Bring out your lederhosen and dirndl, because Volksfest is back!
Germania Maennerchor’s 59th annual German heritage festival returns Aug. 5-7 after being canceled in 2020 because of COVID-19. A popular annual event, organizers and attendees alike are ready for Volksfest to return.
“It’s a huge event for us. We always have a good time,” says Germania Maennerchor club member Harold Griese.
Attendees can indulge in a selection of beer and German cuisine, including kraut balls, bratwurst, pig knuckles, German potato salad, pork chops, German bologna sandwiches, and more. Plates are available for dine-in and carry-out service. Traditional German music will be played by Rhein Valley Brass, the Ratskeller Bank, and Cincinnati Schnapps. Germania Maennerchor’s men’s and women’s choirs will also perform.
Although much of Volksfest’s revelry takes place in Germania Maennerchor’s tented outdoor beer garden, the festival gives guests the opportunity to explore the club’s nearly 108-year-old West Side building resplendent with seasonal murals, dark wood paneling, and shields and flags of German provinces. Its large festival hall on the second floor will also host music and dancing.
Volksfest serves as Germania Maennerchor’s largest annual fundraiser but also is a crucial tool to spread awareness of Evansville’s German heritage. That’s why the festival is, for part of each day, open to all ages. Organizers say guests shouldn’t worry if their polka moves are rusty or they don’t know Schneider beer from schnapps — everyone at Volksfest gets to enjoy German Gemütlichkeit (friendliness).
“We’ll make you German in three days,” Griese says.
This year’s Volksfest runs 11 a.m.-midnight Aug. 5-7 at Germania Maennerchor, 916 N. Fulton Ave. The event is all ages, but after 2 p.m. each day, the festivities are open only to those 21 years and older. A $5 cover charge per attendee will apply each day of the festival after 4 p.m.
Photo provided by Germania Maennerchor.