Overview 
Activities
Food & Drinks
Maps & Vendors
Music & Entertainment
Tickets & Schedule
FAQ
Event Survey
Get ready to raise your steins and join us at the Athenaeum’s 16th annual GermanFest, the best Haus party in Indy! This all-ages celebration on October 5 promises a day of fun for everyone, filled with bier, brats, and wiener dogs! Enjoy live music, beers on tap, delicious eats, and unique items to purchase—all with an authentic German flair. Whether you’re savoring a pretzel, cheering on a dachshund race, or holding a stein, there’s something for everyone at GermanFest. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable celebration of German-American Day!
Haus Party at 12:00 – 6:00 PM
Get the party started early with Prost Pass VIP Early Entry at 11:30 AM
One last prost before we wrap– last call is at 5:30 PM
Come ready for a day full of fun, food, and festivities!
Athenaeum
401 E. Michigan Street
Indianapolis IN 46204
Main Entrance to GermanFest is at the corner of N. East Street and E. Michigan Street.
Street Parking: Check out the link here to Downtown Indy’s guide to parking downtown with an interactive map.
Parking Garage: Block 20 Parking Garage (428 N. East Street) is available for reserved parking at an event rate. Reserve your spot here.
Ride Share: Ride share drop-offs can pull up to East Street for quick access.
Ride your bike to GermanFest and enjoy free valet parking courtesy of Bike Indianapolis! Conveniently located to the left of the main entrance at 423 E. Michigan Street, the bike parking will be available from 11:00 AM to 6:30 PM on Saturday, October 5.
Arrive sustainably and leave your bike with peace of mind while you enjoy the festivities!
Want to be part of the action at GermanFest? We’re looking for volunteers! You’ll get free admission, a t-shirt, a beverage voucher, and a chance to see the behind-the-scenes excitement.
Join the fun and sign up here!
When & Where: 1PM, 2PM, 3PM, & 4:30PM – at the Dachshund Dash Arena
The Wiener Dog races are one of the most popular GermanFest traditions! Come to the Dachshund Dash arena to watch the cute (and fierce) (but mostly cute) competition play out. Each race features 2 heats of 6 doxies followed by a head-to-head race to crown our 4 champions.RACE SCHEDULE:
- Race 1 – 1:00 PM
- Race 2 – 2:00 PM
- Race 3 – 3:00 PM
- Race 4 – 4:30 PM
When & Where: 1:30–4:00 PM, various times. Tours begin at the Athenaeum doors on Michigan St.
Explore the interior of the Athenaeum with free tours led by Indiana Landmarks docents.
TOUR TIMES:
- 1:30 PM
- 1:45 PM
- 2:30 PM
- 2:45 PM
- 3:30 PM
- 3:45 PM
Add a free tour registration to your ticket to guarantee a spot in the tour! Or register on-site at the Indiana Landmarks table.
When & Where: 1:30 PM on the GermanFest Main Stage
Bring your appetite! The bratwurst-eating contest is one of the most popular events at GermanFest, so we’re bringing it to the Main Stage. Contestants will compete for bragging rights and a coveted trophy.
Register online on our ticketing page or on-site at the Games Sign-Up & Check-In area near the main stage.
When & Where: 4:00 PM on the GermanFest Main Stage
Test your strength and endurance on the Main Stage. The contestant who can hold their filled steins aloft the longest wins coveted bragging rights for the year.
Register on-site only at the Games Sign-Up & Check-In area near the main stage. Sign-ups are free and first-come-first-serve.
The YMCA at the Athenaeum is hosting Kinderland at GermanFest! This kids’ area will have something for everyone plus a facepainter.
Kinderland is free and runs for the duration of GermanFest.
Available at the Bratwursts tent. Old Major Market brings their artisanal meats & provisions to GermanFest! Choose your sausage, and top it with cheese, sauerkraut, grilled onions, or spicy peppers.
Available at the Sides tent. The Homestead is serving up German-inspired side dishes to satisfy every palate! Offerings include:
- • German Sausage & Sauerkraut Casserole
- • Spätzle Dumplings with Browned Butter & Chives
- • German Potato Salad
- • Pretzels with Beer Cheese
Satisfy your sweet tooth at the Sides tent with:
- • German chocolate cake
- • Cookies
- • Triple XXX Root Beer
Available at the Potato Pancakes tent. The German-American Klub (GAK) serves up these traditional potato pancakes hot, crispy, and with a side of applesauce or sour cream.
