I this was so fun!! The other reviews are accurate- the lines are very long and there are a lot of them. But honestly I was having so much fun I didn't mind! There are 2 stages so there is always live music while you are waiting in lines which helps. The food was SO GOOD from the vendor they brought it, and the beer choices were very good! Even as someone who pretty much only likes sours and ciders, I was able to find 2 beers I liked enough to drink 32 oz of it. The events were really what made this so much fun! My favorite was the daschund races obviously. We got to the "arena" area about 20 minutes early with our beer and got front row seats - so worth it!! They are so cute and it is so fun. The stein holding contest was also very impressive and fun to watch. We danced at the Rathskeller, cheered along to live music, and saw lots of people we knew. Looking forward to this next year! read more

GermanFest - Potato pancakes - incredible!! - Festivals Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

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Went to Germanfest today. I had a couple tickets waiting for me that I won from @YelpIndy. There was confusion by everyone around the ticketing and also they could not find my tickets. People waited in line for wrist bands only to find out they needed to go to the podium first to get a ticket. This is the 13th year for this event I would think things like this would be worked out. I found a parking spot about a half a block away so that worked out well. I had a nice time. I talked to a lot of nice folks. I ate some good food. I really enjoyed my potato pancakes with sour cream. I do not drink beer but they also had wine and regular cocktails. They had German music and everyone really enjoyed it. They had weiner dog races but it was very crowded around the track and I did not get to see them but I did see plenty walking around the event. They had several vendors and I purchased a hat for my grandchild. I had fun and also enjoyed a meal at The Rathskeller. read more

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Love this festival and this year was the most perfect weather for it. I wasn't there for long (we came at the end), but the sun was out, the beer was delicious and there were a lot of food trucks, although they didn't have anything to do with Germany (would love some more German food around!). Being at the most gorgeous, traditional German venue in Indy, you almost feel as if you've stepped into a street festival in Europe. My favorite part were the dachshund races. There are SO many wiener dogs dressed in full German outfits and that alone makes the event amazing. In addition to the races, they have yodeling contests, durstig games, bratwurst eating competitions and more. The lines are long for beer, so I'd recommend getting the bigger one to hold you over for longer. The earlier in the day, the less crowded it is, so I'll definitely arrive earlier next year! read more

I had won tickets to the GermanFest on Instagram from Yelp. This was my first time attending and I will say the event was nice but it was crowded and had long lines for everything. I love how their were things to do for everyone from adults to the kids and the dogs. There was face painting and crafts for the kids. I enjoyed the music that was playing and loved how people were dressed up. The prices for the different vendors were reasonable. read more

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This event is good but the lines are terrible. There's a line to buy tickets. A line to buy beer. And THEN ANOTHER LINE to buy food. The events are cool, but it's way to crowded. This even needs to DOUBLE it's beer and good capacity. There's not enough. The lines are too long and too slow. Don't go here unless you're ready for a wait, for many waits. read more

GermanFest - Warsteiner Dunkel Bier - Festivals Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

The Sankt Nikolaus Fest as been kicking in Indianapolis since 1985! I visited with my family this year, and it was a nice way to start the holiday season, as the Sankt Nikolaus Fest happens at the beginning of December every year. It takes place in the Athenaeum on the first floor right next to Coat Check Coffee. This is a family-friendly festival that celebrates Christmas the German way. There are German cookies and desserts to try (like springerle, cherry stollen and other sweets), cranberry punch, a craft room where you can make paper stars, gingerbread house-making, dancing and singing, live music, a puppet show and an appearance by Sankt Nikolaus (the OG Santa Claus) himself. The festival last three hours. At the end is when you get to see Sankt Nikolaus, and that's when it got a little bizarre because Santa came out with some Gollum-looking character named Knecht Ruprecht wearing a robe and scary makeup who was supposed to represent "the dark side of Christmas." Now, I am 100% down with learning about how other countries celebrate Christmas. I get that not everyone has the same traditions. However, Knecht Ruprecht was scaring my kids, and that's when me and my family peaced the eff out. So, be aware that there is a dude named Knecht Ruprecht that's part of the festival and he might be scary to young children. The festival is small and contained to the first floor of the Athenaeum, but we had a really good time and stayed for the whole festival. This is a fun local tradition to add to our list of Christmassy things to do during this holiday season. read more

