Let’s Get Ready for Wurstfest!
It’s that time of year again, when the crisp fall air ushers in the hum of polka music and the wafts of German bratwurst. Wait who are we kidding? Austin doesn’t get fall air until at least December…but it’s time for New Braunfels’ annual Wurstfest, nonetheless.
Wurstfest kicked off in the early 1960s as a festival dedicated to sausage. Originally named simply and sweetly, Sausage Fest, this day-long event drew in 2000 hungry visitors. Now it has expanded into a 10-day affair, complete with amusement park, biergarten, and all the lederhosen you can handle!
If you are thinking about attending this tribute to German culture deep in the heart of Texas, here’s a few things to know before and when you go:
- Cash is King. While some vendors do accept debit/credit cards, admission and drink tickets may only be purchased with cash. ATMs are available on-site, so come prepared with either cash or your debit card.
- Plan Ahead. Buy your ticket ahead of time on Wurstfest’s website. One less line to stand in. You can even purchase drink tickets ahead of time!
- Costumes are Encouraged. Whether it’s lederhosen, Dirndls, or just a silly hat, Wurstfest encourages all types of funny attire. Remember this is a family affair though, so keep your outfits PG!
- Find a “Home”. If you are visiting with a group, it is SO easy to get lost in the giant complex that is Wurstfest. Designate a spot as your homebase, as well as a meeting time when everyone needs to return to homebase. Pro tip? Make the time about 20 minutes earlier than you actually want to meet…it is really easy to get lost (or distracted with all the beer and dancing).
- So. Much. Beer. Beer is available by the pint or the pitcher. A true Wurstfest enthusiast gets a pitcher…just for themselves. We recommend bringing a hands-free boot (imagine a boot-shaped mug strapped around your neck) as there is not always somewhere readily available to set your mug down.
- Get a Designated Driver. With all this beer, safety is a serious concern. One you won’t be thinking much about after a few of those pitchers, so make sure you plan ahead.
- Dance! If you don’t know how to do the Chicken Dance or the Polka…you should. Let one of the old-timers teach you a step or two. Or just get out there and see how it goes. With a name like the Chicken Dance, even those in the know are looking a little bit silly, so there’s no reason why you can’t join in!