Wurstfest 2012, a unique celebration rich in German heritage and full of Texas fun, opens November 2 and continues through November 11, offering 10 days of family-style fun on the Wurstfest grounds along the Comal River in Landa Park in New Braunfels, Texas.
The festival features the sounds of more the 40 bands playing at four different venues, a carnival, tasty German/Texas foods, the Marktplatz shopping area, and the opportunity to visit with friends while enjoying the view of the scenic Comal River.
The festival began in 1961 as a promotional event for the city’s sausage-making industry. It quickly grew from a two-day vent into a week-long event, before expanding into a 10-day affair.
Wurstfest officially kicks off with opening ceremonies at 5pm Friday, November 2 in the Wursthalle with the "biting of the sausage" and the ceremonial tapping of the keg.
The newest venue at Wurstfest, Stelzenhaus, which opened this past year, means bands now have four stages. This year's line-up includes the all-female band, Die Bayrische 7 from Munich as well as returning favorites such as the Jimmy Sturr Orchestra, Alex Meixner, Master Yodeler Kerry Christensen, Seven Dutchmen Orchestra, Cloverleaf Orchestra, Terry Cavanagh and Alpine Express, Alpenfest, Squeezebox and Die Schlauberger.
Wurstfest patrons can enjoy live music at Wursthalle, Das Grosse Zelt (The Big Tent), Das Kleine Zelt (The Little Tent) and Stelzenhaus (stilt house).
Several area-wide, Wurst-related activities take place during the festival including the Wurst Tour de Gruene, Wurstfest Regatta at Canyon Lake, the Wurstfest 10K Walk hosted by the New Braunfels Marsch-und Wandergruppe and the Wurstfest Skat Tournament at Landa Haus.
For a complete list of entertainment, visit www.wurstfest.com.
For more information about top events in Texas take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in Texas.