Born out of a desire to celebrate Texas and Americana music as well as benefiting the local United Way, the Gruene Music & Wine Fest began in 1986. Preparations for the 32nd event, slated for Oct 4-7, have been well under way, and though it started as a one-day music fest, it now spans four days with four distinct events and includes the celebration of wine, craft beer, food and gift items handmade in Texas.
Each year, the event continues to grow, drawing more people and more goods, including over 40 wineries, 25 craft breweries, food producers for tastings and ‘Le Cordon Gruene’ food alley.
Just as the entertainment and happenings have grown, so have the funds donated each year to the United Way of Comal County. In the beginning, the event garnered a humble $450. Last year, they broke their own giving records, donating almost $174,000. Most of it was raised over the course of the first three days – that amounted to more than $143,700 being donated to the United Way of Comal County and then on Sunday, a whopping $30,204 was raised to give to United Way of Coastal Bend to aid in the Harvey disaster relief.
The entertainment continues to be exceptional; this year’s headliners include Michael Martin Murphy on Thursday, Aaron Watson on Friday, Hal Ketchum on Saturday – all of whom will be performing at the famous Gruene Hall. Sunday’s lineup includes Aaron Stephens, Jesse Dayton and Guy Forsyth from 1pm-6pm on the Grapevine Stage. On Sunday at Gruene Hall, there will a full slate of the best in Texas and Americana music including Jason Boland, Dalton Domino, Micky & The Motorcars and Jamie Lin Wilson.
The event is reserved for only those 21 and up.
At the Kickoff Event on Thursday, October 4, include specially curated wine and beer tasting, VIP opportunity, Live Music featuring Mike & the Moonpies, taste tickets and door prizes. General Admission tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the door. VIP tickets are available in advance only for $25 and include additional taste tickets, early admission and a souvenir wine glass.
Immediately following the Kickoff Event, the Michael Martin Murphey concert will begin at 8pm. Tickets are on sale now for $35.
Friday, October 5 will be Rockin’ with Texas Wine & Food, 5:30pm-8:30pm featuring a private show and meet ‘n’ greet with Aaron Watson, dinner by The Gristmill River Restaurant and Bar, wine tasting by three of Texas’ best vineyards, and more.
In addition, The Great Guitar Auction will be held Friday. Autographed guitars by well-loved artists will be up for grabs. Those will include guitars signed by the likes of George Strait, Charley Pride, Randy Travis, Wynonna Judd, Lyle Lovett, Robert Earl Keen, Tracy Byrd, Three Dog Night and others.
Tiered pricing for the evening starts at $85.
Aaron Watson (full band) will take the stage at 9pm in Gruene Hall. Admission is $40.
On October 6, the featured event will be Texas Tastings & Tunes from 12pm-6pm on the Grapevine Grounds. There will be nearly 100 wines for tasting, live music, “Le Cordon Gruene” food trucks, and artisan market and more.
Admission is $25 in advance, $35 at the door as available, and is a 21 or older event.
Saturday evening, Hal Ketchum will take to the stage at Gruene Hall. Doors open at 8 pm. Admission is $20.
Wrapping up the four day event will be the +Craft Beer Event & Music Fest on Sunday, October 7.
From 1pm-6pm on the Grapevine Grounds, there will be over 75 craft beers for tastings & wines for purchase, more than eight hours of live Texas music, food trucks, artisan market, and more. There are two ticketing options available for this event. For more information visit gruenemusicandwinefest.org.
Gruene Music & Wine Fest is held each year in Gruene Historic District in New Braunfels, 30 minutes north of San Antonio and 45 minutes south of Austin, on IH 35.
Free parking and shuttle available.
Visit the event’s website for more details and information, including where to order tickets, where to park, FAQ’s (no chairs allowed, service animals only, smoking allowed outside of tents and buildings – and more), and updated lineups as they are announced.
Go to gruenemusicandwinefest.org. The address is 1601 Hunter Rd. (in Gruene Historic District), New Braunfels, TX 78130. Phone: 830-629-5077. Email: [email protected].
