What to know for Germanfest 2025 in Topeka

TOPEKA (KSNT) - Topeka's biggest celebration of German culture is just around the corner and is bringing with it beer, food and fun for locals.

People wanting to take part in this year's Germanfest celebrations will need to head down to Topeka's Oakland neighborhood this weekend. The 2025 Germanfest will be held on Saturday, June 7 and Sunday, June 8 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church located at 312 Northeast Freeman Avenue.

This annual celebration has been ongoing for decades at Sacred Heart Church and highlights the German heritage and background of the area's locals. Cash raised at Germanfest goes towards helping educate Catholic school students in Topeka.

People can take part in the celebration by participating in fun activities like bingo and auctions for adults and inflatables and a mini-train for children. Various booths will also be open throughout the event, along with a local polka band providing music.

A drawing will be held on June 8 for several prizes, including three $1,000 winners and one $10,000 winner. Tickets can be purchased at $1 apiece for entries into the $1,000 drawings and $10 each for the $10,000 drawing.

Germanfest Schedule

• Saturday, June 7.
  • 4 p.m. - outdoor mass.
  • 5 p.m. - German food line, Bier Garten and snack bar open. Various booths also open.
  • 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. - Activities for kids such as inflatables and the mini-train become available.
  • 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. - silent auction.
  • 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. - The Chardon Polka Band will perform.
  • 10 p.m. - Germanfest closes until the following day.
• Sunday, June 8.
  • 8 a.m. - indoor mass at St. Joseph Church.
  • 10 a.m. - indoor mass at Sacred Heart Church.
  • 10 a.m. - German food line, Bier Garten and snack bar open.
  • 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. - games and activities such as pop toss, horse race, basketball throw, plinko, cake walk, mini-train and more are available. Booths, such as for souvenirs and ice cream, open.
  • 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. - silent auction.
  • 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. - The Chardon Polka Band takes the stage.
  • 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. - bingo.
  • 2 p.m. - oral auction.
  • 3 p.m. - Bier Garten closes.
  • 4 p.m. - drawings for the $1,000 prizes and the $10,000 prize.

What's on the menu?

Guests at the Germanfest can expect to find some traditional food and beer to enjoy while they play various games or take part in one of the auctions. German cuisine such as sauerkraut and krautstrudels will be for sale along with different beer options, some courtesy of Blind Tiger Brewery & Restaurant.

• Beer options.
  • Germanfest Bier - 4.6% ABV. Described as light, bright and crisp.
  • Maibock - 6.5% ABV. A malty sweet pale lager beer.
  • Oktoberfest - 5.5% ABV. An amber lager with balanced hops.
  • Munich Dunkles - 5.2% ABV. Described as a rich malt character with soft chocolate.
  • On draft - Blind Tiger Biers, Bud Light, Michelob Ultra.
• Kitchen menu.
  • Saturday menu.
    • German sausage.
    • Bratwurst.
    • Krautstrudel.
    • Dumplings, with green beans and ham.
    • Noodles and sage balls.
    • German potato salad.
    • Krautstrudel to-go.
    • Sauekraut.
    • German coleslaw.
    • German potato salad.
    • Cookies/cake/pie.
    • Pop.
    • Beer.
    • Water.
  • Sunday menu.
    • Sauerbraten.
    • Pork and sauerkraut.
    • German sausage.
    • Krautstrudel.
    • Noodles and sage balls.
    • German potato salad.
    • Fried chicken.
    • Krautstrudel to-go.
    • Sauerkraut.
    • German coleslaw.
    • Potatoes and gravy.
    • Green beans.
    • Dinner roll.
    • Cookies/cake/pie.
    • Pop.
    • Beer.
    • Coffee/tea.
    • Water.
• Snack bar menu.
  • German sausage.
  • German sausage with kraut.
  • BBQ beef sandwich.
  • Hamburger.
  • Cheeseburger.
  • Hot dog.
  • Cheese dog.
  • Chili dog.
  • Chili cheese dog.
  • Nachos.
  • Nachos with extra cheese.
  • Nachos with chili and cheese.
  • Bag of chips.
  • Bottled water.
  • Soda pop.
  • Ice tea.
  • Pink lemonade.
  • Cup of ice.

You can learn more about the Germanfest by heading to Sacred Heart Church's website. You can find the event listing on Facebook by clicking here. You can also sign up to volunteer at the Germanfest by clicking here.

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27 News is a proud sponsor of the Germanfest.

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