đŸŸFree Pet Adoptions, Market Days, & More New Braunfels Fun

July 18, 2025

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Good morning and happy Friday!

Hope you had a great week and are ready for an even better weekend. Here’s what we’ve got inside today’s email:

  • Nearly 100 vendors taking over the streets of Gruene

  • Free pet adoptions this Friday & Saturday

  • A dream home with a backyard made for entertaining

  • Big news stories from around town

  • An interesting bit of New Braunfels history you may not know

  • And more


đŸ§Ș A hands-on adventure just a short drive from New Braunfels!

Looking for a fun and educational day trip? Head to the Science Mill in Johnson City, where kids (and adults!) can explore a world of science, technology, engineering, and math through interactive exhibits and exciting games.

From robotics to biology, it’s all designed to spark curiosity and inspire future innovators.

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!

Handmade goods, live music, and Hill Country charm all in one place.

Get ready to stroll, shop, and soak in the summer vibes—Gruene Market Days are back this Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm!

For more than 30 years, this beloved tradition has brought together nearly 100 local artisans offering handmade treasures, unique Texas foods, and one-of-a-kind finds. There’s free parking, free admission, and free live music to enjoy while you browse.

The market takes place in front of Gruene Coffee Haus in the heart of the Gruene Historic District, where you can easily turn your market trip into a full day of fun. Enjoy wine tasting, specialty shopping, tasty eats, river rides, and more.

Find full event details at gruenetexas.com.

FREE PET ADOPTIONS THIS WEEKEND AT HUMANE SOCIETY

Find your perfect furry friend at the Meet Your Match event.

The Humane Society of the New Braunfels Area is waiving adoption fees for all adoption-ready pets this Friday (10 am – 5 pm) and Saturday (10 am – 4 pm) at their shelter and foster adoption event.

That’s right—you could head home with a new best friend for free!

Foster caregivers will be on-site with their pets, and volunteers will help match you with the perfect fit.

SNEAK PEEK AT THIS WEEKEND👀

Here’s What’s Going On Around Town

FRIDAY

Family Fridays - Cable Park / Axe Throwing (Texas Ski Ranch) - Check out the family-friendly fun at the Cable Park.

Gus Miller & The Buzz Killers (Krause’s Cafe) - Enjoy American Roots Music from Austin.

Cameron Sacky Band (Gruene Hall) - Discover unique sounds from the Cameron Sacky Band.

Teen and Tween Drop In Volunteer Hours (New Braunfels Public Library) - A great way for young people to earn volunteer hours with these open drop-in sessions.

SATURDAY

Stars and Stripes Half Marathon/10K/5K (Stars and Stripes Drive-In) - Participate in this scenic race through picturesque country roads.

Gruene Market Days (Gruene Coffee Haus) - Shop from nearly 100 artisans at this monthly market.

1st Annual Villapalooza- Lokal Music & Art Fest! (The Villa) - Celebrate local music and art at this vibrant festival.

Texans for Texas Benefitting Kerr County (Billy’s Ice) - Support local flood relief efforts with live music and donations.

ZAK MIRZ MAGIC (The Brauntex) - Enjoy an enchanting evening of magic with Zak Mirz.

Masskrugstemmen – Bier Stein Holding Contest (Krause’s Cafe) - Compete in this traditional Bavarian beer stein-holding contest.

SUNDAY

1st Annual Villapalooza- Lokal Music & Art Fest! (The Villa) - Celebrate local music and art at this vibrant festival.

Bill Caisse (Krause’s Cafe) - Relax with live music from Bill Caisse.

Lazy J Crawfish Boil (Texas Ski Ranch) - Don’t miss a delicious crawfish boil.

South Austin Moonlighters (Gruene Hall) - Enjoy a day of Roots Americana music.

Love what you read each week? New Braunfels Life Plus is how you can support the independent work we do to highlight what’s happening around town, celebrate local businesses, and share stories that matter.

Your membership helps keep this newsletter going strong. And yes, you'll get bonus emails, special guides, and the occasional treat or special deal.

Hill Country luxury meets everyday comfort in Vintage Oaks.

This week’s featured home is a 3-bed, 3-bath dream in Vintage Oaks with a dedicated study, resort-style pool, outdoor kitchen, and over an acre of peaceful privacy. Built in 2007 with four-sided stone construction, this home offers thoughtful details like gas cooking, premium appliances, and multiple indoor and outdoor spaces for entertaining.

Located on a quiet cul-de-sac backing to a nature preserve easement, this property combines Hill Country beauty with modern convenience.

And with Vintage Oaks’ long list of community amenities—including a lazy river, Tuscan clubhouse, and sports courts—you may never want to leave.

Are you a local realtor?

Want your listings featured in The New Braunfels Life? Email [email protected] or just reply to this email to explore a partnership.

WEATHER FORECAST 

Here’s a look at the weekend weather forecast:

Friday: High: 92Âș | Low: 74Âș | 0% chance of precipitation

Saturday: High: 95Âș | Low: 75Âș | 0% chance of precipitation

Sunday: High: 96Âș | Low: 76Âș | 0% chance of precipitation

Burn Ban: Off

Water Restrictions: Stage 2

Ready to cool off underground? This Groupon deal gives you a discount on either of the two most popular tours at Natural Bridge Caverns—Discovery Cavern or the Hidden Wonders Tour.

See towering stalagmites and incredible formations 180 feet underground. Tours run every 15–40 minutes and last around 75 minutes

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?

There’s a bed and breakfast in New Braunfels with a real 1863 one-room schoolhouse on the property—and you can stay in it! The Historic Kuebler Waldrip Haus B&B sits on 43 peaceful Hill Country acres and includes restored historic buildings, including the Danville Schoolhouse, Deer Haven Cottage, and an 1847 German pioneer rock home. Learn more at kueblerwaldrip.com.

BUZZ AROUND TOWN

Robert Earl Keen's Benefit Concert for Flood Relief
The country legend headlines a star-studded benefit July 28 at Whitewater Amphitheater to raise funds for flood victims. Tickets go on sale TODAY at whitewaterrocks.com.

Cell Phone Ban for Students
A new state law will prohibit student cell phone and smartwatch use during the school day starting this school year. NBISD is working on an implementation plan.

P. Terry's Raises $150K for Flood Relief
Lines stretched down highways as Texans showed up in force to support Central Texas. P. Terry's donated 100% of Thursday’s proceeds.

Dance Hall to Dance Hall
Gruene Hall will donate 100% of profits on July 20 to help rebuild Crider’s Dancehall, which was devastated by recent floods. Free live music all day.

Rusty Bugs & Roosters Is Closing
After 26 years, this cherished local boutique will close in August. Liquidation starts July 18.

Thanks!

That’s it for today’s Friday newsletter! Have an amazing weekend, and don’t forget to keep supporting local events and businesses. We’ll see you Monday with a fresh batch of fun for the week ahead.

Until next time,

— The New Braunfels Life Team

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