Born out of a desire to celebrate Texas and Americana music as well as to benefit the local United Way, the Gruene Music & Wine Fest began in 1986. Preparations for the 33rd event, slated for Oct 10-13, are well under way, and though it started as a one-day music fest, it now spans four days and includes the celebration of Texas wine, craft beer, and food. The festival grew from a love of Texas wine and to help celebrate Texas Wine Month held every October. Over the years and due to the increased popularity of Texas craft beer, the festival now includes a full day for beer enthusiasts as well.
Just as the entertainment and happenings have grown over the years, 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, $153,323 was donated to the United Way of Comal County.
The entertainment continues to be exceptional; this year’s headliners include Bacon Brothers on Thursday, Tanya Tucker on Friday, Casey Donahew Band on Saturday – all of whom will be performing at the famous Gruene Hall. Sunday’s lineup will feature some of the best in Texas and Americana music for more than 8 hours!
The event is reserved for only those 21 and up.
The Kickoff Event on Thursday, October 4, will include a specially curated wine and beer tasting, VIP opportunity, live music, and door prizes. Tickets are on sale now; general admission - $15 in advance, $20 at the door (if available), and VIP $30 (limited quantity and must be purchased in advance). VIP Tickets get you early admission at 5pm, a souvenir wine glass and 5 tasting tickets. Immediately following the kickoff event is The Bacon Brothers live at Gruene Hall. General admission tickets are on sale for $45.
Friday, October 9 will be Rockin’ with Texas Wine & Food, 5:30pm-8:30pm featuring a private show by Tanya Tucker, catered dinner by The Gristmill River Restaurant and Bar, wine tasting from Texas Southwind, Llano Estacado, and Messina Hof.
In addition, The Great Guitar Auction will be held Friday during the Rockin’ with Texas Wine and Food. Autographed guitars by well-loved artists who have played the Hall will be up for grabs during this live auction event. Those will include guitars signed by the likes of George Strait, Marshall Tucker Band, Midland, Lee Ann Womack, Maren Morris, Tyler Childers, Josh Abbott Band and many others.
Reserved tables are available.
On Saturday, October 12, the featured event will be Texas Tastings & Tunes from 12pm to 6pm on the Grapevine Grounds. There will be nearly 100 wines for tasting, live music, “Le Cordon Gruene” food trucks, an artisan market and more.
General admission is $25 in advance, $35 at the door as available. Tickets include a souvenir wine glass and 5 tasting tickets.
VIP tickets are also available for this event, online only in advance, for $50. Ticket package includes a wine tote, commemorative t-shirt, pocket koozie, souvenir wine glass, 8 tasting tickets, and exclusive entry into VIP drawing for a Night on the Town in Gruene for Four. VIP tickets will only be available for a limited time and will not be available at the gate.
Saturday evening, Casey Donahew Band will be performing live at Gruene Hall. Admission is $25.
Wrapping up the four-day event will be the +Craft Beer Event & Music Fest on Sunday, October 13.
From 1pm to 6pm on the Grapevine Grounds, there will be over 80 craft beers available for tastings & wines for purchase, food trucks, artisan market and live music. Starting at 2pm at Gruene hall, enjoy eight full hours of live Texas music.
There are two ticketing options for this event. + Craft Beer Event (Grapevine grounds only) $20 in advance; $25 at the gate. +Craft Beer Event & Music Fest (Grapevine and Gruene Hall grounds) $40 in advance; $50 at the gate.
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, just off IH 35.
Free parking and shuttle will be available.
Visit the event 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].
