Frankenmuth's Bavarian Festival: A Cultural Extravaganza In Michigan

The Frankenmuth Bavarian Festival is an annual celebration of Bavarian culture and heritage in Frankenmuth, Michigan. The festival features German food, beer, parades, and entertainment. It is one of the oldest festivals in Michigan and has been named one of the Top 5 Festivals in the State of Michigan by AAA's Michigan Living Magazine. The Frankenmuth Bavarian Festival attracts thousands of visitors each year and is a significant cultural event in the region.

German food and beer

The Frankenmuth Bavarian Festival in Michigan is an annual celebration of all things Bavarian, including German food and beer. The festival takes place in June and includes a variety of traditional German entertainment, music, and food.

German cuisine is known for its hearty and flavourful dishes, often featuring a variety of meats, sausages, and breads. Here is a guide to some German food and beer you can expect at the festival:

German Food

• Sausages (Würstl): A variety of classic Bavarian sausages, often served sautéed with bacon and apple sauerkraut, and accompanied by mustard.
• Roast Chicken: Chickens are often spit-roasted until the skin is golden brown and crispy.
• Schweinebraten (Roast Pork): A classic Bavarian dish made with different pork cuts like shoulder or loin, traditionally roasted with dark beer and onions.
• Schweinshaxe (Roasted Ham Hock): A beer hall classic, with crispy skin and tender meat.
• Pretzels: Large and soft, pretzels are the perfect snack to accompany German beer.
• Käsespätzle (Cheese Noodles): A savoury, cheesy version of spätzle, a traditional egg noodle, often made with small-curd cottage cheese and topped with tangy quark.
• Reiberdatschi (Potato Pancakes): These can be served savoury with a salad or sweet with apple sauce.

German Beer

German beer is a staple at Oktoberfest and Bavarian festivals, and there are several varieties to enjoy. While specific beer brands and types are not mentioned in the context of the Frankenmuth Bavarian Festival, here are some examples of German beer that you might find at the festival or typically served in Germany:

• Lagers: A type of beer that is fermented at a lower temperature and often has a crisp, clean taste.
• Pilsners: Known for their golden colour and hoppy flavour.
• Hefeweizen: A type of wheat beer that is typically unfiltered and has a cloudy appearance.
• Dunkels: These are dark lagers that have a slightly sweet taste.
• Bocks: Strong beers with a high alcohol content, often consumed during the winter months.
• Kölsch: A light-coloured beer that is similar to a lager but fermented at higher temperatures.

Polka music and dancing

The Frankenmuth Bavarian Festival in Michigan is a celebration of Bavarian heritage and culture. The festival features traditional German entertainers and polka bands, playing lively polka music for all to enjoy. The Main Tent in Zehnder Park is where you'll find these talented musicians, dressed in colourful, authentic German costumes, filling the air with the sounds of Bavaria.

Polka, a style of dance music, originated in the middle of the 19th century in Bohemia, now part of the Czech Republic. The dance itself involves a series of quick steps and a lively tempo, and it's this energetic rhythm that defines polka music. The genre is an integral part of Bavarian culture and is enjoyed by people of all ages.

At the Frankenmuth Bavarian Festival, the polka bands provide the perfect soundtrack for dancing. The festival-goers are encouraged to dance along to the upbeat tunes, celebrating and honouring Bavarian heritage through movement and joy. The atmosphere is electric, with the colourful costumes, lively music, and joyous dancing creating an unforgettable experience.

In addition to the traditional polka bands, the festival also features the local schuhplattler dancers, Da Frankenmuda Fratz'n. Schuhplattler is a traditional style of folk dance from the Alpine regions of southern Germany and Austria. It involves a unique combination of hand clapping, foot stomping, and rhythmic slapping of the dancers' thighs, knees, and shoe soles. The name "Schuhplattler" comes from the German words "Schuh", meaning shoe, and "platteln", meaning to clap or slap. This energetic and entertaining dance style is a beloved part of Bavarian culture and adds a special touch to the festival.

So, if you're planning to attend the Frankenmuth Bavarian Festival, be sure to bring your dancing shoes! The combination of polka music and traditional dancing will surely create lasting memories of a fun-filled, cultural celebration.

Maypole raising

The Frankenmuth Bavarian Festival is an annual celebration of the town's German heritage. The 2024 festival took place from 6-9 June, with the next edition scheduled for 12-15 June 2025. The festival features a variety of traditional German entertainment, including polka bands, a Friday Night Street Party, and a Sunday parade. One of the highlights of the festival is the raising of the Maypole, which has its own rich history and tradition.

History of the Maypole

The tradition of the Maypole, or "maibaum" in German, dates back centuries and is believed to have originated as a pagan ritual or a celebration of spring. In Germany, the Maypole is also associated with the celebration of St. Walburga, who is credited with bringing Christianity to the country. The raising of the Maypole is a cause for celebration, and during the Bavarian Festival in Frankenmuth, it is a highly anticipated event.