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What a treat! I won two free tickets to GermanFest this year thanks to Yelp Indy and it was the perfect day outside. This was my first time attending this event. Everyone at the festival was very inviting and friendly. Sharing seats at the outdoor picnic tables with the friendliest strangers. Everyone we spoke to had a smile on their face and you could feel the community spirit. I enjoyed hand-rolled pretzels and tried the spicy mustard. I wasn't prepared for the spicy kick from the mustard and found out quickly that it had a real punch! They also have cheese to dip the pretzel in if you prefer the American way. You can't go to the Biergarten without trying some beer! I'm not a real beer drinker but I was able to taste one with a cider infused. Very crisp flavor! I wasn't adventurous enough to get sausage and sauerkraut. There were other tasty looking foods to try as well. The music and yodeling contest was my favorite. I felt like I stepped into a German neighborhood party it was great to feel an escape for the afternoon! And all the cute wiener dogs in their costumes and outfits was the cutest sight to see. Will definitely attend again in the future and invite some friends! read more

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I love this festival. This was my 5th year attending and it's high time I finally write a review. The day-long festival/fundraiser put on by the Athenaeum Foundation on Mass Ave (same building as the Rathskeller and YMCA) featuring beer games (Durstig games), polka music, weightlifting competition, weiner dog races, German food by locals like Heidlburg Restaurant and Der Pretzel Wagen, a beer garden via Rathskeller, and 5K filled with drindl and leiderhosen clad runners. It's family friendly, easy to access along East Street and Mass Ave and the vibe varies throughout the day depending on what you're looking for - eats? several beers and dancing? dressing up your weiner dog? You can find it all here. Similar to Vam's note in her review - there is a very upbeat and friendly vibe with smiles all around. I'm always up for an opportunity to throw my dirndl on. Note that this event is a fundraiser for the Athenaeum Foundation. read more

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The Anthaneum is a beautiful historic building in downtown Indianapolis and this is one of their most popular events of the year. This event has a lot going on--Durstig games (like a drinking game Olympics), dachshund races, Polka music, beer, and is also family friendly! If you are coming and planning on eating, drinking, and getting in the door, plan to at least spend $50--it is a fundraiser, after all. Also, if you are someone who is not great with crowds, maybe come enjoy the Rathskellar beer garden at a different time when it is less packed. During the peak hours of Germanfest, it is almost impossible to get from the bar back to your table without someone bumping into you and spilling your beer. read more

It was far too expensive for what it was. $55 for 2 people. And there wasn't really that much there. I was incredibly disappointed. It felt like an absolute waste of money. read more

Super duper fun event! Recommend checking it out in the years to come if you didn't make it out today (10/12/19). Great bands, fun activities, and kid and dog friendly! Beer lines can bed long. But lots of beer options and locations within the festival to find a shorter line. Tons of German style food options. I had the beef and noodles and certainly worth trying if you've never had it! Check it out! You won't be disappointed! read more

GermanFest - Festivals Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

If watered down beer and cider is your kind of thing you'd love germanfest.. I had already had a few before going to the event and drinking at the event actually Sobered me up (no wonder Germans can drink so much). The food is well over priced and the pork knuckle was terrible (definitely had better for cheaper). read more

this was the worst event i have ever gone to. Everything was "authentic" the prices were horrible for 2 people it was 55 dollars and the parking was also expensive. I want a refund read more

We volunteered and then enjoyed the last couple hours and had a really great time. Few food and drink vendors but it was right next to Rathskeller. Also just a few vendors. The Iron man contest was cool to watch read more

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Germanfest is an Awesome time! I opted to volunteer selling tickets (in exchange you get free designated parking in a nearby lot, a t-shirt and free admission). I really enjoyed spending a few hours of fun socializing while wristbanding folks. I got to enjoy live music and dancing in the Rathskeller biergarden, some Oktoberfest and schnitzel. After my shift I perused Indy Flea and the tent of vendors in the parking-lot-turned-carnival. I highly recommend volunteering for this one! read more

