GermanFest Schedule
Pre-Festival
The excitement of GermanFest kicks off early with Pre-Festival Events hosted by the four German-American clubs of Fort Wayne! Starting the Sunday before the festival, these events take place at various locations around the city, offering a taste of German culture, community, and tradition before the main celebration begins
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11:00 AM - 12:00 PM | GermanFest Mass
St. Peter's Catholic Church
518 E DeWald St
Fort Wayne, IN 46803The first day of GermanFest community-wide events begins at beautiful and historic St. Peter's Catholic Church, with a German language church service. Musical accompaniment by the Fort Wayne Maennerchor/Damenchor under the direction of Thomas Remenschneider. Immediately following the services, gather for a reception of German style refreshments at the church Pavilion.
4:30 PM - 7:00 PM | Männerchor/Damenchor GermanFest Konzert & Heimatabend
Park Edelweiss
3355 Elmhurst Drive
Fort Wayne, IN 46809The Fort Wayne Maennerchor/Damenchor opens GermanFest with its annual kickoff concert in our clubhouse, Park Edelweiss. From pieces by famous composers to timeless folk tunes, celebrate the tradition of German choral music being kept alive in our community.
After the concert stay for Heimatabend ("back home night") with a German meal prepared by club members. Bar and soft drinks available.
Doors open at 4:00 p.m. Concert at 4:30pm. Dinner served from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. Dinner tickets can be purchased at the door for $18.00 adults, $8.00 kids.
Menu:
Kasseler (Smoked Pork Chops) Sauerkraut Potatoes w/Gravy Green beans Dessert -
More information coming soon!
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Spaten Night!
More information coming soon!
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GHS Abend
More information coming soon!
Main Festival
Join us at Headwaters Park East for Fort Wayne’s biggest festival, GermanFest, where Fort Wayne comes alive with four days of authentic German food, beer, music, entertainment, and games! From lively polka bands and folk dancers to stein hoisting contests and delicious bratwurst, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
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10:00 AM - 10:30 PM | Bilingual German Storytime - Zweisprachige Märchenstunde - OFFSITE
ACPL Main Library
900 Library Plz
Fort Wayne, IN 46802Join us for a bilingual storytime in German and English!
Schließen Sie uns an, für eine zweisprachige Märchenstunde auf Deutsch und Englisch!11:00 AM | Festival Tent Opens
11:00 AM - 9pm | Hammerschlagen
Step up to the stump and test your hammer skills in this classic German nail-driving game! Hammerschlagen is a fun and competitive challenge where each player takes turns trying to drive a nail into a wooden log—using precision, not just power.6:00 PM | Official keg tapping!
6:30 PM - 7PM | Costume Contest
Get into the spirit of GermanFest with our Costume Contest, open to both individuals and groups! Whether you’re rocking traditional attire or a creative twist on fest-wear, we want to see it.
Stop by the information booth to sign-up!9:00 PM | Legs n Lederhosen
11:00 PM | Festival Tent Closes
More information coming soon!
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11:00 AM | Festival Tent Opens
7:00 PM | Masskrugstemmen
Think you’ve got what it takes to go the distance? Step into the spotlight for Masskrugstemmen, the stein hoisting challenge!Come cheer on the competitors or try it yourself—it’s a crowd favorite that brings big laughs, big cheers, and big biceps.
Stop by the information booth to sign-up!
11:00 PM | Festival Tent Closes
More information coming soon!
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11:00 AM | Festival Tent Opens
11:00 AM - 6 PM | FamilienFest (Headwaters West)
7:00 PM | Polka Like a Star
Ready to dance your heart out? Join Patric Didier and his talented team for a lively evening of spins, steps, and smiles during Polka Like a Star!🎶 Kick things off with a fun, beginner-friendly polka lesson, then show off your moves in a friendly dance competition. Dancers will compete in a process of elimination—so bring your energy, rhythm, and flair!
Stop by the information booth to sign-up!
11:00 PM | Festival Tent Closes
More information coming soon!
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11:00 AM | Festival Tent Opens
5:00 PM | Festival Tent Closes
More information coming soon!