Going to German Fest? You’ll find a few changes for 2019
Once again, Milwaukee’s German Fest is preparing to deliver familiar pleasures to summer revelers, including polka and traditional music, rollbraten and Bienenstich, and the Dachshund Derby.
But visitors should note a few changes in this year’s event, which takes place Friday through Sunday at Maier Festival Park.
Due to construction work on Summerfest’s American Family Insurance Amphitheater, there will be no Sunday worship service at German Fest this year. The worship service will return in 2020, the festival says.
Also, German Fest’s Cultural Village will move to the north end of the grounds. That’s also where you’ll find the Volkswagen Club of Milwaukee car show and Sheepshead activities.
Here’s a list of some German Fest attractions:
❚ The Stihl Timbersports Series features U.S. professional and collegiate lumberjacks in competition throughout the fest. Chopping and sawing take place at the BMO Harris Pavilion.
❚ The Dachshund Derby begins shortly after 1 p.m. Sunday, followed by a dachshund costume contest at 2:30 p.m.
❚ Get your Schloss on in the Cultural Village, which will highlight the Castles of Germany. The village will also host a display from the Milwaukee chapter of European Train Enthusiasts.
❚ The German Fest parade, with bands and club members in traditional outfits, begins at 4 p.m. Saturday. The Mardi Gras show, celebrating carnival season, begins at 6:30 p.m. Saturday.
❚ Adult and children’s dance groups, including D’Oberlandler, Pommersche Tanzdeel Freistadt and DANK Dancers, perform throughout the festival. The Children’s Dance Showcase begins at 4 p.m. Sunday.
❚ Energetic accordion whiz Alex Meixner will play at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 5:30 p.m. Sunday. Brass band Alte Kameraden also will perform daily through the fest.
❚ Fireworks will take place about 10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday.