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The 35th Annual GermanFest is Returning to this Tiny Iowa Town in September

The small Iowa town of Guttenberg throws it's 35th annual GermanFest in September.

Published Jul 14, 2023

Written by 

Raymond Goldfield

Iowa is known for a lot of great things, but maybe its best selling point is just how many of its small towns feel like little European villages. You can find traces of the Hawkeye State's immigrant roots in small towns and big cities alike, and nowhere more than Guttenberg. This city of just under 1,800 people is known for its rich German roots, and once per year, it comes alive with a celebration of all things Teutonic. Oktoberfest? Not exactly - they've got that covered over in the Amana Colonies in epic style - but Guttenberg has its own version that is well worth a visit! Guttenberg's GermanFest, held this year from September 25th to 26th, (2026) is an exciting cultural festival packed with great food, great drinks, great music, and a sense of fun and community that makes this German festival in Iowa stand out from the crowd.

The photo below certainly attests to the nature of GermanFest as an epic event of food, fun, and music.

A festive parade float with musicians, flags, and decorations, promoting an event on the banks of the Mississippi River.

The streets of this charming small town will be alive once again with dozens of stalls featuring authentic German and local crafts.

A street market with vendors under white tents, showcasing various goods, with people browsing and a cloudy sky above.

The food trucks will be out in force, offering every sausage you can imagine and so much more!

A food truck with a checkered design serves a crowd of people, some with strollers, at an outdoor event.

September also calls for treats like caramel apples, which will make their presence known as well.

A vendor tent with a blue canopy, selling caramel apples and treats, with customers browsing nearby.

You can expect countless fun activities for the little ones, including inflatable obstacle courses and themed races.

A colorful inflatable bounce house with a slide, set up near a lake, with people nearby enjoying the attraction.

As for the adults, you know the bartenders will be ready to pour your choice of brew!

Two women joyfully dancing behind a bar with cups and a beer tap, under string lights in a festive setting.

Get your food and your beer, head over to the beer hall, and wait for the raucous singing to begin - you're at GermanFest, and the good times are rolling!

A large gathering under a tent, with people seated at long tables, decorated with flags and string lights.

Have you attended Guttenberg's GermanFest in past years? Tell us your favorite part of this German festival in Iowa in the comments section, and let us know your plans for year 35! You can follow all the updates for this year's event on the Guttenberg GermanFest Facebook page. If you're planning a visit to Guttenberg, you'll definitely want to work in a stay at this charming local retreat.

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