How to Attend Milwaukee's German Fest

Germanfest Logo

Germanfest is held the last weekend of July, Thursday through Sunday, at Milwaukee's Lakefront on the Maier Festival Grounds. There are different types of entertainment and German culture to be experienced for all ages and the entire family. Bring a group of your friends from work; entertain business associates or the family, but don't miss all that Milwaukee's Germanfest has to offer.

Things You'll Need

• Germanfest tickets
• Money
• Sunglasses
• Jacket
• Sunscreen
• Schedule
• Map
• Transportation
• Newspaper
• Shoes

Instructions

1. Decide what day you would like to attend Germanfest. If possible, purchase advance tickets at a discounted rate, and obtain a schedule using the Germanfest website listed below or in a Milwaukee area newspaper. This way, you can plan better and get the most for your entertainment dollar. In some cases, you can get free admission at the gate with a donation of nonperishable food items. Students and seniors will also enjoy discounted rates if they purchase tickets at the gate. Look at your Entertainment or Gold C coupon savings book for some buy one, get one free admission coupons redeemable at the gate.

2. Plan your transportation carefully. You may want to consider one of the many shuttle buses run by the Milwaukee County Transit System, because parking can be expensive and can be difficult to find. Buses run to and from the main gate every half hour. If you must park, arrive earlier in the day so you will be more likely to find a parking garage and spend less time searching for a parking space.

3. Purchase advance tickets for any main stage musical acts performing at the Marcus Amphitheater. These tickets are generally at a premium rate the day of the show, so you will save more money if you purchase them ahead of time. There are seats for nearly every budget, including seating on the grass. If you have tickets in hand, you are sure to get a seat as some bands sell out quickly.

4. Apply sunscreen and wear sunglasses if needed. It is also a good idea to carry a jacket with you in case the weather changes. Weather at the Milwaukee Lakefront can be very unpredictable. Wear comfortable walking shoes, because you may be walking several miles.

5. Attend one of several church services held right on the Germanfest grounds if you go on Sunday. This would be a fun diversion from a normal Sunday.

6. Participate in the charity walk/run held each year. You will run to the Germanfest grounds, pay a small entry fee and receive Germanfest merchandise and tickets all while assisting a worthwhile cause. There are awards and prizes after the run and local businesses will make donations for each runner that participates. Or, if you are more of a dog fan, consider the Dachshund Races which include contests, prizes, charitable donations as well as meeting other Dachshund owners.

7. Sample German food while strolling along the Milwaukee Lakefront at Germanfest and listening to the various German Ethnic musical groups. Do not fill up all at one time, but go with a friend or your family so you can each try each others food. Do not be afraid to eat something you have never eaten before. Dine at a new restaurant.

8. Dance to the music or watch others perform German Dance while you sip German beer. It is always fun to sit and watch others polka, which is a popular dance in the Milwaukee area.

Tips & Warnings

• Be prepared to deal with crowds

Resources

• Official Germanfest Website
• Milwaukee County Transit Festival Shuttle Information
• Why not get cheap Internet service while you're at it?