The video above walks through 14 live music venues and bands across the New Braunfels area, and it's one of the most thorough looks at the new braunfels top spots for catching live music you'll find. David Bridwell covers everything from historic dance halls to quiet listening rooms, hitting the surrounding communities of Gruene, Selma, and San Marcos along the way. If you're planning a trip or just trying to figure out where to go on a Friday night, this is a solid starting point.
What are the best live music venues in New Braunfels?
The New Braunfels area has a surprising number of places to hear live music, ranging from legendary dance halls to patios, wineries, and even pizza joints. Here's what's featured in the video:
- Gruene Hall — Texas's oldest continually running dance hall, dating back to 1878. A must-visit for real Texas music. Radney Foster was playing when the video was filmed.
- Gruene Grove — A family-friendly outdoor spot just a short walk from Gruene Hall with drinks and BBQ. Ryan Lawless Band was performing.
- Lone Star Float House — Located along the Guadalupe River, they host a Sunday Serenade series during the summer. John Evans was playing.
- Dry Comal Creek Vineyards — A winery on the outskirts of town where you can relax with wine and afternoon music. Stella was performing.
- Guadalupe Brewing — A craft brewery with a pizza kitchen and live music Friday through Sunday. Mason Norris was on stage.
- Double Dave's Pizza Works — The Gabriel Place location in New Braunfels actually books live music. Monty Good has a regular Thursday gig there.
- Bootleggers Pizza — A prohibition-era-inspired spot in downtown New Braunfels with a large indoor space and occasional outdoor music. Luke Leverett was playing outside.
- Tavern on Castell — A newer downtown spot serving upscale cocktails and light bites with live music inside. Brian Snipes was performing.
- The Pour House — A downtown patio bar with live music on their outdoor stage seven nights a week and a second-floor viewing area. Ace Pepper Blues Band was playing.
- Riley's Tavern — The first tavern in Texas after prohibition, open since 1933. John Evans Band was performing.
- Happy Cow — Right near Riley's Tavern, with a laid-back outdoor area surrounded by trees. Cole Barill was playing.
- Blue Bonnet Palace — A music venue and dance spot in Selma, just south of New Braunfels, with a large outdoor stage and indoor dance floor. Case Harden was playing the outside stage.
- Cheatham Street Warehouse — A historic venue in San Marcos that recently celebrated 50 years of hosting up-and-coming Texas artists. Scott H. Biram was performing.
- Redbird Listening Room — An intimate ticketed venue in New Braunfels where the audience gathers to actually listen. Bob Livingston, who has a long history playing with Jerry Jeff Walker, performed here alongside Bradley Coupe and the India Ink.
Beyond the Dance Halls
What stands out about the New Braunfels music scene is how spread out it is. You've got the well-known Gruene Hall anchoring one end, but then there are wineries, river float houses, breweries, and neighborhood bars all booking real musicians on a regular basis. Places like the Redbird Listening Room offer something completely different from a rowdy dance hall — it's a seated, quiet room where songwriters tell stories between songs. That range is what makes the area worth exploring beyond just the obvious stops. Whether you want to two-step, sip wine, or sit still and listen, there's a spot for it.