🎨 Shop Local, Save Lives & Celebrate Art

August 05, 2026

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

Happy Wednesday, New Braunfels! The weekend is getting closer, and today's edition is packed with great ways to shop local, support a meaningful cause, and enjoy the arts. Whether you're looking for a unique shopping experience, planning a night downtown, or hoping to give back to the community, we've got you covered.

Our partners at Mayfair continue to grow with the upcoming arrival of Ollie's Market, opening this fall at 5708 Guthrie Trail. Founded in nearby San Marcos, Ollie's is known for its fresh, locally sourced food and inviting atmosphere, making it the perfect spot to grab a meal, meet up with friends, or recharge while exploring the community.

The new market joins a growing list of amenities that make Mayfair more than just a neighborhood. With Celebration Hall, the Midtown Swim Club, Fairway Park, miles of trails, nearby shopping, and even more exciting additions on the horizon, Mayfair is becoming one of New Braunfels' most vibrant places to live.

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Browse hundreds of handmade goods, gifts, décor, and local favorites all weekend long

The Peddler Show returns to the New Braunfels Civic & Convention Center this Friday through Sunday, bringing together a wide variety of small businesses, artisans, and makers from across Texas. Since 1977, this popular event has been a favorite destination for shoppers looking for handmade goods, home décor, clothing, gourmet foods, seasonal items, and one-of-a-kind gifts.

The show runs Friday, August 7 (12:00–6:00 PM), Saturday, August 8 (9:00 AM–6:00 PM), and Sunday, August 9 (11:00 AM–4:00 PM). General admission is $10 and includes access for all three days.

The community is invited to participate in the Mobile Blood Drive hosted by W.C. Miller Properties on Thursday, August 6, from 9:00 AM–2:00 PM. Blood donations help replenish critical supplies used for emergency care, surgeries, cancer treatments, and many other lifesaving medical needs.

Whether you're a regular donor or giving for the first time, every donation can make a meaningful impact. Appointments are encouraged, and the process is safe, simple, and takes less than an hour.

A new HVAC system is a big investment, and you deserve to feel confident before making a decision. That's why our partners at Rise Service Company offer free second opinions for homeowners who've already received a repair or replacement recommendation.

Their experienced team will inspect your system, explain exactly what they find, provide clear evidence, and walk you through your options without pressure. Whether your system simply needs a repair or it's truly time for a replacement, you'll have the information you need to make the best choice for your home and budget.

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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)
🦕 Dinos & Unicorns Art Summer Camp at Rainbow Trout Laboratory (9:30 AM)
👾 Summer Camp – Monster Week at Clay Casa New Braunfels (9:30 AM)
👩 Women's Wednesdays at Stoke Factory at TSR (10:00 AM)
📱 Device Advice at New Braunfels Public Library (1:00 PM)
🍔 Burger Night at Happy Cow Bar (5:00 PM)
🎸 Austin Gilliam at The Grapevine in Gruene (5:30 PM)
🖌️ Texas Highway Cutout at Painting with a Twist (6:00 PM)
🎶 River Town Relics at Gruene Hall (6:00 PM)
🎸 KoAloha Ukulele Artist Kainoa Kamaka at L&L Hawaiian Barbecue – New Braunfels (6:00 PM)
🛍️ Humpday Market at Gruene Grove (6:00 PM)
🎵 Off The Grid at Krause's Cafe (6:00 PM)
🧀 The Best Mozzarella Making Class at Otto's Cheese Shop (6:30 PM)
🤠 Ryder Grimes at Cowboys & Cadillacs (7:00 PM)
🌌 Milky Way Splash at Painting with a Twist (7:00 PM)
🎲 Xtreme Music Bingo at Watering Hole Saloon (7:00 PM)
🎤 Live Music at The Gruene Grove (7:00 PM)
🎸 Dean Paul Willeford at Gruene Hall (8:30 PM)

