Rusty Brockman (center) holds Stella Laney in between Kaylee Brockman (left) and Cameron Brockman (right) at Wurstfest. (Amira Van Leeuwen/Community Impact)
Wurstfest—which originated in 1961—began as a one-day festival created by the New Braunfels meat inspector, Ed Grist, as a festival to honor sausage. The festival has since grown to 10 days of celebrating the city’s German heritage.
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Marc Allen, 2025 festival general chair and president-elect, said crowds were evenly dispersed across the 10-day event, and attendance was up about 4%-5%.
Wurstfest 2025 attendees watch performers on the main stage on the first Saturday of the event. (Ethan Thomas/Community Impact)
“I think it was a huge success,” Allen told Community Impact.
One of the significant changes implemented at the event this year was eliminating drink tickets, which sped up the lines. By eliminating drink tickets, more space was created on the grounds.
“We had seven new vendors that we were able to put in spots where drink ticket booths were,” Allen said.
Pecos Pete's All Natural Tea & Soda sells collectible mugs and jars to Wurstfest 2025 attendees. (Ethan Thomas/Community Impact)
“Our major goal was to have a better patron experience,” Allen said.
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Allen said they appreciated those who visited Wurstfest.
“We hope we fulfilled their expectations with entertainment, family, fun, friends. ... We’re doing our best to improve year upon year, and we’ll continue to strive to do that,” Allen said.
