Maifest kicks off May 3

AMANA — The Amana Colonies will celebrate spring with Maifest, a traditional German celebration, Saturday and Sunday, May 3-4.

Maifest 2025 festivities kick off at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 3 with the “Spring Into Action” parade through the village of Amana.

Food and drink can be found at the Festhalle “World on Wheels — Food Truck Fair” from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The bar inside the Festhalle Barn will be open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Festhalle Barn doesn’t feature food alone, Amana Colonies Festivals said in a press release. It takes center stage with music and dancing from the band Blame Not the Bard and the Robert Thomas Dancenter Irish Performance Team.

What would Maifest be without the famous Maipole Dancers? They’ll perform at various locations during the weekend, the press release said.

Maifest isn’t just for the adults. The Kinderplatz will be set up in the Peace Garden next to the Visitors Center. Regan’s Face Painting will offer free face painting from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and the Balloon Guy will make his creations.

The popular Wine and Beer Walk will take place Sunday, May 4. Visitors can purchase their 2025 collectible Maifest pilsner glass at the Visitors Center and receive a free passport which they’ll have stamped at each location as they stroll through Amana tasting its famous wines and beers from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Everyone who turns in a completed passport at any participating location will have a chance to win one of five $25 gift certificates to Amana Colonies businesses.