🍽️ Free Summer Meals, Party for the Planet & Gardening Classes

June 03, 2026

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

Good morning, New Braunfels! We’re halfway through the week and there’s plenty happening around town. From helpful community resources and family-friendly celebrations to opportunities to learn a new skill, today’s stories highlight some great ways to stay engaged, connected, and make the most of the summer season.

As New Braunfels continues to grow, the quality of that growth matters. Our partners at Bandit Homes focus on building homes designed to stand the test of time, combining thoughtful layouts, durable materials, and craftsmanship that fits the character of the community.

Their approach goes beyond building houses. It's about creating homes where families can put down roots while helping preserve the charm and character that make New Braunfels special. From strong foundations to smart design choices, Bandit Homes focuses on the details that matter for years to come.

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!

Multiple organizations are working together to help ensure children have access to healthy meals all summer long

With school out for the summer, families across New Braunfels can take advantage of several free meal programs designed to keep kids fed while classes are out of session. Through partnerships involving New Braunfels ISD, local libraries, community organizations, and food banks, free breakfasts and lunches are available at multiple locations throughout the city for children ages 18 and younger.

From school campuses to library branches and community centers, these programs provide convenient access to nutritious meals throughout the summer months. Whether families need daily support or occasional assistance, these resources help bridge the gap when school cafeterias are closed and ensure children continue to receive healthy meals.

A free evening of foam, music, games, and environmental fun is coming to Fischer Park

Families are invited to Fischer Park on Friday from 4-7 PM for Party for the Planet, a free community celebration honoring World Environment Day. The event will feature environmental education activities, hands-on crafts, games, a DJ, splash pad fun, and a foam party designed to entertain kids while promoting environmental awareness.

Hosted at the Hilltop Pavilion, the event offers a fun and interactive way for families to learn about protecting the planet while enjoying a summer evening outdoors. Best of all, admission is completely free.

The Texas Hill Country Game Fair returns to Joshua Creek Ranch on June 12-13, and tickets are now on sale for what promises to be one of the most exciting outdoor weekends of the summer. Hosted in partnership with the San Antonio Rodeo Wildlife & Natural Resources Committee, the event brings together outdoor sports, live entertainment, competitions, great food, and hands-on experiences for all ages.

Guests can enjoy archery, fly fishing, the Wingshooter Challenge Team Shooting Competition, the Buckaroo Que youth wild game cook-off, live music from the JR Herrera Band, a special Friday night Game Changer tasting event, and a large exhibitor village filled with outdoor brands and vendors. Whether you're an avid outdoorsman or simply looking for a unique Hill Country experience, this is an event worth checking out.

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)
📖 Fischer Park Family Storytime at Fischer Park (9:30 AM)
🍴 Free Summer Lunches at New Braunfels Public Library (12:00 PM)
📱 Device Advice at New Braunfels Public Library (1:00 PM)
🪼 Blacklight Event — Jellyfish Glow at Painting with a Twist (2:00 PM)
🍔 Burger Night at Happy Cow Bar (5:00 PM)
🎸 Kristen Foreman at The Grapevine in Gruene (5:30 PM)
🐉 Hobby Haus – D&D Basics at New Braunfels Public Library (6:00 PM)
🌸 A Cherry Blossom Sunrise at Painting with a Twist (6:00 PM)
🎶 Landon Farrar at Gruene Hall (6:00 PM)
🛍️ Humpday Market at Gruene Grove (6:00 PM)
🎵 Off The Grid at Krause’s Cafe (6:00 PM)
🎬 Summer Cinema: Wicked at The Brauntex Performing Arts Theatre (6:30 PM)
👢 Country Two Step Lessons & Line Dancing at The Attic Dance Hall (6:30 PM)
🎯 Xtreme Music Bingo at Watering Hole Saloon (7:00 PM)
🎸 Zack Walther Trio at Gruene Hall (8:30 PM)

