Willkommen!
German‑American
Festival
Join us for Northwest Ohio’s oldest, largest, and greatest ethnic festival! The 60th German-American Festival will be hosted August 28th-30th, 2026.
August 28th-30th, 2026
The 60th German-American Festival
Oak Shade Grove
3624 Seaman Rd · Oregon, OH
About the German-American Festival
Raise your stein and join the celebration! Discover the sights, sounds, and flavors of German and Swiss culture at Toledo’s most iconic festival. Feast on authentic dishes, sip imported brews, and dance to the lively rhythms of traditional folk music.
From stein-holding contests to fun activities for the little ones, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
For more than 50 years, the German-American Festival has brought the heart of German and Swiss heritage to life, supporting cultural programs and community initiatives throughout the Toledo area. Come for the culture, stay for the memories – we’ll see you there. Prost !
The German-American Festival was voted the 2024 winner for the Toledo City Paper’s Best Festival.
Ben Krieger
Meet the President
“For more than 30 years, the German American Society has been part of my family’s life. I’m proud to help ensure it remains a vibrant part of our community for generations to come.”
Ben Krieger has been a proud member of the German American Society for more than 30 years and currently serves as its President. He has worked for AT&T for over 30 years and has been married to his wife, Cindy, for 30 years.
Ben and Cindy have three children, all of whom are married, and they enjoy spending time with their three grandchildren, with a fourth grandchild expected soon. In his free time, Ben is an avid ham radio operator and enjoys traveling the country in his RV. He is committed to preserving German heritage and helping the German American Society remain a vibrant part of the community for generations to come.
— Ben Krieger
Food, Music & Family Fun
Food, Beer & Music
Savor delicious German food and imported beer and experience authentic German music, folk dancing, and entertainment.
Contests & Feats
Participate in traditional German contests and feats
For the Kinder
Enjoy activities and rides for the Kinder !
Contests
Masskrugstemmen
A Stein lifting contest where contestants compete to hold up a one-liter stein of beer for as long as possible. The winner of this contest will be eligible to compete in the National Masskrugstemmen contest! The German-American Festival is now a sanctioned regional site!
Swiss Steintossen
A Swiss stone throwing competition where contestants will lift and throw a large stone for bragging rights and beer.
Hummel Look-Alike
This one’s for the Kinder – children dress as an M.I. Hummel figurine and hold a pose for a panel of judges.
GAF Beer Mile
Drink a beer, run a quarter mile. Repeat three more times. Four beers, one mile.
Schedule of Events
Friday: 6:00 PM to 1:00 AM
Main Stage
6 PM to Midnight
Phenix (Chicago, IL)
8 PM
Opening Ceremony
To be held immediately following the parade through the Festival grounds
Weingarten
6 PM to Midnight
Jay Fox and the Jammin’ Germans (Ft. Wayne, IN)
6:45 PM
D’Holzhacker Buam Schuhplattler Gruppe (Bavarian Sports Club, Toledo, OH)
Schwabenhalle
6 PM to Midnight
Alpine Blast Trio (Milwaukee, WI)
6:45 PM
Deutsche Volkstanz Gruppe (Toledo, OH)
8:45 PM
D’Holzhacker Buam Schuhplattler Gruppe (Bavarian Sports Club, Toledo, OH)
Arena
Masskrugstemmen (Stein-lifting competition)
Saturday: 2:00 PM to 1:00 AM
Main Stage
2 PM to 7 PM
Enzian (Detroit, MI)
7 PM to Midnight
Phenix (Chicago, IL)
Weingarten
2 PM to 7 PM
Alpentrio Grubseldorfer (Detroit, MI)
2:45 PM
Toledo Holzhacker Buam Schuhplattler Gruppe (Toledo, OH)
3:45 PM
Deutsche Volkstanz Gruppe (Toledo, OH)Toledo Holzhacker Buam Schuhplattler Gruppe (Toledo, OH)
4:45 PM
D’Holzhacker Buam Schuhplattler Gruppe (Bavarian Sports Club, Toledo, OH)
7 PM to Midnight
