🛒Gruene Market Days, Hwy 46 Expansion, & Weekend Fun!

Good morning and happy Friday, New Braunfels!

Get ready for a weekend filled with handcrafted goods, live music, and local adventures—plus a massive highway project that could change the future of traffic in our town.

Here’s a look at what’s inside today’s email:

• 🎨 Old Gruene Market Days returns this weekend
• 🚧 TxDOT reveals plans for a $1.4B Hwy 46 expansion
• 🎶 Robert Earl Keen takes the stage Sunday
• 🏡 Find a Home Friday: a custom retreat with a private pool
• 🕳️ Explore Wonder World Cave—for less with this Groupon

Let’s jump in!

GET YOUR BUSINESS IN FRONT OF THOUSANDS OF HIGHLY ENGAGED LOCAL RESIDENTS

Looking to reach more New Braunfels residents who care about what’s happening in town? Advertising in this newsletter is a smart, affordable way to promote your business, event, or special offer to a highly engaged local audience.

With strong open rates and a loyal reader base, our readers are always looking for great local places to shop, eat, and explore—and your business could be next on their list.

📩 Want the details? Just reply to this email or click here to learn how we can promote your brand to thousands of interested locals!

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!

🎨 OLD GRUENE MARKET DAYS RETURNS THIS WEEKEND

Artisan goods, Texas treats, and local flavor fill the Gruene Historic District

For more than 30 years, Gruene Market Days has been a monthly tradition—except January—drawing locals and visitors alike to shop nearly 100 artisan booths featuring handmade crafts and packaged Texas foods.

The event runs May 17 & 18 from 10 am to 5 pm in front of Gruene Coffee Haus.

Parking and admission are free, and there’s always live entertainment. Make a full day of it and wander Gruene’s charming shops, sip some wine, or grab a bite while you’re there.

Click here for more info.

🚧 TXDOT REVEALS PLANS FOR $1.4 BILLION HIGHWAY EXPANSION

Texas 46 is getting a major upgrade—but it’ll take time

In an effort to ease growing congestion between New Braunfels and Seguin, the Texas Department of Transportation has unveiled plans for a massive overhaul of Texas 46.

The proposed project includes double-decker elevated lanes near I-35, new overpasses, and expanded frontage roads all the way to I-10. The entire project could cost around $1.4 billion and would add up to eight lanes in some areas.

Construction won’t start for another four to five years, but officials say it's essential to support future growth—Comal and Guadalupe counties are projected to see vehicle traffic grow by more than 75% by 2048.

This is not an advertisement.

SNEAK PEEK AT THIS WEEKEND👀

Here’s What’s Going On Around Town

FRIDAY

Friday Afternoon Club at Gruene Hall (4:00 PM) - Enjoy a quintessential Friday happy hour with great beer prices and live Texas tunes.

E Sports with Boys & Girls' Club (4:30 PM) - Join the Boys & Girls' Club for an exciting in-person E Sports event.

Gus Miller & The Buzz Killers (6:00 PM) - Experience the laid-back Outlaw Hippie Country vibe of Gus Miller.

BRANCH OUT DANCE PRESENTS LET’S GO GIRLS! (7:00 PM) - Celebrate five years of dance with a vibrant recital featuring students of all ages.

Old 97's (8:00 PM) - Catch the legendary alternative country band Old 97's live in concert.

Chad Cooke Band (8:30 PM) - Enjoy a night of music from the Chad Cooke Band blending country and rock.

SATURDAY

Resume Workshop for Teens (9:30 AM) - Learn how to craft a standout resume for summer job applications.

The Local Corner Market (10:30 AM - 2:00 PM) - Explore a vibrant local market every Saturday at Faust Brewing Company.

Elysha LeMaster (11:30 AM) - Experience the dynamic sounds of singer-songwriter Elysha LeMaster live.

Lazy J Crawfish Boil at TSR (12:00 PM) - Join us for a delicious crawfish boil at TSR.

Knit-A-Long Group (2:00 PM) - Connect with fellow knitters in a relaxed setting.

Yesenia & The Groove Doctors (6:00 PM) - Dance the night away with the high-energy party band.

BRANCH OUT DANCE PRESENTS LET’S GO GIRLS! (7:00 PM) - Don't miss this unforgettable dance recital celebrating young talent.

Robert Earl Keen (9:00 PM) - Experience the music of renowned Americana artist Robert Earl Keen live.

