Step into a cultural celebration of German and Swiss customs at the 56th edition of the German-American Festival, taking place at Oak Shade Grove in Seaman Street! With plenty of free, lighted parking for attendees, plus tasty treats like potato pancakes made the old German way, schnitzel sandwiches, ham shank, bratwurst, homemade potato salad, and landjäger; visitors are sure to find something they’ll love. The Swiss Essen Haus also provides European-style and imported cheeses, bread, and meats to indulge in. Experience groundbreaking German and Swiss culture today at the German-American Festival.
The German-American Festival is held in the inviting atmosphere of Oak Shade Grove, a 94-acre park that offers plenty of shade from mature oak trees. With its spacious layout, guests can find their own space without feeling overwhelmed by the crowd. The 56th edition of this festival, which has been celebrating German and Swiss culture for over half a century, promises to be an even more remarkable event than usual – so don’t miss it!
Convenient Parking
Visitors to Seaman Street can enjoy the convenience of over 70 acres of free, lighted parking, complete with people movers delivering them straight to the main entrance gate. To make things even better, Starr Avenue, Corduroy Road and Seaman Street all provide access to the parking areas. Once inside, visitors have the opportunity to sample some truly authentic food with potato pancakes made the old German way being a popular choice. Deliciously hot and served with either apple sauce or sour cream, visitors are sure to love these tasty treats! Before going off to sample the potato pancakes or any other food or drink booths, make sure to purchase your food and drink tickets first.
The options are truly endless, with schnitzel sandwiches, ham shank, bratwurst, homemade potato salad, and landjäger all available. If that doesn’t take your fancy, visit the indoor/outdoor Swiss Essen Haus bakery for some European-style and imported cheeses, pieces of bread, and meats. Enjoy the best of German cuisine today!
Enjoy Live Music and Traditional German Dancers at the Weingarten
The Swiss Essen Haus is proud to offer visitors the Vienna Café, a great spot for relaxation and delicious eats. For those looking for an extra special experience, the Weingarten is the place to be. Here guests can find a picnic table in the shade and enjoy live music and traditional German dancers while sampling a variety of easy-drinking German wines. Of course, no visit to the Swiss Essen Haus would be complete without a selection of delicious German beers!
From light Kolsch and Marzen lagers to dark Bock and Dunkel brews, there is something for every beer lover to enjoy. And don’t forget the wheat beers! Prost!
Upgrade to the Ultimate GAF Souvenir: The Boot!
Visitors to German American Fest can make their experience extra special by upgrading their drink of choice to the ultimate GAF souvenir, the boot! Not only is this fun glass a great keepsake, but its lanyard also keeps your hands free for all the delicious food. After you’ve had your fill of bratwurst and beer, be sure to head over to the Swiss Essen Haus for some homemade pastries, including Kuchen, strudels, cookies, pies, cakes, brownies, tarts, cream puffs, ice cream, and funnel cakes. Treat yourself to something sweet at the VIP Clubhouse!
Convenient Shuttle Service
The German-American Festival offers an accessible, convenient shuttle service to and from several locations in the Toledo area. For a nominal fee, guests can take advantage of this efficient and secure transportation option and ensure that they get to the festival on time to enjoy treats like strudel before they run out!
Exciting Activities for All Ages
Come join the fun and bring your family to the German-American Festival! With plenty of activities and contests to choose from, there is something for everyone. From traditional lederhosen contests to bumper cars, a super slide, funhouse, Ferris wheel, and merry-go-round, the festival offers an exciting experience for both adults and children alike. Kids can even enter the Hummel Look-A-Like Contest, the longest-running contest of its kind in the U.S. if they pre-register. Be sure to check the website for registration information, sign-up fees, and waivers.
Show off your best dance moves and don’t forget to yell “Prost!” with pride as you lift your boot full of beer high into the air. Share your memories with us @ToledoCVB on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, and don’t forget to use #ThisIsToledo and #GAFtoledo.
Visit germanamericanfestival.net for more information on the wonderful German American Festival happening this year!
As the 56th German-American Festival gets underway, visitors can experience a vast array of cultural foods and free parking. With over 70 acres of lighted outdoor parking, convenient people movers, and a spacious indoor/outdoor space to explore, this annual event provides something for everyone! From traditional German favorites like schnitzel sandwiches and potato pancakes to imported cheeses and pieces of bread from the indoor Essen Haus Bakery, food lovers are sure to find the perfect meal. Prepare to savor the flavors of European cuisine and immerse yourself in Germany’s many century-old traditions at one of Ohio’s most celebrated festivals. Join us in a hearty fraulein salute to culture, cuisine, and community at the German-American Festival in Oak Shade Grove.
