🛒Gruene Market, Historic Landmark Gets New Life, & More

August 15, 2025

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Happy Friday, New Braunfels! The weekend’s here, and it’s shaping up to be a good one. We’ve got the scoop to keep you in the know. From market days to new stores coming to town, there’s a lot happening that we’ll discuss below.

School’s almost here, but there’s still time to pack in a few more adventures! Whether you’re diving floating the Comal, checking out the San Antonio Aquarium, bouncing at The Rush Fun Park, or making a splash at Texas Ski Ranch’s Aqua Park, Groupon has you covered with limited-time deals on family fun.

From museums to mini golf, water parks to animal encounters, you’ll find big savings on the activities your kids love — but hurry, these summer steals won’t last.

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A weekend of Texas charm with handmade treasures, live music, and local flavor

For more than three decades, Gruene Market Days has been a must-visit tradition in the heart of the Gruene Historic District. Nearly 100 artisans set up shop along the charming streets, offering an incredible mix of handmade goods, uniquely crafted items, and packaged Texas foods you won’t find anywhere else. Admission and parking are free, making it an easy way to spend a summer day exploring local creativity.

Gruene Market Days takes place the third full weekend of each month from February through November, plus the first weekend in December. This month’s event happens August 16–17 from 10 am to 5 pm, right in front of Gruene Coffee Haus.

A HISTORIC LANDMARK GETS A NEW MISSION FOR NEW BRAUNFELS TEENS

The former New Braunfels Academy becomes the Mill Street Youth Center

For nearly 170 years, the building at 430 W. Mill Street has been part of New Braunfels’ history — first as the New Braunfels Academy in 1855, later as the city’s first high school, and most recently as NBISD’s administration offices. Now, it’s getting a $10 million transformation into the Mill Street Youth Center, a free after-school hub for middle and high school students.

Led by the New Braunfels Youth Collaborative, the center will offer tutoring, a teaching kitchen, creative workshops, and an eSports room to bring gamers together in a team environment. Teens will also have access to a dedicated gym and fitness spaces, with staff trained in mental health first aid to support their well-being.

Funded by grants, donations, and community sponsorships, the center aims to remove financial barriers so all teens can participate. Renovations are expected to be complete by January 2026, ensuring this historic building continues its legacy of serving students for the next century.

SNEAK PEEK AT THIS WEEKEND👀

Here’s What’s Going On Around Town

FRIDAY

Toddler Drive In (New Braunfels Public Library) - Take your little one to the library to transform boring old cardboard boxes into awesome cars and trucks! After decorating your vehicles, settle in for a short movie.

Family Fridays - Cable Park / Axe Throwing (Texas Ski Ranch)- A day filled with fun activities for families.

Friday Afternoon Club (Gruene Hall) - Relax and enjoy live music at Gruene Hall.

Classic Rewind (Krause’s Cafe) - Enjoy pop classic rock spanning from the 60s to the 21st century with Classic Rewind.

Dale Watson & His Lone Stars (Gruene Hall) - Experience the true spirit of country music with Dale Watson and his honky-tonk sound.

Back to School Dance (Westside Library Branch) - Celebrate the end of summer with a Tropical Luau dance, planned and coordinated by the library's Teen Advisory Board! With music, dancing, refreshments, a photo op area and video games, it's bound to be a back-to-school blast!

SATURDAY

KNIT-A-LONG GROUP (New Braunfels Public Library) - Join an in-person knitting group and enjoy some crafting time together!

See You at the Library (New Braunfels Public Library) - Join a story hour event filled with stories, crafts, and activities.

Gruene Market Days - Browse handmade items from nearly 100 artisans and enjoy free entertainment this weekend!

Keith Kallina Duo (Krause’s Cafe) - Discover the sounds of Keith Kallina, enriched by a small-town Texas upbringing.

Red Iron Push (Gruene Hall) - Check out this engaging live performance!

Braxton Keith (Whitewater Amphitheater) - Don’t miss Braxton Keith performing live with transparent ticket pricing.

Rattlesnake Milk (Gruene Hall)- Experience the unique sound inspired by the Texas prairie with Rattlesnake Milk.