Passing Strangers (9:00 PM) - Enjoy live music from the San Antonio-based band with a rich history in the Texas club scene.

SUNDAY

Gruene Market Days (10:00 AM - 5:00 PM) - Discover unique crafts and foods from nearly 100 vendors.

Nyles Duo (11:00 AM) - Relax with the intimate acoustic sounds of Nyles Duo.

Matt Kirk & The Gueyfarers (12:00 PM) - Enjoy Americana music in a lively atmosphere.

Lazy J Crawfish Boil at TSR (12:00 PM) - Savor delicious crawfish at this popular boil.

Cactus Country (3:00 PM) - Delight in country music and classic hits performed by Cactus Country Band.

Robert Earl Keen (7:00 PM) - Catch another chance to see the legendary singer-songwriter Robert Earl Keen.

Jason Kane White (8:30 PM) - Join the Pour Haus for an evening of live music with Jason Kane White.

🐘 ZOO TICKETS UP TO 50% OFF RIGHT NOW

Groupon deal: Two, four, or six tickets to San Antonio Zoo

Planning a trip to the zoo? Don’t pay full price.

Right now, you can score up to 50% off admission to the San Antonio Zoo with this Groupon deal. Use code SAVEINMAY to drop prices even further—for a limited time only.

• 750+ animal species

• Lush, natural habitats

• Add-ons like giraffe feedings and train rides available

🐾 Grab the deal here

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!

🎶 ROBERT EARL KEEN LIVE AT GRUENE HALL

Texas music legend returns for a Sunday night show

Robert Earl Keen, a true Texas icon and pioneer of Americana music, hits the stage at Gruene Hall this Sunday, May 18. Doors open at 6 pm, with opener Adam Wright at 7 pm and Keen taking the stage at 8 pm.

With more than 21 albums and a reputation for captivating storytelling, Keen’s performances are packed with loyal fans, acoustic soul, and Lone Star spirit. If you love country, folk, or just great songwriting, this is the show to catch.

🎟️ Tickets and info: Click here

This is not an advertisement.

YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS THIS!

🏡 FIND A HOME FRIDAY: CHARMING CUSTOM HOME WITH POOL

2515 Country Ledge Dr — $574,999

You’ll love this impeccably maintained, custom-built home nestled on a private half-acre lot in a quiet New Braunfels neighborhood (no HOA!).

With 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, new paint and appliances, and a gorgeous in-ground heated pool surrounded by mature trees, this property is an entertainer’s dream. Bonus: a detached, insulated two-car garage with potential for a workshop or additional living space.

🌳 Backing up to a peaceful greenbelt, it's the perfect balance of privacy and convenience—just minutes from Buc-ee’s, Gruene, and the Guadalupe River.

📸 See the full listing

🕳️ GROUSE-SIZED SAVINGS ON A CAVE TOUR ADVENTURE

Wonder World Cave & Adventure Park is offering BIG deals on Groupon

Located just up the road in San Marcos, Wonder World Cave & Adventure Park has been thrilling visitors for over 100 years. Their Balcones Fault Line Cave tour dives deep underground for a peek at prehistoric formations and earthquake-created features.

Right now, Groupon is offering up to 32% off admission for adults and kids—plus an extra discount with the code SAVEINMAY.

🐐 Bonus: After your cave tour, check out the Anti-Gravity House and Wildlife Petting Park.

🎟️ Grab the deal before it disappears

WEATHER FORECAST 

Here’s a look at the weekend weather forecast:

Friday: High: 98º | Low: 76º | 0% chance of precipitation

Saturday: High: 98º | Low: 75º | 10% chance of precipitation

Sunday: High: 97º | Low: 76º | 0% chance of precipitation

Burn Ban: Off

Water Restrictions: Stage 2

🌻 STROLL THROUGH 10 ACRES OF SUNSHINE 🌻

Mark your calendars—starting this Friday, May 16 through June 8, Traders Village’s stunning 10-acre Sunflower Field is back in bloom!

Wander through a golden maze of towering sunflowers, snap Instagram-worthy pics, and enjoy a peaceful, picture-perfect day just down the road.

Click here for all the details!

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!

DID YOU KNOW?

Thanks!

Thanks for taking the time to read The New Braunfels Life today. Hope you have an exciting weekend!

Until next time,

— The New Braunfels Life Team