THURSDAY
🩸 Mobile Blood Drive Hosted by W.C. Miller Properties (9:00 AM)
🦖 Dinos & Unicorns Art Summer Camp at Rainbow Trout Laboratory (9:30 AM)
👾 Summer Camp – Monster Week at Clay Casa New Braunfels (9:30 AM)
🌳 Genealogy Help at New Braunfels Public Library (10:00 AM)
🎨 Art Afternoons for Ages 0–7 at New Braunfels Public Library (4:00 PM)
🍷 Free Wine Tasting at Zócalo Wine Co. (4:30 PM)
🎮 Teen Time: Game Night at New Braunfels Public Library (5:00 PM)
🎸 Bo Brumble & Garrett Mann at The Grapevine in Gruene (5:00 PM)
💃 Two-Step Dance Lessons at Gruene Hall (6:00 PM)
🌸 Cheer-y Blossoms 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)
🤠 Ryan Hunter Band at Gruene Hall (7:00 PM)
🏞️ Misty Hike at Painting with a Twist (7:00 PM)
🎤 Live Music with My Hometown at The Gruene Grove (7:00 PM)
🎵 Chuck Wimer Band at Watering Hole Saloon (8:00 PM)
🎸 Belles at Gruene Hall (8:30 PM)

FRIDAY
🦕 Dinos & Unicorns Art Summer Camp at Rainbow Trout Laboratory (9:30 AM)
🪡 Adopt-a-Sewist Open Sew at Snippets (10:00 AM)
🎶 Mel Garsek at Gruene Hall (12:00 PM)
🛍️ The Peddler Show – New Braunfels at New Braunfels Civic & Convention Center (12:00 PM)
🎸 NB School of Rock Summer Camp Show at The Phoenix Saloon (2:30 PM)
🎤 Live Music at The Gruene Grove (3:00 PM)
🍻 Friday Afternoon Club at Gruene Hall (4:00 PM)
🍷 Friday Night Date Night at Dry Comal Creek Vineyards (5:00 PM)
🏙️ First Friday Downtown New Braunfels (5:00 PM)
🎸 Alli Mattice at The Grapevine in Gruene (5:00 PM)
🖼️ Art Haus on First Friday at Art Haus New Braunfels (6:00 PM)
🎶 Hannah Swann Band at Krause's Cafe (6:30 PM)
🌊 Pure Shores – Choose Your Colors at Painting with a Twist (7:00 PM)
🎸 Luke Leverett at Guadalupe Brewing Company & Pizza Kitchen (7:00 PM)
🎤 Pat Byrne at The Redbird Listening Room (7:30 PM)
🤠 Jackson Wendell at Gruene Hall (8:00 PM)
🚂 Fast Movin' Train Live at Watering Hole Saloon (8:30 PM)
🎵 John Brewer Band at Happy Cow Bar & Grill (8:30 PM)
🎉 Joe Pulcini's Big Birthday Bash at The Phoenix Saloon (9:00 PM)

Summer can take a toll on your skin, with sun exposure, heat, and humidity often leading to dryness, congestion, and uneven texture. Our partners at Newman & Company offer personalized skincare treatments designed to refresh, restore, and help your skin look its best all season long.

From advanced facials and customized skincare plans to expert aesthetic treatments, their experienced team will help you achieve healthy, radiant skin with care tailored to your unique needs. It's all part of their philosophy: Still You. Only Better.

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Enjoy an evening of art, music, and community in downtown New Braunfels

Celebrate creativity during Art Haus – First Friday this Friday from 6-9 pm at Main Plaza in downtown New Braunfels. This free monthly event features original artwork from emerging and established artists, live entertainment, and a welcoming atmosphere that makes every First Friday a little different.

Hosted by the Greater New Braunfels Arts Council, Art Haus is a great opportunity to discover local talent, shop for unique artwork, and enjoy a fun evening with family and friends.

🐝 BUZZ AROUND TOWN

McCoy's Collecting School Supplies Through August 15
McCoy's Building Supply is helping local students head back to school with confidence by hosting a school supply drive at every location through August 15. Community members are encouraged to donate classroom essentials like notebooks, pencils, and other supplies to support local teachers and students.

