Overview 
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Get ready to raise your steins and join us at the Athenaeum’s 17th annual GermanFest, the best Haus party in Indy! This all-ages celebration on October 4 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 Central Indiana Cycling. Bike parking will be available from 11:00 AM to 6:30 PM near the Festival’s main entry gate at the corner of Michigan & East Streets.
Want to be part of the action at GermanFest? We’re looking for volunteers! You’ll get free admission, a t-shirt, a drink voucher and a chance to see the behind-the-scenes excitement.
When & Where: 1PM, 2:30PM, 4:30 PM– 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 3 heats of 6 doxies followed by crowning of the fastest wiener.
RACE SCHEDULE:
- Race 1 – 1:00 PM
- Race 2 – 2:30 PM
- Race 3 – 4:30 PM
When & Where: 12:15PM – 3:30 PM with each tour lasting 15 minutes. 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:
- 12:15 PM
- 1:15 PM
- 1:30 PM
- 2:15 PM
- 2:30 PM
- 3:15 PM
- 3:30 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 Games & Races Check-In.
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 Games & Races Check-In
Sign-ups are free and first-come-first-serve.
The Athenaeum Foundation is proudly hosting Kinderland at GermanFest! This kids’ area will feature facepainting, interactive activities and hands-on fun!
Kinderland is free and runs for the duration of GermanFest.
When & Where: 3:30 PM at the Dog Arena
Dress your pup to impress and strut their stuff in our Dog Costume Contest. Whether it’s spooky, silly or downright adorable, every dog in costume gets a chance to shine.
All breeds welcome – costumes required!
Register online on our ticketing page or on-site at Games & Races Check-In
Sign-ups are free!
When & Where: 3:00 PM in the Biergarten
Famed “yodelologist” Norm Gwaltney will lead the crowd through the basics of yodeling, then bring a few lucky competitors to the Biergarten stage! Bring your biggest voice. Show off your yodeling skills and get the crowd hyped. The one with the most applause is the winner of the coveted Yodeling Pickle & bragging rights of course!
No registration required– just be in the Biergarten by 3PM and enjoy the show!
What’s a GermanFest without mouthwatering German food? We’re serving up all your favorites – sausages, crispy potato pancakes, warm pretzels, and so much more. Come hungry, because you won’t want to miss a bite!
Feeling thirsty? Pair your meal with a traditional German bier, or explore something new with a canned cocktail or local cider from one of our amazing local vendors.
A complete list of our food and beverage offerings is coming soon!
Pulled Pork with sauerkraut and mustard on Pretzel Bun
Pulled Pork with sauerkraut over hash browns and curry wurst sauce
Bacon on a Stick
Warsteiner Oktoberfest is a limited-edition German import beer, brewed in the traditional Bavarian style, that is known for its biscuity malt richness, mild and smooth taste with a soft, hoppy aftertaste, and a 5.9% ABV. It features hand-selected hops, Munich-type barley malt, and water from the Arnsberg forest, all brewed under the strict German Purity Law. This amber-colored lager is a seasonal offering intended to provide an authentic Oktoberfest experience, with notes of toasted caramel, bready malt, and floral hops.
Warsteiner Pilsner is a pale golden, premium German pilsner beer known for its crisp, clean, and refreshing taste with a balanced, mild hop bitterness and a dry finish. It has a bright, golden-yellow color and a persistent white head. Brewed by Warsteiner brewery since 1753 according to Germany’s Beer Purity Law (Reinheitsgebot), its ingredients are water, barley malt, and hops, with high-quality Bavarian hops and soft brewing water contributing to its distinctive flavor profile.
Warsteiner Dunkel is a classic, dark German lager known for its smooth, dark brown color and malty flavor profile, featuring notes of toast, caramel, bread, and chocolate.Brewed with high-quality ingredients like premium barley, hops, and soft brewing water, it delivers a balanced, refreshing experience with a dry, lingering finish and a subtle hop bitterness. It’s characterized by its easy-drinking nature and is often paired with roasted meats, stews, and pretzels.
Guggman Haus’s Guggenweizen Hefeweizen is a hazy German-style wheat beer known for its traditional German yeast-driven flavors of banana and clove, with a low bitterness and 5.7% ABV. Inspired by the head brewer’s time in Germany, it uses German wheat, barley, hops, and a traditional yeast strain for its signature character.
