If you're looking for a reason to spend a fall weekend in New Braunfels, the Gruene Music & Wine Festival brings together live music, Texas wine, local brews, food, and the character of the Gruene Historic District for four days of events. Taking place October 8 - 11, 2026, the annual festival offers a lineup of experiences throughout the weekend, making it easy to turn one event into a full getaway.
Whether you're coming for the music, looking forward to tasting Texas wines, or simply want to experience one of the area's signature fall events, the festival is a great addition to your list of New Braunfels events this season.
Four days of festival fun in New Braunfels
Start the weekend with the Kickoff Party
The festival begins Thursday, October 8th, with the Kickoff Party at The Grapevine from 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. The evening features wine and beer tastings alongside live music in The Grapevine Garden. Admission is free, making it an easy way to start your weekend in Gruene.
After enjoying the festivities at The Grapevine, music fans can head over to Gruene Hall for a performance by Robert Earl Keen. With one of Texas' most recognizable music venues right in the heart of the Gruene Historic District, Thursday gives visitors a chance to experience both the festival atmosphere and the musical heritage that makes Gruene such a popular destination.
Enjoy Stars & Guitars on Friday
On Friday, October 9th, the festival continues with Stars & Guitars at Gruene Hall from 5 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. This ticketed event combines live music with an intimate dinner experience catered by Gristmill River Restaurant, wine tasting, and The Great Guitar Auction featuring guitars signed by some of the best artists to headline Gruene Hall. The evening also features a private concert and meet-and-greet with Shane Smith & The Saints.
Friday is a great opportunity to explore Gruene during the day before settling in for an evening centered around music and food. Browse the shops throughout the historic district, grab a meal, and then make your way to Gruene Hall for one of the weekend's ticketed experiences.
Spend Saturday with Tastings & Tunes
Saturday, October 10th, brings Tastings & Tunes to The Grapevine from 12 p.m. - 6 p.m. Admission is free, while tasting tickets and wine glasses are available for those who want to sample the featured wines and beverages. The event highlights over 30 Texas wineries and breweries alongside live music, creating a relaxed afternoon experience in Gruene.
For visitors planning a weekend around New Braunfels events, Saturday is an especially good day to explore the area at your own pace. After the afternoon festival, spend some time walking through the Gruene Historic District, shopping at local stores, enjoying a meal, or taking in more live music.
Saturday evening continues at Gruene Hall with The SteelDrivers, giving music lovers another opportunity to catch a live performance during the festival.
Finish the weekend with Sunday All-Star Playlist
The festival wraps up Sunday, October 11th, with the Sunday All-Star Playlist at Gruene Hall. The ticketed event begins at 1 p.m. and brings together a lineup of Americana and country performers, including Dos Borrachos featuring Kevin Fowler and Roger Creager, Josh Ward, and several acoustic artists.
Sunday also includes a vendor market from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. and wine tasting at The Grapevine during the same hours, giving visitors another way to enjoy the final day before the weekend comes to a close.
Make It a New Braunfels weekend
One of the best parts of attending the Gruene Music & Wine Festival is that you don't have to limit your trip to the festival itself. Located just minutes from downtown New Braunfels, Gruene offers visitors plenty of opportunities to build a complete weekend itinerary around the event.
Spend the morning exploring the historic district, enjoy an afternoon of wine and music, and end the evening at one of Gruene's iconic restaurants or music venues. With four days of fun, there are plenty of ways to experience the festival while also enjoying the attractions, dining, shopping, and outdoor activities that make New Braunfels a popular fall destination.
The festival also gives visitors a chance to support the local community. Proceeds benefit the United Way of Comal & Guadalupe Counties, making the weekend an opportunity to enjoy music and Texas-made beverages while supporting an important local cause.
If you're planning your fall calendar, add October 8th - 11th to your list and make a weekend of it. From Thursday's kickoff to Sunday's final performances, the Gruene Music & Wine Festival offers a memorable way to experience live music, Texas flavors, and the unique atmosphere of Gruene. Book your stay in New Braunfels and turn your festival visit into a full fall getaway. With so many New Braunfels events happening throughout the year, it's just one more reason to plan your next getaway to New Braunfels.
