In the thumb area of Michigan, Frankenmuth is called "Michigan's Little Bavaria" because of its German culture. The city hosts numerous festivals throughout the year, focusing on German heritage and highlighting European cuisine and German style beers. From the annual Oktoberfest to the 80s Fest, the festivals feature bands and games for the entire family.
In 1810, Germans celebrated the marriage of Prince Ludwig with what was the first Oktoberfest. The celebration in Munich featured beer and fine cuisine. The city of Frankenmuth began hosting a festival in 1990, and it is the only Oktoberfest outside of Germany that is endorsed by Munich. The festival occurs on the third weekend of September each year and features traditional German cuisine, a variety of German beers, and dancing and entertainment on a wooden dance floor. As of 2010, tickets cost $8 a person, and children under 12 years old are free.
Oktoberfest
Heritage Park
601 Weiss street
Frankenmuth, MI 48734
frankenmuthfestivals.com
During the third weekend of April each year, Frankenmuth hosts 80s Fest, complete with live music, dancing and a retro recreation room, including classic toys and games from the 1980s. A look-alike contest prompts patrons to get decked out in '80s clothing and hair styles. The Retro Rec Room includes video games from the era, including Sega Genesis, and view the classic toys on display, such as the Rubik's Cube. The event runs from 6 p.m. to midnight on Friday and from 4.p.m. to midnight on Saturday.
'80s Fest
Heritage Park
601 Weiss Street
Frankenmuth, MI 48734
989-652-8008
80sfest.org
The annual World Expo of Beer takes place on one weekend each May and lives up to its name. The event, which takes place from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday and 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday, features sample brews from more than 30 breweries. Each night, one of the breweries hosts an after-party that provides entertainment and food. On Saturday, an extra $25 procures a ticket for one of the cooking-with-beer classes. As of 2010, admission ran $7 a person and included a free beer mug; tickets to sample four beers cost $5.
World Expo of Beer
Harvey Kern Pavilion
601 Weiss Street
Frankenmuth, MI 48734
frankenmuthfestivals.com
Frankenmuth's Bavarian Festival, which started in 1959, has been called one of "Top 5 Festivals in the State of Michigan" by AAA's Michigan Living Magazine. Since premiering with the opening of the Bavarian Inn, the festival has become one of Frankenmuth's best-attended events. The entire family can find something to enjoy at this festival, which offers German dancers and midway rides. On Sunday, the Bavarian Festival Parade consists of more than 100 floats that honor the town's Bavarian heritage and carry the new Bavarian Princess and her court. Between events, patrons can savor German cuisine, including desserts like apple streusel. As of 2010, the festival offered free admission on Sunday after the parade.
Bavarian Festival
Heritage Park
601 Weiss street
Frankenmuth, Mi 48734
frankenmuthfestivals.com
