Anaqua Garden Bar at Plaza San Antonio Hotel & Spa. Photo: Anaqua Garden Bar, used with permission.
This year, Labor Day falls on Monday September 7. Celebrate the long Labor Day weekend with these standout events, stays, and treats across San Antonio and New Braunfels. (The Faust Hotel, Gunter Hotel, Plaza San Antonio Hotel & Spa, Otto’s Ice House, Smithsonian Starstruck, 2026)
Magnolia Patio at The Faust Hotel – Enjoy free live music alongside light bites and craft cocktails in the hotel’s outdoor lounge in the heart of historic downtown New Braunfels.
The Gunter Hotel– Book the “Where Summer Comes Alive” package to receive a complimentary third night, discounted valet parking ($39/night), and access to a 900+ album Vinyl Library Experience to play in your room.
Labor Day Botanical Party: Unwind at Anaqua Garden Bar with DJ-curated R&B and tropical house tracks, botanical cocktails, wellness moments, and a permanent jewelry/charm bar.
The Educator’s Reset at Spa Plaza: Teachers and educators can recharge with a customized 50-minute massage ($99) featuring Swedish or deep tissue pressure, aromatic inhalation, and a complimentary add-on (hot/cold stones or foot scrub).
Details: School/Educator ID required at check-in. Book online.
Otto’s Ice House– Pick up a classic Goode Co. Brazos Bottom Pecan Pie, packaged in a custom wooden box—perfect for family gatherings or gifts.
The Faust Hotel in New Braunfels hosts recurring music series across the Magnolia Patio. Photo: The Faust Hotel, used with permission.
Live Music & New Menus: What’s Happening at The Faust Hotel This July
Exciting news out of historic downtown New Braunfels! This month, The Faust Hotel, the city’s newly renovated landmark destination, launched a recurring, free live music series on the Magnolia Patio, the hotel’s lush outdoor lounge. (The Faust Hotel, 2026)
Gather your friends, grab a craft cocktail, and enjoy light bites under the stars. Here is everything you need to know about what’s coming up at The Faust.
🎶Live Music on the Magnolia Patio
When: Thursday through Saturday, 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Where: The Magnolia Patio at The Faust Hotel
Cost: Free admission!
This month’s diverse lineup spans everything from pop-country fusion and Americana to R&B and soul. Line-up subject to change. Here is the upcoming schedule so you can plan your weekends:
Upcoming Shows
Date
Artist
Genre & Vibe
Thursday, July 9
Bru Tunes
Versatile South Texas musician specializing in violin and guitar.
Skilled guitarist and singer blurring the lines between rock and country.
🍽️New Lunch & Weekend Brunch at Wilhelm & Werner
The music isn’t the only thing fresh at the hotel. Wilhelm & Werner, the hotel’s signature Texas-style brasserie, has just introduced highly anticipated lunch and brunch services focusing on fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Elevated Midweek Lunch
When: Tuesday through Friday | 10:30 AM – 2:30 PM
The Vibe: An elevated yet approachable dining experience in a relaxed, historic setting. Perfect for business lunches or a leisurely midday escape.
Menu Highlights:Tuna Niçoise, Fried Gulf Fish Sandwich, and a rotating soup of the day.
Texas-Style Weekend Brunch
When: Saturday & Sunday | 10:30 AM – 2:30 PM
The Vibe: A warm, inviting weekend atmosphere featuring refined takes on classic comfort foods and perfectly paired morning sips.
Menu Highlights:Duck Confit Hash, Caprese Benedict, and a crowd-favorite Cinnamon Roll Pancake Flight.
Planning to Dine? While walk-ins are always welcome, they highly recommend making a reservation ahead of time on OpenTable to secure your table.
Visit The Faust Hotel
📍 229 South Castell Ave., New Braunfels, TX 78130
About the Hotel:
Originally opened in 1929 and now part of the boutique hotel portfolio of Lark Hospitality, The Faust Hotel stands as a landmark destination blending timeless Texas charm with modern hospitality. It offers a welcoming retreat just steps from downtown New Braunfels and the scenic banks of the Comal River.
