Break out the lederhosen, don your best dirndl, and roll out the barrel, it’s once again time to PROST!
Das Fest Wisconsin, a 3-day German festival will be held July 31 – August 2, 2026, at the Kenosha County Fairgrounds in Wilmot, Wisconsin. Das Fest is the ultimate family-friendly summertime ethnic festival. Here are the top five reasons it should be part of your summer fun:
1. Entertainment beyond oom-pah
There will be traditional German music in the Fest Hall, Americana favorites in the Barrel Room, and new for 2026, there will be German music and choir performances in the Musik Pavilion. Kicking off the weekend in the Fest Hall on Friday is Wisconsin’s favorite Copper Box Band followed by the one and only Alex Meixner Band. Nationally acclaimed, inducted into the International Polka Hall of Fame, Grammy-nominated musician and producer, Alex Meixner brings a new level of energy to the dance floor. The band’s sheer talent will have everyone singing, dancing, and reveling in gemütlichkeit. Table reservations are available and can be booked through the website. Beyond all the singing and dancing, you’ll be entertained throughout the weekend by strolling alphorn players, a magician and wooden shoe carving demonstrations, and German dance performances.
2. The Little Leg Races.
Not to be missed,300 Dachshunds and Corgis take the field to compete in multiple races over three days. One of the many Saturday afternoon highlights at Das Fest is the Little Leg Costume Contest. This is the Doxie Corgi Social of the Year and there’s nothing else, nowhere else like it.
3. Prosting for charity.
PROST! Das Fest Wisconsin is brought to life annually by a group of volunteers whose mission is to give the festival’s profits to multiple charities and service clubs. When you leave Das Fest, you can rest assured that you made a difference in someone’s life.
4. The best in fest food and drink.
Feast your way through Das Fest on a huge selection of food like pierogis, currywurst, schnitzel, spätzle, potato pancakes, giant pretzels and plenty of American foods like BBQ, loaded potatoes, and smash burgers. Sweets and snacks are abundant and be sure to save room for dessert from the German bakery, Oma Jean’s Konditorei, featuring Black Forest and Bienenstich cakes. At Das Fest you’ll find plenty of thirst-quenching, delicious beverages to fill your stein including German imports straight from the ship to the fest, like Hofbräu, Hacker-Pschorr, and Paulaner. Sharing the beer spotlight is PROST! Pilsner, brewed exclusively for Das Fest by Duesterbeck’s Brewing Company. Das Fest also features local brews from Topsy Turvy.
5 . Unique things to see and do.
Kids of all ages love Das Fest! In addition to the carnival, there are free games, activities, and prizes in the Kinder (Kid) Zone. You’ll enjoy browsing through a variety of vendors including Ernst Licht where you can purchase authentic German imports, lederhosen, and dirndls. You can play a round or two of Bingo, but if you have the winning card, you’ll need to shout out the German word, “Volltreffer!” Adults can challenge friends to the popular hammer and nail game, Hammerschlagen, or test their strength in a stein hoisting competition.
At Das Fest, it’s all about the friendly, fun atmosphere, often referred to as gemütlichkeit. It’s the summer festival people have been talking about since 2021, rated one of the best places for family times, friendships, and lasting memories.
Admission to Das Fest is $5.00 for ages 16+, and free or preferred parking is available. You can also ride the shuttle from Lake Geneva which is complimentary when you stay at one of thirteen Downtown Lake Geneva hotels.
More information including daily schedules can be found here or by calling 262-613-3377.