Selecting the Perfect Maypole

The task of finding and preparing the perfect Maypole falls to the Civic Events Council (CEC) board of directors and past presidents. The process begins the Sunday before the festival when they gather at a local farm to search for a tall tree with a straight trunk and a beautiful top. The diameter of the tree is critical as it must fit into the hole and cylinder that will anchor it in place during the festival. Once the ideal tree is found, it is carefully felled and transported to the festival grounds.

Transforming the Tree into a Maypole

The selected tree undergoes a transformation to become a proper Maypole. Its branches are removed, and it is shaved and beautified. A ring of ribbons is anchored around the top, which will later be braided down the Maypole by maypole dancers, adding to its decorative appearance.

The Tree-Cutting Ceremony

On Friday night of the festival, the Tree-Cutting Ceremony takes place, and everyone is invited to witness this display of manpower and tradition. Members of the CEC and past presidents, dressed in their finest German attire, hoist the Maypole onto their shoulders and carry it to its designated hole. With ropes and poles, they work together to raise the Maypole, pushing and pulling until it stands tall, marking the official start of the festival.

Symbolism and Celebration

The symbolism behind the raising of the Maypole varies, with some seeing it as a pagan ritual and others associating it with the celebration of spring. Regardless of its interpretation, the Maypole serves as a beacon, drawing attendees to the centre of the festival and providing a visual reminder of Frankenmuth's German heritage. The raising of the Maypole is an occasion for merriment, with music and dancing, and of course, the traditional raising of a stein of beer in a cheerful "Prost"!

Friday Night Street Party

The Frankenmuth Bavarian Festival is Michigan's largest celebration of Bavarian heritage. The festival, which began in 1959, is a collaboration with the Grand Opening Celebration of the Bavarian-style addition to Fischer's Hotel on Main Street. The annual Friday Night Street Party is a highlight of the festival.

The Friday Night Street Party takes place on Main Street, with a range of activities and entertainment. There are live bands, with music to suit all tastes. Beverages are available, including German beers, and there are games and activities for all ages. In previous years, there has been a zip line down Main Street, adding to the fun. The street party is a chance to enjoy the festival atmosphere, with something for everyone.

The Friday Night Street Party is a great opportunity to sample German food and drink. Visitors can enjoy authentic German dishes, including pretzels and other delicacies, as well as imported and domestic beers. It's a chance to immerse yourself in German culture and indulge in some delicious cuisine. The street party is also a family-friendly event, with children's activities on offer, so everyone can join in the celebrations.

The Frankenmuth Bavarian Festival is an annual event, usually taking place in June, and the Friday Night Street Party is a key part of the festivities. It's a time when the whole community comes together to celebrate, with something to offer for all ages and tastes. The street party is a vibrant and lively event, with a unique atmosphere, and it's a great way to kick off the weekend celebrations. With so much on offer, it's no wonder that the Frankenmuth Bavarian Festival is one of the top festivals in Michigan.

Bavarian Festival Parade

The Frankenmuth Bavarian Festival is Michigan's largest celebration of Bavarian heritage. The festival, which began in 1959, is a collaboration with the grand opening celebration of the Bavarian-style addition to Fischer's Hotel on Main Street. The Bavarian Festival Parade is the highlight of the festival and usually features more than 100 entries, including marching bands, decorated floats, dance clubs, visiting dignitaries, entertainers, royalty, and the newly crowned Bavarian Princess and her Court. The parade route has changed several times over the years, with the most recent change being in 1998 when it reverted to a north-to-south route along Main Street.

The festival takes place over four days, from Thursday to Sunday, and includes a variety of traditional German entertainment and food. The main festival tent is located in Zehnder Park and hosts German entertainers and polka bands. The Friday Night Street Party fills Main Street with bands, beverages, games, and a zip line. The rock tent is located behind Tiffany's and is open on Friday and Saturday night.

Saturday features a range of events, including the Kindertag Parade, a cornhole tournament, and a bike ride. The tents are closed on Sunday so that everyone can enjoy the Bavarian Festival Parade. This parade is the highlight of the festival and usually attracts thousands of people. The parade features marching bands, decorated floats, dance clubs, visiting dignitaries, entertainers, and the newly crowned Bavarian Princess and her Court. The Bavarian Princess is selected each year from a group of past princesses and courts, and she and her court lead the parade.

The Frankenmuth Bavarian Festival is a celebration of German heritage and culture, and it has become one of the most popular festivals in the state of Michigan. The festival attracts thousands of visitors each year and has been voted one of the "Top 5 Festivals in the State of Michigan" by AAA's Michigan Living Magazine. It is a fun-filled weekend with something for everyone, from traditional German entertainment and food to parades and games.

Frequently asked questions