Raise a stein: German Fest returns to Milwaukee this weekend

It's time to raise a stein: German Fest returns to Henry Maier Festival Park Friday through Sunday. 

Of course, there will be brats and beer; 20,000 brats are eaten each year at the festival. Lined up end to end, that's 10,000 feet of brats. There's sauerkraut aplenty, too — 10,000 pounds of it.

Taste the German Fest newbie rollmops, a piece of herring wrapped around a pickle. Other German favorites like potato pancakes, spanferkel (roasted whole pig) and sausage are on the menu. Indulge in some sweets with bienenstich, a coffee cake filled with custard, topped with almonds and honey.

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Wash it down with Leinenkugel's 150th anniversary lager on tap. The collaboration between Leinenkugel's and Hofbrau Munchen is brewed in the spirit of Reinheitsgebot, an old German law restricting beer to three ingredients. This brew uses some imported German malts with American hops. Other beers from MillerCoors will be on tap. German wines and spirits, like fig-flavored liquor, will also be poured. 

In the marktplatz, buy authentic German goods like lederhosen, steins, jewelry and candies. The culture pavilion features all new displays about "German Traditions," including a wooden shoe carving demonstration. You can also join in on the sheepshead tournament or just learn to play for fun.

Enjoy music and dance throughout the weekend. Alex Meixner will play a dozen instruments and sing during his performances of polka, waltz and pop music. Rock 'n' roll group the Obenheimer Express Band will play. Alte Kameraden returns to German Fest for the 36th year to play "Gloria."  

As an added bonus, admission to German Fest includes admission to the U.S. pro and collegiate lumberjack championship.

Other activities include:

• A display of cars from the Volkswagen Club of Milwaukee.
• Fireworks shows to close Friday and Saturday nights. Fireworks start at 10:30 p.m.
• A parade of more than 100 entries, which will weave through the grounds Saturday at 4 p.m.
• A Catholic Mass at 10:30 a.m. Sunday in the American Family Insurance Amphitheater
• Dachshund Derby races at 1 p.m. Sunday.

IF YOU GO

What: German Fest

Where: Henry Maier Festival Park

When: Friday, 3 p.m. to midnight; Saturday, noon to midnight; Sunday, noon to 9 p.m. 

Admission: $15 for adults (at the gate), $7 for students and seniors. Children 12 years old and younger are free. ($3 admission for all July 28)