🌊 Happy Hours, River Parking & Beer Run

March 03, 2026

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

Good morning, New Braunfels! Whether you’re planning your next happy hour meetup, getting ready for river season, or gearing up for the most laid-back “race” in town, there’s plenty happening this week. We’re rounding up local happy hours worth checking out, sharing important details about resident river parking permits, and giving you the scoop on the upcoming 0.5K Beer Run at Wurstfest.

We’re excited to welcome Mayfair as a new partner, a thoughtfully designed community coming to life just down the road from historic Gruene.

This Friday-Sunday (11 am–5 pm), Mayfair is hosting its Spring Spectacular Open House, giving visitors the chance to tour beautifully designed model homes and explore new homes available now. Builders include Coventry Homes, David Weekley, Highland Homes, Perry Homes, Scott Felder Homes, and Toll Brothers, with special spring offers available throughout the weekend.

With planned parks, miles of trails, a new Comal ISD elementary school, and the future Midtown Mayfair district bringing shopping and dining into the neighborhood, Mayfair is designed for connection at every stage of life.

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We just put together the guide to where to sip and save

After a long day at work or a long day on the river, nothing hits quite like a good happy hour. New Braunfels delivers with discounted drinks, tasty appetizers, and laid-back spots all over town. Whether you’re into rooftop vibes, neighborhood hangouts, or sunset views along the Guadalupe, there’s a deal waiting for you.

We just published a roundup that highlights 20 local spots offering weekday and weekend specials, from budget-friendly wells and domestic drafts to martini specials, discounted margaritas, and food deals that make it easy to stay awhile. As always, specials can change, so it’s a good idea to double-check before heading out.

New digital system makes it easier than ever to park and go

River season is officially underway, and New Braunfels residents can now register or renew their free Resident River Parking Permit. The entire process is digital this year, meaning no windshield stickers; just register your vehicle online, upload proof of residency and insurance, and wait for email confirmation.

The permit allows free parking at most city river access parks, including Elizabeth Avenue, Hinman Island Drive, San Antonio Street, Mill Street, Fair Lane at River Acres Park, and Cypress Bend Park. (Note: Prince Solms Park summer parking fees still apply.) Approval typically takes about 24 hours, so don’t wait until your next river day.

Not looking forward to the kids being out of school and hearing “I’m bored”? We’ve got you. Our partners at Painting With A Twist New Braunfels are hosting kid-friendly painting sessions over spring break that are equal parts fun and creative.

Each class is guided, easy to follow, and designed to let kids walk away with a finished masterpiece they’re proud of. It’s a screen-free win for parents and a colorful, hands-on experience for the kids.

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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:

TUESDAY
🎀 Ribbon Cutting at Sophie's Gasthaus (11:30 AM)
🍎 Tasty Tuesday at McKenna Children's Museum (2:00 PM)
📚 Genealogy Help at New Braunfels Public Library (5:00 PM)
🥩 Steak Night at Happy Cow Bar (5:00 PM)
🌿 Nature Explorers at New Braunfels Public Library (5:30 PM)
🤠 Men’s Round Up at Krause’s Cafe (6:00 PM)
💃 Swing Dance Classes at Attic Dance Hall (6:30 PM)
🧠 Trivia Tuesday at The Villa (7:30 PM)
🎸 Aaron Ball Band at Gruene Hall (8:00 PM)

WEDNESDAY
🧶 Sit & Stitch at New Braunfels Public Library (9:00 AM)
📱 Device Advice at New Braunfels Public Library (1:00 PM)
♟️ Drop-in Chess for Tweens & Teens at New Braunfels Public Library (5:00 PM)
🍔 Burger Night at Happy Cow Bar (5:00 PM)
🎭 Klasses In Drama at Circle Arts Theatre (5:30 PM)
🇨🇱 Texas Independence Day Celebration & Dinner at Dos Rios (5:30 PM)
🚶 Bookin’ It: Audiobook Walking Club at Landa Park (6:00 PM)
🎸 Off The Grid at Krause’s Cafe (6:00 PM)
🛍️ Humpday Market at Gruene Grove (6:00 PM)
🎤 Singo Bingo at Freiheit Country Store (6:00 PM)
🎶 Jorge & Nicole at Las Fontanas (6:30 PM)
🎵 Xtreme Music Bingo at Watering Hole Saloon (7:00 PM)
🤠 Cole Stevens at Cowboys & Cadillacs (7:00 PM)

