🍻 El Camino Real Day + Oktoberfest This Weekend

October 17, 2025

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

Happy Friday, New Braunfels! The weekend has arrived, and it’s packed with live music, local markets, and community fun. Whether you’re planning a family adventure, a night out, or just looking for what’s happening around town, there’s plenty to explore.

The Corny Maze is back at Traders Village San Antonio, just a short drive from New Braunfels, and it’s bigger and better than ever!

With 10 acres and three different trails, it’s the largest corn maze in South Texas. Little ones can tackle the easy trail, while the adventurous can take on the medium or hard paths that can last up to two hours. Plus, enjoy family-friendly extras like pumpkin painting, petting zoo, apple cannons, and more.

✨ New this year: the Enchanted Light Halloween Drive-Thru, a mile-long, music-synced light show that will get the whole family in the spooky spirit.

Tickets start at just $8.99 (kids 2 and under free) and parking is only $6. Plan your fall adventure today!

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Celebrate History, Heritage, and Hands-On Learning in New Braunfels

Travel back in time at El Camino Real Day — a statewide celebration honoring the historic trail that helped shape Texas. Held at the Heritage Society of New Braunfels, this event invites you to explore the rich legacy of the El Camino Real trail, recently certified by the National Park Service as an Interpretive Site.

Spend the day connecting with history through interactive art activities, hide tanning demos, native plant recognition, and birdwatching in the forest. You can even help clear walking paths through the museum’s wooded grounds! Bring a picnic lunch and relax under the sprawling heritage oaks — the same kind of setting where travelers once stopped along their historic journeys.

📍 Heritage Society of New Braunfels
⏰ Saturday, October 18, 2025 | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Fresh Brews, Festive Music & German Cheer Await!

It’s that time of year again — Oktoberfest is back at New Braunfels Brewing Co.! 🍺 Celebrate with freshly brewed German-style beers, live music, and delicious snacks in the heart of New Braunfels’ local brewery scene.

Whether you’re a craft beer enthusiast or just love a good party, this event brings the perfect mix of community, culture, and cheers. So grab your friends, raise a stein, and toast to good times!

📍 New Braunfels Brewing Co.
⏰ Saturday, October 18, 2025 | 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM

SNEAK PEEK AT THIS WEEKEND👀

Here are some of the top events happening around town this weekend. And don’t forget you can check out the full event calendar on our website for even more ideas.

FRIDAY
🎁 Hollydays Market of New Braunfels at the New Braunfels Convention Center
🍂 Fall-A-Palooza on the Comal at Float In
🎨 Open Studio at Painting With A Twist
📚 Teen and Tween Drop-In Volunteer Hours at the New Braunfels Public Library
🎶 The Brauntex Performing Arts Theatre Presents: Judy Collins
🤠 Bleu Edmondson & John Baumann at Gruene Hall

SATURDAY
🦇 Cavern Bat Fest at Natural Bridge Caverns
🌽 CORNy Maze 2025 at Traders Village
🎁 Hollydays Market of New Braunfels at the New Braunfels Convention Center
🛍️ Gruene Market Days in Gruene Historic District
🍂 Fall-A-Palooza on the Comal at Float In
👨‍👩‍👧 Family Storytime at New Braunfels Public Library

SUNDAY
🦇 Cavern Bat Fest at Natural Bridge Caverns
🌽 CORNy Maze 2025 at Traders Village
🛍️ Gruene Market Days in Gruene Historic District
🍂 Fall-A-Palooza on the Comal at Float In
✍️ GNBAC Critique Group at New Braunfels Public Library
🖤 BLACKLIGHT! Demon Tiger at Painting With A Twist

Looking for a fun family outing? Head to The Science Mill in Johnson City to check out STEM in the Wild, a brand-new exhibit that explores how nature inspires real-world innovation.

Kids can dive into hands-on experiments, learn about animal adaptations, and even make their own wildlife cast in a special workshop. With activities like Camo Chameleon, Off the Food Chain, and Fur Real: Animal ID, it’s a science-filled adventure your family won’t want to miss!

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Experience modern elegance, resort-style amenities, and your own private oasis in New Braunfels

This stunning single-story home spans 2,935 sq. ft. with 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, and a thoughtfully designed open floor plan that’s both inviting and functional.

Step inside to discover a light-filled living area with soaring ceilings that flows seamlessly into a chef-inspired kitchen and breakfast nook—perfect for everyday living or entertaining. A dedicated office adds flexibility for remote work or creative pursuits, while elegant finishes throughout reflect craftsmanship and care.

Outdoors, your private backyard oasis awaits—complete with a heated pool, relaxing spa, and shaded pergola for year-round enjoyment. Whether you’re hosting a weekend get-together or savoring quiet evenings under the Texas stars, this home delivers relaxation and refinement in equal measure.

Located in The Grove at Vintage Oaks, residents enjoy world-class community amenities including multiple pools, a lazy river, fitness center, walking trails, and family-friendly events—all set against the stunning Hill Country backdrop.

WEATHER FORECAST 

Here’s a look at the weekend weather forecast:

Friday: High: 91º | Low: 70º | 10% chance of precipitation

Saturday: High: 94º | Low: 67º | 10% chance of precipitation

Sunday: High: 88º | Low: 63º | 10% chance of precipitation

Burn Ban: ON

Water Restrictions: Stage 2

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BUZZ AROUND TOWN

Continental Eyes Major Expansion in New Braunfels
Continental Autonomous Mobility U.S., soon rebranding as AUMOVIO, is planning a 65,000-square-foot expansion of its New Braunfels manufacturing facility. The project, dubbed Project Nemo, could add $100 million in appraised value and comes with potential city and NBEDC incentives, including a 10-year, 65% property tax abatement. Construction is anticipated to begin by June 30, 2026.

New Braunfels Hospitality Industry Thrives
Tourism continues to boost New Braunfels’ economy, with the Convention & Visitors Bureau reporting 13% growth from 2022–2024, averaging a $1.3 billion annual impact. Visitors are drawn to the city’s historic attractions, vibrant festivals, and natural adventures, contributing significantly to local employment, wages, and tax revenue. Signature events like Wurstfest, Gruene Music & Wine Fest, and Texas Clay Festival are fueling this upward trend.

Faust Hotel Nears Completion in Downtown New Braunfels
Renovations at the historic Faust Hotel are wrapping up, with the boutique property now featuring 45 enlarged guest rooms, a ballroom for 110 guests, a bar, and patio. The hotel is set to reopen in spring 2026 and will participate in a Tourism Public Improvement District to support local tourism marketing efforts.

City Seeks Public Input on Thoroughfare Plan
The City of New Braunfels is updating its long-term Thoroughfare Plan to improve streets for drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists. Residents can review the draft plan and share feedback online until October 15.

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Thanks!

That’s a wrap for today! Thanks for joining us—we’ll be back soon with more stories, events, and updates that celebrate everything that makes New Braunfels such a wonderful place to live.

Don’t forget that you can become a Plus member and get tomorrow morning’s exclusive Bonus edition with exclusive stories you won’t find elsewhere.

Until next time,

— The New Braunfels Life Team

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