🌸Gruene Market, Olympian Parade, & A Costco Deal

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

Happy Friday, New Braunfels! The weekend is here, and there’s plenty happening around town to help you make the most of it. Whether you’re planning a night out, a family outing, or just looking for something new to check out, we’ve rounded up a few things worth knowing about as you head into the weekend.

🩺 A MORE PERSONAL APPROACH TO PRIMARY CARE

Did you know published studies have linked MDVIP-affiliated practices to fewer hospital admissions, fewer emergency room visits, and earlier identification of heart attack and stroke risk compared to traditional primary care models? The difference often comes down to prevention, thorough screenings, and more personalized attention.

In New Braunfels, Dr. Jason Nelson brings that model to local families. With more than 25 years of experience, his MDVIP-affiliated practice is built around longer appointments, greater availability, and proactive health planning designed to support long-term wellness.

📍 1441 Whispering Woods Trail
👉 Click here to learn more about Dr. Nelson’s approach to personalized care.

This is an advertisement. Looking to partner with The New Braunfels Life? Just reply to this email or click here to learn how we can promote your brand to thousands of interested locals!

SHOP LOCAL AT THE GRUENE HERITAGE MARKET SPRING MARKET

A full day of handmade goods, local vendors, and springtime vibes

The Gruene Heritage Market Spring Market returns this Saturday, bringing a full day of local shopping and community fun to one of the most charming spots in Texas. From 9:00 am to 5:00 pm at 1720 Hunter Road, visitors can browse a wide variety of vendors offering handmade goods, wood décor, jewelry, leather products, pet supplies, baked treats, sweets, and fresh salsas and sauces.

With free admission, free parking, and pets welcome, it’s an easy way to spend a spring day supporting local makers while enjoying the atmosphere of Gruene. Whether you’re hunting for unique gifts or just want to wander and discover something new, the market is a great excuse to get out and explore.

➡️ Click here to learn more about the market and plan your visit.

CELEBRATE OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALIST ELANA MEYERS TAYLOR

New Braunfels hosting a hometown parade in her honor

The City of New Braunfels is inviting the community to celebrate hometown athlete Elana Meyers Taylor, who recently won gold at the 2026 Winter Olympics as part of the U.S. Women’s Olympic Bobsled Team. The Gold Medal Parade will take place next Saturday, March 14, beginning with a ceremony at the Main Plaza Bandstand at 10:00 am.

The parade route will start at Hill Avenue and West San Antonio Street, travel to Main Plaza, loop around, and return down West San Antonio Street. Residents are encouraged to come out and celebrate Meyers Taylor’s incredible achievement, though drivers should expect road closures around Main Plaza starting at approximately 8:00 am for the event.

👉 Click here to learn more.

HEALTH INSURANCE COSTS ARE RISING BUT THERE’S ANOTHER OPTION

Rising health insurance costs are putting serious pressure on Texas families. Recent data shows households are spending an average of 10.9% of their income on employer-sponsored premiums and deductibles alone, more than $11,000 a year, before copays or other out-of-pocket costs are even considered.

If your current plan feels expensive or confusing, it may be time to explore other options. Hill Country health insurance expert Penn Mallery helps families and small business owners find custom PPO plans built around real needs and realistic budgets, not one-size-fits-all coverage.

