🍷 Free Things To Do, Free Wine Tasting, & More

August 20, 2026

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Happy Thursday, New Braunfels! If you're looking for ways to enjoy the city without spending a fortune, today's lineup has plenty of inspiration. We've also got a weekly wine tasting and an easy way to get more involved in the community.

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Explore more of New Braunfels without opening your wallet

You don't need to spend a lot of money to have a great time in New Braunfels, and we’ve just put together a guide on our website that proves it. From wandering through the Gruene Historic District to exploring Landa Park, Fischer Park, local trails, and historic sites, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the city for free.

Whether you're planning a family outing or looking for something to do on your own, there's likely an option that fits the bill.

Zócalo Wine Co. hosts its Free Wine Tasting every Thursday from 4:30–7:30 PM, giving guests a chance to sample a featured wine with the first glass provided free.

Whether you're new to wine or already know your way around a tasting room, it's an easy way to discover something new and enjoy a relaxed evening with friends.

You might recognize the Painting With A Twist name, but did you know the New Braunfels studio is locally owned by husband-and-wife team Melanie and Patrick Lugo? Melanie grew up in Canyon Lake and has deep roots in the community, from childhood memories at Landa Park and Schlitterbahn to raising her own family here today.

Now, the Lugo family is helping create those same kinds of memories for others through painting classes, date nights, kids' events, birthday parties, and creative experiences that bring people together.

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WHAT’S HAPPENING AROUND TOWN?

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

THURSDAY
🍷 Free Wine Tasting at Zócalo Wine Co. (4:30 PM)
🎮 Teen Time: Game Night at New Braunfels Public Library (5:00 PM)
🎵 Colton’s Kin at The Grapevine in Gruene (5:00 PM)
🎸 Gage & The Live Rounds at Gruene Hall (6:00 PM)
🧵 Fat Quarter Bingo Night at Snippets (6:00 PM)
🌵 Neon Cacti at Painting with a Twist (6:00 PM)
🎶 Madelyn Abrameit Band at Krause’s Cafe (6:00 PM)
🎤 Songwriter’s Night at The Redbird Listening Room (6:00 PM)
🎵 Live Music with Soul Ethos at The Gruene Grove (7:00 PM)
🎸 Heath Walker Band at Gruene Hall (8:00 PM)
🤠 Jake Botello & The Hill Country Outlaws at Watering Hole Saloon (8:00 PM)

FRIDAY
🎨 Open Studio (DIY Experience) at Painting With A Twist (2:00 PM)
🎶 Live Music at The Gruene Grove (3:00 PM)
🎉 Friday Afternoon Club at Gruene Hall (4:00 PM)
🎵 Brandon Ford at The Grapevine in Gruene (5:00 PM)
🍷 Friday Night Date Night at Dry Comal Creek Vineyards (5:00 PM)
🎸 Jay Eric at Krause’s Cafe (6:30 PM)
🦇 Bracken Bat Cave Experience at Bracken Cave (6:30 PM)
🌙 Lunar Love – Choose Your Colors at Painting with a Twist (7:00 PM)
🎸 HARDY: THE COUNTRY! COUNTRY! TOUR! at Whitewater Amphitheater (7:00 PM)
🎭 Dear Jack, Dear Louise at Circle Arts Theatre (7:30 PM)
🎶 Will Overman and Logan Mac at The Redbird Listening Room (7:30 PM)
🎸 Roger Clyne & The Peacemakers at Gruene Hall (8:00 PM)
🤠 Texas Double Shot at Watering Hole Saloon (8:30 PM)
🎤 Soul Sessions at The Phoenix Saloon (8:30 PM)

SATURDAY
🎸 Monte Good at Krause’s Cafe (10:00 AM)
📚 Family Storytime at New Braunfels Public Library (10:30 AM)
🎶 Jamie Cameron at Gruene Hall (11:00 AM)
🍷 Saturday at the Vineyard at Dry Comal Creek Vineyards (12:00 PM)
🎵 Live Music at The Gruene Grove (12:00 PM)
🦙 Saturday Family Fun – Choose Your Llama at Painting with a Twist (1:00 PM)
🧵 Beginner Shuttle Tatting Class at Heritage Village (1:00 PM)
🎸 Jake Penrod at Gruene Hall (1:00 PM)
🧶 Knit-A-Long Group at New Braunfels Public Library (2:00 PM)
🐾 Paint Your Pet and Support Animal Rescue at Painting with a Twist (2:00 PM)
🎶 Ryan Waguespack at Krause’s Cafe (2:00 PM)
🎨 Wooly Bully at Painting with a Twist (3:30 PM)
🎵 Andrew Kreitz at The Grapevine in Gruene (5:00 PM)
🎸 The Craze at Krause’s Cafe (6:30 PM)
🍺 Prost Grotto Installation Banquet at Wurstfest Grounds (6:30 PM)
🌙 Harvest Moon Galaxy at Painting with a Twist (7:00 PM)
🍷 French Wine and Cheese Tasting at Otto’s Cheese Shop (7:30 PM)
🎭 Dear Jack, Dear Louise at Circle Arts Theatre (7:30 PM)
🎶 Matthew Robinson at The Redbird Listening Room (7:30 PM)
🎸 Southern Alibi at Happy Cow Bar and Grill (8:30 PM)
🎵 Corey Weaver Band at Watering Hole Saloon (9:00 PM)
🤠 Scotty Alexander at Gruene Hall (9:00 PM)
🎸 Triple J Band at The Phoenix Saloon (9:00 PM)

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For more than 25 years, Matt Kyle and his team have represented clients across New Braunfels, San Marcos, and the Hill Country with trial-tested experience and a client-first approach.

📞 Call The Kyle Law Firm at 830-289-4762
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Apply for a New Braunfels board or commission this fall

Want to play a more active role in shaping the future of New Braunfels? The City of New Braunfels is now accepting applications for its Fall Boards and Commissions, giving residents an opportunity to get involved in local government and community decisions.

Applications are due September 30, and you can explore the available boards and commissions before deciding which opportunity is the right fit.

DID YOU KNOW?

The landscape along River Road was shaped millions of years before humans ever called the area home. Once covered by a vast sea, the region was later transformed by shifting layers of the earth that helped create the Balcones Escarpment and the rugged Central Texas terrain seen today.

WEATHER FORECAST 

Thursday: High: 103º | Low: 76º | 10% chance of precipitation

Friday: High: 103º | Low: 75º | 10% chance of precipitation

Saturday: High: 104º | Low: 75º | 10% chance of precipitation

Burn Ban: OFF

Water Restrictions: Stage 2 (click here for more info)

🦇 EXPLORE THE UNDERGROUND WONDERS OF NATURAL BRIDGE CAVERNS

Ready for a Texas adventure? Natural Bridge Caverns lets you explore one of the state's most incredible underground destinations, with guided tours taking you deep below the surface to see ancient stalagmites, stalactites, winding passageways, and massive cavern rooms.

Choose from the Discovery, Hidden Wonders, or Lantern Tour, with options starting at just $28.65. The caverns stay around 70 degrees year-round, making this a pretty great escape from the Texas heat while you experience a piece of natural history millions of years in the making.

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GET READY TO TRY YOUR LUCK AT NEW BRAUNFELS’ NEW CLAW ARCADE

Thanks!

And that’s a wrap for today! Whether you’re looking for something fun that won’t cost a thing, a new place to sip and unwind, or a way to get more involved in the community, we hope you found something worth checking out.

Thanks for spending part of your Thursday with us, New Braunfels.

Until next time,

— The New Braunfels Life Team

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