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24th Annual Maifest Chicago Starts Thursday

By
5/31/2023

Maifest, the 24th annual festival brought to you by the Maifest Committee of Chicago, returns once more this year keeping unique German traditions alive with authentic food, drinks, dancing, and music.

As the traditional German celebration of the arrival of spring, Maifest in Lincoln Square welcomes all to join in on the celebration of the culture and heritage in the heart of Chicago’s German community.

“Maifest is still widely celebrated throughout Germany and has now extended to celebrations held throughout the world. We are honored to have such a large German population and community right here in Chicago where we can bring our own version of Maifest to life,” said Joe Bradtke, Vice President of Maifest Chicago. “Our goal of this festival is to keep these special traditions alive and to share our culture with our local community. Lincoln Square’s Maifest is truly a welcome sign to the spring and summer months that brings people together in a fun way.”

The free four-day fest begins Thursday, June 1 through Sunday, June 4. Near Lincoln and Leland avenues, German and American food and drinks will be served along with live entertainment to celebrate the traditional German celebration of spring’s arrival. Festival hours are 5-9:30 p.m. Thursday, 5-10 p.m. Friday, 12-10 p.m. Saturday and 12-10 p.m. Sunday. Full food and drink vendors along with the entertainment schedule can be found here.

“I’m thrilled that our Lincoln Square community will again be hosting Maifest Chicago, said Alderman Matt Martin, 47th ward. “For decades, German culture and traditions have played a vital role in shaping Lincoln Square into a thriving community. I’m grateful for the ongoing support of the Maifest Committee and so many other leaders within Chicago’s dynamic German community, without whom Maifest Chicago would not be possible.”

Maifest benefits various German-American organizations including The Rheinischer Verein, St. Hubertus Jagd Club, the American Aid Society, the Donauschwaben Youth Group, Edelweiss Trachten Verein, D’Lustigen Holzhacker Buam, Egerlander Dance Group, Dank Haus and others.

To learn more about Maifest Chicago, click here.

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