Mark Your Calendar Now for Hermann’s Annual Festivals
In Hermann, every season is festival season. People travel from near and far to celebrate culture, art, holidays, with food, drinks, and entertainment that is sure to captivate.
Hermann is always adding to the calendar of events, but visitors can start planning ahead for various events and festivals that take place year-round.
Crowd Favorites
You won’t want to miss these annual festivals:
Wurstfest: Slated for the last weekend in March, Wurstfest is perfect for foodies who love German-inspired fares. Sample sausage, try your luck in an amateur or professional level sausage-making competition, attend a Kraut-making class, or taste and buy sausage. Visitors also love German music and dancing and the Wiener Dog Derby, a friendly competition that is as fun as it sounds.
Maifest: Celebrate spring, and all it brings, the third weekend in May. Maifest is a German tradition, and Hermann’s event features dancing, food and drinks, children’s games, and the Volksplatz, an open-air shopping experience for all ages.
Hermann Garden Tour: Calling all green thumbs – prepare to be amazed and inspired local gardens. This event is set for the first weekend in June.
FreedomFest: Visitors can celebrate America’s independence in style, with a parade, games, food, live music. The celebration culminates on July 3, with a spectacular fireworks display over the Missouri River.
Wine and Jazz Festival: Set for August 19, the lineup for this year’s event has yet to be announced. Visitors can count on amazing Jazz music paired perfectly with their favorite Hermann wine.
Oktoberfest: Held every weekend in October, Oktoberfest is a celebration of all things German. Visitors can enjoy a brat and beer, take a wine tour, or listen to live music while checking out some of the local shops. Special events, contests, and more, will add to the backdrop of Missouri’s brilliant fall colors. A guide to Oktoberfest will be available this fall at visithermann.com.
Christmastime in Hermann: You can’t beat Christmastime in Hermann. It’s a magical time that kicks off with a Lantern Parade just after Thanksgiving and ends with the annual ringing of the bell in the Clock Tower on New Year’s Eve. Over seven weekends, visitors can shop at Christmas markets, take the holiday house tour, view tablescapes, pick out a real Christmas tree, take a carriage ride…and so much more. Check out the event calendar as the dates draw closer.
The Fun Continues
If you’re on the hunt for something fun to do between the bigger festivals, Hermann has many smaller festivals and events throughout the year.
Hermann Antique Show: Missouri’s oldest and longest running antique show will be held April 15th. Visitors will delight in the amazing antiques on display, filling two buildings, from dealers across the country.
First Friday Art Walks: Hermann transforms into a gallery during the First Friday Art Walks held the first Friday of the month April through October. Art, in the form of quilts, glass, pottery, paintings, jewelry, fiber art, photography, textile designs, and more, all have a place at
these popular monthly events.
Ford Blue Oval Rally: Ford enthusiasts love this rally. On August 11-12, Ford Model A’s, Mustangs, Thunderbirds, F-series trucks, and more will all be on display.
Germantown Jams: This community concert is set for September 23. The lineup will be announced closer to the event date.
Quilt Show: The Hermann Nimble Thimble Quilt Guild hosts an annual quilt show. This year’s event is set for September 8-9. Visitors can be awed by local quilts, as well as visit vendors and collect free patterns.
River City Cruise-In: A highly-anticipated fundraiser, the River City Cruise-In features vintage vehicles, contests, and other fun events September 9. Proceeds benefit annual scholarships and charities in the Hermann area.
Smokefest: September 16 is the day to visit Hermann if you love the smell (and taste) of smoke . . . cigar smoke, that is. Smokefest is a charity event centered on cigars, whiskey, and an amateur barbecue contest. Live music adds to the festive atmosphere.
Motorcycle Show: Bikers unite for a good cause September 10th. Newer to Hermann’s lineup, this family-friendly event features a trophied motorcycle show, live music, and vendors. All makes and models are welcome to enter the show.
Witches & Wine Festival: A spook-tacular ladies night out for the 21+ crowd, the Witches & Wine Festival is set for October 19. Wine, food, dancing, a costume contest, shopping, and more, will make this night one you don’t want to miss.
There’s no time like the present to start planning for 2023 events. Hermann has lots of spaces to relax, but overnight accommodations book quickly for the most popular events. To find available accommodations, go to VisitHermann.com/LodgingAvailability.
Hit the Trails
Hermann Wine Trail: Wine Trail vintners sponsor six popular wine-and-food pairing events each year in February, April, May, July, November & December. During these events, visitors will experience the rich history of the area, at charming family-owned wineries, while enjoying thoughtful wine and food pairings. Advance tickets are required.
Hermann Wedding Trail: Held three times each year, the Wedding Trail showcases all Hermann has to offer for a beautiful Wine Country Wedding. Engaged couples and their families have the opportunity to tour venues, at their own pace, and meet with wedding professionals along the way.
And That’s Not All
Many other festivals and events take place throughout the year including concerts at the historic bandstand, bike tours, and fun runs.
Mark your calendars and then go to VisitHermann.com/stay to book your stay.
If you need help planning your visit, contact our Visitor Information Center.
