St. Benno Fest

What is Saint Benno Fest?

St. Benno Fest is an annual tradition at the Athenaeum that dates back to 1913, and possibly even further back than that. It celebrates springtime and spring beer– especially bocks!

When is this Event?

This event runs one night only, on Saturday, April 18th, from 7-10pm. It is 21+ only.

Who Was Saint Benno?

Saint Benno is the patron saint of fishermen, locksmiths, and the city of Munich. His most famous miracle was when he threw the key to his cathedral into a river, to keep the ex-communicated Emperor Henry IV from entering. When Benno and the city’s fishermen cast nets into the river, they caught a fish with the cathedral’s key on its fin. Because of this, fish and keys are famous symbols of St. Benno. 

Why Does The Athenaeum Celebrate St. Benno Fest?

Short answer: tradition! In 1913, a popular brewery in Munich named a bock beer after St. Benno, and the Athenaeum (then known as Das Deutsche Haus, a community center for German-Americans and German immigrants in Indy) brought a huge keg of it in to celebrate springtime. Since then, every spring, we have celebrated St. Benno Fest with food, friends, and lots of great bier.

What Can I Expect From St. Benno Fest 2026?

Lots of fun! The Liederkranz German Band will play live music. A pop-up kitchen featuring German street-food inspired fare will be hosted by Gomez BBQ. Seasonal local biers will be on tap (and your ticket includes a bier flight!) There will be Benno-themed games to play, and a prize raffle to enter. There may even be a few German folk dances thrown in the mix!

Special guests will arrive dressed as Saint Benno (who famously chugs at least one liter of beer to welcome the springtime season) and Herr Bock (who famously is a 6-foot-tall billy goat.)

This is a perfect event for beer-lovers, foodies, friend groups, fans of cultural events, or anyone looking to have a fun Saturday night!

What’s The Deal With the Goats?

It’s a pun in German! “Ein Bock” (a bock) sounds like “einbeck” (billy goat) in German. Goats have been featured on bock beers for generations.

Will There be Live Goats at Saint Benno Fest? 

Nope! Due to Coat Check Coffee (also the site of our pop-up Gomez BBQ kitchen) being an open-air kitchen, animals inside the building are a food safety no-no. Also, the goats don’t love being indoors; it can stress them out.

For your very own Live Goat moment, visit the sidewalk right outside the Athenaeum on Michigan Street on Friday, April 17th, from 8-10am. There will be some lovely goats to pet and take pics with!

What if I Have Another Question?

Drop us a line at info@athenaeumindy.org – otherwise, our friendly staff will be able to answer any questions you may have on-site during the event. See you soon!