Available at the Veggie Brats & Sides tent. The German-American Klub (GAK) brings you veggie options that even meat-eaters would love, including:
- • Vegetarian bratwurst
- • Vegetarian frickadellen (burger patties)
- • Käsespätzle (cheese spätzle dumplings– think German mac & cheese)
Available at the Pretzels tent. The German-American Klub (GAK) offers delicious baked treats with German flair, including:
- • Bavarian Pretzels
- • SchocolateTorte (German chocolate torte)
- • Windbeutel (German cream puffs)
- • Macarons (in various flavors)
Available at the BB&B Bread Truck. BB&B brings deep-fried treats with German flair, including:
- • German-inspired Korean Corn Dogs
- • German-inspried Chimichangas
- • Fresh doughnuts
- • Fresh beignets
Available at the J&K Sweet Shop trailer. J&K Sweet Shop roasts and candy-coats nuts in the traditional style. Stop by and see if they’re making a fresh batch– just follow your nose!
Available at MJ’s Baking Boutique trailer. MJ’s offers beautifully crafted baked goods, including:
- • German Chocolate Cookies
- • Chocolate Chip Cookies
- • Apple Strudel Cup o’ Cake
- • Black Forest Cup o’ Cake
- • Bienenstich (Bee Sting) cookies – a traditional German treat!
Available at Gordon’s Milkshake Bar tent. This Mass Ave sweet-tooth staple will be offering root beer floats made with Sprecher root beer.
Clean, malt-forward Oktoberfest featuring flavors of white bread, pretzel, and graham cracker, yet well attenuated and modestly bittered for a dry, refreshing finish.
(5.9% ABV)
Available at the Athenaeum Bier Trucks.
Warsteiner German Pilsener – A refreshing, pale golden German pilsener with a clean taste, perfectly balanced with hints of barley malt, subtle bottom fermenting yeast tones and mild hoppy bitterness.
(4.8% ABV)
Available at the Athenaeum Bier Trucks.
A robust dunkel driven by robust malt flavors of toasted breadcrumbs, almonds, and cocoa powder. Nonetheless, any sweetness is minimal at most, allowing for a crisp, dry finish.
(4.8% ABV)
Available at the Large Athenaeum Bier Truck (located on New Jersey St.)
Ever since 1818, we have brewed our bottom-fermented Oktoberfest Bier during Oktoberfest – Germany’s favorite Oktoberfest beer and a true institution in Munich. The glass is full of October sunshine, strong and golden. The perfect balance of a light taste of hops and a strong note of malt. A feast of a beer, which always goes down well. This beer is only brewed for the Oktoberfest. That’s where it belongs, along with all the fun of the fair like the Ferris wheel and roasted almonds.
(6.0% ABV)
Available at the Athenaeum Bier Trucks.
Crafted with choice German malts and Noble hops, Sun King Oktoberfest has a clean malty start with a slightly earthy hop character and a crisp, dry finish.
(5.7% ABV)
Available at the Athenaeum Bier Trucks.
Hefeweizen
Inspired by time in Germany, this is our take on the classic German wheat beer with flavors of banana and clove. Prost!
(5.7% ABV)
Available at the Athenaeum bier trucks and the Guggman Haus beer tent.
Ash & Elm Cider Co. is serving up locally-crafted hard cider with flavors for every palate. Offerings include their limited-edition seasonal Autumntide cider!
Available at the Ash & Elm Cider tent.
Hi & Mighty is an Indianapolis-based distillery crafting spirits & cocktails dedicated to celebrating life’s big (and not-so-big) victories. Their canned cocktails include the seasonal Sipper Club old fashioned, as well as their classic Lemon Shake Up gin drink and other delicious varieties.
Available at the Hi & Mighty drink tent.
Guggman Haus Brewing Co. is an Indy-based microbrewery that continuously delivers bold versions of modern and experimental beer styles.
Available at the Guggman Haus beer tent.
Please Note: Guggman Haus will honor the $8 (or blue ticket) stein refill price for the Guggenweizen Hefeweizen ONLY. All other Guggman Haus beers will cost $8 (blue ticket) for a 16oz pour, or $12 (white ticket) for a 32oz pour. Stein refills for all beers except the Guggenweizen will be $11 at this tent
The Mass Ave Cultural Arts District (MACAD) will be selling canned Coke products and bottled water to benefit MACAD and the Athenaeum Foundation.
Available at the MACAD drink and info tent.
Citizens Water’s H2O-To-Go truck will be available to keep you hydrated. Fill your cup, stein, or water bottle for free!
Available at the Citizens Water truck or H20 Station.
Membership • Merchandise • Books
The vision of the Indiana German Heritage Society is to be the catalyst for the preservation and celebration of the state’s German-American heritage, and to support groups and communities in activities that coincide with our mission.
NCSA Literatur is the publishing arm of the Indiana German Heritage Society, the Max Kade Center for German-American Studies at IUPUI. and the Irvington Historical Society.