Portillo's Opening Delayed Until 2027
The wait for Portillo's in New Braunfels will be a little longer. New state filings show construction is now expected to begin in November, with the popular restaurant targeting a May 2027 opening.

NBISD Family Resource Fair Set for August 13
The NBISD Back to School Family Resource Fair returns on Thursday, August 13, offering backpack and school supply giveaways, community resources, and family support services. Registration is required for the supply giveaway, so families are encouraged to reserve a time slot in advance.

F45 Training Coming to New Braunfels
A new fitness option is on the way as F45 Training prepares to open its first New Braunfels location this fall at 2286 Alyssa Way. The studio will offer coach-led 45-minute workouts that combine strength training, cardio, and functional fitness.

Slim Chickens Planned for I-35 Corridor
Plans have been filed for a new Slim Chickens restaurant at 1395 I-35 North Frontage Road. Construction is currently expected to wrap up in April 2027, adding another dining option to New Braunfels' growing restaurant scene.

Free Ice Cream with Morning History Tours
The New Braunfels Conservation Society is offering a sweet incentive August 4–7. Visitors who take a morning tour between 9:30 AM and noon will receive a free ice cream cone, making it a fun way to explore one of the city's historic landmarks.

The Villa Rebrands as Duesy's Tavern
A familiar venue near Gruene has a new identity. The Villa has officially rebranded as Duesy's Tavern, complete with a refreshed look, building renovations, upgraded audio-visual systems, and additional TVs while continuing to host the same live entertainment and community events.

New Braunfels Named America's Top Moving Destination
A new report ranks New Braunfels' 78130 ZIP code as the No. 1 ZIP code in the nation for residential moves during the first half of 2026. Nearly 3,000 households relocated to the area, highlighting the city's continued growth and popularity among families seeking more space and affordability.

Mighty Oak BBQ Moving to a Larger Home
Mighty Oak BBQ is relocating to a larger location at 560 Porter Street, with an opening planned for early September. The new restaurant will feature expanded indoor and outdoor seating and improved parking while continuing to serve its signature smoked barbecue favorites.

WEATHER FORECAST 

Wednesday: High: 99º | Low: 76º | 20% chance of precipitation

Thursday: High: 99º | Low: 76º | 10% chance of precipitation

Friday: High: 98º | Low: 75º | 15% chance of precipitation

Burn Ban: OFF

Water Restrictions: Stage 1 (click here for more info)

A garage door problem can quickly disrupt your day, but getting it fixed doesn't have to be stressful. Our partners at Precision Garage Door Service provide expert repairs, opener replacements, and new garage door installations for all major brands, helping homeowners get back to normal as quickly as possible.

With same-day service whenever available, emergency repairs, and evening and weekend appointments at no extra charge, their team is committed to making every service call as convenient as possible. Plus, a live operator is available 24/7, so help is always just a phone call away.

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STEP INSIDE THIS NEW BRAUNFELS GEM

If you've been searching for a home in the heart of New Braunfels, this new listing deserves a closer look. Located at 633 Lockener Avenue, this 3-bedroom, 2-bath home offers 1,394 square feet of living space on a spacious 0.27-acre lot, all within minutes of shopping, dining, entertainment, and the city's most popular attractions.

Built in 1962, the home features a comfortable single-story layout, a wood-burning fireplace, an attached two-car garage, and a fully fenced backyard. With R-3 zoning, it also presents flexibility for buyers looking for a primary residence, weekend retreat, or potential investment opportunity in one of New Braunfels' most desirable areas.

Thanks!

That's it for today's edition! We hope you found something that inspires your next outing, introduces you to a new local event, or helps you stay connected with everything happening around New Braunfels.

Have a wonderful day and we'll see you tomorrow with more local stories, events, and community highlights.

Until next time,

— The New Braunfels Life Team

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