Guttenberg GermanFest Celebrates 35 Years of German Tradition, Music and Community, September 25th and 26th
GUTTENBERG, IOWA — Guttenberg GermanFest is raising a stein to 35 years of tradition, community and German heritage when the festival returns Friday and Saturday, September 25–26, 2026. The 35th anniversary celebration will fill downtown Guttenberg and the Mississippi Riverfront with two days of live music, German food and beverages, contests, arts and crafts, family activities and plenty of Gemütlichkeit.
35 Years of GermanFest
For 35 years, GermanFest has brought residents, visitors, businesses and organizations together to celebrate Guttenberg’s German roots and the community that continues to keep those traditions alive. This milestone year will honor longtime festival favorites while introducing new activities and competitions.
The celebration officially begins Friday with the Opening Ceremony at 5:30 p.m. on the Festival Stage, hosted by Emcee Michele VonHandorf. The ceremony will feature the traditional crowning of the 2026 Baron and Baroness and the tapping of the festival keg. To mark GermanFest’s 35th anniversary, the first 150 guests will receive a commemorative GermanFest mug and a free beer to raise in a special toast officially kicking off the festival.
Festivalgoers are also encouraged to help make the anniversary celebration even more festive by arriving in German attire. Guests who come dressed for the occasion will receive a free commemorative 35th Anniversary button while supplies last.
Friday’s entertainment continues with the German Band at 4 p.m., renowned Master Yodeler Kerry Christensen at 5:45 p.m., and Barefoot Becky at 6:30 p.m.
Master Yodeler Kerry Christensen Returns
One of the weekend’s featured performers is renowned Master Yodeler Kerry Christensen, who will take the Festival Stage Friday at 5:45 p.m. and again Saturday at 7 p.m.
Christensen’s unique performances showcase an extraordinary range of yodeling styles and bring an authentic—and highly entertaining—German and Alpine flavor to the festival.
New Food Contests Join GermanFest Favorites
GermanFest is adding even more friendly competition in 2026 with German food contests featuring Sauerkraut, German Desserts and German Potato Salad. The competitions join a packed Saturday schedule of traditional GermanFest contests and games.
Other Saturday competitions and activities include the Home Brew Contest, Keg Roll, Adult Stein Holding Contest, Keg Toss, Stein Relay, Yodeling Contest, Adult Costume Contest, Kids Costume Contest, Kids Stein Holding Contest, Wiener Dog Races, Pretzel Walk and Dice Game.
Music All Weekend Long
GermanFest’s Festival Stage will feature music and entertainment throughout the weekend. Saturday’s lineup includes German Band Performance at 11 a.m., Beau Timmerman at 1:30 p.m., Love Handles at 4 p.m., the Yodeling Contest at 6:30 p.m., Kerry Christensen at 7 p.m., and Shirts and Skins at 8:15 p.m.
The Center Court Stage at the Main Entrance will add even more entertainment Saturday with the Kids Costume Contest, Kids Stein Holding Contest, Wiener Dog Races, Illuminate Dance Troupe, Clayton Ridge Drill Team and the German Band.
Vendor Show, Food and Family Fun
Festivalgoers can stroll River Park Drive and enjoy the GermanFest vendor show featuring arts, crafts and specialty vendors. The Craft Show opens at 4 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. Saturday.
Saturday begins with the 5K Race at 9 a.m., followed by festival gates opening at 10 a.m. The Kids Area in the 600 block of Riverfront Park opens at 11 a.m. with inflatables, face painting, Duck Pond, Pretzel Walk, Dice Game and Photo Booth.
Throughout the festival, guests can enjoy specialty food vendors, traditional German games and plenty of opportunities to celebrate German heritage with friends and family.
Saturday Night Fireworks Over the Mississippi
The 35th anniversary celebration will light up the riverfront Saturday evening with fireworks at 8 p.m., providing a fitting finale to a full day of GermanFest festivities along the Mississippi River.
“Celebrating 35 years is a wonderful reflection of the volunteers, businesses, sponsors and community members who have kept GermanFest going from generation to generation,” said the GermanFest Committee. “We’re excited to honor the traditions people love while adding new reasons to come celebrate with us this year.”
Admission is $15 for guests ages 21 and older and $10 for guests under 21, with one wristband providing admission for both days of the festival.
Mark your calendars for September 25–26 and join Guttenberg in celebrating 35 years of GermanFest.
More Information
For the latest festival information, schedule updates and announcements, visit the Guttenberg GermanFest Facebook Page.
Prost, Guttenberg!
