🍺Popular Bar Closing, Archery in the Park, & More

August 27, 2025

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Happy Wednesday, New Braunfels! The week is in full swing, and there’s no shortage of things happening around town. From big community news to unique events and a getaway idea for the weekend, we’ve got you covered.

Here’s a peek at what’s inside today’s email:

Labor Day is calling…answer it with adventure’s lined up for you on Groupon! Use code CELEBR8 at checkout and save up to 30% on resorts, family fun, and last-minute getaways through Groupon. From tubing on the Guadalupe and ziplining at Lake Travis to luxury stays on the San Antonio Riverwalk, the savings are stacked.

Whether you’re planning a quick escape or just want to try something new close to home, these limited-time deals have you covered.

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 local institution prepares for one last hurrah

After nearly 20 years as one of New Braunfels’ most beloved music venues, Billy’s Ice has announced it will close at the end of September. The news came in an emotional Facebook post last Friday, confirming that the property had been sold and the venue’s last day will come around October 1st.

What started as a drive-thru convenience store was transformed by founder Bill Sisoian and his son Nick into a community cornerstone—a place where locals could gather for live music, cold beer, and a spirit of giving back. By their own count, Billy’s helped raise more than $1 million for causes ranging from cancer patients to veterans to flood relief.

Before closing, Billy’s will celebrate its legacy with a three-day farewell festival September 26–28, featuring artists who helped shape its history.

Though the Loop 337 doors will close soon, the owners hinted at a possible “Chapter 2” for Billy’s Ice in the future.

Learn the basics with expert guidance

Looking for something different this weekend? Head to Fischer Park’s Nature Education Center for a beginner archery class on Saturday, August 30, from 9–10:30 a.m. A certified instructor will teach participants the fundamentals of target archery and compound bow handling in a safe, supportive setting.

All equipment is provided, and the class is open to ages 8 and up. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and pre-registration is required. Cost is $15 per person.

This is not 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
🎨 Paint & Play at McKenna Children's Museum
🎶 Comal Conservation's Live Music Social at The Villa
🎺 San Antonio Dutchmen at Krause's Cafe
🎵 Goodwin's Underground Music Series at Gruene Grove
🎤 Dean Paul Willeford at Pour Haus
🛍️ Humpday Market at Gruene Grove

THURSDAY
🎬 Daytime Classics Movie Series at New Braunfels Public Library
👩‍💼 4th Annual New Braunfels Women's Conference at The Venue
🎶 REK and Friends: Applause for The Cause at Whitewater Amphitheater
🎸 Buffaloe & The Heard live at Krause's Cafe
🎤 Songwriter's Night at The Redbird
🎵 Slim Bawb & Trey Martinez at The Grapevine

FRIDAY
🎤 Tausha Jackson live at Krause's Cafe
📚 Book Fair at McKenna's Children's Museum
✍️ Meet the Author: Chick Morgan at The Design Haus Boutique
🎸 James McMurtry live at Gruene Hall
🎶 Brandon Rhyder at The Redbird
🎵 Grant Ewing & The Hit Parade at Gruene Grove
🐾 Meet Your Match Pet Adoption Event at Humane Society of New Braunfels Area

🚗 10TH ANNUAL VW ROLLOUT AT TRADERS VILLAGE

Looking for a Labor Day weekend adventure just a short drive from New Braunfels? The 10th Annual VW Rollout is rolling into Traders Village San Antonio this Friday through Sunday, August 29–31!

Kick things off Friday night with a party full of food, music, and shiny VW classics, then come back Saturday for the Show & Shine and evening cruise. Sunday brings the Main Event, a judged car show with trophies, raffles, and live music all day.

Between browsing rows of vintage and custom Volkswagens, enjoy shady pavilions, great eats, carnival rides, and plenty of shopping. It’s one of the biggest VW gatherings in Texas—and the perfect way to spend the long weekend.

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!

Discovery Cavern or Hidden Wonders Tour Tickets at Natural Bridge Caverns (Up to 14% Off)

Explore Texas’ largest cavern system and marvel at ancient underground formations! Groupon is offering discounted tickets for both the Discovery Cavern Tour and the Hidden Wonders Tour—each packed with breathtaking sights and unique features.

  • Discovery Cavern Tour: 75-minute walk through winding passages 180 feet underground, featuring stunning stalagmites and stalactites.

  • Hidden Wonders Tour: Expanded in 2023 with three new rooms including Cathedral Canyon and the Ballroom (the deepest venue in Texas). Includes a sound-and-light show and a conveyor ride back to the surface.

🐝 Buzz Around Town

🍎 Free Meals for NBISD Students
Starting September 1, NBISD students who qualify for Reduced-Price Meals will now enjoy free breakfast and lunch thanks to a grant from the 89th Texas Legislature. The program will run through the 2025–2026 and 2026–2027 school years. Apply here.

🐾 Meet Your Match Adoption Event
With 367 pets currently in care, the Humane Society of the New Braunfels Area is hosting its next Meet Your Match adoption event Aug. 29–30. All adoption fees will be waived to help create space for new arrivals.

🏭 Canadian Manufacturer Eyes New Braunfels
The New Braunfels City Council approved a $950,000 incentive package to attract Lefko, a Canadian plastics manufacturer, to open a new facility in the city. If finalized, the site would create up to 150 jobs by 2031 and expand local manufacturing opportunities.

🚶‍♀️ Alligator Creek Trail Now Open
New Braunfels just added another gem to its trail system: the 1.1-mile Alligator Creek Trail. This beginner-friendly, $1.5 million project includes a wide concrete path, benches, signage, and connections to neighborhoods like Oak Creek Estates. It’s open daily from 6 a.m. to midnight.

WEATHER FORECAST 

Wednesday: High: 89º | Low: 75º | 40% chance of precipitation

Thursday: High: 94º | Low: 75º | 10% chance of precipitation

Friday: High: 95º | Low: 76º | 15% 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.)

Wondering what’s really in your water? Whether you're battling hard water, strange odors, or buildup on your appliances, Aqua-Man Water Conditioning is here to help.

They’ve been New Braunfels' go-to experts for over 30 years, offering complimentary professional water tests to assess your home’s water quality. Their team will walk you through simple, personalized solutions—whether you want softer skin, better-tasting drinking water, or just peace of mind.

👉 Schedule your free test here or call (210) 342-2290 to book it today.

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 HILL COUNTRY RETREAT WITH RIVER VIEWS

If you’re looking for a quick escape, this remodeled barn in Kerrville offers rustic charm with modern comfort. The two-bedroom getaway features a garden, porch, and a view of the Guadalupe River, all just minutes from Kerrville-Schreiner Park and downtown.

Now is a great time to visit Kerrville to support the local businesses and experience this charming small town that’s been through so much recently.

It’s the perfect late-summer getaway spot for couples or families wanting a mix of relaxation and Hill Country adventure.

Thanks!

That’s it for today’s email. We hope you found it interesting and useful!

If you enjoyed this edition, share it with a friend who’d love a daily dose of New Braunfels too.

Until next time,

— The New Braunfels Life Team

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