Festival Season Has Arrived in Hermann
Come Celebrate With Us!
Spring in Hermann is more than just a season—it is a time of celebration! As the landscape starts to ‘green up,’ the calendar blooms with fun festivals and community events, all offering fantastic reasons to visit. Whether you are celebrating Maifest, watching artists capture the beauty of wine country, enjoying the fireworks display during FreedomFest, or reeling in the magic of cinema at the Hermann Filmfest, there’s something for everyone.
Celebrate Spring the Hermann Way At Maifest
Rooted in German heritage, Maifest is a time-honored celebration marking the arrival of spring—and for children, the end of the school year. It brings the community together to dance, eat, drink, and enjoy the splendors of spring. The 73rd Annual Maifest Festival is Hermann’s three-day celebration honoring these traditions with authentic German music, traditional foods, children’s games, outdoor markets, beer gardens, a parade and the iconic Maypole, creating a festive atmosphere for locals and visitors alike.
Enjoy the Maifest Market on Saturday, May 17!
Don’t miss the one-day-only Maifest Market, Saturday, May 17. From 10 AM to 6 PM shop at the showcase of local artists and craftspeople, enjoy live music, and family-friendly activities, too. It’s the perfect way to celebrate spring and support local small businesses.
Experience the 2025 Hermann Plein Air Festival
Step outside and see art come to life during the 2025 Hermann Plein Air Festival!
Plein Air painting is the practice of capturing nature’s beauty in real-time, using natural light to bring landscapes to life. The fleeting light and ever-changing scenery of Plein Air painting highlights the artist’s skill and their connection to the landscape.
During the festival, artists of all skill levels are invited to swap their studio walls for the rolling hills and open skies of Missouri wine country. From June 10–14, painters will capture this year’s theme, The Road Less Traveled, bringing fresh perspectives to Hermann’s scenic charm.
The festival concludes on the evening of Saturday, June 14, when participating artists will gather at the Historic Festhalle for the Art Judging and Art Sale. Awards will be given, and attendees will have the chance to purchase an original piece of plein air art.
The festival is open to all ages and skill levels. Whether you are a painter ready to pick up a brush or simply enjoy watching artists bring scenes of Hermann to life, the plein air festival offers a front-row seat to creativity in action. To register or learn more about the judging, please visit the registration page.
New for 2025: Riverfront Paintout with Judging and Reception at The Blank Canvas, Mid-Week Gathering at the Gallery at the Library, and Final Art Sale and Judging at the Hermannhof Festhalle.
Shop & Save at Hermann Businesses
The only thing more fun than shopping the boutiques, gift shops, and stores of Hermann is saving even more money and winning prizes while you do it! Downtown Hermann shops will be participating in multiple Shop Hop events: the Easter Shop Hop on April 18-19, and the Christmas in July Shop Hop on July 11-12. Visit each shop during these events for special discounts and be entered to win gift certificates to participating business!
Are antiques more your thing? The Hermann Antique Show on Saturday, April 12 is the oldest and longest-running antiques show in Missouri. Antique dealers from across the country gather to bring you the best in early country antiques. Later in April, the Hermann Area District Hospital Auxiliary will be sponsoring the Vendor Fair & Flea Market on Saturday, April 26.
Want to cool down with a summer cocktail in between shopping? The Summer Stroll in Hermann’s Historic District is a new event that will have you sipping and shopping throughout the downtown Historic District on June 6-7.
Can’t make it to the shopping events, but want to check out the shopping scene, click here!
FreedomFest 2025 Parade, Concert & Fireworks
Break out the bunting and display your patriotic spirit – FreedomFest 2025 is here! This two-day celebration of Independence Day is Americana at its finest.
Enjoy delicious summer foods, sip on a cold summertime beverage, and take in the sights and sounds of the festivities. Bring the kids to Hermann for a day of music, and outdoor fun. Then, on Saturday evening, enjoy the annual parade, watch the Hermann City Band Concert, then cap off the celebration with the town’s magnificent fireworks display.
Lights! Camera! Hermann!
Do you have a short film you are proud of but unsure how to get it in front of an audience? Here’s your chance! The Hermann Filmfest, taking place at The Showboat Community Theatre, Saturday, July 12, is calling for submissions from filmmakers of all experience levels. Whether you’re a student experimenting with filmmaking or a seasoned storyteller, there is a place for you in Hermann.
The festival features two categories: short films between 1–10 minutes and those between 10–30 minutes. Each category is further divided into high school, college, and professional divisions, ensuring a fair and exciting showcase of talent. The deadline for this year’s submissions is May 31.
The Hermann Filmfest is a must-see event for movie lovers and filmmakers alike. So, grab some popcorn, settle into your seat, and enjoy this year’s lineup of films. Screening starts at noon for family films for all ages, with mature-themed films showing afterwards, followed by an awards ceremony for each category.
Come support the creativity of local filmmakers and maybe even witness the early work of a future Oscar winner!
With so many exciting festivals and events this spring and summer, you won’t want to miss a moment. Start planning your trip now—find a place to stay in Hermann, and transportation options for getting around town.
From the traditions of Maifest and the artistry of Plein Air painting to the patriotic spirit of FreedomFest and the magic of Filmfest, these events highlight the best of what Hermann has to offer. Mark your event calendar, gather your friends and family, and come, Visit Hermann, and experience the unforgettable moments that make this town so special.
