July
July 15-16: Calling all gamers
The New Braunfels Civic/Convention Center will host an 8-Bit Block Party, a celebration of fandoms. There will be a variety of vendors, guests and activities from different comics, movies and games.
• 10 a.m.-7 p.m. (Sat.), 10 a.m.-6 p.m. (Sun.)
• Ticket prices vary
• New Braunfels Civic/Convention Center, 375 S. Castell Ave., New Braunfels
• 830-221-4011
• www.8bitblockparty.com
July 22: Run for fun
Runners can choose to participate in the Kids K, 5K, 10K or half-marathon at the Stars and Stripes Half Marathon. The race will occur on scenic country roads, and participants will receive a T-shirt and a finishers medal.
•6:30 a.m.
• $15-$100
• Stars and Stripes Drive-in Theatre, 1178 Kroesche Lane, New Braunfels
• www.bit.ly/3qzLYLs
July 23: Attend an art reception
The New Braunfels Art League will host an opening reception for its show “Love That Red” in the Elaine Felder Gallery. The show will feature art depicting the color red using any media. Each artist may enter up to three pieces of art.
•2-4:30 p.m.
• Free
• 239 W. San Antonio St., New Braunfels
• 830-629-8022
• www.thenewbraunfelsartleague.com
July 29: Bake a book
The New Braunfels Public Library Westside Branch is holding its annual Edible Book Contest. Each edible creation must depict a fiction or nonfiction book or character. Online voting for the People’s Choice Award category will take place on the Westside Community Center’s Facebook page and in person at the Westside Community Center Gym. Contestant forms are due to the library by July 27.
• 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
• Free (admission)
• New Braunfels Public Library Westside Branch, 2802 S. I-35, New Braunfels
• 830-221-4630August
Aug. 4: Queue up Queen
The Brauntex Performing Arts Theatre will host “Q, The Music of Queen.” The show will take the audience on a journey through the 21-year history of Queen from its early days to the performance at Live Aid in 1985.
• 7:30 p.m.
• $23-$40
• The Brauntex Performing Arts Theatre, 290 W. San Antonio St., New Braunfels
• 830-627-0808
• www.brauntex.org
Aug. 5: Be the top pickler
Das Rec, the city of New Braunfels Recreation Center, will host its annual pickleball tournament, the Das Rec Hot Summer Smasher Tournament. Competitive players are invited to participate in the mixed—or co-ed—doubles tournament. Das Rec encourages individuals to register early through July 16. The pickleball tournament is open to a max of 20 teams. The tournament is open to pickleball players age 16 and over only.
• 8 a.m.
• $50 per team (early registration), $60 per team (regular registration July 17-29)
• Das Rec, 345 Landa St., New Braunfels
• 830-221-4170
• www.dasrec.com
Aug. 5: Become the Masskrugstemmen Königen
The Masskrugstemmen champion will be determined at the finals of the season-long competition. Masskrugstemmen is a traditional beer stein-holding competition from Germany. The Bavarian strongman and strongwoman event involves participants holding a liter of German beer by the handle straight in front of their bodies for as long as possible. The last person holding their liter of beer wins. The winners from the final will receive a weekend in New York City in September that includes airfare and hotel payment.
• 6:30 p.m. (registration), 7:30 p.m. (event start)
• $20.
• 830-625-2807
• www.krausescafe.com
Aug. 5: Volunteer in the park
During Fischer Park’s Garden Volunteer Day, volunteers can help to plant, water, weed and maintain the Fischer Park Monarch Waystation & Demonstration Garden. The work completed at the Garden Volunteer Day will help maintain the natural habitat for monarch butterflies and other pollinators. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and preregistration is recommended.
• 8:30-10 a.m.
• Free
• Fischer Park Nature Education Center, 1946 Monarch Way, New Braunfels
• 830-221-4378
• www.newbraunfels.gov/fpnec
Aug. 6-7: Gear up for the outdoors
The NB Sports & Outdoorsmen Show will feature hunting, boating, camping, power sports and fishing gear.
• 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (Aug. 5), 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Aug. 6).
• $5-$10
• New Braunfels Convention Center, 375 S. Castell Ave., New Braunfels
• 830-488-7814
• www.hillcountryconferences.com
Aug. 13: Explore the Market Platz
The city of New Braunfels will host Play at the Platz, a historic citywide market in downtown New Braunfels at the historic Market Plaza. Attendees are encouraged to bring chairs and blankets to enjoy live music. There will also be games from New Braunfels Parks & Recreation’s Rec-n-Roll and food trucks.
• 4-8 p.m.
• Free
• 292 Tolle St., New Braunfels
• www.downtownnewbraunfels.com
