The festival that is the pride of New Braunfels, attracting revelers from around the world, starts tomorrow, Friday, Nov. 6, and it’s bigger and better than ever. Today through Sunday, Nov. 15, visitors to Wurstfest will have even more reasons to love this 10-day salute to German culture and celebration of sausages.

This favorite Hill Country event that attracts tens of thousands of visitors every year now offers an expanded Stelzenplatz, with “even more food, beers, shopping, and room to roam” including a fifth music stage, midway rides, four food trucks, and additional shopping opportunities. The Stelzenplatz, located along the Comal River right below Stelzenhaus hall, opened last year in response to the ever-growing popularity of the Hill Country festival, which was recently named the No. 2 Oktoberfest in the country by USA TODAY and 10Best.

“Oktoberfest may have its roots in Munich, but you needn't fly to Germany to enjoy this beer-infused annual celebration,” they said. “We asked USA TODAY 10Best readers to vote for their favorite U.S. Oktoberfest, and the results are in!”

Returning to Wurstfest this year is Masskrugstemmen, “a traditional Bavarian endurance contest during which contestants must hold a one-liter stein of beer in one outstretched arm for as long as possible.”

Other don’t-miss features of Wurstfest include:

• The Craft Beer Garden, with 30 craft beers from local and nationwide breweries
• Numerous music stages with live music from more than 40 artists. Visit the schedule for details.
• A carnival with rides and games
• German eats and treat in the Marktplatz
• Dancing and Alpine- and Bavarian-style entertainment

While you’re in New Braunfels for Wurstfest, be sure to set aside some time to see the city’s greatest year-round attraction: Vintage Oaks. The fastest-growing community in the Hill Country and a favorite place to buy New Braunfels land and build custom homes, Vintage Oaks offers a range of Hill Country homesites, resort-style amenities including multiple pools, a lazy river, a Tuscan clubhouse, walking trails, and ball fields, plus an unmatched location on the Texas Wine Trail between Austin and San Antonio in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.

For more information, visit Vintage Oaks or click below to download the free Hill Country Real Estate Buying Guide.