This year, German Fest is celebrating the history and culture of German Karneval! Take a step back in time and learn the deep-rooted traditions and history of celebrating the “5th Season” of Karneval across Germany and Austria. Karneval is known by many names depending on region – stop by the Culture Village to learn them all!
Friday, 3:00 – 9:00 pm
Saturday, Noon – 9:00 pm
Sunday, Noon – 9:00 pm
See the many displays from our German Society member organizations featuring pictures, posters, and memorabilia. Our organizations put together new displays each year, so this is a great sight to see each year at the fest! Children can also participate in the Passport Program – and get a stamp from each table while learning about the various cultures in Germany and Austria!
Your spot for those special souvenirs from the fest – a selection of postcards, flags, and other trinkets and memorabilia are available for purchase here in the Culture Village.
A large model train display from the Milwaukee Chapter of ETE will be available in the Culture Village. ETE is the premiere organization in North America focused on educating the public on the subject of European Railroading. Stop by and delight in this beautiful display!
Want to know just where you come from? Stop by the Genealogy table to look up your family tree! Learn more about your family’s history and how they came to the United States. Genealogists will be there to help you!
Located near the Culture Village, our Musikgarten Stage is a great spot to relax at the fest! Enjoy some shade and listen to the stylings of local musicians. For the complete Musikgarten schedule, click here
Organ Grinders and collectors from several states will showcase hand cranked street organs along the lakefront Saturday and Sunday. Instruments will range from antiques to brand new; and will feature music stored with and played from technologies including pinned wooden barrels, punched cardboard books, paper rolls and MIDI files on SD memory cards. Many of the instruments were built in Germany. Learn about these instruments and enjoy a song – be it a traditional German tune or a Lady Gaga hit – by visiting us along the lakefront walkway. Most organ owners are members of the Carousel Organ Association of America (COAA). Visit their website at COAA.us for more information.
Can’t get enough of the delicious flavors of German Fest? Bring the taste of the festival home by trying some of your favorite authentic German recipes. Visit our recipe page and start cooking!
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