When it comes to unique New Braunfels attractions, few experiences capture the fun and community spirit of summer quite like New Braunfels Thru the Chute. This beloved event brings locals and visitors together for a day full of creativity, competition, and river fun at the iconic City Tube Chute on the Comal River. Whether you’re planning your first visit or you’re a seasoned river lover, Thru the Chute is one of those special events that defines the season and reminds everyone why floating the Comal River is a New Braunfels tradition.
A Tradition with heart and humor
New Braunfels Thru the Chute is an annual cardboard boat race where participants design and build their own boats and then launch them into the Comal River, hoping to make it through the tube chute and back into the current. It’s a playful mix of ingenuity and adventure as some boats sail through with ease, while others comically sink or splinter under the cheering crowd’s applause. With its grass-roots origins and community participation, it has grown into one of the most anticipated New Braunfels attractions of the spring season.
Thousands of guests line the banks of the river at Prince Solms Park and along Hinman Island Drive to watch teams of all ages race their handmade vessels. From businesses and civic groups to families and friend groups, Thru the Chute highlights the creative spirit of New Braunfels while giving everyone a chance to laugh, cheer, and soak up the scenic river setting.
How Thru the Chute Works
Scheduled for Saturday, April 11, 2026, Thru the Chute kicks off early in the morning with boat check-in and registration. Participants bring boats constructed of cardboard, duct tape, and sheer determination, ready to test their creations against both the river’s current and gravity itself. Official races start around 10 a.m., drawing crowds who fill the riverbanks hours before the first launch.
The City of New Braunfels, which organizes the event, makes it easy to enjoy both the racing and the river itself. Attendees can reserve free advance tickets for viewing near the chute, or they can watch from nearby downtown spots.
Fun for everyone
What sets Thru the Chute apart from typical parade or festival events is its combination of silliness, skill, and community pride. Creative entries range from pirate ships to themed team boats; some barely stay afloat, while others race straight through the chute. Regardless of outcome, whether a team finishes upright or splashes spectacularly, the crowd’s cheers and laughter make every moment memorable.
Not only is the event entertaining, but it also serves as a kickoff to the warm weather season in New Braunfels, reminding visitors that one of the most beloved ways to float in New Braunfels is right here on the Comal River. After the race, many race-day visitors and participants grab tubes and take advantage of the river’s calm stretches or even make their way through the City Tube Chute themselves!
Beyond the Race: Why the tube chute matters
The City Tube Chute area is more than a race site. It’s a central hub for river lovers who want to enjoy classic New Braunfels attractions throughout the spring and summer months. Tubing on the Comal River, from Prince Solms Park through the chute and beyond, is one of the most popular ways to experience the area’s natural beauty and refreshing waters. With entry points accessible to floaters of all skill levels, families and friends can enjoy a scenic float, gentle rapids, and plenty of riverbank space for picnics, photos, and play.
While Thru the Chute focuses on creativity and community competition, the surrounding tubing culture reminds visitors why New Braunfels is often on the list for classic Texas summer recreation. Floating the Comal River is an activity that appeals to all ages, combining relaxation with splashy fun. Whether you’re tubing for hours or taking a brief slide through the chute, you’ll find memories waiting around every bend.
Plan your visit
If you’re planning a trip to New Braunfels around Thru the Chute, it’s a great opportunity to combine this spring tradition with other river experiences. Arrive early, secure your viewing tickets, and consider bringing your own tubes or booking a float tour so you can enjoy the river before or after the race. Parking at Prince Solms Park and nearby lots makes access convenient, and downtown eateries and shops are just a short walk away for post-event fun.
Join us for a celebration of community, creativity, and the laid-back joy of river life. When you come to watch or participate, don’t forget to plan time on the Comal River as well. It’s one of the most memorable ways to experience the natural beauty and adventurous spirit that make New Braunfels a top destination for water lovers.