🌤️ Gruene Market Days, Kids Art Show, + More in New Braunfels

February 18, 2026

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

Happy Wednesday, New Braunfels! Midweek is here, and your weekend plans are already lining up. From browsing 100+ Texas artisans at Gruene Market Days to celebrating tiny masterpieces at the library and responsibly clearing out household hazardous waste, there’s something productive, creative, and community-driven happening across town. Let’s take a look at what’s ahead.

Think you know it all? Wednesday nights at The Courthouse are your chance to prove it. After a strong kickoff last week, Trivia Night is officially on, bringing midweek energy, friendly competition, and bragging rights to the table. Grab your crew, order your favorites, and settle in for a night of smart questions and even smarter strategy.

Prizes are worth showing up for: first place takes home a $50 gift card plus one free hour of pickleball, second place scores a $20 gift card, and third place wins a free hour of pickleball. It all starts at 7:00 PM every Wednesday.

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!

A beloved monthly tradition featuring Texas artisans, live music, and free admission

Gruene Market Days brings nearly 100 artisans to the Gruene Historic District for a full weekend of shopping, strolling, and live entertainment. For more than 30 years, this market has showcased handmade goods, unique home décor, and Texas-made packaged foods, all set against the charm of one of New Braunfels’ most iconic areas. Admission and parking are free, and complimentary live music adds to the atmosphere.

The market takes place this Saturday and Sunday in front of Gruene Coffee Haus at 1281 Gruene Rd. It runs on the third full weekend of each month February through November, with an additional market in early December, making it a staple event throughout the year.

A grand opening party showcasing miniature masterpieces by local kids

Young artists are taking center stage at the Tiny Art Show for Kids Grand Opening Party at the New Braunfels Public Library. Children ages 0–13 can create their own artwork on tiny canvases picked up at the library and return them by February 19 to be included in the showcase. The grand opening celebration takes place Friday, February 20 from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm in the Main Library Meeting Room.

After the party, all artwork will be displayed in the children’s room from February 21 through February 28, giving families a full week to admire the collection. All pieces must be picked up by 5:00 pm on February 28.

Mark your calendar for February 28 and March 1 at the New Braunfels Civic/Convention Center. The Hill Country Home & Outdoor Living Show brings hundreds of ideas for remodeling, decorating, and outdoor upgrades together in one place. Explore vendor booths, catch live expert demos, shop the New Braunfels Market Street, and join bingo for prizes with hourly giveaways throughout the weekend.

Families can also enjoy the Bright Ideas Kidpreneur Showcase and the Little Lights Grow & Design Zone, both supporting local nonprofit Light Work 316. Tickets are free with advance registration or $5 at the door. As a proud sponsor, The New Braunfels Life is offering Plus members a voucher for a FREE specialty coffee drink at the show.

This is an advertisement.

WHAT’S HAPPENING AROUND TOWN?

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

WEDNESDAY
🧵 Sit & Stitch at New Braunfels Public Library (9:00 AM)
🎤 Austin Gilliam at The Grapevine in Gruene (4:30 PM)
🍔 Burger Night at Happy Cow Bar (5:00 PM)
🎭 Klasses In Drama at Circle Arts Theatre (5:30 PM)
🎺 San Antonio Dutchmen at Krause’s Cafe (6:00 PM)
🛍️ Humpday Market at Gruene Grove (6:00 PM)
🍞 Sourdough Starter Workshop at The Book Haus (6:00 PM)
🧠 Trivia Night at The Courthouse (6:45 PM)
🌸 Lilac Love at Painting With A Twist (6:30 PM)
🎵 Xtreme Music Bingo at Watering Hole Saloon (7:00 PM)

THURSDAY
🧩 Sensory Playtime (Ages 0–5) at New Braunfels Public Library (11:00 AM)
💼 Women’s Business Alliance Luncheon at McKenna Events Center (11:30 AM)
🔎 Mystery Discussion Group at New Braunfels Public Library (3:00 PM)
🎉 Ladies Night at The Courthouse (4:00–9:00 PM)
🎧 Teen Time at New Braunfels Public Library (5:00 PM)
🍻 Happy ValenSlay Third Thursday Mixer at Guadalupe Brewing (Time TBA)
🌙 Moonlit Lake at Painting With A Twist (6:30 PM)
🎶 Jess & Dave at Sidecar (7:00 PM)
🎯 Music Bingo & Game Night at The Villa (7:30 PM)
🎻 The Malpass Brothers at Brauntex Performing Arts Theatre (7:30 PM)
🤠 Priscilla Block at Gruene Hall (8:00 PM)
🥃 Whiskey 2 Step at Watering Hole Saloon (8:00 PM)

FRIDAY
🎤 Andi Holleman at The Grapevine in Gruene (4:30 PM)
🤝 Teen and Tween Drop-In Volunteer Hours at New Braunfels Public Library (5:00 PM)
🎸 The Merles at Krause’s Cafe (6:00 PM)
🎶 Savannah Rae at Gruene Hall (7:00 PM)
💫 Date Night — Galaxy Love at Painting With A Twist (7:00 PM)
🧀 Pommes Aligot Night at Otto’s Cheese Shop (7:30 PM)
🎵 Highway Hypnosis at The Redbird Listening Room (7:30 PM)
🎭 Southern Fried Funeral at Circle Arts Theatre (7:30 PM)
🤠 Lowland Revelry at Happy Cow Bar (8:00 PM)
🎤 Matt Castillo at Gruene Hall (8:30 PM)
🥁 Tiffiny Dawn Band at Watering Hole Saloon (8:30 PM)

Spring Break is about a month away, and there’s still time to book a trip that actually feels like a vacation. Whether you’re dreaming of a beach escape, cruise, family getaway, or finally checking off that bucket-list adventure, planning now means better options and fewer headaches later.

