Wasserfest, which began in the 1980s as a seasonal kickoff celebration and was last seen in 1993, is being revived. The event will make its triumphant return to New Braunfels on Saturday, May 16, at the Wurstfest grounds at Landa Falls on Landa Street, bringing back a festival built around music, community gathering and life along the Comal River.
Organizers are framing the return as a revival of a long-dormant tradition rather than a new festival. In its early years, Wasserfest served as a casual summer kickoff where locals gathered for tubing, live music, food and a full day spent by the water. That same spirit is at the center of its 2026 comeback.
The return of Wasserfest will kick off with a day full of activities along the Comal River, including river floating from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., food trucks, games and family-friendly fun beginning at noon, and live music from 1 to 4 p.m.
Admission to Wasserfest for guests ages 13 and older is $10, while children ages 12 and younger receive free entry to the festival grounds at Landa Falls. Attendees are encouraged to bring picnic blankets, chairs and reusable containers to enjoy the festivities on the riverbanks. Tickets can be purchased online.
Leading the lineup is Soul Sessions, a Central Texas-based band known for its high-energy blend of R&B, soul, and funk. A familiar name across the Central Texas live music circuit, they’ve performed at venues including Gruene Hall, Pour Haus, Krause’s Cafe and across the Austin-San Antonio corridor, earning a reputation for upbeat sets built for outdoor crowds and summer events.
The revival of Wasserfest stands out as an attempt to bring back a piece of New Braunfels’ summer culture that has been absent for more than three decades.
Find it: 178 Landa Park Drive, New Braunfels, Texas 78130