Athenaeum Foundation to host 17th Annual GermanFest

For the 17th consecutive year, the Athenaeum Foundation is hosting a celebration of German heritage and its contributions to modern Hoosier culture. The 17th Annual GermanFest is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 4, from noon to 6 p.m.

This year’s celebration returns with traditional German food and beverages, complemented by a lineup of local vendors. Guests can savor offerings from Old Major Market, Gomez Barbecue, and The Rathskeller, along with hot Wisconsin cheese curds, sweet treats, and German cakes by the slice from Coat Check Coffee.

“Each year, GermanFest brings visitors from across Indiana together to celebrate German-American Day,” said Athenaeum Foundation President, Craig Mince. “From new vendors & bands to the expansion of the wiener dog races and first-ever dog costume contest, we invite Hoosiers to raise a stein and enjoy beloved traditions with friends and family as we raise money for the preservation and advancement of the historic Athenaeum.”

A fan favorite, GermanFest’s “Dachshund Dash,” returns with play-by-play announcers and a screen for spectators watching from afar. Each heat features three races, with winners advancing to head-to-head finals. New this year, the Weiner dog with the fastest run time among all heat winners will be crowned the Grand Champion. Attendees can also bring their furry friends of all breeds and sizes to participate in a dog costume contest!

Additional festivities include a Kinderland for the kids, the return of a crowd favorite yodeling contest, Athenaeum building tours, sausage eating and stein holding competitions, photo ops with the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile, and more.

Tickets are currently available, and event organizers encourage attendees to purchase tickets online prior to the event day. GermanFest will again feature a VIP ticket option.

When purchasing a ticket, attendees are encouraged to register for a free 15-minute Indiana Landmarks Building Tour of the Athenaeum Building led by docents.

GermanFest is the Athenaeum Foundation’s largest annual fundraising event, and all proceeds are directed to the maintenance of the historic German-American landmark, the continuation of its unique programming, and its commitment to positioning the Athenaeum as the center of community and culture on Mass Ave.

For more information on GermanFest and the Athenaeum Foundation, please visit: www.athenaeumindy.org