SUNDAY

Gruene Market Days - Browse handmade items from nearly 100 artisans and enjoy free entertainment this weekend!

Bill Caisse (Krause’s Cafe) - Enjoy the multi-talented Bill Caisse performing live with soulful music.

Lindsay Beaver (Gruene Hall) - Don't miss Lindsay Beaver bringing her vibrant energy to the stage!

Cigar Sundays (Cowboys & Cadillacs) - Grab your crew, pick your pour, and toast to the weekend before Monday knows we’re gone.

Brainstorming over paper

The year’s more than halfway over—are your finances on track?

If your books are messy, behind, or just plain confusing, ClearView Bookkeeping can help get things back on course.

They specialize in cleaning up past records, catching up fast, and setting up smart systems so you can focus on running your business—not wrestling with spreadsheets.

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!

1352 Lauren St, New Braunfels – $399,000

This 3-bedroom, 2-bath former model home blends timeless craftsmanship with modern luxury. Inside, an open floor plan is highlighted by custom tray ceilings, crown molding, and recessed lighting. The gourmet kitchen boasts granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and abundant cabinetry—perfect for both daily living and entertaining.

The spacious primary suite features a spa-style bath with a walk-through shower, jacuzzi tub, dual vanities, and a large walk-in closet. Outside, your private retreat awaits with a covered porch, extended patio, privacy fencing, and an in-ground pool with cascading waterfalls and spa. App-controlled LED soffit lighting adds a customizable touch, while low-maintenance landscaping and a full sprinkler system make upkeep easy.

Situated on a corner lot with a circular drive, this home offers easy access to shopping, dining, parks, and more.

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: 94Âș | Low: 77Âș | 20% chance of precipitation

Saturday: High: 94Âș | Low: 76Âș | 25% chance of precipitation

Sunday: High: 96Âș | Low: 77Âș | 0% chance of precipitation

Burn Ban: ON

Water Restrictions: Stage 2

Is your teen driving to school this year? Even the safest young drivers can end up in a fender bender, and most don’t know what to do next.

Here’s a quick guide to share with them:

‱ Call 911 – Report the accident and request help if anyone is hurt.

‱ Don’t admit fault – Avoid saying “I’m sorry” or guessing what happened. Let insurance and investigators handle that.

‱ Take photos or video – Document the scene, vehicle damage, road signs, and anything else that helps tell the story.

‱ Exchange information – Get the other driver’s insurance, license plate number, and contact info.

Tip: Print this list and keep it in the glovebox. Being prepared can make all the difference.

The team at Kyle Law Firm is always here if you need guidance after a serious crash. Local, experienced, and focused on what’s best for your family.

You can call them at (830) 620-9402 or visit their website for more info.

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!

BUZZ AROUND TOWN

Cavender’s Expands to Southside New Braunfels
Western wear favorite Cavender’s is opening a new store off I-35 South in Interstate Plaza, joining retailers like Walmart and Lowe’s. A $1.5 million renovation of the 17,445-square-foot space begins August 18, with plans to be completed by October 10, bringing boots, hats, and denim closer to Southside shoppers.

Tourism District Proposal Could Boost Hotel Marketing
The New Braunfels Convention and Visitors Bureau is exploring a Tourism Public Improvement District, funded by a 2% overnight stay fee, to enhance hotel marketing. The initiative would be overseen by a board of local hotel owners, with city council review expected in the coming months.

NBHS Construction Timeline Adjusted
The New Braunfels ISD board approved a $101,232 change order and time extension for Phase 1 of the New Braunfels High School rebuild. Completion is now expected in late October due to design changes, but the move-in date remains Christmas break 2025.

City Council Approves $4 Million in Development Projects
City council approved $3.8 million to expand Northeast Lakeview College’s New Braunfels campus, aiming to grow career programs and workforce training. Another $240,000 will fund updated FEMA floodplain maps for Dry Comal Creek, improving flood risk management and preparedness.

Thanks!

That’s all for today! Hope you have a fantastic weekend in our

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If this email helped you make weekend plans, share it with a friend or neighbor who’d love to stay in the know. We’ll see you next week with more local highlights, stories, and events!

Until next time,

— The New Braunfels Life Team

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