THURSDAY
🎨 Art Afternoons for Kids (0–7) at New Braunfels Public Library (4:00 PM)
🎤 Allan Hendrickson Band at The Grapevine in Gruene (4:30 PM)
🧑 Teen Time at New Braunfels Public Library (5:00 PM)
👢 Line Dance Lessons at Gruene Hall (6:00 PM)
🧵 DIY After Dark – Felt Heart Garlands at New Braunfels Public Library (6:30 PM)
🔥 Campfire Kingdom at Gruene Hall (7:00 PM)
🎼 CYT SA New Braunfels Presents The Music Man JR at Brauntex Performing Arts Theatre (7:00 PM)
🎹 Corey Weaver Trio at Watering Hole Saloon (8:00 PM)
🎶 Teague Brothers Band at Gruene Hall (8:30 PM)

As New Braunfels grows, so does traffic on our roads, and the risks that come with it. Texas ranks among the highest in the nation for deadly crashes, with distracted driving remaining one of the leading causes. When an accident happens, the aftermath can feel overwhelming.

That’s why we partner with The Kyle Law Firm, a trusted New Braunfels legal team serving the Hill Country for more than 25 years. Founded in 1999, the firm is known for its trial experience, hands-on approach, and commitment to helping individuals and families navigate serious accident and injury cases with clarity and confidence.

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The “race” where spilling might cost you

The 11th Annual New Braunfels 0.5K Beer Run returns Saturday, March 7 at Wurstfest, hosted by the New Braunfels Jaycees. This isn’t your average race. Participants complete a short loop while carrying a pint of beer, and the goal is to finish without spilling below the designated line.

Registration includes your race entry, event T-shirt, race bib, commemorative silicone cup, swag bag, a racing beer, and a celebratory beer at the finish. The day also features competitive heats, fun runs, costume contests, kids races, food, raffles, and entertainment — all benefiting local non-profits.

DID YOU KNOW?

One of New Braunfels’ earliest mercantile businesses, Eiband & Fischer, was founded back in 1846, just one year after the town was founded. The property that later housed Eiband & Fischer's annex and also served as a storefront after the main location was burned down has been used by New Braunfels Utilities since 1975, connecting today’s downtown to its 19th-century mercantile roots.

WEATHER FORECAST 

Tuesday: High: 88º | Low: 68º | 40% chance of precipitation

Wednesday: High: 84º | Low: 68º | 40% chance of precipitation

Thursday: High: 86º | Low: 69º | 35% chance of precipitation

Burn Ban: ON

Water Restrictions: Stage 2 (In Stage 2, watering with a sprinkler or irrigation system is allowed one day per week based on the last digit of your address BEFORE 10:00 a.m. and AFTER 8:00 p.m.)

If you’re mapping out your week, The Happy Cow needs to be on it. This Friday, catch the Brayden Stewart Band, then keep the energy rolling Saturday with the Hank Weaver Band. Big sound, cold drinks, and that laid-back oak tree backdrop that makes you forget you’re just minutes from I-35.

And don’t sleep on the food specials. Tuesday is Steak Night, Wednesday is Burger Night, and they’re known for serving up amazing burgers and hearty plates that actually hit the spot. Add a full bar, a 17,000-square-foot outdoor music venue, and that small-town Texas vibe, and you’ve got yourself a weekly tradition waiting to happen.

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HAVE YOU TRIED THIS?

Thanks!

That’s all for today’s edition. Thanks for reading and spending part of your day with us.

If you found something cool, pass it along to a friend who’d appreciate a little New Braunfels in their inbox, too.

Until next time,

— The New Braunfels Life Team

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