SerpApi.Org
As much as we all admire the bratitude of Charli XCX, some folks just can’t handle ACL crowds. For those who want to remain sociable without being jostled by shirtless bros, the 40th annual Gruene Music & Wine Festival offers a much gentler fall experience.
The annual shindig is returning October 8-11, offering four days of tastings, live music, and artisan markets centered around the town’s charming historic district. Tickets are now on sale.
The Hill Country tradition began in 1987 as a one-day showcase of Texas country and Americana music before growing into a four-day affair. In the subsequent years, the organizers drafted breweries and wineries to join in on the fun.
This year brings some familiar favorites to the musical lineup, including Robert Earl Keen, Shane Smith & the Saints, The SteelDrivers, and Dos Borrachos featuring Kevin Fowler and Roger Creager. Yes, that’s a lot of Americana and country, but anyone who has ever listened to “The Road Goes on Forever” knows that hardly means sedate.
The festival is a fundraising powerhouse for the United Way of Comal and Guadalupe Counties’ programs addressing food insecurity, mental health, housing support, and more. In 2025, the event raised $214,500, a goal it hopes to break in its milestone year.
As always, festival passes are à la carte. Those who want to discover a new favorite Pinot Noir or IPA need to purchase tasting tickets and stroll through dozens of booths. Individual shows are priced separately to let guests pick and choose their favorites. And if daytrippers simply want to soak up the quaint atmosphere, Gruene’s restaurants, bars, and boutiques will be open for business."
At its heart, Gruene Music & Wine Fest has always been about bringing people together," said Cami Lehmann, vice president of marketing for organizers Momentous Concepts, in a statement. “We're excited to make this year's festival our best yet."
