13 events happening this October in New Braunfels

Oct. 9 | Marvel at monarch butterflies

During the seventh annual Monarch Fall Festival, residents can participate in a fall-themed day of games, crafts and exhibits to celebrate the Monarch Butterfly at Fischer Park hosted by the New Braunfels Parks and Recreation Department. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. Fischer Park, 1935 Hilltop Summit Road, New Braunfels. 830-221-4375. www.nbtexas.org/fischerpark

Oct. 9-10 | Learn about local heritage

During the annual Folkfest New Braunfels, attendees can watch living history reenactments, listen to live music, participate in children’s crafts and tour the Museum of Texas Handmade Furniture. Sponsored by the Heritage Society of New Braunfels, proceeds from the event will benefit the Museum of Texas Handmade Furniture and its historic preservation efforts. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. both dates. Free (children age 6 and younger), $5 (guests over 6). 1370 Church Hill Drive, New Braunfels. 830-629-6504. www.texashandmadefurniture.com/folkfest

Oct. 9-10 | Volunteer to make a difference

Join Serve Spot for the Big Serve in New Braunfels and volunteer to support local nonprofit organizations. The weekend will begin with a virtual rally Oct. 9 before participants go to their volunteer locations. Register for three- to five-hour time slots on each day. 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. (Oct. 9), 9 a.m.-1 p.m. (Oct. 10). http://volunteer.servespot.org/bigserve2021

Oct. 16 | Witness the strength of top “teer” competitors

At the Top Teer Strongman Showdown, competitors will participate in events such as the log clean and press, stone load medley and vertical flag hoist. Spectators can watch the events and enjoy live music, food trucks, vendors and participate in a cornhole tournament. A children’s area will also be available. 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. $10 (admission), $80 (competitors with United States Strongman membership). Top Teer Strength & Conditioning, 1260 FM 1863, New Braunfels. 830-214-5700. www.top-teer-strength.myshopify.com

Oct. 19 | Support a local nonprofit

During the annual Options for Life fundraising banquet, attendees can enjoy a diner benefiting the local nonprofit. Options for Life provides free pregnancy testing, ultrasounds, and STI testing and treatment for area residents. 6:30-8:30 p.m. $50 (per person), $500-$3,500 (table sponsorships). New Braunfels Civic and Convention Center, 375 S. Castell Ave., New Braunfels. 830-629-7565. www.optionsforlifenb.org

Oct. 22 and 23 | Hear stories from beyond the grave

During the Soul Searching Cemetery Tour, participants will take a walking tour through the Comal Cemetery to visit select graves of historic residents of the city. Actors will portray the residents and will share about their lives as participants travel through the cemetery. 6:30-8:45 p.m. (both nights). $20 (per person). Cypress Bend Park, 503 Peace Ave., New Braunfels. 830-221-4350. www.nbparksandrec.com

Oct. 23 Get dressed up for a cause

Room Redux, a local nonprofit organization, will host its first fall gala titled A Night of Whimsy at The Venue in New Braunfels. The event will include music by members of the Mid-Texas Symphony, a silent auction and magic performances. Proceeds will benefit the organization in its work to transform the rooms of children who have faced abuse. 6-10 p.m. $50 (per person), sponsorship packages available upon request. 2032 Central Plaza, New Braunfels. 830-743-8320. www.roomredux.org

Oct. 23-24 | Fall into the arts

Artisans, performers, vendors, nature and more will be part of the annual Fall Into Arts Festival hosted by the Greater New Braunfels Arts Council. Proceeds will benefit arts members of the organization that are recovering from challenges brought on by the coronavirus pandemic. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. (Oct. 23), 11 a.m.-6 p.m. (Oct. 24). $5 (over age 5). Headwaters at the Comal, 333 E. Klingemann St., New Braunfels. 512-980-4399. www.gnbac.org

Oct. 23-24 | Celebrate clay creators

The 29th annual Texas Clay Festival will take place in the Gruene Historic District and will feature the work of over 80 Texas potters and clay artists. Attendees can purchase pottery, watch demonstrations and more. Masks and social distancing are recommended for those in attendance. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. (Oct. 23), 10 a.m.-5 p.m.(Oct. 24). Free. 1724 Hunter Road, New Braunfels. www.texasclayfestival.com

Oct. 31 | Conduct spooky science experiments

Children in kindergarten through third grade can participate in Halloween-themed experiments during the Spooky Science event. Prizes will be given out for the most creative costume, the best nature-themed costume and most eco-friendly costume. 3-4 p.m. $3 (Headwaters member youth: supporter and contributor level), $4 (Headwaters member youth: family level), $5 (general admission). Headwaters at the Comal, 333 E. Klingemann St., New Braunfels. 830-608-8937. www.headwatersatthecomal.com

Oct. 23 | Celebrate the Day of the Dead

Downtown New Braunfels Hosted by the New Braunfels Hispanic Business Alliance and sponsored by Tri-City Distributors, the Dia De Los Muertos Festival will include live music, face painting, games for children, local vendors and more. Proceeds from the event will benefit scholarships for local students, small business grants and local nonprofits. Noon-10 p.m. Free. Downtown New Braunfels. 830-625-2385. www.nbddlm.com

LIVE MUSIC

Freiheit Country Store, 2157 FM 1101, New Braunfels

830-625-9400 | www.freiheitcountrystore.net

Oct. 8 The McBride & the Ride Reunion Tour

Oct. 9 Already Gone

Gruene Hall, 1281 Gruene Road, New Braunfels

830-606-1281 | www.gruenehall.com

Oct. 8 Aaron Watson

Oct. 15 Shane Smith & The Saints

Oct. 23 Kody West

Oct. 29 Heartless Bastards

Gruene Grove, 1263 Gruene Road, New Braunfels

830-765-0300 | www.gruenegrove.com

Oct. 8 Texas Cannonballs

Oct. 15 Ethan Hanson Band

Oct. 23 Tiger Alley

Oct. 30 Cold Snaps