🛍️ Paint, Relax & Shop Local This Wednesday

February 25, 2026

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

Good morning, New Braunfels! We’ve reached the halfway point of the week, and today is looking like a warm one. Upper 80s are projected in the forecast today, and it’s still February. Kind of makes us want to go tubing!

But all that aside, there is a lot of fun stuff happening around town right now. Whether you’re painting a teddy bear at the museum, browsing fresh ways to relax around town, or shopping local at an outdoor market with live music, today’s email offers the perfect mix of unwind and enjoy.

The Hill Country Home & Outdoor Living Show is happening Saturday and Sunday at the New Braunfels Civic/Convention Center, bringing hundreds of home improvement, décor, renovation, and outdoor living ideas together in one place.

Browse vendor exhibits, catch expert demos, shop Market Street vendors, and enjoy bingo, prizes, and hourly giveaways all weekend long. Family-friendly features like the Bright Ideas Kidpreneur Showcase and the Little Lights Grow & Design Zone also support local nonprofit Light Work 316.

🎟️ Tickets are FREE with advance registration or $5 at the door, so register now and plan your visit.

Want the VIP treatment?

☕ New Braunfels Life Plus members receive a FREE signature coffee drink and reserved Bingo seating at the show. Upgrade to Plus and enjoy the perk while supporting independent local coverage. We’ll see you there!

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A hands-on museum activity perfect for kids and families

Looking for a fun, low-pressure activity this week? Paint & Play is happening this afternoon at 2 pm at McKenna Children’s Museum, featuring a guided lesson on painting an adorable teddy bear on canvas. It’s a sweet, creative way for kids to spend the afternoon and walk away with their own finished masterpiece.

The activity is included with regular museum admission while supplies last, so no extra registration is required. Just show up ready to paint and enjoy.

From spa days to scenic drives, here’s how to slow things down locally

Life in New Braunfels can get busy, especially during festival season and peak river months. If you’ve been feeling the pace, we rounded up a guide with easy ways to unwind right here in town. Whether you’ve got a full afternoon or just an hour, there’s a reset waiting for you.

New Braunfels keeps landing on national “best of” lists, ranked among the best places to live in Texas and one of the safest suburbs in the country. With strong schools, thriving local businesses, Hill Country charm, and steady growth, it’s no surprise more people are choosing to call this place home.

If you’re considering a move, especially in one of the area’s acreage communities, Lynda Escalante with Vista Realty is a trusted local expert to have in your corner. With more than 42 years of experience and a reputation built largely on referrals, Lynda helps buyers and sellers navigate the market with confidence, professionalism, and straight answers.

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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:

WEDNESDAY
🧵 Sit & Stitch at New Braunfels Public Library (9:00 AM)
📱 Device Advice at New Braunfels Public Library (1:00 PM)
🎨 Paint & Play at McKenna Children’s Museum (2:00 PM)
🍔 Burger Night at Happy Cow Bar (5:00 PM)
🎭 Klasses In Drama at Circle Arts Theatre (5:30 PM)
🎺 Yodel Blitz at Krause’s Cafe (6:00 PM)
🎸 Andi Holleman Song Swap Duo at Gruene Hall (6:00 PM)
🛍️ Humpday Market at Gruene Grove (6:00 PM)
🎯 Singo Bingo at Freiheit Country Store (6:00 PM)
🎤 Open Mic w/ Danny Duarte at Guadalupe Brewing Co. (6:30 PM)
🌸 Texas Bluebonnets Cutout at Painting With A Twist (6:30 PM)
🧠 Trivia Night at The Courthouse (6:45 PM)
🎵 Xtreme Music Bingo at Watering Hole Saloon (7:00 PM)
🎶 Sideman Song Swap at The Redbird (7:30 PM)
🎸 38 Special at Brauntex Theatre (7:30 PM)

THURSDAY
🤟 SJRC: Baby Sign Language Class at New Braunfels Public Library (10:00 AM)
🤖 Incredible Inventions Robotics at McKenna Events Center (1:00 PM)
🎤 Slim Bawb & Texas Cajun at The Grapevine in Gruene (4:30 PM)
👩 Ladies Night at The Courthouse (4:00 PM)
🎧 Teen Time at New Braunfels Public Library (5:00 PM)
🎤 Songwriter's Night at The Redbird (6:00 PM)
🪗 Mollie B & Squeezebox with Ted Lange at Krause’s Cafe (6:00 PM)
🌊 Texas Lake at Painting With A Twist (6:30 PM)
🎶 Rio Tripiano at Freiheit Country Store (6:30 PM)
🎯 Music Bingo & Game Night at The Ville (7:30 PM)
🤠 Randall King at Gruene Hall (8:00 PM)

FRIDAY
🧵 Friendship Bracelet Workshop at McKenna Children's Museum (2:00 PM)
🎤 Phil Luna at The Grapevine in Gruene (4:30 PM)
🍷 Friday Night Date Night at Dry Comal Creek Vineyards (5:00 PM)
🐟 Friday Fish Fry at VFW Post 7110 (5:00 PM)
🎶 Soul Sessions at Krause’s Cafe (6:00 PM)
🍺 Manzy Lowry at Guadalupe Brewing Co. (6:00 PM)
🎨 Bright Forest at Painting With A Twist (7:00 PM)
🩰 Ballet Texas Presents Giselle at Brauntex Performing Arts Theatre (7:00 PM)
🧀 Pommes Aligot Night at Otto’s Cheese Shop (7:30 PM)
🎭 Southern Fried Funeral at Circle Arts Theatre (7:30 PM)
🎸 Richie Bustillo & Southton at Watering Hole Saloon (8:00 PM)
🎤 Randall King at Gruene Hall (8:00 PM)
🎶 Gary Glenn & 20X Band at Freiheit Country Store (8:30 PM)
🎸 Ace Pepper Group at The Phoenix Saloon (8:30 PM)

When was the last time you had it inspected? A quick check now can save you from expensive surprises later. Small issues have a way of turning into major repairs if they’re ignored.

