MILWAUKEE — The Brew City is getting ready to say "hallo wieder" (hello again) to German Fest.
A Milwaukee tradition, German Fest is southeast Wisconsin’s premier German festival. It’s held every year in Henry Maier Festival Park during the last full weekend in July. This year the festival is in its 42nd year and runs from July 28-30.
From the Dachshund Derby to foods, here’s what you need to know about the cultural festival.
Entertainment
Back for a second time in the U.S., Schürzenjäger, one of the most successful Austrian bands, will visit the festival with a “must see performance.”
Also joining in on performances are the Die Freistadt Alte Kameraden Band, the Alpine Blast, the Copper Box, MX Reboot, The Biermen, Tom Schneider and the 2/5ths, Alpensterne and Dorf Kapelle.
Music can also be heard in the Musikgarten, located near the Culture Village on the festival grounds.
But the festival won’t just have music for entertainment. Although registration for the event is already closed, guests can still enjoy the 16th annual Dachshund Derby on Sunday, July 30, starting at 1:05 p.m.
Various local German dance groups will also put on performances during the weekend.
Karneval/Mardi Gras Show
New Orleans and Brazil may be best known for Mardi Gras, but Germany has a version of the event, too. It’s called Karneval, or the “fifth season of the year.” The festival happens once a year, complete with costumes, parades, singing and dancing. Guests of German Fest can come to the show to find out more about the party that’s a “beloved time for celebration and fun."
Other activities
Aside from the singing, dancing and many events, there are also some other activity for attendees. The Culture Village provides an opportunity to see displays with pictures, posters and memorabilia from member organizations of German Fest. European trains are featured in this area. Hours for the village vary, so be sure to check online before visiting.
Attendees looking to tap into their creative side can participate in a sheepshead tournament. It’s an old card game that originated in Middle Europe in the mid to late 1700s. Find out more about that here.
Food
Last but not least, guests can indulge in some sweet and savory German food. From kuchen to sauerkraut to strudel and frankfurters, German Fest has it all.
And don’t forget about the authentic Bavarian soft pretzels that are freshly baked and handmade.
So bring your “guten appetit!” (bring your appetite).
None of it could be complete without a large selection of local brews, including the festival’s special German Fest Bier. "Prost!" (cheers)