Jay Fox and the Jammin’ Germans (Ft. Wayne, IN)
7:45 PM
D’Holzhacker Buam Schuhplattler Gruppe (Bavarian Sports Club, Toledo, OH)
Schwabenhalle
2 PM to 6 PM
Culkar-Golob Band (Cleveland, OH)Alpine Blast Trio (Milwaukee, WI)
2:45 PM
D’Holzhacker Buam Schuhplattler Gruppe (Bavarian Sports Club, Toledo, OH)
3:45 PM
Toledo Holzhacker Buam Schuhplattler Gruppe (Toledo, OH)
4:45 PM
Deutsche Volkstanz Gruppe (Toledo, OH)
6:45 PM
Toledo Holzhacker Buam Schuhplattler Gruppe (Toledo, OH)Deutsche Volkstanz Gruppe (Toledo, OH)
7 PM to Midnight
Alpine Blast Trio (Milwaukee, WI)
7:45 PM
Deutsche Volkstanz Gruppe (Toledo, OH)
Arena
Swiss Steintossen (Swiss Stone Throwing competition)
Masskrugstemmen (Stein lifting competition)
Soccer Field
Soccer game – Teams TBA
Sunday: 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Main Stage
Noon to 4 PM
Alpine Blast Trio (Milwaukee, WI)
4 PM to 8 PM
Phenix (Chicago, IL)
Weingarten
Noon to 4 PM
Good Times Orchestra (Detroit, MI)
1:45 PM
Deutsche Volkstanz Gruppe (Toledo, OH)
2:45 PM
Toledo Holzhacker Buam Schuhplattler Gruppe (Toledo, OH)
3:45 PM
D’Holzhacker Buam Schuhplattler Gruppe (Bavarian Sports Club, Toledo, OH)
4 PM to 8 PM
Jay Fox and the Jammin’ Germans (Ft. Wayne, IN)
5:45 PM
Toledo Holzhacker Buam Schuhplattler Gruppe (Toledo, OH)
6:45 PM
Deutsche Volkstanz Gruppe (Toledo, OH)
Schwabenhalle
10:30 AM
German Language Worship Service
Noon to 4 PM
Deutschmeister German Band (Toledo, OH)
1:45 PM
Toledo Holzhacker Buam Schuhplattler Gruppe (Toledo, OH)
2:45 PM
D’Holzhacker Buam Schuhplattler Gruppe (Bavarian Sports Club, Toledo, OH)
3:45 PM
Deutsche Volkstanz Gruppe (Toledo, OH)
4 PM to 8 PM
Enzian (Detroit, MI)
6:45 PM
D’Holzhacker Buam Schuhplattler Gruppe (Bavarian Sports Club, Toledo, OH)
Arena
Hummel Look-alike Contest
Swiss Steinstossen (Swiss Stone Throwing competition)
Festival Grounds
Beer Mile
Strolling Musicians – Alpentrio Grubelsdorfer (Detroit, MI)
*Entertainment is subject to change without notice.
Food and Drinks
Open a category to browse the full menu.
Draft Beer
Labatt Light
A light pilsner-style lager with a slightly sweet taste and a fruity, hop aroma. It’s fresh, crisp, and brewed to high-quality standards.
Warsteiner Pilsner
A refreshing, pale golden pilsener with a clean taste, perfectly balanced with hints of barley malt, subtle bottom-fermenting yeast tones, and mild hoppy bitterness.
Warsteiner Dunkel
A dark lager offering a rich, smooth taste with notes of roasted malt and a subtle sweetness.
Warsteiner Oktoberfest
A festive Märzen-style beer with a balanced malt profile and a hint of hop bitterness, perfect for celebrating Oktoberfest traditions.
Warsteiner Brewer’s Gold
A special edition brew featuring a harmonious blend of malt and hops, delivering a unique and satisfying flavor.
Paulaner Hefeweizen
A classic German wheat beer known for its cloudy appearance and flavors of banana and clove, offering a refreshing and fruity profile.
Paulaner Oktoberfest
A traditional Märzen with a rich malt flavor and a clean, crisp finish, embodying the spirit of Oktoberfest.
Paulaner Oktoberfest Wiesn
A special Oktoberfest brew with a slightly stronger body and a well-balanced taste, brewed specifically for the festival season.
Hofbräu Oktoberfest
A full-bodied, golden beer with a fine hoppy aroma and a well-balanced flavor, making it a favorite during Oktoberfest celebrations.
Hofbräu Dunkel
A dark lager with a rich, malty flavor and subtle hints of caramel and roasted malt, offering a smooth and satisfying taste.
Hofbräu Lager
A traditional German lager with a balanced malt and hop profile, delivering a crisp and refreshing experience.
Earnest Brew Works Festbier
A locally brewed Festbier with a medium body and pleasant taste, featuring notes of lemongrass and white bread.
Earnest Brew Works Bock
A strong lager with rich malt flavors and a smooth finish, showcasing the craftsmanship of Earnest Brew Works.