Wilson Roofing & Renovations brings more than 20 years of professional experience, handling everything from detailed inspections and minor repairs to full roof replacements. If you want peace of mind before the next round of weather rolls in, now’s the time.

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Browse local goods, sip your favorite drink, and unwind with live music each Wednesday.

Every Wednesday, Gruene Grove hosts its Humpday Market, bringing together local vendors with homegrown, homemade, and handcrafted goods. It’s the perfect midweek excuse to shop small and support local makers.

Stick around for live music from area artists, grab something delicious from Wurst in Gruene or Rhea’s Ice Cream, and enjoy a relaxed Hill Country vibe with a drink in hand.

🐝 BUZZ AROUND TOWN

HSNBA Receives 2026 Rachael Ray Grant to Boost Pet Adoptions
The Humane Society of the New Braunfels Area has been awarded a 2026 Rachael Ray Save Them All Grant from Best Friends Animal Society. The funding supports its Mend and Match program, helping cover medical care to get pets adoption-ready and waiving fees during monthly Meet Your Match events. Those adoption events will continue on the third weekend of each month in 2026, giving more dogs and cats a second chance locally.

Mission Hill Park Phase 2 Nears Completion
Construction on Phase 2 of Mission Hill Park is moving toward a summer opening. The $12.15 million bond-funded project includes a three-story observation tower, indoor reading room, elevated canopy boardwalk, and expanded trails and gathering spaces. Designed with years of community feedback in mind, the project aims to activate one of the highest points in the city while celebrating local heritage.

City Council Approves 250-Acre Municipal Utility District
New Braunfels City Council approved the creation of the 250-acre Botanical Farm Municipal Utility District in the city’s ETJ. The district will help finance infrastructure such as roads, water, and wastewater for planned subdivisions including Colina Ranch and Autumn Ridge. Developers must follow city development standards tied to housing diversity, environmental protections, and long-term planning goals.

NBISD Graduation Rates Rise, Test Scores Beat State
New Braunfels ISD earned an overall “B” rating in the latest Texas Academic Performance Report and saw graduation rates climb to 96%. District students outperformed state and regional averages in multiple STAAR testing categories, and College, Career and Military Readiness jumped to 79%. Officials say the district remains focused on improving early literacy and math benchmarks over the next several years.

CREATE at County Line Set to Open in August
NBISD’s first future-ready elementary campus, CREATE at County Line, is scheduled to open in August. Built around hands-on, multidisciplinary learning, the program emphasizes STEM, agriculture, medical exploration, culinary arts, digital media, and leadership development. With more than 170 applications submitted, the campus is designed to offer families a different educational pathway within the district.

Comal County Junior Livestock Show Returns March 2
The 58th annual Comal County Junior Livestock Show kicks off March 2 at the Comal County Fairgrounds. Over five days, students will showcase rabbits, goats, sheep, swine, steers, and more, competing for ribbons and potential auction profits. The long-running event continues to highlight youth involvement in agriculture and hands-on learning across the county.

WEATHER FORECAST 

Wednesday: High: 88º | Low: 59º | 10% chance of precipitation

Thursday: High: 90º | Low: 57º | 10% chance of precipitation

Friday: High: 84º | Low: 57º | 0% 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.)

February already feels like late spring, and with upper 80s in the forecast, the Texas heat is clearly warming up. If your AC hasn’t been checked lately, now is the time to get ahead of it. A quick inspection today can prevent a mid-summer breakdown when schedules are packed and temps are pushing triple digits.

Rise Service Company is a locally owned, family-run HVAC team founded right here in the Hill Country by husband-and-wife team Jake and Hillary. They handle AC repair and installation, heating, indoor air quality, and offer 24/7 emergency service with upfront pricing and clear communication.

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ESCAPE TO HARMONYHOUSE: A PET-FRIENDLY ZEN RIVER RETREAT

If you’re ready to unplug, Harmony House in Bastrop delivers. This cozy A-frame river retreat sleeps up to four and features a queen bed, loft with twin beds, kitchenette, Smart TV, and high-speed Wi-Fi. Step outside and you’ll find eight themed patios, zen hammocks, lush gardens, and direct access to the Colorado River, all just two miles from downtown Bastrop and about 35 minutes from Austin.

It’s pet-friendly, packed with charm, and offers discounts when you book three nights or more. Peaceful, private, and consistently loved by guests, this is your sign to plan the reset.

Thanks!

That’s all for today. We hope you found something helpful, interesting, or worth adding to your calendar.

If you did, forward this to a friend who’d enjoy a daily dose of New Braunfels too.

Until next time,

— The New Braunfels Life Team

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