👨‍👩‍👧 Folkfest, Book Club, & Kids Eat Free Spots in New Braunfels

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Good morning, New Braunfels! You’ve made it to the halfway point of the week, and there’s a great mix of things to check out around town. Inside today’s email: a preview of Folkfest happening this weekend, a community book group at the library, a roundup of kids eat free deals around New Braunfels, a look at some big headlines around town, and much more.

Spring in New Braunfels doesn’t get much better than this. The 3rd Annual Mayfest Festival & Home Tour is happening Saturday, May 9th in Midtown at Mayfair, bringing together live music, local food, refreshing drinks, and a full day of family-friendly fun. This event is a blast every year, so you definitely don’t want to miss it.

Stroll through the local market inside Celebration Hall, tour beautifully designed model homes from top builders, and soak in the energy of one of the season’s best community events. Whether you’re house hunting or just looking for a great way to spend the day, this is one you don’t want to miss.

👉 Learn more and make plans now to be there for Mayfest.

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A full day of music, history, and hands-on fun for all ages

Folkfest New Braunfels is back on Saturday from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM at 1370 Church Hill Drive, bringing a full day of music, living history, and family-friendly activities to the Hill Country. This annual event transforms the grounds into an immersive experience, with costumed historians demonstrating traditional skills and crafts throughout the day.

Visitors can enjoy live performances across two stages, explore vendor booths, meet live animals, and take part in hands-on activities like woodworking, candle making, stitching, and clay projects. With food, drinks, games, and plenty to explore across the 10-acre property, this is one you don’t want to miss. Admission is $10 for ages 12 and up.

A relaxed and welcoming space to connect through stories

The Fiction Book Group at the New Braunfels Public Library is meeting on today from 2:00–3:00 PM, offering a chance for readers to come together and discuss Falling Apart and Other Gifts from the Universe by Catherine Ryan Hyde. The group is open to adults and seniors and welcomes anyone interested in thoughtful conversation, whether you’ve finished the book or not.

This month’s story explores themes of loneliness, connection, and unexpected relationships, following two characters who form a powerful bond while navigating their own challenges. Held at the Main Library Meeting Room (700 E Common St), it’s a great low-pressure way to meet people and engage with a meaningful story.

Joshua Creek Ranch in Boerne has just been named the 2026 Orvis Endorsed Wingshooting Lodge of the Year, putting it among the absolute best lodges in the world. This recognition from Orvis highlights not just the experience they offer, but the level of service, expertise, and attention to detail that keeps guests coming back.

From world-class wingshooting to unforgettable outdoor experiences, this award is a reflection of the team, the setting, and the people who make it all happen. If it’s been on your list, consider this your sign.

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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)
📖 Fischer Park Family Storytime at Fischer Park (9:30 AM)
💻 Device Advice at New Braunfels Public Library (1:00 PM)
📚 Fiction Book Group at New Braunfels Public Library (2:00 PM)
🔍 Curiosity Club (Ages 5–7) at New Braunfels Public Library (4:00 PM)
🍔 Burger Night at Happy Cow Bar (5:00 PM)
🎭 Klasses In Drama at Circle Arts Theatre (5:30 PM)
⛳ Jaycees Monthly Social at Landa Park Mini Golf (5:30 PM)
🪡 Hobby Haus: Sewing & Mending at New Braunfels Public Library (6:00 PM)
🍎 Texas Keeper Cider Tasting at Otto’s Cheese Shop (6:00 PM)
🌻 A Sunflower Sunset at Painting with a Twist (6:00 PM)
🛍️ Humpday Market at Gruene Grove (6:00 PM)
🎸 River Town Relics at Gruene Hall (6:00 PM)
🎤 Singo Bingo & Karaoke w/ DJ Jody at Freiheit Country Store (6:00 PM)
🎵 Xtreme Music Bingo at Watering Hole Saloon (7:00 PM)
🏍️ Woods Cycle Country’s Freiheit Bike Night at Freiheit Country Store (7:00 PM)

THURSDAY
🧸 Sensory Playtime (Ages 0–5) at New Braunfels Public Library (11:00 AM)
🏫 Prek/Kinder Enrollment Fair at Lone Star Early Childhood Center (11:00 AM)
🎮 Teen Time at New Braunfels Public Library (5:00 PM)
🎤 Temple Grandin: An Open Door at Brauntex Theatre (6:00 PM)
👢 Two Step Dance Lessons at Gruene Hall (6:00 PM)
🌵 Galactic Cactus at Painting with a Twist (6:00 PM)
✨ Silver Spur Soirée at McKenna Events Center (6:00 PM)
🎉 Disco Bingo: Fundraiser for Prince Solms Park at Krause’s Cafe (6:00 PM)
🎶 Songwriter’s Night at The Redbird Listening Room (6:00 PM)
🍻 Happy Hour at Gruene Hall (6:00 PM)
💐 Bluebonnet Bouquet at Painting with a Twist (6:30 PM)
🎤 Tiffiny Dawn Live at Freiheit Country Store (6:30 PM)
🎸 Ryan Ross Band at Gruene Hall (7:00 PM)
🧠 An Evening with Dr. Temple Grandin: Breaking Barriers in Science, Autism, and Animal Behavior at Brauntex Theatre (7:30 PM)
🎵 Mark Odom Band at Watering Hole Saloon (8:00 PM)
🎤 Caden Gillard at Gruene Hall (8:30 PM)

