Wurstfest is one of my favorite festivals to attend each year! The food, drinks and entertainment…read moreare always awesome. Pro tip- go on a week night because it's free entry. Weekends require purchased tickets. There's a little something for everyone, food galore, adult beverages, shopping, live music, a carnival, indoor and outdoor seating, etc. Do yourself a favor and get a pork chop on a stick. It's the most popular food item- you can tell by the constant line of people at their booth. My one disappointment is that beer prices continually rise every year. There was a point in time that you could get a domestic beer pitcher for $15-17, now a pitcher (import) is over $30! Although I wish the prices would decline, I know that I'm going to return each year because I always have the best time!

Quick historical tidbit: Of all the settlers that came to…read moreTexas only the German Immigrants did not break treaties with Indians. Which became the basis in the creation of New Braunfels. Why did I add this? Well, as a newbie to Wurstfest the friendliness by the community is abundant. I have been meaning to do it for years but that day never came, until now. I am not a fan of crowds even though I'm front and center for Fiesta San Antonio. In Texas we love to party. Which brings me back to my historical tidbit. All immigrants, settlers that have come(and still do) from other countries have contributed to the genesis of our state. Be it by culture, food and music. Wurstfest is a reaffirmation of the influence German Immigrants has had in the creation of a Texas identity. An event that unabashedly celebrates both sausage and beer, which is a match made in heaven. Firstly, I implore you to buy tickets online. It's five bucks lesser and will alleviate potential entrance headaches. As I get older I find myself opting to go early or when an event opens. If you're an introvert like as me I highly recommend this. Wurstfest offers a shuttle service that is minutes away. I encourage you to utilize this. For about ten bucks you park in a separate area away from the event. The shuttle buses run every few minutes. And they run extremely efficiently. When I arrived here I was struck by how vast it is. I have never been to the October Fest in Germany. But as big as Texas Events are this one is really on an epic scale. You can sense what this event means to this community. Before you even enter you see masses of men wearing Alpine Hats and lederhosen. And the women rocking dirndl dresses. Entering and walking on the grounds you are surrounded by beer, food and music. Pretzels. Schnitzel. Bratwurst. Sauerkraut. In all directions there are beer stations everywhere. You can buy beer by the cup, plastic stein or the pitcher. There is a small list of beers on tap: Spoetzl Brewery and Hofbrau, from Germany. Brace yourself for the lines. You won't find a Hazy IPA, Trappist ALE nor any other style of beer for that matter. All beer and food is meant to aggrandize German culture, heritage and traditions. Thus it is mainly German styles. In addition there are pockets of small and large areas with picnic style seating and music. It is a communal affair. In Wursthalle Oompah Bands are playing with festivalgoers steins hoisted in the air, in unison with the music. The dance floor is filled with couples and that odd single dude doing the "Chicken Dance." For a second I closed my eyes and could hear the similarities between Mexican and Conjunto music. Thus the German Culture is monumental. In contrast in San Antonio when events where food and drinks collide there is a rowdy crowd. It often leads to grandstanding or hot-headed patrons. All throughout the day everyone was extremely friendly. It is a party vibe but my summation is that festivalgoers want to have a good time without incident. People have commented on how expensive this event is. Food items are reasonably priced but the beer is where the brunt of your money will go to. Pitchers were $40 bucks and I saw people walking around with three or more empty vessels. My suggestion is to stick with the German beers. They go perfectly with the food and are more full bodied. Especially with the brezel wurst I had. I know this used to be a ticketed event for everything here. Food and beer are by credit or debit card only. Before I do a terrible, awkward and awful interpretation of a "Chicken Dance" to cap this review let me add this. The Wurstfest is an awesome event that celebrates German Heritage. It fits in with the historical narrative that all immigrants contribute and still continue to our mosaic. If you've never gone before I highly recommend it. Next year I'm going to rock an Alpine Hat but I'm leaving the lederhosen home.

Held in the small town of Hallettsville, TX, the Kolache Fest is a cool and tasty way to have a…read more fun day. There's lots to see and hear as well as many delicious things to eat! The Kolache Fest is held at the Knight of Columbus Hall in Hallettsville., TX. It consists of games, arts and crafts booths, a classic car show, live polka music, dancing, a BBQ judging, food demos, a Biergarten and of course kolaches. The kolaches are provided by Kountry Bakery. As we drove past the restaurant itself we noticed how packed it was. After trying their kolaches at the festival, we can understand why it was so crowded. The kolaches are great. We wanted to try them all. Kolaches are sold at the festival by the half dozens and available in fruit varieties, cream cheese and as they call them, "pig" (sausage) with and without cheese and jalapeño. The events themselves are held at various times and offer something for everyone. Besides the above listed events there are many more - too many to list! We especially liked the food demos and the crocodile show as well as the classic cars. The live polka music and bands were talented and put on a lively, toe tapping show. Food items for sale are homemade by some very good bakers and benefit some well deserving organizations. Homemade sweets make any event that much better. There is lots of seating in a covered pavilion with huge ceiling fans that give relief from some of the heat. Hallettsville is a small town and this event has a big turnout so arriving early is the best way to ensure good parking although the lot is large. A trivia bit we learned is that it is the only town in the world with the name Hallettsville. It has the friendly, welcoming, small town type warmth that isn't always found within they city. If you like good food and friendly festivities the Kolache Fest is something you'll enjoy.

