Crowds gather at a previous Saengerfest celebration in New Braunfels, Texas.
Courtesy of The City of New Braunfels
Something big is set to once again take over the streets of downtown New Braunfels this spring, filling the historic core with music, food, shopping, and crowds that stretch from afternoon into the evening.
Saengerfest, the city’s signature downtown festival, returns for its 23rd year on Saturday, May 2, bringing a full day of live music, local vendors, wine and beer tastings, and family-friendly activities back to the heart of downtown.
Article continues below this ad
“Not many events make it past 20 years, so the City of New Braunfels is excited to continue this longstanding tradition of celebrating music and community in our historic downtown, now for the 23rd year,” said Calee Jaskula, special events coordinator for the City of New Braunfels, in a statement to MySA.
The free event will once again turn the streets into a walkable festival district, where visitors can move between stages, storefronts, and food trucks while enjoying performances and interactive experiences throughout the day, according to a news release.
“The festival’s origins can still be seen in the event today,” Jaskula said in a statement. “Originally geared as a wine and craft beer event, Saengerfest’s focus has shifted to music and community spirit! And thanks to the growing popularity of this event, the footprint of the festival has grown to include the majority of downtown New Braunfels, making it easier for us to offer more festival fun.”
Article continues below this ad
Music will be spread across two stages, with the Main Stage featuring a steady build of performances capped by Texas country-rock headliner Cody Canada & The Departed. The lineup also includes Dan Sullivan and the Deep Blue Sea, Grupo Vidal, the 90’s VHS Band and the Tiffiny Dawn Band.
A second stage in the Hinterhof area will showcase local acoustic singer-songwriters, offering a more laid-back, intimate soundtrack to the festival atmosphere. New this year, Art Haus at Saengerfest will spotlight local artists through hands-on demonstrations and interactive exhibits.
A crowd watches the live music of ShinyRibs during the annual Wein & Saengerfest in downtown New Braunfels on Saturday, May 7, 2016.
Stephen Spillman
Veramendi, the presenting sponsor, will also return with its exclusive Plaza seating area near the Main Stage, surrounded by food trucks, vendors, and activity zones throughout the downtown footprint.
Article continues below this ad
Wine tastings, beer, and souvenir glassware will be available for purchase, with proceeds benefiting the New Braunfels Downtown Association and the New Braunfels Parks Foundation. VIP tickets will also include tasting access, commemorative glassware, and entry into an air-conditioned hospitality retreat.
“Saengerfest is more than just a music festival; it’s a reflection of our city’s vibrant spirit, welcoming atmosphere, and strong sense of connection,” Communications and Community Engagement Director Jenna Vinson said in the release. “This is a free, family-friendly celebration in our beautiful downtown that brings our community together with live music from local and regional artists, delicious food and drink, and plenty of fun for all ages!”
To accommodate the event’s footprint, several downtown streets will close, including San Antonio Street between Academy Avenue and Liberty Avenue, and Seguin Avenue between Coll Street and Mill Street.
Article continues below this ad
Main Plaza’s gazebo in downtown New Braunfels.
Victoria Lopez/ MySA
The Comal County Courthouse in downtown New Braunfels, Texas.
Nicholas Hernandez/MySA
Free parking and a park-and-ride shuttle will be available at New Braunfels City Hall, 550 Landa St., with service running throughout the day and into the night. Chairs, blankets, and coolers are permitted, though glass containers and pop-up canopies are not allowed.
Saengerfest continues to anchor a growing lineup of signature downtown celebrations in New Braunfels, alongside Wurstfest, Wassailfest and seasonal traditions tied to Día de los Muertos, reinforcing the city’s reputation as a year-round Hill Country festival destination.