If there’s one fall event that brought the perfect mix of energy, tradition, and fun this season, it was GermanFest 2025 at The Athenaeum. The historic building on Michigan Street turned into a full-on German street fair — and for a few hours, we all felt like we were somewhere in Munich, raising a stein and cheering “Prost!”
The live bands were incredible — upbeat German folk music, traditional brass, and sing-along tunes that had the crowd smiling from the first note. The festive sound filled Downtown Indianapolis, blending perfectly with the smell of bratwursts and pretzels in the air. For a moment, you could almost forget you were in Indiana and imagine yourself at Oktoberfest in Bavaria.
Let’s talk about the beer — because honestly, it was on point.
German-style lagers, IPAs, and local craft beers flowed nonstop, cold and flavorful. The Athenaeum beer garden delivered the perfect fall refreshment. Each sip paired beautifully with authentic German food — juicy bratwursts, giant pretzels, sauerkraut, and mustard with a kick.
Whether you’re a casual drinker or a craft beer lover, this was your festival.
And then came the main event: the wiener dog races.
Hundreds gathered around the racecourse to cheer on the dachshunds — tiny, speedy, and absolutely adorable. The excitement was real, and the laughter contagious. We even met one pup that totally stole the show (and our hearts).
If you’ve never seen dachshunds run for glory, this race alone is reason enough to go to GermanFest.
There was so much more to explore — local vendors, German-inspired crafts, games, and Kinderland for families. People showed up in colorful lederhosen and dirndls, giving the streets a splash of Bavarian color.
Even better, all proceeds go toward preserving The Athenaeum, one of the most beloved historic landmarks in Indianapolis and a cornerstone of German-American culture in the city.
GermanFest isn’t just another fall festival — it’s an experience that celebrates community, culture, and good times. It’s where locals and visitors come together to eat, drink, dance, and create memories that last long after the last beer is poured.
We left with smiles, great photos, and probably too many stories about the wiener dogs. But that’s exactly how a day at GermanFest should end — full of laughter, flavor, and Indy pride.
If you missed it this year, add GermanFest 2026 to your calendar now. Trust us — once you’ve been, it becomes a yearly tradition.
Photos by We Like Indy Team.
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