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

Schedule of Events:

May 17, 2025

4:00 PM - 11:00 PM I GermanFest Schwarzbier Abend

Chapman’s Brewing Company
1102 Swinney Ave
Fort Wayne, IN 46802

Prost!

Get ready for an early access celebration at the Germanfest Schwarzbier Abend! We will be launching the official brew of GermanFest, the Schwarzbier Lager!

This event is for true fans of Germanfest and will feature:
Free giveaways
Keg tapping
Stein hoisting competition
Cup racing
Live music
All You Can Eat German Feast

This event is open to all. Tickets are not required to attend. Tickets will be available though for early birds wanting an exclusive Germanfest Schwarzbier mug and discounted pricing for the German buffet.

June 1, 2025

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM - GermanFest Mass

St. Peter's Catholic Church
518 E DeWald St
Fort Wayne, IN 46803

The 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.

12:00 PM - 5th Annual GermanFest Schnitzelfest

Fort Wayne Turners
3636 Parnell Ave.
Fort Wayne, IN 46805

The 5th Annual Germanfest Schnitzelfest invites the community to enjoy food, games and fun.
On Sunday starting at noon at 3636 Parnell Ave, enjoy schnitzel, brats, Turners homemade potato salad and more.

Anyone is able to attend and a kickball tournament begins at 2:00 p.m. Open to all, the doors open at noon and games will begin at 2:00 P.M.

This fun-filled day celebrates German food, learning new sports, and celebrating the Turners German heritage while kicking off a weeklong celebration of GermanFest in Fort Wayne.

4:30 PM - 7:00 PM - Männerchor/Damenchor GermanFest Konzert & Heimatabend

Park Edelweiss
3355 Elmhurst Drive
Fort Wayne, IN 46809

The 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

June 4, 2025

4:00 PM - 10:00 PM - GermanFest Abend by German Heritage Society

Hop River Brewing Company
1515 N Harrison St
Fort Wayne, IN 46805

Come join Fort Wayne German Heritage Society for German food, drink, and music!

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.

June 5, 2025

10:00 AM - 10:30 PM - Bilingual German Storytime - Zweisprachige Märchenstunde - OFFSITE

ACPL Main Library
900 Library Plz
Fort Wayne, IN 46802

Join 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

June 6, 2025

11:00 AM - Festival Tent Opens

7:00 PM - GermanFest 5k
The annual GermanFest 5k will be taking off from Lawton Park.

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

June 7, 2025

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

June 8, 2025

11:00 AM  - Festival Tent Opens

5:00 PM - Festival Tent Closes

Date: June 5-8, 2025

Location: Various Venues in Fort Wayne, IN

Click here for more Information