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Maifest is one of the oldest festivals in Germany. It began as an ancient pagan fest celebrating the arrival of spring. The festival eventually took on Christian religious significance and became a positive part of German history and culture.
Maifest traditions are still celebrated in Germany in May. Cities and villages are decorated with flowers and draperies. Some places light bonfires while others have carnivals or fairs and still others elect May Queens and Kings.
The Maypole and the lovely dance around it is a symbol of spring’s reawakening. Maifests also include traditional music, dancing and the customary Maibock beer and Maibowle or May Punch. The punch is a blend of champagne, white wine and woodruff, an herb. Of course, traditional German foods are enjoyed at Maifest.
German immigrants came to Chicago between the mid 1800s and World War II. They settled in Lincoln Square which still maintains a strong German identity.
And now Maifest has extended celebrations held throughout the world. The 27th annual Maifest Chicago celebration is returning to the Lincoln Square location on May 29-31, 2026. Admission to the festival is free and it is open to the public! Enjoy German food, beer, music and dancing.
Maifest Schedule
Friday, May 29
Auxiliary Stage
5:30 pm – 8:30 pm: Yaya’s
Main Stage
5:30 pm – 10:00 pm: Paloma
8:00 pm: Maifest Queen Crowning & Keg Tapping
Saturday, May 30
Auxiliary Stage
6:00 pm – 10:00 pm: Funkaducci
Main Stage
12:00 pm – 4:00 pm: Paloma
5:00 pm – 10:00 pm: The Phenix Band
Sunday, May 31
- 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm: The Oscar Mayer Wienermobile will be visiting
Auxiliary Stage
1:30 pm – 3:30 pm: Ethnic Program
4:00 pm – 8:00 pm: Pieptone!
Main Stage
1:00 pm – 4:00 pm: Johnny Wagner
4:30 pm – 10:00 pm: The Phenix
German Cuisine
If you enjoyed the German food at the festival and would like to enjoy more, try the 10 Best German Restaurants in Chicago as chosen by the users of TripAdvisor.
- The Berghoff Restaurant
- Laschet’s Inn
- Himmel’s
- Resi’s Bierstube
- M Pub
- The Glunz Tavern
- Adams Street Brewery
- Lutz Cafe & Pastry Shop
- Gene’s Rooftop Beer & Wine Garden
- Gutenburg
Visiting Chicago
If you’d like to visit Chicago for Maifest, you should consider these hotels. They are all offering discounted rates which can save you money on your stay in Chicago.
If you’re going to be flying into Chicago, you can use a promo code to save on your flight here.