This is a great family event to go to. The kolaches are amazing and you can buy them individually…read moreor by the half dozen. They also have the "pigs" (sausage stuffed kolaches). They have plenty of fun activities for kids of all ages and several bands throughout the day on 2 different stages inside with music to dance to. They have great reasonably priced food of all kind; even a 9 foot pizza. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the Kolache Fest!!

We only got to attend two of the four nights this year, but we had a really good time. ZZ Top was…read morethe headliner for Saturday night, so there was quite a crowd, I heard estimates of 18,000, which is a lot of people for this fair. They set up a stage at the edge of the fairgrounds and it actually worked really well. I think they learned a lesson last year when the crowds were too large for their usual stage for the Merle Haggard concert. Kudos for recognizing the problem and creating a solution. On Sunday night, Earl Thomas Conley put on a great show. He sang his hits and a few not so well known songs, for a good mix of his music. Friday night was BJ Thomas and the Triumphs. Word is they were really good as well. The fair continues to be a lot of fun. We go every year and always have a lot of fun. A season pass was only $35 and you get 4 nights of entertainment included. If you enjoy county fairs, put this one on your calendar for next Labor Day.

I have been coming to this fair for 40+ years. Growing up in this little town of Lagrange it was a…read morehighlight of the year to go to the fair. Every year they've gotten better and better ask and this year they had ZZ Top. Really outdid themselves. We went to the concert for a little while but we left early because we knew that the traffic could be horrible. I heard some stories about it being bad but what do people expect this many people in a small town come on. They also had Earl Thomas Conley on Sunday night which was great it wasn't too many people and you can really enjoy it. I love the fair and always will go back.

The 2024 TM BBQ Festival was Saturday and Sunday, Nov 2 and 3. This was the third year it was held…read morein Lockhart, having moved down from Austin. Since we live in Central Texas, there is no shortage of good barbecue within an hour's drive or so, so this year we decided to forgo the crowded and not inexpensive ticketed picnic on Sunday and went on Saturday instead. Saturdays have evolved basically to A La Carte days. There is a "Taco Trail" of five or six taqueria canopies (vendors rotate from year to year), and canopies for about half a dozen other top-rated BBQ joints who sell their wares for straight-up cash or cards. Fewer than on Sunday, but again, no reservations or tickets needed. Just walk on up. The longest line on the Taco Trail was for El Pastor Es Mi Senor, of Netflix fame. But we live nearby and go there a lot, so we opted for BBQ lamb tacos from a joint in Mission. Never have tried a lamb taco, but these were great, with fresh pico and salsa. I'll be looking for lamb barbecue on future BBQ menus. There were plenty of beer and soft drink vendors around the square, plus a Jim Beam corral for those so inclined. Free water on the square. If in doubt, try going on a Saturday yourself to check out the scene. You can come back on Sunday if you want to splurge. And, BTW, dogs are welcome to come chow down with you.

Rookie. I was a rookie this year and had no idea what to expect. Arrived 30 minutes before event…read morestarted and there was already a sizable line. Doh' as Homer would say. Yet the staff was cool and entertaining while waiting and they even had a wacky marching band play to really get our festival started. Entered and had Hutchins BBQ first because my sister loves it the most. So good I eat the whole sample. Notice a veteran carrying around a large tin foil pan like you buy at HEB to hold all his samples. He said this is his 10th year. Brilliant. The Veteran also said you think you know what will he your favorite just throw that idea away. It will change as you sample. He was right. I see some empty tray pans and ask a BBQ dude if I can have one and thank heavens he said yes. So now I can balance my samples in style of a aluminum foil tray. Next to Hutchins was another good sample. I eat this whole sample too. Snows BBQ was next on my list to try and the line was long and the sample was highly disappointing. Dry and small and no good. Maybe I hit the line at a crappy time. I'll give Snows the benefit of the botched sample doubt. Few more samples later and I am meated out. I am full. Huge Rookie mistake eating the whole samples at first that I really liked. Didn't have room to try more meats. I was out. Then I laid on lawn listening to the most hilarious beautiful lady sing the blues. Oh my she was hilarious and amazing and sang ,,, 'if you didn't come to party, why the hell are you here' 'a low down dirty shame' 'I came to funk you up' At the end of the day ate more and Hutchins was the best BBQ. So moist and succulent you didn't need teeth to eat. Stood out hard against the rest which many of the other places were dry as a bone or all fat. Don't get me wrong I like to suck on grissel from time to time but not eat a huge piece of it with little to no meat attached. Hutchins wins. I won tickets to this event which was awesome but I would totally pay to attend again.