THURSDAY
🔍 Genealogy Help at New Braunfels Public Library (10:00 AM)
🧩 Sensory Playtime at New Braunfels Public Library (10:00 AM)
🍽️ Free Summer Lunches at New Braunfels Public Library (12:00 PM)
🎨 Art Afternoons for Ages 0-7 at New Braunfels Public Library (4:00 PM)
🎸 Tony Taylor at The Grapevine in Gruene (5:00 PM)
🤠 Two Step Dance Lessons at Gruene Hall (6:00 PM)
🛣️ Texas Highway Cutout at Painting with a Twist (6:00 PM)
🎷 The Percolators at Krause’s Cafe (6:00 PM)
🎤 Songwriter’s Night at The Redbird Listening Room (6:00 PM)
👢 Country Two Step Lessons & Line Dancing at The Attic Dance Hall (6:30 PM)
🪴 DIY After Dark – Mini Zen Garden at New Braunfels Public Library (6:30 PM)
🎶 Brayden Stewart at Gruene Hall (7:00 PM)
💃 New Salsa Night – Lesson & Dance Thursdays at The Attic Dance Hall (7:30 PM)
🥃 Texas Double Shot at Watering Hole Saloon (8:00 PM)
🎸 Jon Kott Band at Gruene Hall (8:30 PM)

FRIDAY
🧡 Special Admission Day at McKenna Children’s Museum (9:00 AM)
🎵 Children’s Sound Bath Workshop at New Braunfels Public Library (10:00 AM)
🍽️ Free Summer Lunches at New Braunfels Public Library (12:00 PM)
🎸 The Marshland Ranch Band at Gruene Hall (12:00 PM)
🎨 Open Studio (DIY Experience) at Painting with a Twist (2:00 PM)
🐾 PAWS to Read at New Braunfels Public Library (4:00 PM)
🎶 Friday Afternoon Club at Gruene Hall (4:00 PM)
🌎 Party for the Planet at Fischer Park (4:00 PM)
🎤 JP McCabe at The Grapevine in Gruene (5:00 PM)
🖼️ Art Haus on First Friday at Art Haus New Braunfels (6:00 PM)
🎸 Alli Mattice Band at Krause’s Cafe (6:30 PM)
🌅 Serene Sunset Reflections at Painting with a Twist (7:00 PM)
🎶 Hannah Swann at The Redbird Listening Room (7:30 PM)
🎤 Jamie Lin Wilson & Courtney Patton at Gruene Hall (8:00 PM)
🚂 Fast Movin’ Train at Watering Hole Saloon (8:30 PM)
🎸 AB Hill at Happy Cow Bar (8:30 PM)

Summer break is here, which means many parents are looking for fun ways to keep the kids entertained. Painting with a Twist offers family-friendly paint sessions that make it easy to spend quality time together while creating something memorable and staying cool indoors.

With a variety of kid-friendly classes and themed projects throughout the summer, it's a great way to encourage creativity, make memories, and take a break from screens for a few hours. No experience is needed, just show up ready to have fun and get creative.

This is an advertisement.

Local gardening experts are offering hands-on instruction for beginners and aspiring gardeners

If you've ever wanted to grow your own vegetables, the 2026 Vegetable Gardening Class offers a great place to start. Hosted by the Comal County Master Gardeners and horticulture specialists, this five-week course covers everything from soil preparation and composting to irrigation, pest management, and plant care.

Classes take place on Saturday mornings from 8:30 AM–12:00 PM at the Comal County AgriLife Classroom. Participants will gain practical knowledge and hands-on experience that can help transform any backyard into a productive garden.

🐝 BUZZ AROUND TOWN

Stars & Stripes Drive-In Ranks Among The Best In America
New Braunfels' own Stars & Stripes Drive-In Theatre just earned national recognition, landing at No. 9 on USA Today’s 2026 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards list of the best outdoor movie theaters in the country. The beloved drive-in has been entertaining families since 2015 with first-run movies, multiple screens, classic concessions, and a nostalgic movie-going experience that's becoming increasingly rare.

Steel Magnolias Is Coming To Circle Arts Theatre
One of the most beloved Southern comedies ever written is heading to the Circle Arts Theatre stage this fall. Steel Magnolias will run from October 2-18, and auditions are scheduled for August 2 at 7:00 PM. The production is seeking six women ages 20-80, and tickets are already on sale for what is sure to be a popular community theater event.

Corral Prime Meat Market Preparing To Open
A new meat market is getting ready to join the New Braunfels business community. Corral Prime Meat Market is preparing to open at 1836 Spur Street, offering a combination meat market, grocery store, and gas station. An official opening date has not yet been announced, but locals can expect fresh meats and everyday essentials in one convenient location.

