gear or light coats with you just in case the temperature drops or when it rains. Last but not least, if you intend to carry any valuables with you, such as a phone or wallet, you should be sure to have a secure purse or bag that has zippers so that your belongings will remain safe.

Where to Go Dancing and Enjoy Music at Wurstfest?

The Wursthalle is where the majority of the festival’s activities take place. There are dance halls all over the place that feature dozens of bands playing polka and folk music. On the dance floor, guests can be seen doing traditional polka steps while also letting loose and dancing to their hearts’ content. You can also find bands at a variety of different outlets.

Are Children Permitted at Wurstfest?

Yes, children of any age are encouraged to attend Wurstfest. When you bring your family along, there are plenty of kid-friendly events like a carnival with rides, pool competitions, and even the occasional washer tournament to keep kids entertained. Not to mention the numerous food vendors that provide a wide selection of delectable wurst and sauerkraut in a variety of flavors. The joyous mood is guaranteed to put a smile on the faces of the younger audience members as well.

On the other hand, to make the environment even more kid-friendly, they have provided specific locations where children may play and have a good time. Every year, Wurst Girl and the Wurst Elves, along with other costumed characters, make their way through the grounds for a meet and greet.

In addition, over the course of the festival weekend, there will be live music performances and stage shows taking place on the main stage, giving children the opportunity to experience both music and culture. Therefore, if you are searching for an event that is suitable for families, bring your complete family to Wurstfest and enjoy some good, old-fashioned fun.

Is ATM available at the Wurstfest?

On the festival grounds, automated teller machines can be found in several locations, including Gates 1 and 3, as well as other locations. The machines can process payments from Visa, Master Card, Diners Club, Discover, American Express, and any other Pulse card.

Security

Walk-through metal detectors are installed at each entry, and each attendee’s bag is subject to search, to create an atmosphere that is secure and pleasurable for everyone present.

How Does One Become a Wurstfest Opa?

Becoming a Wurstfest Opa is a rewarding opportunity that requires a dedication to upholding and honoring the traditions of Bavarian culture. This may be a thrilling event. The first thing you should do is send an email to the New Braunfels Wurstfest Association expressing your interest in participating in the event. You will be given authentic Bavarian attire once you have been accepted, supplied with lederhosen and a felt hat. This will be the case once you have been accepted.

You are required to participate in one of the opening ceremonies of the celebrations and attend an orientation that is being put on by the association. During each of the observances, you will be tasked with performing a specific duty, such as passing out beer cups, distributing pretzels, or directing the “Chicken Dance.”

When you’ve reached the level of full-fledged Wurstfest Opa, you’ll have the responsibility of tirelessly promoting and celebrating Bavarian culture through various dialogues, games, and other activities. In addition to this, it is essential to assist in luring newcomers to participate in the celebrations and to assist in maintaining long-standing customs. In the end, being selected as a Wurstfest Opa is not only an amazing honor, but it also requires a significant amount of excitement and dedication to the culture of Bavaria.

Conclusion

What began in 1961 as the desire of a local meat inspector to hold a festival in honor of sausage has since grown into a ten-day event celebrating sausage. The Wurstfest, which can be found at 178 Landa Park Drive in New Braunfels, Texas, is an event that should not be missed.

The Wurstfest at the dedicated Wurstfest Event Grounds is the place to be if you are looking for an occasion to get the RV out of storage or if you have a favorite type of sausage that you want to celebrate.

Since it began, Wurstfest has seen tremendous expansion, growing by leaps and bounds. The expansive park-like location has recently been expanded to include several acres, providing space for thousands of spectators who wish to take in the atmosphere.