Top 5: Reasons to Attend Volksfest

Haven’t you always wanted to visit the famous German Oktoberfest? Fabulous beer, pretzels and sausages, live music and an amazing spirit – sounds awesome, right? Then here’s some good news: You don’t have to travel to Germany anymore to attend a Volksfest because the one and only Tuscaloosa is hosting the second annual German Volksfest at Government Plaza! Not in October, but on April 22nd! From 12 pm to 6 pm, you are welcome to join a culture festival full of fun and togetherness. We present you five reasons why you shouldn’t miss this unique event.

1. Authentic German Beer and Food

If your first association with a German Festival is beer – don’t be ashamed to think like a cliché, because at the Volksfest beer is indeed the star of the festival! The local breweries Black Warrior, Druid City Brewing and Band of Brothers are creating a recipe for an authentic German Altbier and will also be serving other German-inspired brews. The local German café and bakery Edelweiss will support the festival with specialties like pretzels, sauerkraut, and bratwurst! Everything will be served in a big Biergarten tent – all authentic!

2. Arts and play

Alongside the Biergarten tent, there will be many other highlights all over Government Plaza. A petting zoo, an obstacle course, inflatables and face painting are provided for the little ones! Furthermore, artists will be exhibiting and selling their arts and crafts. Paintings, jewelry, decoration – the variety of arts is amazing! Stroll around the booths and find the perfect piece you have always been looking for!

3. Live Music

No Festival without matching music! The amazing entertainer Wolfgang Moritz will perform Traditional German “Volksmusik” on stage. Moritz sings and plays two instruments – at the same time! Born in Germany, he brings authentic traditional looks and sounds to the Volksfest. There will be another German-themed band on stage playing Oktoberfest- and folk music: The Oom-Pahsters are a demanded polka band that has played at comparable events all over the United States. Both acts will be entertaining the folks for 3 hours each at the open-air stage on Government Plaza!

4. Family Event

As previously mentioned, the Volksfest provides a lot of fun for the whole family. Besides the great offers for adults and entertainment for kids in an own children’s area, this festival even has its focus on the elderly people. The event is a collaboration between Mercedes-Benz, whose headquarter is located Stuttgart, Germany – Home of the original Volksfest – and FOCUS on Senior Citizens of Tuscaloosa County. So grab your whole family and come over to spend a day full of music, fun, and culture at the Tuscaloosa Volksfest!

5. Good Purpose

The Volksfest is also a fundraising event; the proceeds benefit FOCUS on Senior Citizens of Tuscaloosa County, which is a non-profit organization that offers activities and services for local residents 50 and older. The admission for the Volksfest will be $15 for regular tickets and $50 for VIP tickets that include a festival t-shirt, a souvenir beer mug, and beer tokens. Children 12 are admitted free. Thus you can enjoy a wonderful day of German Culture and help a good cause at the same time. Prost!
Written By: Katharina Horvath – Intern