The Riverside is a hazy New England-style IPA named after the city’s Riverside neighborhood. This juicy IPA features a blend of hops, giving it a punchy citrus flavor and a balanced taste. It’s described as an easy drinker, perfect for outdoor enjoyment, and has won a Bronze Medal at the World Beer Cup
A sweater weather treat perfect for savoring cool days with friends by the fire pit. Apple cider cocktail made with American Brandy and seasonal spices. 6% alc. by vol.
Escape to the great lakes and drink in some midwestern magic: a famous brandy old fashioned recipe born in Wisconsin supper clubs that is soda-lightful! 7% alc. by vol.
Pumpkin & baking spices; subtly sweet, reminiscent of apple & pumpkin pie, perfect for brisk autumnal days. ABV 6.4%
Fermented with Montmorency cherries, this cider is tart, sweet, & rose colored. ABV 6.4%
A sophisticated crisp, champagne-like balanced cider. subtly sweet & bright acidity with a clean finish. ABV 6.5%
Inspired by the tepache of central Mexico; fermented with pineapple, tamarind, piloncillo sugar & cinnamon. tangy, light, crushable. ABV 4.5 %
GermanFest uses a drink ticket system for bier. Stop by any of the multiple Drink Ticket tents on-site to purchase drink tickets, and redeem them at the Athenaeum Bier Trucks & Rathskeller Biergarten.
The Athenaeum Bier Trucks ONLY accept drink tickets. NO cash, NO card.
All other drink vendors at GermanFest will accept other forms of payment (cashless or tap-to-pay options vary among vendors)
All transactions are final.
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!
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.
DJ Helicon hails from Indianapolis and has been entertaining crowds of all types since 2001. Over the years he has DJ’d everything from private events to playing in front of large crowds for events such as the Super Bowl and WNBA All-Star game. Known for his eclectic sets, Helicon’s love of a wide variety of genres and artists comes through in his performances. Follow him on Instagram @djhelicon or visit his website for more info.
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.
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.
Indy Polkamtion, led by Bob Klemen, affectionately known as “Polka Bob,” is a lively polka band with 30 years of experience igniting festive spirits with classic polka tunes. Rooted in Slovenian and Macedonian heritage, Polka Bob’s journey began at age six, studying accordion under 1950s TV musician Walter Brown. The band’s polished performances have graced prestigious events, including Indiana’s Bicentennial Celebration and gatherings for state dignitaries. Known for their upbeat renditions and joyful energy, Indy Polkamtion is dedicated to the timeless tradition of polka music, ensuring every performance is a celebration that gets the crowd moving.
Jay Fox & The Jammin’ Germans have been touring both in and out of the U.S. for over 45 years. They are unique because of their ability to perform a wide variety of styles including: Polka, Waltz, Big Band, Country, Rock, Bluegrass, Latin, Ballads and even Semi-Classical. In addition to performing at Festivals, clubs, and private events, they have had the Honor of performing at military bases including Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
This is a very high energy band who enjoy interacting with the audience using participation songs including playing the Tyrolean Cow Bells. When you see this group perform, you will know they enjoy what they do.
Prost Pass VIP Ticket | $55* (includes admission, early event entry at 11:30 AM, 1 stein, 1 stein fill, access to VIP Lounge with complimentary water & soda)
General Admission – Adult | $18* advance & $25* day-of
General Admission – Youth (Ages 4–12) | $10* advance & $10* day-of
General Admission – Child (Ages 3 & Under) | Free, ticket required
*Price does not include service fees
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, and our gratitude! Sign up coming soon!
GermanFest takes place on Saturday, October 4 from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM (with VIP entry at 11:30 AM), at the Athenaeum, entry is at Michigan/East St.
Tickets can be purchased in advance online or at the gate (if available). We highly recommend purchasing ahead of time to secure your ticket. Advance adult tickets are $18 with a day of admission price of $25 so 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, 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!
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!
Portable toilets are placed on the Cleveland Street near the Biergarten entrance, and near the Dachshund Dash arena. Additionally, restrooms are available on the first floor of the Athenaeum, located through the Coat Check doors or in the Rathskeller. If someone needs the elevator, it is located at the Rathskeller entrance and goes to the first floor.
Yes! Test your skills in the Sausage Eating Competition or the Stein Holding Contest, cheer on the pups at the Dachshund Dash or enter your dog into our Dog Costume Contest (all breeds welcome)! 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, most with a German flair. 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 BierTickets tents, as well as at the Athenaeum tent.
A GermanFest stein is $22 and includes a beverage voucher (blue ticket) good for one fill of your stein. Visit the Athenaeum Bier Trucks or Rathskeller Biergarten for refills!
We would 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!