My first and last Wassailfest. They tried to duplicate the Christmas Market atmosphere in Europe…read more Very difficult to do for one 3 hour (6-9PM) block of time on a single evening. Instead it was just a mass of people milling around downtown New Braunfels. Very long lines for mini sized paper cups of wassail. Just a mess.

Wonderful time! Great feeling of community and small town warmth. New to this beautiful town and…read moreso happy we made the move!

Most of this food is cheap carnival food, but there is one African American team with a 50 foot…read moresmoker cooking wood smoked whole turkey legs. They are not with the other barbecue competitors but in the festival area. The Schertz Park Commission always puts on good festivals, but they need to offer more upscale food trucks. The bands were great as always. My big complaint was the parking area was about 3 football fields away. They kept the closest spots for the bbq competitors. We are the paying customers.

What a great time! Ride the Austin Steam Train to have a hassle free ride, and enjoy the craft…read morebooths, diners and especially the parade and the shoot out! There was also live music and carnival rides for the kiddos.

Two tickets aboard the Austin Steam Train (the steam locomotive is in for restoration), pulled by a…read moresixties era diesel engine, and nearly a two hour relaxing trip on board the City of Chicago sleeper/dinner car, brought us to the annual Bluebonnet Festival in the "hill country " of central Texas ' historic town of Burnett. A town founded as the county seat in 1852, built on cattle and quarries, steeped in Republic of Texas history pre and post civil war. The field of Bluebonnets viewed from the train were out of sight while at the festival, however rows of giant corn dog, funnel cake and craft stands lined the streets and city square. Cloudy skies did not slow the doghouse or weinerdog races, and the local country and western bands (both kinds) played on through the light showers. A small carnival added entertainment and a few thrills, along with a few entertaining "carnies ". Beautiful Bluebonnets, tastes of Texas BBQ and country culture made for a great day trip, and a drousy train ride back to Austin.

Great little vintage car show and music festival in historic Gonzales, Texas…read more Nice size - not crazy big. And the ride from Austin to Gonzales is beautiful.

The 27th Red Poppy Festival taking place in Georgetown, Texas on April 24-26, 2026 is an…read moreinteractive and welcoming spring celebration that truly captures the heart of the community. The festival is held in the city's historic downtown square. The festival brings together live music, artisans, vendors, food trucks, parades, and family-friendly activities in a festive atmosphere. The streets come alive with color, energy, and the signature red poppies that symbolize Georgetown's identity as the "Red Poppy Capital of Texas". Until today, I did not know this well-kept secret. It was so cool to see so many people with poppy clothing - dresses, tops, pants and even one gentleman with a red poppy beard. My friend and I spent 6 hours at the festival. This festival has a little something for everyone. Georgetown visitors and residents enjoyed multiple music stages (Red Poppy, Mayfair and Celebrate) featuring local and nationally recognized performers, browse more than 150 handmade artisan booths, and take part in traditions he such as the Poppy Parade, classic car show, and the POPP Pup Parade. The featured bands while we visited included: Red Poppy Stage Schedule American Gypsy Band: 5:15-6:15 p.m. Jade Eagleson: 6:45-8 p.m. Maddie & Tae: 8:30-10 p.m. Mayfair Stage Schedule Rich Stolp: 4-5 p.m. Celebrate Stage Schedule GISD Ballet Folklorico and Mariachi Band: 4-4:50 p.m. Georgetown Palace Theatre Education: 5-5:55 p.m. The Red Poppy Festival fostered a huge sense of community. Local businesses, volunteers, and performers came together to create a warm, authentic small-town experience. With thoughtful touches such as shuttles, accessible parking options, and pet-friendly policies, the festival reflects Georgetown's hospitality and commitment to inclusivity. The event was well-organized, free to attend, and designed to appeal to all ages, making it an ideal outing for families, couples, and friends. The Red Poppy Festival was a joyful celebration of spring, local culture, and community pride and a standout event in Central Texas's festival calendar. Only one thing that could have made it better was to see actual fresh poppies.

Great local event that we were able to attend for the first time since moving in the area…read more Tons and tons of different vendors selling food, arts, crafts, products, services and much more. I loved the setup, putting vendors back to back and not closing off the regular stores in the area. We wandered for a few hours checking out stores and booths, mixing between so we could get relief from the heat. We were able to be more exposed to stores we maybe wouldn't have stopped into before this event. Due to the event spanning multiple blocks it was easy to find street parking that didn't feel super far away from the action. They had a designated area where 6 or 7 food trucks were parked. This was the only area that needs to be setup differently in the future. Long lines and it was confusing who was in line and difficult to stay out of others way or to get through past people waiting in line or for food to be done. We'll definitely be attending again next year and will probably go later in the day to enjoy the free concerts in the square as well.