Earnest Brew Works Black Forest Crunchy Hippie
A unique brew combining dark malt characteristics with a hint of sweetness, offering a distinctive and enjoyable flavor.
Packaged beer
Ayinger Brewery
Ayinger Urweisse
A traditional Dunkelweizen with a strong, malty aroma and unmistakable yeasty taste. Rich in sparkle with a medium-sweet flavor profile featuring sweet citrus, bread, and a hint of banana.
Ayinger Altbairisch Dunkel
A Bavarian dark lager with light sweetness reminiscent of graham crackers, light chocolate, and powdered cocoa. Good body with higher carbonation and toasted brown flavors.
Ayinger Bräuweisse
A classic wheat beer with light-to-moderate sweetness, light bitterness, and a light acidic note. Long-lasting sweet finish with light astringency. Medium body with a watery-to-oily texture.
Ayinger Celebrator Doppelbock
A rich, dark elixir with cascading layers of malt complexity balanced by elegant hops. Notes of toffee, caramel, dark-malt roastiness, and barley essence. Semi-dry finish.
Ayinger Bavarian Pilsner
Highly fermented and smooth on the initial taste sensation, mild and sparkling in body. Aroma of sweet malt and cooked grain with hints of herbal hops.
Ayinger Oktober Fest-Märzen
Rich amber-golden color with a deep, inviting malty nose and bready flavor. Medium to big body with a touch of warming alcohol on the finish.
Ayinger Weizenbock
Golden with copper tones, featuring a classic Bavarian wheat beer aroma suggesting spice and cloves. Smooth body from wheat with low bitterness and a dry taste.
Ayinger Jahrhundert Bier
Golden-yellow color with a slightly flowery yeast and honey-ish aroma. Tastes a little spicy and is full-bodied in initial taste, mild before swallowing with a long-lasting finish.
Hacker-Pschorr Brewery
Hacker-Pschorr Münchner Gold
Bready and grainy malt flavors with a bit of wheat, some citrus and lemon, and a grassy, floral hop aftertaste with nice bitterness.
Hacker-Pschorr Oktoberfest Märzen
Moderate malty (bread, caramel) and hoppy (flowers) aroma. Moderate sweet flavor with light-to-moderate bitter character. Medium body with a watery texture.
Paulaner Brewery
Paulaner Hefeweizen
The #1 wheat beer in Germany with a uniform, slightly cloudy appearance. Features a consistent quality and perfect taste with a unique yeast suspension technique.
Paulaner Oktoberfest Bier
Malty sweetness leaning towards a bready and spicy scent. Very well-balanced taste with a grainy profile and a bitter edge that does not dominate the beer.
Paulaner Lager (Münchner Hell)
Crystal clear golden color with a thin white head. Smell of malt and grass. Hoppy, crisp, refreshing taste with pleasant, moderate bitterness.
Paulaner Salvator
Unmistakable taste with smooth chocolate flavor, robust dark caramel maltiness, and a light note of hops providing a nice intensity on the palate.
Rhinegeist Brewery
Rhinegeist Franz Oktoberfest
Malt-forward with bread, toffee, light caramel, touch of citrus with orange-like notes, and a hint of herbal hops. Mouthfeel feels like an ale.
Aecht Schlenkerla Brewery
Aecht Schlenkerla Rauchbier Märzen
A smoked beer with bacon and ham notes, offering a unique flavor profile that stands out among traditional Märzen beers.
Aecht Schlenkerla Rauchbier Urbock
A stronger version of the classic Rauchbier with intensified smoky flavors and a robust malt backbone.
Andechs Brewery
Andechs Doppelbock
A strong, dark beer with rich malt flavors, notes of caramel, and a smooth finish.
Andechs Weißbier Dunkel
A dark wheat beer with a full-bodied taste, featuring hints of banana and clove, complemented by roasted malt flavors.
Augustiner Brewery
Augustiner Maximator Dark
A strong dark beer with rich maltiness and a smooth, warming finish.
Augustiner Munich Light
A light lager with a clean, crisp taste and subtle hop bitterness.
Augustiner Maximator Dark
A strong dark beer with rich maltiness and a smooth, warming finish.
Augustiner Munich Light
A light lager with a clean, crisp taste and subtle hop bitterness.
Erdinger Brewery
Erdinger Weißbier
A classic wheat beer with a fine yeast aroma, fruity notes, and a refreshing finish.
Schneider Brewery
Schneider Aventinus
A strong wheat doppelbock with complex flavors of ripe banana, raisins, and a hint of clove.