Fall is quite simply my favorite time of the year. Ask anyone. As much as I adore summer - with the sun and the pools and the traveling - I truly enjoy the fall. You have the delicious smells, tastes and festivals. Perfection. And with that comes the GermanFest! Any festival associated with or closely to The Rathskeller has my seal of approval. This was my first year at GermanFest and I was only there during the day. I have a feeling that as the day progressed into the evening, I would have enjoyed it even more. Plans for next year: involving myself in the 5K. Who wouldn't want to dress in their dirndl and dart down the streets of Indianapolis? So, there's that. Another great highlight is their wiener dog race. Everyone loves a wiener dog! With their short stubby legs and cute snout - they're a site to see. I even caught a glimpse of a leash made completely out of hotdogs. Priceless. And of course there's the beer. It's nearly impossible to have a German event without the option of beer. Beer and music. Can't forget the live music. Another hint for future attendees: don't forget your pretzel necklaces! It's handy to be able to have a snack literally hanging on you at all times. read more

GermanFest - Visit our booth for the lovely & perfectly made pretzel necklaces! @yelpindy - Festivals Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

This festival is always on my radar and for some reason, I never make it. I was happy to finally get a chance to check it out, thanks to a pair of tickets from Yelp Indy. We came earlier in the day, around 1pm. The crowds weren't very big, but the lines were already starting to grow big (especially for beer). We checked out the first heat of wiener dog races. Don't expect an extravagant race like I was. It's a simple straight line race. Still, very amusing to watch and I love that anyone can submit their wiener dog to race in the competition. Aside from some random shops and vendors and a kids' play area, you pretty much come here to spend more money on food/beer and hang out. Luckily, the weather this year was nice. I did have one major issue during my time at the festival: While I was waiting in line outside in the biergarten to get a pretzel, an employee (seemed like an owner) approached people in the line and encouraged us to step inside to get food (suggesting more food options and much faster than waiting in the line). We didn't have anything else to do, so we thought why not. Upon going into the restaurant, we asked someone at the bar about ordering a pretzel. Immediately, he was very upset about us asking for the pretzel since we were under the impression that we could order here and get it right away like we were going to outside. The guy was very angry with us for asking. We were walking up the stairs to go back in the line again, and the guy then sternly told us to wait there and he would get us a pretzel. Frustrated with how he just spoke with us, I explained that it wasn't a problem and I'd just get one outside. He then yelled at us and told us to wait there while he got us one. I was shocked at how he treated us, simply for asking for a pretzel and not wanting to sit down. One of the worst customer service experiences I've had in Indy. Other than that little issue, it seems like a fun event....for drinking lots of beer and listening to music while enjoying the weather. Nice event, but the bartender needs to fix up his attitude. read more

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Moving here from Wisconsin let me tell you I KNOW german festivals. This one is in my top 3: Oktoberfest in Munich, Germanfest in Milwaukee, and this one. They have weiner dog races, a great abundance of food in their outdoor patio, great music, and just a very compact but very very well organized festival. Plus it all goes to charity! read more

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I love volunteering and enjoying this festival. For years I have looked forward to putting on my Lederhosen and kicking it Bavarian-style. It's family-friendly and you don't have to drink beer all day to have a good time. They have live music, good food and activities to keep you busy. BUT, if you want to drink beer all day it can be fun to enter the beer garden and throw back a couple of Liters. In typical German fashion, the tables should be communal and don't be shy, invite people to join you. Most of the fun about this event comes from the experiences you have while there that are not planned. The Anthaneum is gorgeous and historic. Take a tour through it's German history, with a beer in your hand. Start conversations with others about who can Jodel the best, or who knows a good Schuhplattler step. Slap your knees and have a good time. Just don't drive. Take public transit for the most German experience. A Tip: Play the Gemuetlichkeit games. Get involved. Drinking can be done anytime, so come here to immerse yourself for a few hours. Prost! read more

