Four Decades of Texas Tunes and Giving Back: Gruene Music & Wine Fest Celebrates 40 Years

by Julia Helsel on September 9, 2026 in Entertainment,
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The Hill Country tradition returns Oct. 8-11 with four days of live music, Texas wine and beer, local flavors and a milestone worth raising a glass to.

 

There are few places better suited for a Texas celebration than Gruene. With its historic dance hall, wooden storefronts, shaded patios and the Guadalupe River winding nearby, the small Hill Country community has long attracted visitors looking for a taste of old Texas.

Each fall, that atmosphere becomes the backdrop for a tradition that brings together another quintessential combination: live music, Texas wine and a good cause.

This October, the Gruene Music & Wine Fest will celebrate its 40th annual festival, returning to the Gruene Historic District Oct. 8-11 for four days of music, tastings, local flavors and philanthropy.

A Texan Tradition

A variety of Texas wines take center-stage for the festival’s tasting events. Photo courtesy The CE Group

The festival started in 1987 as a one-day event designed to showcase Texas and Americana music while raising money for the United Way of Comal County. Since then, it has grown into a four-day celebration of the Lone Star State. Over the years, wine and craft beer became an integral part of the experience, giving festivalgoers another way to discover the people and flavors that make Texas special.

The Legendary Lineup

The festival’s 40th anniversary will bring a lineup featuring some of the most recognizable names in Texas and Americana music. Robert Earl Keen will kick off the weekend at Gruene Hall on Thursday, followed by Shane Smith & the Saints on Friday and The SteelDrivers on Saturday. Sunday will close out the festival with an all-star slate featuring Dos Borrachos, (Kevin Fowler and Roger Creager) along with Josh Ward and a collection of artists participating in acoustic song-swaps.

Dozens of acclaimed country, bluegrass, and americana singers will grace Gruene Hall’s stage over the four-day event. Photo courtesy The CE Group

A Spirited Celebration

Starting Oct. 8, festivalgoers can begin the celebration at The Grapevine Kickoff Party, where wine and beer tastings will be paired with live music in the garden. Admission is free, with tasting tickets and wine glasses available for purchase. Later that night, Robert Earl Keen takes the stage at Gruene Hall.

Friday brings Stars & Guitars, a meet-and-greet with Shane Smith & the Saints, a catered dinner from Gristmill River Restaurant, wine tasting and a silent auction. The evening also includes the Great Guitar Auction, featuring signed guitars from artists including George Strait, Lyle Lovett, Pat Green, Robert Earl Keen and others.

Signed guitars from legendary country artists will be on display as festivalgoers battle to outbid one another during the Great Guitar Auction. Photo courtesy The CE Group

For those who prefer to spend their Saturday afternoon with a glass in hand, Tastings & Tunes offers a chance to sample Texas-made wine and beer while listening to live music at The Grapevine. The event is free to attend, with tasting tickets available for guests who want to explore the selections. 

Sunday shifts the spotlight back to music with the Sunday All-Star Playlist at Gruene Hall. A vendor market and wine tasting will also give visitors reasons to wander beyond the music.

The Cause

For four decades, the festival’s most important headliner has been the community itself.

The Gruene Music & Wine Fest has raised more than $2.5 million over its history. The event has grown considerably since its first year, but its central idea has remained remarkably consistent: bring people together through Texas music and hospitality, then use that gathering to make a difference close to home.

In 2025 alone, the festival raised more than $214,500 for the community. Proceeds from the 2026 festival will benefit the United Way of Comal and Guadalupe Counties, along with additional area nonprofits. Music fans can build an entire weekend around the concerts and enjoy knowing that their participation helps support organizations serving the local community.

Hundreds of locals and visitors converge in Gruene’s historic district for an unforgettable, fun-filled weekend of local beer & wine, music, and community. Photo courtesy The CE Group

This year, as the sun sets over Gruene and music spills from the walls of its dance hall, festivalgoers will have plenty to celebrate: four decades of Texas songs, Texas pours and a community willing to come together for a cause. Make plans now to spend the weekend in Gruene to celebrate the festival’s 40th year.

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Cover Photo Courtesy The CE Group

Julia Helsel is an editorial intern for Texas Lifestyle Magazine, a recent graduate of Texas A&M University and a lifelong resident of the Lone Star State. When she’s not traveling, she can be found reading, writing, or playing guitar.