German Fest Milwaukee is North America’s largest German festival, celebrating authentic culture, cuisine, music, and family traditions for over 40 years. Enjoy lively polka bands, traditional dancers, authentic food and beer, fireworks, cultural exhibits, and fun for all ages—all with stunning views of Lake Michigan.  Tickets are available at germanfest.com. 

The festival once again packs three days with live music, traditional dance, timbersports, sheepshead battles, children’s activities, a Dachshund derby, history, wine tasting and much more. 

Live music includes spirited performances from German and Austrian bands and more.

Watch musicians entertain audiences at the Musikgarten, located near the Culture Village on the north end of the festival grounds. 

Food & Drink

From soft pretzels to goulasch, rollbraten and sauerkraut to frankfurters, and, of course, delicious tortes and kuchen (cake), German Fest offers a variety of culinary delights.

Quench your thirst with a cold beer from Lakefront Brewery or a shot of Jagermeister. Partake in a wine-tasting, sampling imported Wein-Bauer wines.

STIHL TIMBERSPORTS

The Original Extreme Sport—features the most elite lumberjacks and lumberjills from around the nation going head-to-head using razor-sharp axes and high-powered chainsaws.
Friday, July 24 6:30pm – U.S. Hot Saw Showdown 
Saturday, July 25 6:30pm – U.S. Women’s Championship 
Sunday, July 26 2:00pm – U.S. Men’s Championship 

*Schedule Subject to Change

Activities

Dachshund Derby: This year’s Derby events will take place on Sunday, July 26th.  Registration fee is $18, which includes one entry ticket into German Fest.

Glockenspiel Show:
Friday  4:00, 6:00, 8:00
Saturday  2:00, 6:00, 8:00
Sunday  2:00, 4:00, 6:00

Hours of the festival 

Friday, July 24– 3 pm to Midnight
Opening Ceremony 5:15pm
Saturday, July 25– Noon to Midnight
Trachtenschau 2:30pm
Parade 3pm
Mardi Gras Show 6:30pm
Fireworks 10:30pm
Sunday, July 26 – Noon to 7 pm
Dachshund Derby 1pm

Admission 

$40/3-Day Admission Online only
$18/Advanced Tickets
$20/general admission
$10/Seniors (60+)
$10/Students (with current school ID). 
Children 12 & under are free when accompanied by an adult. 
Free admission for all Veterans and a companion
Free for active military

Promos

Friday
• $5 admission for everyone, all day
Sunday
Free admission noon-3pm at south gate with donation of three cans of healthy fruits or veggies  to support the Hunger Task Force.