📞 (806) 368-1944
👉 Click to learn more

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SNEAK PEEK AT THIS WEEKEND👀

Here’s What’s Going On Around Town

Friday

🎨 Open Studio (DIY Experience) at Painting With A Twist (2:00 PM)
🧘 Flow with Purpose at Guadalupe River (2:00 PM)
🎸 Big John Mills at Gruene Grove (3:00 PM)
🤝 Teen and Tween Drop-In Volunteer Hours at New Braunfels Public Library (5:00 PM)
🎸 True Labowski at The Grapevine in Gruene (5:00 PM)
🎉 First Friday in Downtown New Braunfels (5:00 PM)
🐟 Fish Fry at VFW Post 7110 (5:00 PM)
🎶 Alli Mattice Band at Krause’s Cafe (6:00 PM)
✨ Sip & Sparkle DIY Trinket Dish at The Artitude Cottage (6:00 PM)
🤠 Clay Hollis at Freiheit Country Store (7:00 PM)
🎤 Adam and Chris Carroll at The Redbird Listening Room (7:30 PM)
🎵 Uncle Lucius at Gruene Hall (8:00 PM)
🤠 Brayden Stewart Band at Happy Cow Bar (8:30 PM)
🚂 Fast Movin’ Train at Watering Hole Saloon (8:30 PM)
🎶 I35 at The Phoenix Saloon (8:30 PM)

Saturday

🛻 Bulky Goods Drop Off at Multiple New Braunfels Locations (7:00 AM)
🎶 Luke Leverett at Guadalupe Brewing Company (8:30 AM)
📚 Family Storytime at New Braunfels Public Library (10:30 AM)
🎸 Connor Phillips at Gruene Hall (11:00 AM)
🎤 Owen Stroud at Krause’s Cafe (11:30 AM)
🍷 Saturday at the Vineyard at Dry Comal Creek Vineyards (12:00 PM)
🎵 Michael Monroe Goodman at The Grapevine in Gruene (1:00 PM)
🎸 Bo Phillips at Gruene Hall (1:00 PM)
🎭 CYT SA New Braunfels Presents The Music Man JR at Brauntex Performing Arts Theatre (2:00 PM)
🐉 Dungeons and Dragons – Campaign Session at New Braunfels Public Library (2:30 PM)
🎨 Misty Hike at Painting With A Twist (5:30 PM)
🎶 Jess & Dave at The Grapevine in Gruene (4:00 PM)
🌅 Sunset at the Lake at Painting With A Twist (7:00 PM)
🎤 Kelly Willis with Marina Rocks at The Redbird Listening Room (7:30 PM)
🤠 Hank Weaver Band at Happy Cow Bar (8:30 PM)
🎸 Uncle Lucius at Gruene Hall (9:00 PM)
🎶 Jay Eric & Rumor Town at Watering Hole Saloon (9:00 PM)

Sunday

🎶 Jay Eric & Rumor Town at Watering Hole Saloon (9:00 PM)
🌵 Cactus Country at Krause’s Cafe (11:00 AM)
🎸 Bradley Thomas at Gruene Hall (12:00 PM)
🎤 Jess & Dave at The Grapevine in Gruene (12:00 PM)
🍷 Sunday at the Vineyard at Dry Comal Creek Vineyards (12:00 PM)
🎵 Gus Clark & The Least of His Problems at Watering Hole Saloon (3:00 PM)
🤠 Bret Graham at Gruene Hall (3:30 PM)
🎶 OYOU at The Redbird Listening Room (4:00 PM)
🧀 The Best Mozzarella Making Class at Otto’s Cheese Shop (5:30 PM)
🎤 The Public Servants at Krause’s Cafe (6:00 PM)
🎸 Kayla Jane at Gruene Hall (6:00 PM)

🎯 TEXAS HILL COUNTRY GAME FAIR RETURNS THIS SUMMER

The Texas Hill Country Game Fair is coming back to Joshua Creek Ranch on June 12–13, bringing together outdoor enthusiasts, sporting brands, and conservation supporters for a weekend built around the Hill Country lifestyle. Hosted in partnership with the San Antonio Rodeo Wildlife & Natural Resources Committee, this year’s event will feature an expanded vendor village, a gamebird simulation shooting competition, and a special Friday night “Game Changer” experience.

The event supports conservation initiatives and youth education programs, and organizers are currently inviting sporting brands, sponsors, and partners to get involved. If your brand connects with the outdoor community, this is a great opportunity to showcase it to a passionate audience.

👉 Learn more.

