🔍 Inside City Hall, Free Kitchen Skills & a $327M Campus Reveal

January 08, 2026

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Good morning, New Braunfels! Whether you’re kicking off the year with new goals, curious about how your city works, or keeping an eye on big changes happening close to home, today’s email is packed with things worth knowing. From hands-on learning to major community milestones, there’s a lot of really cool stuff you’ll want to read below.

đźš— MASTERING MAIN PLAZA: DRIVE IT LIKE A LOCAL

If you’ve driven through downtown New Braunfels, you know the Main Plaza traffic circle can feel intimidating. But with a few simple tips, you can handle it like a pro:

  • Choose the correct lane early. Stay in the outside lane if you plan to exit soon; use the inside lane for going around further.

  • Always yield before entering. Cars already in the circle have the right of way.

  • Signal clearly. Use your blinker before exiting to keep traffic flowing smoothly.

  • Watch for pedestrians. Crosswalks around the Plaza stay busy, especially on weekends.

The key is slowing down, staying alert, and giving others a little extra space because the smoother everyone drives, the smoother the Plaza works.

Of course, even with the best habits, accidents can still happen. If you find yourself in a tough situation, our partners at The Kyle Law Firm have been standing up for drivers and families across the Hill Country for more than 25 years.

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!

Hands-on lessons that turn everyday meals into real-life skills

The New Braunfels Food Bank is kicking off January with a series of free, hands-on cooking classes designed to help locals build confidence in the kitchen while learning practical, affordable recipes they can actually use at home. Classes run throughout the month on select Tuesdays and Saturdays, offering a relaxed, interactive environment to sharpen skills and try something new.

Registration is required and space is limited, making this a great opportunity for anyone looking to cook healthier, smarter, or simply feel more comfortable preparing meals. Whether your goal is stretching your grocery budget or learning new techniques, these classes offer an accessible way to start the year on the right foot.

Registration is required — reserve your spot by calling 830-327-6005.

An inside look at how New Braunfels works — from City Hall to public services

Applications are now open for New Braunfels City University and Youth City University, two free programs that give residents and high school students a behind-the-scenes look at city government. Participants spend eight weeks learning directly from city leaders through presentations, demonstrations, and tours covering everything from police and fire services to libraries and city administration.

Since launching in 2011, City University has graduated more than 415 residents, many of whom have gone on to serve on boards, commissions, and City Council. The Youth City University runs alongside the adult program, giving local high school students an early opportunity to understand civic leadership and community involvement.

WHAT’S HAPPENING AROUND TOWN?

Here are some of the events we’re most excited about over the next few days:

THURSDAY
🎱 Pool Tournament at Happy Cow Bar
🎸 Josh Baca & The Hot Tamales at Guadalupe Brewing
🍷 Wine-O Bingo Night at Water 2 Wine
🎶 Clayton Chapin & Gunnar Latham at Freiheit Country Store
🎬 Family Movie Night at Klein Road Elementary
🍷 Ladies Night at The Courthouse

FRIDAY
🪑 2026 New Braunfels Antique Extravaganza Show at the New Braunfels Texas Convention Center
🎸 Rich Lockhart at Krause’s Café
🎶 Allan Hendrickson at Gruene Hall
🎤 Jamie Richards at Gruene Hall
🔫 New Braunfels Gun Show at Knights of Columbus
🎶 Bill Ayers Band at Watering Hole Saloon
🎤 Tiffiny Dawn at Freiheit Country Store

SATURDAY
🎸 Owen Stroud at Gruene Hall
🎤 Tony Taylor at Krause’s Cafe
🎶 Yesenia & The Groove Doctors at Krause’s Cafe
🎸 Bo Phillips at Gruene Hall
🧶 Knit-A-Long Group at New Braunfels Public Library
🎺 Slim Bawb & Texas Cajun at The Grapevine in Gruene
🪑 2026 New Braunfels Antique Extravaganza Show at the New Braunfels Texas Convention Center
🔫 New Braunfels Gun Show at Knights of Columbus

Looking for something different to do? Painting With A Twist New Braunfels is perfect for date nights, girls’ nights, birthdays, team-building events, or just getting out of the house and doing something creative. With guided paint sessions for all skill levels, it’s an easy, relaxed way to have fun without needing any artistic experience.

Whether you’re planning a special occasion or a spontaneous night out, there’s always something happening on their calendar.

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$327M NEW BRAUNFELS HIGH SCHOOL REBUILD OPENS PHASE ONE

A historic campus steps into a new era

Students at New Braunfels High School are returning from winter break to a dramatically transformed campus following the completion of Phase 1 of a $327 million rebuild project. The newly opened three-story academic wing includes state-of-the-art classrooms, Career and Technical Education spaces, and upgraded athletic facilities — marking one of the largest school investments in district history.

Funded through voter-approved bonds, the multi-phase project is designed to modernize the campus while honoring its legacy dating back to 1845. With Phase 2 already approved and expected to continue over the next several years, the rebuild reflects the district’s long-term commitment to creating future-ready learning environments for generations of Unicorns.

DID YOU KNOW?

One of New Braunfels’ original settlers, Gustav Hoffmann, became the city’s first mayor in 1847, later served as a Confederate cavalry commander during the Civil War, and went on to represent the area in the Texas Legislature before being laid to rest back in New Braunfels.

WEATHER FORECAST 

Thursday: High: 80Âş | Low: 60Âş | 15% chance of precipitation

Friday: High: 75Âş | Low: 45Âş | 20% chance of precipitation

Saturday: High: 58Âş | Low: 40Âş | 0% chance of precipitation

Burn Ban: ON

Water Restrictions: Stage 2

Wondering what’s really in your water? Whether you're battling hard water, strange odors, or buildup on your appliances, Aqua-Man Water Conditioning is here to help.

They’ve been New Braunfels' go-to experts for over 30 years, offering complimentary professional water tests to assess your home’s water quality. Their team will walk you through simple, personalized solutions—whether you want softer skin, better-tasting drinking water, or just peace of mind.

👉 Schedule your free test here or call (210) 342-2290 to book it today.

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IT’S ALMOST TIME!

Thanks!

That’s all for today! Thanks so much for reading. If you enjoyed this edition, feel free to share it with a friend who’d love staying in the loop around New Braunfels too.

Until next time,

— The New Braunfels Life Team

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