Thru the Chute, one of New Braunfels’ most popular annual springtime events, is seeing changes in 2026.
What’s changed
Thru the Chute, which previously operated as a first-come, first-serve event, has grown by approximately 89% since 2023, according to Placer ID data from the New Braunfels Chamber of Commerce, which was provided to Community Impact by the city.
Due to the event’s growing popularity, event-goers have been turned away at the gate, families have been separated by gate closures, and early morning lineups have created congestion, city officials said in an email to Community Impact.
In an effort to provide a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants and spectators, the city placed a cap on in-person attendance and began offering free spectator tickets—which are required to enter the event. Tickets were available for free online on a first-come, first-served basis starting at 8 a.m. Feb. 2, according to the email.
“This allows the city to set clear expectations and manage crowd size in a predictable and safer manner,” the email states.
About 5,500 spectator tickets were claimed within the first hour of being released, and in-person spectator tickets are now sold out. Although the total number of boats allowed for this year’s event increased, boat registration also sold out, city officials said in the email.
The city is also livestreaming the event on New Braunfels social media for the first time. There will also be a series of watch parties organized and hosted at various downtown businesses.
Before you go
Thru the Chute will take place at 10 a.m. April 11 at Prince Solms Park.