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FIND A HOME FRIDAY: A PRICE DROP ON HILL COUNTRY LIVING

Tucked away in the gated community of Texas Country Estates, this beautiful one-story home at 509 Moonlight Circle captures the peaceful charm that draws so many people to New Braunfels. Set on a 1.17-acre wooded lot with mature oak trees and backing to a greenbelt, the property offers privacy, space, and classic Hill Country surroundings while still being just minutes from shopping, dining, and recreation.

Inside, the home features 3 bedrooms, a study, a flex room, and 2.5 bathrooms across an open layout designed for comfortable living and entertaining. The kitchen includes granite countertops, a gas cooktop, and abundant cabinetry, while the spacious great room centers around a stunning stone fireplace. Step outside to a screened-in patio with its own fireplace and outdoor kitchen, plus a luxurious swim spa that creates a true backyard retreat.

But here’s the best part — the price on this beautiful house just dropped. It’s priced to move, so if you’re shopping for a new home, you don’t want to miss this opportunity.

👉 View the full listing here or reach out to our partner Lynda Escalante, Associated Broker with Vista Realty, at 713-826-8209 .

WEATHER FORECAST

Here’s a look at the weekend weather forecast:

Friday: High: 82º | Low: 69º | 40% chance of precipitation

Saturday: High: 80º | Low: 55º | 50% chance of precipitation

Sunday: High: 71º | Low: 63º | 45% chance of precipitation

Burn Ban: ON

Water Restrictions: Stage 2

🛒 COSTCO IS COMING TO NEW BRAUNFELS. HERE’S A WAY TO GET AHEAD

Costco is set to open its first New Braunfels location this spring, and if you’ve been waiting for it, now might be the perfect time to grab a membership. A limited-time deal offers a 1-year Costco Gold Star or Executive Membership plus a $45 Digital Costco Shop Card with this special Groupon offer, giving new members instant value before the new warehouse even opens.

Costco memberships unlock access to bulk groceries, electronics, home essentials, travel deals, and the famous food court, plus savings both in-store and online. Each membership also includes two membership cards for your household, so you can share the perks.

👉 Lock in the deal and get ready for the New Braunfels Costco opening this spring.

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BUZZ AROUND TOWN

Art Haus Pop-Up Market Returns to Downtown New Braunfels
Art Haus is bringing its monthly First Friday pop-up art market back to the heart of downtown New Braunfels tonight. The event transforms Main Plaza into a vibrant space where local artists, designers, and makers showcase everything from original paintings and prints to handmade goods, apparel, and ceramics. It’s a great opportunity to meet local creatives and support independent art in the community.

Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt Planning New Location at Creekside
A new dessert option is heading to one of New Braunfels’ busiest retail areas. Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt plans to open a location at Town Center at Creekside, bringing its self-serve frozen yogurt concept with dozens of rotating flavors and toppings. Construction is expected to begin this summer with a projected completion later in the year.

Schlitterbahn Reveals New Racing Water Slide for 2026 Season
Schlitterbahn New Braunfels has unveiled Wasserbahn Racers, a new racing-themed water slide set to debut for the 2026 season. The attraction will send riders headfirst down side-by-side lanes in a competitive race toward the finish line. The park is scheduled to open for the season on May 2.

Senior Relocation Service Expands to New Braunfels
Caring Transitions of New Braunfels & Seguin has officially launched, offering services designed to help seniors and families with moving, downsizing, decluttering, and home cleanouts. The locally owned business is part of a nationwide network that has expanded to more than 400 locations across the country.

Road Construction Underway on W. San Antonio Street and S. Water Lane
A major reconstruction project has begun along W. San Antonio Street and S. Water Lane. Crews will replace underground water and wastewater lines before rebuilding the roadway, with the project expected to last about 15 months. Drivers should expect detours and intermittent traffic control while work is underway.

Thanks!

That’s it for today’s edition! Thanks for taking a few minutes to catch up with us. We’ll be back in your inbox soon with more stories, events, and updates that keep you connected to everything happening around New Braunfels.

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Until next time,

— The New Braunfels Life Team