Schneider Weisse
A traditional wheat beer with a well-balanced taste of banana and clove, complemented by a smooth malt body.
Henninger Brewery
Henninger Premium
A premium lager with a balanced malt and hop profile, offering a smooth and refreshing taste.
Köstritzer Brewery
Köstritzer Schwartzbier
A black lager with roasted malt flavors, notes of chocolate and coffee, and a clean finish.
Krombacher Brewery
Krombacher Pils
A classic German pilsner with a crisp, bitter taste and a dry finish.
Krombacher Hell
A light lager with a mild malt flavor and subtle hop bitterness.
Professor Fritz Briem
Professor Fritz Briem 1809
A Berliner Weisse-style beer with a tart, citrusy flavor and a refreshing finish.
Radeberger Brewery
Radeberger Zwickelbier
An unfiltered lager with a smooth, malty flavor and a hint of hops.
Reissdorf Brewery
Reissdorf Kölsch
A light, crisp ale with a delicate balance of malt and hops, offering a refreshing taste.
Schöfferhofer Brewery
Schöfferhofer Grapefruit
A 50/50 blend of unfiltered Hefeweizen and natural grapefruit juice, offering a refreshing, well-rounded taste with a tangy character and hints of sweetness.
Schöfferhofer Pomegranate
Combines sparkling smooth Hefeweizen with natural pomegranate juice, delivering a refreshingly tart and tangy taste experience
Schöfferhofer Juicy Pineapple
A unique combination of unfiltered Hefeweizen and natural pineapple drink, providing a sweet burst of tropical flavor with a refreshing finish.
Tucher Helles Lager
A traditional Bavarian lager with a smooth, malty flavor and a crisp finish.
Tucher Helles Hefeweizen
A classic wheat beer featuring notes of banana and clove, with a creamy mouthfeel and a refreshing finis
Weihenstephaner Hefeweissbier
A world-renowned wheat beer with a harmonious blend of banana and clove flavors, complemented by a smooth yeast character.
Weihenstephaner Dunkel
A dark wheat beer offering rich malt flavors with hints of caramel and a mild bitterness.
Weihenstephaner Korbinian
A strong, dark Doppelbock with complex flavors of dark fruit, chocolate, and roasted malt.
cocktails, wine, & more
Alternative Malt Beverages
Mike’s Hard Lemonade
A refreshing balance of tart and sweet, reminiscent of lemon bars or lemon hard candy. The finish is syrupy with a soft, lemon-scented acidity.
Mike’s Hard Black Cherry
Combining refreshing black cherry sweetness with zesty lemonade tartness, offering a delightful flavor profile.
Angry Orchard Crisp Apple Hard Cider
A crisp and refreshing cider with sweet apple notes upfront and a subtle dryness at the finish for a balanced taste.
Warsteiner Grapefruit
An easy-drinking Radler with aromas and flavors of grapefruit, orange, and lemon. Refreshing and nicely balanced with a mild hoppy taste and a clean finish.
German Flag Cocktail
A visually striking layered drink representing the German flag’s colors.
German Chocolate Cupcake Cocktail
A dessert-inspired cocktail that captures the classic flavors of German chocolate cake.
Gummi Bear Drink
A playful and fruity cocktail garnished with gummy bears for a fun twist.
Auslese
A luxurious, sweet, and full-bodied wine with an intensive bouquet and fine-fruity aroma.
Kabinett
A delightfully fruity wine of superior quality, harmoniously balanced with fragrant, fine fruit and a light sweetness.
Dornfelder
A delightfully light and fruity red wine with flavors of bright cherries, blackberries, and strawberries, offering a soft and elegant finish.
Riesling QbA
Well-balanced and slightly fruity, this semi-dry wine offers a crisp and refreshing experience, ideal for seafood, chicken, and salads.
Spätlese
A medium-sweet wine balanced by zesty lime acidity and a hint of earthen minerality, featuring ripe mango and guava notes.
Featured Wines — Schmitt Sohne
Piesporter Michelsberg
A beautifully fragrant, medium-bodied wine with upfront fruit that continues to develop on the palate. Made from Riesling and Müller-Thurgau grapes, it offers hints of peaches and green apples balanced with crisp acidity.
Chardonnay
Rich and elegant with fresh aromas of ripe pear and zesty citrus, leading to creamy peach and juicy apple flavors wrapped in a silky-smooth texture.