FRIDAY
⛳ 5th Annual Golf FORE Parks Golf Tournament at Landa Park Golf Course (8:30 AM)
👶 Infant Massage with SJRC at New Braunfels Public Library (10:00 AM)
🎮 Teen & Tween Video Game Club at New Braunfels Public Library (4:00 PM)
🍻 Friday Afternoon Club at Gruene Hall (4:00 PM)
🎉 Kingsville, Bishop, Rivera Driscoll Reunion at Gruene Hall (5:00 PM)
🌸 Mountain Flowers at Painting with a Twist (7:00 PM)
🎤 Sammy Kershaw at Brauntex Theatre (7:30 PM)
🎭 Deathtrap at Circle Arts Theatre (7:30 PM)
🎶 David Ramirez at The Redbird Listening Room (7:30 PM)
🎸 Los TexManiacs with Special Guest Rick Trevino at Gruene Hall (8:00 PM)
🥃 Texas Double Shot at Watering Hole Saloon (8:30 PM)

Most people don’t think twice about the air inside their home, but in the Hill Country, it can quietly affect how you feel every single day. Between cedar fever, dust, humidity, and allergens, indoor air can actually be more polluted than what’s outside—no joke.

That’s where Rise Service Company comes in. From hospital-grade air purification to high-efficiency filtration and professional duct cleaning, they help turn your home into a cleaner, healthier space you can actually breathe in. If you’ve been dealing with allergies, dust, or that “something feels off” air, it’s probably time to fix it.

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Simple ways to make family meals more affordable

Eating out with the family adds up fast, but there are several spots around New Braunfels offering kids eat free deals throughout the week. From pizza nights to taco Tuesdays and Sunday family dinners, these deals make it easier to enjoy a meal out without stretching your budget.

🐝 BUZZ AROUND TOWN

New Braunfels National Airport Named 2026 Airport of the Year
The New Braunfels National Airport has earned top honors for its long-term planning, infrastructure upgrades, and growing economic impact. With major improvements already completed and future projects like a new control tower in progress, the airport is positioning itself as a key driver of regional growth.

City Forum to Cover Water, Growth, and Local Projects
District 3 Councilmember D. Lee Edwards is hosting a public forum today at City Hall, giving residents a chance to hear updates on water supply, city projects, and long-term planning. The event will include presentations and a Q&A session open to the community.

DWI Arrests Rise While Overall Crime Continues to Drop
New Braunfels saw a 5% drop in overall crime in 2025, continuing a downward trend, but DWI arrests jumped by 20% with 817 cases reported. Officials say increased enforcement is driving the rise, while fatal crashes have actually decreased.

Rosie Lynn’s Ice Cream Shop Relocating to New Spot
A local favorite is on the move, as Rosie Lynn’s closes its current location on April 13 ahead of reopening at 711 N Walnut Ave. A grand opening is planned for May 1, with a possible soft opening in late April.

City Seeks Input on New Bike and Pedestrian Plan
New Braunfels is developing a new plan to improve sidewalks, trails, and bikeways across the city. Residents are encouraged to attend upcoming open houses to review proposals and share feedback on future connectivity projects.

WEATHER FORECAST 

Wednesday: High: 82º | Low: 61º | 10% chance of precipitation

Thursday: High: 81º | Low: 64º | 25% chance of precipitation

Friday: High: 79º | Low: 66º | 70% 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 your yard is starting to look more like a weed garden than actual grass, you’re not alone, and yeah, it’s fixable. A lot of Hill Country lawns deal with the same problem, especially with tough soil and unpredictable weather.

Turf Masters Lawn and Landscape has been helping homeowners turn things around for over 20 years with their all-natural Bio Green liquid fertilizer. It feeds your grass, helps control weeds, and improves soil health so your lawn actually stays looking good long-term. Family-owned and known for reliable service, they make it simple to get your yard back to something you’re proud of.

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STEP BACK IN TIME AT THIS ONE-OF-A-KIND AVIATION HOTEL

If you’re looking for a stay that’s anything but ordinary, this unique Fredericksburg hotel delivers a full experience, not just a place to sleep. Designed to resemble a WWII-era hangar, the space blends vintage aviation style with modern comfort, creating an atmosphere that feels like stepping into another time.

Inside, you’ll find detailed airplane memorabilia, nods to USO history, and an adults-only setting (18+) that keeps things peaceful and elevated. Located just three miles from Main Street and right next to the Gillespie County Airport runway, it’s the perfect mix of relaxation and entertainment—especially if you love watching planes take off and land right outside.

Beyond the rooms, guests can enjoy the on-site Airport Diner, weekend live music at the Officers’ Club, and easy access to everything Fredericksburg has to offer. It’s ideal for a weekend escape, date trip, or just something different from the usual hotel experience.

Thanks!

That’s all for today. Thanks for taking a few minutes to catch up on what’s happening around town.

If you found something worth checking out, pass this along to a friend who’d love staying in the loop too. Have a great day out there and enjoy everything New Braunfels has to offer!

Until next time,

— The New Braunfels Life Team

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