German Heritage Fest Erie, PA

Come join us at the German Heritage Fest! There's food, music, dancing, merchandise, and of course, beer, all in honor of celebrating German culture. The festival is organized by DANK Chapter 71 of Erie and Lake Erie Fanfare.

German Heritage Fest goes on rain or shine and parking is free! Our festival grounds are handicap accessible and designated parking is available with proper tags. If you've never experienced the festival, check out some FAQs at the bottom of this page and visit the Past Festivals page to view event photos.

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Attendees enjoying the first Bavarian Festival (before it was called German Heritage Fest) in 1996.

Festival Admission:
$5 per person
Children 12 and under are free
$8 per two-day pass

Festival Dates and Hours:
The 2020 German Heritage Fest has been cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We hope to see you in 2021.

View the 2019 Festival grounds map!

Food & Beverages

Sausages on the grill at German Heritage Fest Erie, PA

Food

Lake Erie Regiment
Viennese Cafe
Lombardo's Concessions
Connie's Ice Cream
Little Doug's Kettle Corn
Annie's Peanut Shop
Helmut's Strudel

View the 2019 menu for more specific information on food items that will be available. Menu items and pricing subject to change for 2020.

Attendees enjoying German Heritage Fest Erie, PA

Beverages

"New" Spaten Oktoberfest
Hofbrau
Labatt's Blue Light
Other Locally Made Craft Brews
Courtyard Winery
Non-alcoholic beverages including Pepsi® products

Entertainment & Activities

Activities for children include Magic Steve, bounce houses (including one for small children), new train ride, and face painting.

Entertainers:
The Frankfurters
Bob Hamilton - The Mad Bavarian
Alpen Schuhplattler Dancers
The Youngstown Saxon Blaskapelle

FAQs

Why is there an admission fee for the festival?
The German Heritage Fest charges an admission fee because the festival is not affiliated with any church, fire hall, or other nonprofit organization that has funds readily available to host events like this. The admission fee goes toward the operation costs of putting on the festival including food, beverages, tents, activities, and entertainment. However we do contribute donations to several local organizations throughout the year including the Veterans Miracle Center, Erie County Public Library, Erie Historical Society, Erie Society for Genealogical Research, Mercy Center for Women, Church of the Nativity Shelter, Erie City Mission, Gannon University, and Asbury United Methodist Church.

Can personal steins be filled at the Beer Tent?
No. Due to the fact that steins vary in size, we cannot fill them. Servers will fill glasses for you to pour into your stein; the other alternative would be to purchase a pitcher.

Are firearms permitted on festival grounds?
Firearms are NOT permitted on festival grounds.

Can I bring my pets to the festival?
Pets are NOT permitted on festival grounds unless they are certified service animals (proper documentation must be provided).

Can I bring my own food and beverages?
Food in small quantities is permitted but beverages are not. If you bring a cooler or insulated bag to the event, you will be required to open it for inspection before gaining admission to the festival.

Is a handicapped entrance and parking available?
Yes, handicapped parking is available with proper tagging on the vehicle. Individuals in wheelchairs may be dropped off at the festival gate for easier access to the event.

Can I volunteer for the festival?
Yes, we would love to have you assist us during the festival! If you or an organization you're involved with would like to volunteer, please email us at dankerie1990@gmail.com and we'll be in touch with additional information.