8 German Festivals in the US That Aren’t Oktoberfest

We all know that Oktoberfest is hands down the most popular Bavarian festival both here and in Germany. But did you know that there are lots of other German events and festivals throughout the US that are NOT Oktoberfest?

Here are 8 of the largest German festivals that we think you ought to know about.

German Fest Milwaukee — Milwaukee, WI

German Fest Milwaukee is an annual celebration that brings a taste of German culture to the heart of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Held over several days, this vibrant festival showcases the rich traditions, music, authentic food, and heritage of Germany. Visitors can immerse themselves in an atmosphere filled with polka music, traditional dances, and plenty of dirndls!

Located on the Summerfest grounds off Lake Michigan, the festival features beer gardens serving German brews, delicious bratwursts, sauerkraut, and other mouthwatering delicacies. Attendees can participate in stein-holding contests, learn about German history and folklore, and enjoy live performances by talented musicians and dancers.

German Fest takes place every year on the last full weekend in July and with attendance in the 25,000+ range, you know it's a good fest. It features multiple stages with over 10 bands every year, a fashion show, Mardi Gras show, parade, LIVE Glockenspiel, children's area, Dachshund races, and much more!

And the food... lemme tell ya about the food. You've got your major players like Mader's restaurant, plus authentic food being made and served by the local German clubs. And you better bet those Omas know how to cook!

The fireworks show over the lake on Friday and Saturday nights are the icing on the Kuchen — and (because we're a little biased) Rare Dirndl also has a booth in the Marktplatz, so that's another bonus [wink wink]. Check out their website to learn more: https://germanfest.com

Wurstfest — New Braunfels, TX

Wurstfest is one of the largest German festivals in the US. This annual celebration brings the authentic flavors and vibrant traditions of Germany to New Braunfels, Texas over ten days, paying homage to the deep German heritage rooted in the region. Visitors are treated to a feast of mouthwatering sausages — commonly known as wurst — served in various delicious styles.

Alongside the culinary delights, Wurstfest offers lively polka dances, traditional games and contests, and live music featuring German folk tunes and contemporary sounds. Don't forget to wear your dirndl!

This 10-day festival takes place around the first week in November and has free days throughout the weekdays. You'll find a variety of entertainment on 4 stages, authentic food and fun in Landa Park, plus special events throughout New Braunfels and Comal County.

Get your tickets ahead of time because people start lining up early! Some folks even camp along the riverside just to be close to the festival. Early in the morning, you can hear the bouncing of the empty kegs as they get ready for the new day. It's pretty extraordinary.

To learn more about Wurstfest, check out their website: https://wurstfest.com

German-American Steuben Parade — New York City, NY

This festival is definitely one to check out! From their website: "The German-American Steuben Parade is held annually on the third Saturday in September. It was founded in 1957 by German immigrants and German-Americans to keep the traditions of their homeland alive."

Today, the parade continues to march up Fifth Avenue to 86th Street. The three-hour parade is filled with German groups wearing their traditional costumes, spectacular floats, marching bands, dancers, and clubs and organizations from across the United States, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, and Canada. Miss German-America and her court are crowned every May, leading the parade down Fifth Avenue after serving as cultural ambassadors throughout the year.

This event gets a lot of attention and the celebrations continue all over the city at different German bars and restaurants. To learn more, check out their website: http://germanparadenyc.org

Bavarian Blast — New Ulm, MN

Bavarian Blast is an event to celebrate Bavarian heritage and culture. From the moment you arrive at this weekend-long event, you will be surrounded by all things Bavarian.

This festival has something for everyone — authentic food, German-American music, Schell's Beer, uniquely German contests, and the famous Bavarian Blast Parade. It's super family friendly with activities for the kiddos and plenty of space for tanzen. This event is typically the 3rd weekend in July. To learn more, check out their website: https://www.bavarianblast.com

Maifest — Chicago, IL

This German fest is small but mighty (it's been going on for over 20 years!). It's one of the first street festivals in the city that kicks off the summer street fest season and it's very well attended.

With authentic German bands playing all weekend, 2 stages of music, performances from local German organizations, and of course plenty of German beer, wine, and authentic food — this German fest is always a fun time. It always takes place the weekend after Memorial Day. To learn more, check out their website: http://www.mayfestchicago.com

Tomball German Fest — Tomball, TX

The Tomball German Fest brings the vibrant spirit of Germany to the heart of Tomball, Texas — not once, but twice a year! This is one of the largest German festivals, a highly anticipated music and street festival with three stages of live music and an open-air market along with antique shops in the old town area. Visitors can enjoy live music performances, carnival rides, games, and cultural exhibits. The Tomball German Fest is a beloved community event that offers a delightful opportunity to celebrate German heritage for attendees of all ages.

The German-American Festival — Oregon, OH

The German-American Festival in Oregon, Ohio is one of the oldest and largest German festivals in the United States. This festival actively showcases German traditions, music, authentic food, and camaraderie. Festival-goers can indulge in mouthwatering German cuisine — from bratwurst and sauerkraut to schnitzel and strudel — while enjoying lively traditional music, polka dancing, and joyful laughter. Cultural displays and exhibits provide insights into German history, folklore, and craftsmanship.

Maifest — Leavenworth, WA

Maifest in Leavenworth, Washington is a cherished springtime celebration that transports visitors to a picturesque Bavarian village nestled in the heart of the Cascade Mountains. Taking place throughout the month of May, this enchanting festival captures the essence of German tradition and welcomes the arrival of spring with open arms. The town bursts with vibrant colors as locals and tourists don traditional Bavarian attire adorned with colorful ribbons and intricate embroidery. Streets are lined with charming wooden stalls offering German delicacies including bratwurst, pretzels, and mouthwatering pastries.

The sounds of lively folk music fill the air as people gather in the open-air platz, swaying and dancing to traditional tunes. Visitors can join in the cheerful procession, marvel at intricate Maypole dances, and revel in the joyous atmosphere that symbolizes the awakening of nature and the spirit of community. Maifest in Leavenworth is a magical experience that captures the warmth, beauty, and cultural richness of Bavaria.

OK, there you have it — 8 of the largest German festivals that are NOT Oktoberfest! And YES, these are all dirndl-wearing events. You will not look out of place wearing your dirndl to any of these festivals.

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