Home Goods • Apparel • Gifts
The German American Klub of Indianapolis (GAK) offers an eclectic mix of German apparel and German-inspired goods at their Kloset booth
STAR Swag/Merch • Banking • Prizes
STAR Financial is an Indy-based community bank. Check out their tent to meet some of their team!
Snap-on Dog Bandanas • Pet Accessories • Adorable Designs
Rylee & Co offers high quality + luxury pup accessories
Community • Culture • Coca-Cola Products 🙂
The Mass Ave Cultural Arts District is a 501(c)3 nonprofit public benefit corporation. It is an engaged community of neighborhoods, businesses and cultural venues. We celebrate the authenticity of our history, heritage, and environment in the NE Quad of downtown Indianapolis.
They will be selling soft drinks at GermanFest to benefit Mass Ave and the Athenaeum Foundation!
Pet First Aid • Vet Information
Volunteers from VCA will be present near the Dachshund Dash arena for any questions, concerns, or pet first aid needs.
Get ready for der Polkatz! This 7-piece band is here to deliver your favorite polka and German-inspired tunes. Formed by members of the beloved Polkaboy, they’re keeping the tradition alive in Indy. It’s a real treat to have them at GermanFest, so don’t miss out—come join the fun and experience the lively beats that’ll have you dancing all day!
The Liederkranz German Band was originally founded by Jeff Westfall as the “Liederkranz Brass Band” in 2014. Since its inception, the band has established itself as one of the premier musical ensembles for authentic German culture in Indianapolis.
From Bock season to Weihnachtssaison (Christmas season), the Liederkranz German Band plays at some of the best German-American celebrations across central Indiana. The Liederkranz German Band is an all-volunteer ensemble.
die Fledermäuschen Tanzgruppe (or “the little bats dance group” in English; named after the Fledermaus Waltz) is the folk dance & cultural performance extension of the German American Klub of Indianapolis. The group performs year-round at festivals, schools, and cultural events throughout the state of Indiana.
DysFUNKtion Brass started in 2015 as a wild idea for a completely unique ensemble to compete in an Indianapolis battle of original bands. The crew progressed pretty well through that experience and penned an incredible collection of original music and brass-line covers. We decided that this ensemble had a message to deliver and we wanted to scratch out our own spot in the Midwest music scene. Since then the band has been performing regularly at bars, restaurants, street festivals, and corporate events around Indiana and Ohio.
The Fort Wayne Tanzer is a vibrant local German dancing troupe based in Fort Wayne, Indiana, bringing lively performances to the community since 2012. Our troupe celebrates German culture through energetic and colorful dance routines, showcasing traditional moves and music. We’re passionate about sharing the joy of German dance with audiences of all ages.
DJ MetroGnome is an Indianapolis based DJ and business owner of Deckademics with over two decades of DJing experience.
The Oompahssibles Bier Band (aka Pork and Beans Brass Band) is Indiana’s premiere Second Line Band, specially assembled for GermanFest. For this event only, they’re playing traditional German polka music, bringing their lively performances to the stage and outdoors with an energetic flair. They’re guaranteed to set the festive mood and keep the party going strong!
Prost Pass VIP Ticket | $50 (includes admission, early event entry at 11:30 AM, 1 stein, 1 stein fill, and 1 Athenaeum tote bag)
General Admission – Adult | $15 advance & $25 day-of
General Admission – Youth (Ages 4–12) | $10 advance & $15 day-of
General Admission – Child (Ages 3 & Under) | Free, ticket required
GermanFest uses a drink ticket system for alcoholic beverages. Stop by any of the three Drink Tickets tents on-site to purchase drink tickets, and redeem them at the Athenaeum Bier Trucks, Rathskeller Biergarten, or at any beverage vendor selling alcoholic beverages.
The Athenaeum Bier Trucks ONLY accept drink tickets. NO cash, NO card.
All other drink vendors at GermanFest will accept drink tickets OR other forms of payment (cashless or tap-to-pay options vary among vendors)
All transactions are final.
Blue Tickets ($8) are redeemable for:
1 32 oz. draft beer refill in GermanFest stein – Available at Athenaeum Bier Trucks & Rathskeller Biergarten
1 16 oz. draft beer in a cup – Available at Athenaeum Bier Trucks, Rathskeller Biergarten, or Guggman Haus Brewing Co.
1 specialty drink – Available at Ash & Elm Cider Co. for a 12 oz. cider or Hi & Mighty for a canned cocktail
White Tickets ($12) are redeemable for:
1 32 oz. draft beer in a cup – Available at Athenaeum Bier Trucks, Rathskeller Biergarten, or Guggman Haus Brewing Co.
GermanFest is a celebration of German-American Day (officially on October 6) hosted at the Athenaeum in downtown Indianapolis. Enjoy German-inspired food, drinks, music, Dachshund races, competitions, and family-friendly activities and fun!