First Look At Crunch Fitness Plans
New details have emerged about the upcoming Crunch Fitness location taking over the former Gold's Gym space. Plans include amenities such as an infrared sauna, hot yoga studio, reformer Pilates, red light therapy, frost lockers, Olympic lifting platforms, a turf area, and a kid's club, creating one of the most feature-packed fitness centers in the area.

King Buffet May Be Headed To New Braunfels
A large all-you-can-eat Asian buffet appears to be coming to New Braunfels. New signage and state filings point to King Buffet taking over a former car dealership along I-35, with plans for a nearly $1 million renovation. The restaurant would bring a wide selection of Asian dishes, seafood offerings, and a Mongolian grill concept to the city.

Early Voting Underway For Mayoral Runoff
Early voting is now underway for the New Braunfels mayoral and District 6 runoff elections. Residents will have another opportunity to cast their ballots and help decide key local leadership positions ahead of Election Day. Voters are encouraged to review polling locations and election details before heading to the polls.

Sophie's Gasthaus Earns Michelin Guide Recognition
New Braunfels continues to gain national attention as Sophie's Gasthaus has been added to the prestigious Michelin Guide's list of recommended hotels. The boutique hotel, housed in a restored historic estate downtown, was praised for its unique character, hospitality, and walkable location. It is the first New Braunfels hotel to receive recognition from the guide.

New Report Shows Apartment Vacancy Challenges
A recent market report found that the New Braunfels area currently has the highest apartment vacancy rate in the San Antonio region. The data highlights how rapidly new apartment developments have come online in recent years, creating increased competition among property owners while offering renters more choices.

Infrastructure Improvements Coming Near Downtown
New Braunfels Utilities is preparing to begin infrastructure upgrades in neighborhoods near downtown. The project will focus on improving utility systems and supporting the city's continued growth while helping maintain reliable service for residents in the area.

NBTX Glam Opens New Downtown Salon Space
NBTX Glam has officially moved into a new salon location at 111 S. Union Avenue. To celebrate the move, new clients can receive 10% off their first visit while enjoying personalized hair services in the newly renovated downtown space.

2tarts Brings Back Late-Night Hours
Summer dessert season has officially arrived. 2tarts Bakery is once again staying open until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, giving locals another excuse to stop by for cupcakes, macarons, cakes, and other sweet treats after dinner, date nights, or evening outings around town.

WEATHER FORECAST 

Wednesday: High: 88º | Low: 71º | 25% chance of precipitation

Thursday: High: 88º | Low: 73º | 50% chance of precipitation

Friday: High: 85º | Low: 72º | 60% chance of precipitation

Burn Ban: OFF

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.)

Looking for a unique summer adventure that's just a short drive from New Braunfels? Natural Bridge Caverns offers an unforgettable experience deep beneath the Texas Hill Country, where visitors can explore massive underground chambers filled with incredible stalactites, stalagmites, and ancient rock formations. With thousands of glowing reviews, it's one of the most popular attractions in the state.

Choose between the Discovery Tour, which takes you through the largest cavern in Texas, or the Hidden Wonders Tour, featuring stunning formations, newly opened chambers, and a one-of-a-kind underground experience. Both tours are family-friendly and led by knowledgeable guides who bring the caverns' fascinating history and geology to life.

This is an advertisement.

ESCAPE TO THE TEXAS COAST AT THIS HIGHLY RATED ROCKPORT RETREAT

If you're looking for an easy summer getaway from New Braunfels, this charming Rockport vacation home might be exactly what you need. Located just minutes from downtown shops, restaurants, fishing spots, art galleries, and Rockport Beach, the property offers the perfect home base for exploring one of Texas' most popular coastal destinations. With room for up to eight guests, it's ideal for family vacations, couples' trips, or a weekend away with friends.

The three-bedroom home features a fully fenced yard, outdoor entertaining space, covered veranda with a TV and grill, a separate game room, and even a putting green. Whether you're spending your days fishing, relaxing on the beach, or enjoying the coastal atmosphere, this Rockport retreat makes it easy to unwind and enjoy a few days away from the daily routine.

Thanks!

Thanks for spending part of your Wednesday with us. Whether you're making weekend plans or simply staying connected to the community, we appreciate you being here.

We'll be back with more New Braunfels stories, events, and local updates.

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.