Royce Staley with Cruise Planners handles the details so you don’t have to. Based in New Braunfels and veteran-owned, Royce customizes every trip to fit your style and budget, and his planning services cost you nothing extra.

👉 Click here to learn more and start planning your getaway.
📞 Or call or text (830) 360-5548 to connect with Royce directly.

This is an advertisement.

A free drop-off event this Saturday for City of New Braunfels and Comal County residents

The City of New Braunfels is hosting a Household Hazardous Waste Drop Off event this Saturday from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm at City Hall, 550 Landa Street. This free event gives residents a safe way to dispose of common hazardous items like paint, automotive fluids, pesticides, pool chemicals, and other toxic or corrosive household products.

Participants must be City of New Braunfels or Comal County residents and bring a state-issued photo ID. Items should be in original containers when possible, sealed, labeled, and transported in a trunk or truck bed. Vehicles must enter from Laurel Lane.

🐝 BUZZ AROUND TOWN

Board Game Vault Hiring in New Braunfels
Board Game Vault is looking for servers, hosts, bartenders, kitchen staff, and a front-of-house lead ahead of their planned opening in March. Applications must be submitted online at bgvsilos.com under “Join Our Team.”

City of New Braunfels Launches Community Survey
Residents are encouraged to share feedback through the National Community Survey, now open online. The survey helps city leaders evaluate services and understand community priorities. It closes March 2 at newbraunfels.gov/survey.

$40M SpringHill Suites Rising Along I-35
Construction continues on the eight-story SpringHill Suites by Marriott along the Guadalupe River. The $40 million, 150-suite hotel is set to open in late 2026 and will feature river views, a two-tier pool, event space, and expanded amenities as tourism in the area continues to grow.

Walnut 6 Sign To Be Removed and Relocated
The iconic Walnut 6 theater sign was taken down yesterday after the City secured a donation agreement to preserve it. While officials say it will be relocated and repurposed, the decision has sparked strong community reactions, with residents divided over whether moving the landmark preserves its meaning.

Hill Country Campground Ranked No. 1 in the U.S.
Camp Fimfo near Canyon Lake has been named the top campground in the country in the 2026 Campspot Awards. The resort-style property features heated pools, an alpine coaster, river access, cabins, RV sites, and a wide range of family-friendly amenities.

Roc-N-Ritas Closes All Area Locations
Roc-N-Ritas has permanently closed all five of its San Antonio-area locations, including New Braunfels and Boerne. The to-go margarita chain first opened in New Braunfels in 2020 and announced the closures on social media February 13.

Hawkes Outdoors Opens New Braunfels Showroom
Hawkes Outdoors has relocated from North San Antonio and opened a new showroom on the I-35 frontage road in New Braunfels. The outfitter specializes in vehicle customization, rooftop tents, adventure trailers, and outdoor gear, with plans for a larger adventure center nearby.

WEATHER FORECAST 

Wednesday: High: 80º | Low: 63º | 10% chance of precipitation

Thursday: High: 82º | Low: 61º | 25% chance of precipitation

Friday: High: 72º | Low: 61º | 25% 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.)

Something big is taking shape at 617 Gruene Road. Newman & Company, one of New Braunfels’ most trusted med spas, is preparing for a May opening of its brand-new 5,400-square-foot location. Founded locally by Rhi Newman in 2015, the practice is expanding into a thoughtfully designed space built to elevate the beauty and wellness experience in the Hill Country.

The new facility will feature expanded treatment rooms, upgraded retail and workspace areas, a welcoming guest lounge, and dedicated service areas designed for comfort and privacy. While construction wraps up, clients can continue booking appointments at the current Elliott Knox location.

This is an advertisement.

PLAN YOUR SPRING BREAK ESCAPE TO FREDERICKSBURG

Spring Break is a few weeks away, which means it’s officially time to lock in that Hill Country getaway. This charming 2-bedroom, 2-bath cottage in Fredericksburg puts you just a 7-minute walk from Main Street, with shopping, dining, wineries, and local landmarks right at your fingertips. With space to sleep six, a king suite, full kitchen, washer and dryer, and pet-friendly options, it’s built for families, couples, or a friends’ weekend that actually feels relaxing.

After a day exploring, unwind in the private hot tub, roast s’mores around the fire pit, or sip wine under the covered patio. Guests consistently rate this stay 10/10, placing it in the top tier of properties in the area. Comfort, location, and thoughtful amenities all in one spot, without hidden fees.

Thanks!

That wraps up today’s highlights. Thanks for being part of our community.

Know someone who should be in the know? Send this their way.

Until next time,

— The New Braunfels Life Team

What did you think of today's newsletter?

We want your feedback. Be honest.

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.