Moscato
This sweet and juicy wine delights with strawberry, ripe honeydew, and melon flavors, offering a lovely bouquet of rose, lychee fruit, and peaches.
non-alcholic beverages
Pepsi
Brisk Lemon Iced Tea
Diet Pepsi
Brisk Lemonade
Mountain Dew
LIFEWTR (assorted flavors)
Starry
Frappuccino – French Vanilla or Mocha
Ginger Ale
Aquafina Water
Authentic German/Bavarian Food
Bäckerei (Bakery Selections)
Swiss Bäckerei
Indoor and outdoor bakeries featuring a wide variety of European-style and imported cheeses, breads, and meats.
Main Dishes
Maxi-Cooked Chicken Halves
Prepared in a maxi-cooker to ensure each half is perfectly cooked – tender, juicy, and packed with flavor.
Schnitzel Sandwiches
Cooked right in front of you and served hot on a fresh Kaiser roll for that perfect crunch.
Swiss Cheese/Mozzarella and Mushroom Brat
This signature bratwurst is packed with creamy Swiss cheese, gooey mozzarella, and earthy mushrooms – a fan favorite making its return this year.
German Favorites
Smoke Ham Shanks
Smoked low and slow for rich flavor – tender, juicy, and a traditional German festival favorite.
Bratwurst Varieties
Classic bratwurst, cheddar wurst, jalapeño wurst, smoked wurst, and brat patty sandwiches.
Leberkäs Platters
Slices of dense, Bavarian-style meatloaf (Leberkäse) served hot, often with mustard and rye bread, known for its rich, savory flavor and crispy outer layer.
Leberkässemmel
A sandwich variation featuring thick slices of Leberkäse on a fresh roll, often served with pickles or mustard for a classic, hearty snack.
Sauerkraut
Traditional German sauerkraut prepared with authentic flavor – tangy, savory, and the perfect complement to any meal.
Handmade Potato Salad
Made from a traditional German recipe with fresh ingredients – creamy, flavorful, and a festival favorite.
Sauerkraut Balls
Crispy on the outside and savory on the inside – a delicious German-inspired favorite served hot and fresh.
Hand-Cut Pommes Frites
Thick-cut, freshly fried German-style fries, typically served with mayonnaise, curry ketchup, or mustard for a true taste of German street food.
Sweet Corn
Perfectly cooked and lightly seasoned for great flavor – sweet, tender, and a classic festival side dish.
Homemade Pastries
A delicious variety of traditional desserts, including kuchen (fruit-topped cakes), strudels (layered, flaky pastries filled with fruit or cheese), cookies, cakes, and other sweet treats.
VIP Info
$200for the whole weekend
ADD a Thursday night VIP pass for $50 and enjoy the Taste of the Festival preview night!
** All VIP passes are nonrefundable, rain or shine **
Only tickets sold through the German American Festival website, or sold at the box office are valid for entry. Any tickets sold via the secondary market or elsewhere are not certified by the Festival, nor will they guarantee entry into the confines of the event. All tickets purchased outside of the Festival are subject to be denied entry should they be deemed invalid.
- VIP access into our exclusive tent near the main stage and the Glockenspiel on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
- Uniformed security validating VIP access
- Access to an authentic German bar (Das Schwaben Bar)
- Exclusive food and drink package included: Each VIP ticket includes 5 food items and 5 beer or wine pours
- Still hungry? VIP has a specialized food and drink booth that accepts cash and card transactions - shorter lines!
- Live German music and entertainment all weekend long
- Access to the Luxury Loos — clean, attended, flushable toilets! Real sinks with water!
- VIP tickets are transferable to a new guest each day of the festival - a different person can use the VIP pass each day! Share the German experience with friends, family, or coworkers
Maps and Travel
Oak Shade Grove · 3624 Seaman Rd · Oregon, OH 43616
Free Parking
Oak Shade Grove offers over 70 acres of free, lighted parking. Parking areas can be accessed via Starr Ave, Corduroy Rd, or Seaman St.
People Movers
The German-American Festival utilizes people movers to shuttle festivalgoers from the Seaman St and Corduroy Rd parking areas to the festival gates. Alternative entrances to the festival from the parking areas can be accessed through the Starr Ave or Seaman St parking areas.
Accessible Parking
For vehicles with valid handicapped placards, stickers, or plates, there is a handicapped parking area available directly in front of the festival grounds on Seaman St.
Rides Home
Black & White Taxi Company will be offering rides from the festival all weekend long! Head to the designated pickup and drop-off zone located outside the front gates on Seaman Rd near Cedar Creek Church for a safe and easy ride home.
Scenes from the Festival