This place was packed on Saturday! We were a little disappointed at how long the wait was to get a beer. There were really only two taps/cashiers with square readers that were holding up the line. We also didn't see where you could get any sausage? The food trucks seemed a bit off for the event but we did end up getting some Mac n Cheese. We found some straw bails so we were able to sit down and enjoy our beers and pasta. read more

Where else in Indy can you see weiner dog (aka Dashshund) races?! No seriously, I'm asking because it probably was the most amusing thing I'd seen all week! When they held each dog up during the introductions, I felt like I was in the Lion King movie at the beginning where Rafiki holds up Simba for all to see. Lots of fun for the family with plenty to see including the strongman competition, beer games, and Indy Urban Flea. I've already told my coworker who has a weiner dog that if she doesn't enter her puppy next year then I'd do if for her! (Disclosure: Yelp hooked me up with these sweet tickets-thanks again Yelp!) read more

This was such a fun event, I wish it was more than an annual occurrence! Although I didn't do the 5k, I later met up with some friends who had-and they proudly showcased their yelp fanny packs (jealous). Unlike many crowded drinking events, everyone was friendly and the drama seemed to be at a minimum. In the beer garden, plastic mugs filled with Oktoberfest were a steal-seriously I don't know how they got away with it. The entertainment was so fun and diverse-from the German singing and dancing to the wiener dog races-there was something to keep everyone happy. Or, for those looking for something a little less crowded (ok a lot less), the vintage and arts market provided a beautiful and eclectic reason to step away from the masses. And although I did not eat, I heard nothing but great things about the pretzels, kraut, schnitzel, and other German fare from everyone. read more

The Wunderbar und Fabulous German Festival! The GermanFest is the final capstone German themed festival of the Indianapolis Oktoberfest season. This one is located at the Athenaeum (Rathskeller Biergarten and adjacent parking lot). The festivities kick off with a 5k featuring runners in costume. The party continues with wiener dog races, strong man competitions, party games, polka, and great beer/food. Of all the festivals (German Park, Monument Circle, and Upland's in Military park) this is the most diverse and jam packed with family friendly fun. I have attended this festival every year since it started as a street festival on New Jersey St. and it just gets better and better every year. Prost! read more

My boyfriend and I had a blast! The food, beer, and entertainment were great. I really enjoyed meeting people from the Indiana German Heritage Society as well as the Dachshund Rescue. The event is perfect for everyone because of the wide range of activities. We could not have asked for a better festival. The best food, by far, was from the food truck- Der Pretzel Wagon. read more

We arrived at Germanfest around 5:30 paid the $12 fee to get in and had some beer, food and listened to some good music. it was around 7:00 our group of 8 moved into the beer garden to get a table. We continued eating and drinking enjoying the music when 2 of our wives needed to use the restroom. The line for the restroom behind the stage was probably 30-40 people long. They opted to go inside the Rathskellar, the "bouncer" at the door looked at and acknowledged their wristbands for the germanfest and they went on to the restroom. When they came back the "bouncer" told them they would have to pay the cover charge to get back in the beer garden since germanfest ended at 7. They told the "bouncer" the rest of the group were in the beer garden but he insisted they pay to get back in. This a**hole could've have told them that they would have to pay before they left the beer garden in the first place. So as a group we spent in excess of $500 in food and drink and an a**hole bouncer refused to let them pass for $5 cover fee. Well we wont be back and will take our beer and food money elsewhere, way to go Rathskellar you won today but lost from here on out.. read more

Did the 5k, did the Biergarten, did the kids area, loved the atmosphere..... Until my husband did the strong man competition, which took way too long....the competitors were not planning on spending 4 hours to do something that should have taken less than 2. read more

The lines were terribly long to get food or a drink. The food was not good nor was it warm when you finally got it. The staff had no organization or planning skills. Everyone was clueless. The live music was good and a fun touch but having all the announcements right next to it made it impossible to hear any notifications or announcement. It seems like it has potential to be a fun event however it needs to be better organized. read more