FRANKENMUTH, Mich. – Back downtown for its third year, the Frankenmuth Bavarian Festival kicks off on June 6th! Relocated to the heart of the city, the festival has seen a revival and surely promises what looks to be the beginning of a new era of German celebration. Events commence on Thursday the 6th with the coronation of the 56th Frankenmuth Bavarian Festival Princess and her court and comes to a triumphant finish with what locals fondly call a holiday – Parade Sunday! To make sure you don't miss out on a wonderful and fulfilling visit, here are the top 10 things everyone should check out at Frankenmuth Bavarian Festival this year.
1. Take in the Music
With three different tent locations, delightful music will be filling the air all through downtown Frankenmuth. Find traditional Polka music in both our main event tent in Zehnder Park and on the street. With major headliners like Squeezebox featuring Ted Lang and Mollie B or The Polka Brothers, there is no shortage of "Tanzen" (dancing) tunes at the festival. New for 2019 and directly from Germany, The Gunzenhauser Blous'n are a 15-piece polka band performing the whole weekend! If polka jams aren’t quite your cup of beer, head up to the rock tent for The Bromantics and The Sinclair's Band, where you can rock out all night long!
2. Taste a Sip from the Ceremonial First Tapped Keg
Who knew Munich could be transported to Little Bavaria? This timeless German tradition performed by Frankenmuth's Burgermeisterin (mayor) symbolizes the opening of the festival, along with shared comradery and great German Hofbräu beer. Watch the tapping and grab a glass to start the weekend off right!
3. Eat Chicken BBQ for Dinner
Available for lunch and dinner all weekend, the Chicken BBQ is a festival tradition that also helps give back to the community. Each day of festival a different civic organization coordinates and sells delicious chicken dinners with a portion of the proceeds going directly back to their deserving cause. Not only is the chicken delicious, but the contributions help keep the festival and the civic groups thriving for years to come.
4. Dance in the Street at Friday Night Street Party
Stroll down Main Street for this FREE and fun part of Bavarian Festival. Enjoy live bands, children's activities, a German car show, Festival Olympics and a zip line – straight down the middle of it all. Feeling hungry? Make sure to stop at the many food trucks, stands, and booths along the way. And for the adults, beer is never far. With 5 different bar areas ready to serve, you're guaranteed not to go thirsty.
5. Enjoy the Fireworks
End Friday night with a bang and enjoy a fireworks display designed especially for Bavarian Festival. Launched directly west of the festival grounds, you can't go wrong choosing a spot to marvel at this nighttime aerial spectacular!
6. Have Fun with Da Frankenmuda Fratz'n
Have you ever wanted to learn to dance like a German? The Fratz'n have you covered! These authentic German folk dancers strike the main stage Friday and Saturday with their famous slap dance and cow bell routines. Join them Saturday at 1:30pm in the Chamber Platz for Da Frankenmuda Fratz'n Kids Spectacular and learn how to do the moves for yourself! They are always excited to have some helpers take the floor with them!
7. Participate in German tradition
In almost every German village there is a Maibaum (maypole). Why not bring it to Bavarian Festival? The raising of the Maibaum just outside the main tent is brought together by the festival organizers from our Civic Events Council and German Maypole dancers. Raise a glass and have a blast as the Maypole rises with this hearty tradition.
8. Play like a Kid
Starting on Friday night, the children's area is open for kids of all ages to explore. From exciting bounce houses and games to character meet and greets, there is truly something for everyone. Have you or your child always wanted to be in a parade? Here is your chance. Saturday morning's KinderTag parade features children riding bike, roller skating, or riding on floats. Starting at River Place Shops and ending at the children's area, this short and sweet children's parade is a delight to all those who participate and watch.
9. Compete in the Cornhole Tournament
Grab a friend and get to tossing! The Cornhole Tournament is back again this year, with cash and prizes to be won! Held on Saturday afternoon, teams of two are guaranteed three full games of cornhole and a little friendly competition. Whether you play for the prize or just for fun, the Bavarian Festival Cornhole Tournament isn't something you want to miss.
10. Experience the Bavarian Festival Parade
With nearly 120 entries, this beloved parade and self-proclaimed city holiday is the perfect way to wrap up a weekend filled with fun music, great food, and new memories with friends and family. As locals and guests alike line the streets of this two mile parade, the exciting variety of participants can't disappoint. Spectators will enjoy many bands, entertainers, local businesses, and a few surprises along the way. Snag an authentic Bavarian pretzel or a piping hot bratwurst on the street, or head down to the main festival tent for a great view and the popular Bloody Mary Bar. No matter where you view the parade, you won’t soon forget this exciting send off of the 2019 Frankenmuth Bavarian Festival.
Bavarian Festival is the opening kickoff to summer in Frankenmuth, and there’s no better way to start! With admission only $5 all weekend (ages 12 and under are free), Frankenmuth Bavarian Festival is a fun and affordable weekend for the whole family and a guaranteed good time. For a complete list of events and activities, visit www.bavarianfestival.org. Share your photos on social media by tagging #bavarianfest and #frankenmuth so the excitement can be shared!