We’d love your help! Volunteers are essential to making GermanFest a success. Sign up to volunteer for a variety of roles, from helping with admissions to supporting activities. You’ll get free admission to the festival, special volunteer shirt, a drink, and our gratitude! Sign up to volunteer here.
GermanFest takes place on Saturday, October 5 from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM (with VIP entry at 11:30 AM), at the Athenaeum, 401 E. Michigan Street, Indianapolis IN 46204.
Tickets can be purchased in advance online or at the gate (if available). Buy your tickets here to save time and guarantee entry!
Your ticket grants you access to the festival grounds, live music, Dachshund Dash, competitions, and activities. Food, drinks, and certain activities like the Prost Pass early entrance are available for an additional charge.
The festival opens at 12:00 PM for general admission. Prost Pass (VIP) holders can enter at 11:30 AM for early access.
There are metered street parking spots and nearby surface lots. For reserved parking, use the Block 20 Parking Garage at 428 N. East Street (available at an event rate). Reserve your spot here. Free valet bike parking is also available on-site.
Yes! GermanFest is great for all ages. There are games, crafts, and activities for kids, as well as live music and entertainment for the whole family to enjoy.
Yes! Dogs are welcome outdoors at GermanFest. Please use our pet relief area for any needed breaks and remember to clean up after them. Dogs must remain on a leash at all times. Owners are responsible for any and all liability associated with their pet’s presence and behavior.
We have an exciting lineup of food vendors offering German specialties like sausages, pretzels, and strudel, as well as local brews, cider, cocktails, and non-alcoholic beverages. Check out the full food & drinks lineup on our Food & Drinks tab.
No, outside food and beverages are not permitted. We’ve got plenty of delicious options available from our vendors!
You can purchase drink tickets at our designated Drink Tickets tents and redeem them at any vendor serving beer, cider, or cocktails. Blue tickets are $8 (for 32 oz. stein refills, 16 oz. drinks, or specialty drinks) and white tickets are $12 (for 32 oz. beers without a stein).
GermanFest is a rain or shine event! Be prepared for the weather and keep an eye on your email for any schedule changes in case of severe weather.
Yes! The Athenaeum and festival grounds are mostly accessible, and there are accessible restrooms available. There are a few spots that might be difficult to navigate. If you need assistance, don’t hesitate to ask our staff.
We recommend bringing your ticket (printed or digital), a valid ID if you plan to drink, sunscreen, and cash/card for food, drinks, and activities. You can also bring your stein from GermanFest last year for discounted refills!
We have portable toilets on-site on Michigan Street near the main entrance, Cleveland Street near the Biergarten, and near the Dachshund Dash arena. Restrooms are also available on first floor of the Athenaeum, accessible via the main entrance or The Rathskeller door via elevator.
Yes! Test your skills in the Sausage Eating Competition or the Stein Holding Contest, or cheer on the pups at the Dachshund Dash! Spots are limited! Check the event schedule for times.
Yes! Your wristband allows you to leave and re-enter throughout the day, re-entry points are on the intersection of New Jersey St and Mass Ave and on Cleveland St near the Dachshund Dash arena. Be sure to finish your drinks before leaving; alcoholic beverages are not permitted outside the festival grounds.
If you’ve made a reservation at The Rathskeller during GermanFest, you’re in for a treat! Head to our re-entry point on the corner of New Jersey Street and Mass Ave or our main entrance. Make your reservation here to get your spot inside this Indianapolis treasure!
If you plan to dine at the Rathskeller without attending GermanFest, you do not need a ticket. If you plan to attend GermanFest before or after your meal at the Rathskeller, a separate GermanFest ticket is required for entry into the Biergarten and the rest of the festivities.
Yes, tables and chairs will be available throughout the festival grounds for guests to use. No need to bring your own chairs, as large items will not be permitted.
We’ve got live music on multiple stages, featuring everything from polka to brass bands and DJs. There will also be cultural performances, games, and, of course, the iconic Dachshund races! Head over to our Tickets & Schedule tab for the full lineup.
If you have any additional questions, feel free to reach out to us at boxoffice@athenaeumindy.org.
No smoking or vaping is permitted within the boundaries of the festival.
Steins will be available for sale at all three Drink Tickets tents, as well as at the Athenaeum merch/info hut.
A GermanFest stein is $20 and includes a beverage voucher (blue ticket) good for one fill of your stein. Visit the Athenaeum Bier Trucks, Rathskeller Biergarten, or Guggman Haus* beer tent for special stein refill prices!
*Guggman Haus beer tent will offer the $8 discounted stein refill rate for their Guggenweizen Hefeweizen only. All other stein refills are $11 at the Guggman tent.
We’d love to hear from you! Take our quick survey and share your experience to help us make next year’s GermanFest even bigger and better!