Paris Baguette is celebrating the Fourth of July with festive limited-time treats. Photo: Paris Baguette, used with permission.
The Ultimate Texas 4th of July Weekend Guide: Where to Eat, Celebrate, and Relax
Independence Day weekend is here! Whether you are looking for rooftop fireworks with a DJ, a family-style Texas barbecue, or a relaxing post-holiday spa day, Texas has something spectacular lined up for you.
From San Antonio to Austin and Frisco, here is your curated guide to the best food, events, and celebrations for the Fourth of July. (The Gunter Hotel, Paris Baguette, La Panadería, Freight Fried Chicken, Kimpton Santo San Antonio Riverwalk, Otto’s Ice House, Plaza San Antonio Hotel & Spa, The Faust Hotel, Briscoe Western Art Museum, Omni Hotels/2026)
Celebrate the Fourth at Jots, the Gunter Hotel’s signature restaurant. Indulge in a special holiday dish or stick around for their famous Sunday Jazz brunch.
The Special: Steak & Frites ($35) on Saturday, July 4.
Jots’ Jazz Brunch: Sundays from 10 AM – 1 PM featuring live music from The Dirty River Jazz Band and a historic supper-club-inspired menu.
Satisfy your sweet tooth with limited-time patriotic treats perfect for any holiday gathering.
Stars & Stripes Berry Trifle Cake: Three layers of vanilla sponge cake filled with soft cream, strawberries, and blueberries. Serves 8. (Available now through July 5)
Red, White & Blue Mochi Donut: A colorful, seasonal festive donut. (Available now through July 19)
Heading to the downtown parade? All San Antonio locations will be open serving artisan pan dulce, pastries, and café favorites.
Pro-Tip: The Houston Street downtown location is the perfect pitstop before or after the city’s Stars & Stripes on Houston Street Fourth of July Parade.
312 Pearl Parkway, Building 6, San Antonio, TX 78215 James Beard-nominated chef and veteran Nicola Blaque invites veterans and community members to enjoy her nationally recognized recipes.
The Special: A limited-time fried chicken plate (two pieces of fried chicken with any side) for just $10.
When: Saturday, July 4 through Sunday, July 6.
Hours: Friday – Saturday (10 AM – 10 PM), Sunday (11 AM – 9 PM).
111 Newell Ave., San Antonio, TX 78212 If you are looking for a casual, all-day hangout along the San Antonio River, this is your spot. Located right near Pearl’s shops, it’s an easy go-to for cold drinks and quality time with family.
Holiday Weekend Hours: Friday – Saturday (11 AM – 12 AM), Sunday (11 AM – 10 PM).
Tenfold Rooftop | Red, White & Blue Skies Celebrate Independence Day above the city at this all-day pool party sponsored by Aperol. Expect rooftop poolside vibes, specialty cocktails, live DJs, and prime views of the city’s official firework demonstration at Hemisfair.
Dean’s Steak and SeafoodEnjoy incredible fine dining alongside a unique pop-up experience. Tried & True Leather will be at the bar offering custom and pre-made leather works for the holiday.
When: Saturday, July 4 from 6 PM – 10 PM.
Reservations: Strongly encouraged through OpenTable.
Corinne San Antonio & Anaqua Garden Bar Enjoy family-style barbecue favorites, festive summer cocktails, live music, and outdoor dining on the shared downtown patio. Budweiser will also be on-site as the featured beer vendor.
The Spa Plaza San Antonio | Wellness in the Garden: Reset Day Recover and recharge after the holiday. This rejuvenating experience invites you to slow down, refresh, and prioritize self-care in a relaxing outdoor setting.
Wilhelm & Werner – 229 South Castell Ave., New Braunfels, TX 78130 Escape to New Braunfels for an elevated Texas-style brasserie lunch and brunch service inside this historic hotel.
When: Saturday and Sunday from 10:30 AM – 2:30 PM.
Celebrate America’s 250th birthday with heavily discounted and free admissions while checking out the stunning Selena Forever / Siempre Selena photography exhibition.
700 San Jacinto Blvd. Austin, TX 78701 Head up to the rooftop pool and Cloud Bar for a special 4th of July edition of their popular Summer Saturdays series.
When: Saturday, July 4 – Sunday, July 5.
Access: Complimentary for overnight guests; public day passes start at $60 via ResortPass.
8212 Barton Club Drive, Austin, TX 78735 Celebrate under the Hill Country sky with classic Texas barbecue, lawn games, a fireworks finale, and live music from multiplatinum country artist Neal McCoy (with opener Mason Lively).
When: Friday, July 3.
Admission: Open to resort guests and country club members.
Upgrade: The Star-Spangled VIP Experience ($160/person) offers premium food/drinks and front-row terrace views of the fireworks.
4341 PGA Parkway, Frisco, TX 75033 Grammy Award-winning artist Darius Rucker takes the stage for an unforgettable evening! The event features a massive combined drone and fireworks display, carnival games, face painters, and festive food.
When: Saturday, July 4.
Tickets: Available via Eventbrite (Resort packages available for guaranteed access).
212 W Crockett St, San Antonio, TX 78205 If you want to skip the crowds entirely, celebrate self-care all month long. The Forbes Four-Star rated Mokara Spa is offering a specialized Red, White & Bloom Facial for $155.
When: Available all month long in July.
For anyone looking to make a weekend of it, take advantage of Omni’s America is Calling offer, which extends 15% off two nights and 20% off three or more nights. Additionally, kids 10 and under eat free from the Omni Kids menu for breakfast and lunch through September 7.
Have a safe and happy Fourth of July! Which event are you hitting up first? Let me know in the comments below.
Newly renovated Faust Hotel in New Braunfels announces May 19 opening. Photo: Jason Risner, used with permission.
A New Chapter for a Texas Icon: The Faust Hotel Reopens May 19
History meets modern luxury in the heart of New Braunfels. Lark Hospitality, in partnership with the Duettra family and their investors, is thrilled to announce the official reopening of The Faust Hotel on Tuesday, May 19, 2026. (Lark Hospitality, 2026)
Originally opened in 1929 as The Traveler’s Hotel, this nearly century-old landmark has undergone an extensive renovation to transform it into the premier boutique destination of Central Texas.
Modern Comfort, Historic Soul
The refreshed Faust Hotel features 45 modernly appointed guest rooms designed for the discerning traveler. Whether you’re staying for a weekend getaway or a special event, every room is equipped with:
Premium Sleep: King beds with high-quality linens.
Top-Tier Tech: 55-inch streaming-ready TVs and complimentary Wi-Fi.
In-Room Amenities: Nespresso coffee makers and retro Frigidaire mini-fridges.
For those seeking extra space, the hotel offers nine spacious junior suites and six corner suites that can be expanded into three-bedroom layouts with separate living areas.
Opening alongside the hotel is the signature restaurant, Wilhelm & Werner. Described as a Texas Brasserie with European influences, the menu offers refined takes on Lone Star classics.
The excitement doesn’t stop at the lobby. Keep an eye out for the upcoming grand openings of:
The Magnolia Patio: The perfect spot for al fresco relaxation.
Walter’s Speakeasy: A hidden gem tucked away in the basement.
A Legacy Continued
The reopening is more than just a business milestone; it’s a tribute to the community’s heritage.
“This project has been a labor of love for our friends and family, and it holds a great deal of importance to many in New Braunfels. We are thrilled to be able to carry on the legacy of the Faust Hotel and can’t wait for the community to see it.” — Andy Duettra, Owner
The Faust Hotel 240 S Seguin Ave New Braunfels, TX 78130
SA Examiner 