Maifest

Welcome spring with Maifest in the Amana Colonies!

This traditional German celebration features music, dancing, family-friendly activities, and a festive parade through the village.

May 2-3, 2026

Welcome spring with Maifest in the Amana Colonies, a joyful celebration rooted in German tradition and community spirit. This annual festival marks the arrival of warmer days with lively music, traditional dancing, and festive activities for all ages.

Throughout the weekend, visitors can enjoy family-friendly events, cultural performances, and a beloved Maifest parade winding through the village. From springtime décor and local flavors to the sounds of polka and the sight of dancers in traditional attire, Maifest brings the villages to life in celebration of heritage, renewal, and togetherness.

Whether you’re continuing a favorite tradition or experiencing Maifest for the first time, this vibrant weekend offers a fun and welcoming way to celebrate the season in the heart of the Amana Colonies.

Celebrate the arrival of spring with one of Iowa’s most beloved festivals! Check out our list of events for more information or download the brochure! Printed copies are available at the Amana Colonies Visitors Center.

Parade

Saturday, May 2 @ 10:00 AM

Join the Amana Colonies to celebrate and honor those who have gone above and beyond to keep our country safe and strong. This year’s parade theme is America250, paying tribute to our veterans. Leading the parade is our Grand Marshal, RC Eichacker, a proud veteran from Amana. Enjoy colorful floats, lively music, and a heartfelt salute to local veterans.

The parade begins at 10:00 AM near Amana Farms on 220th Trail and follows the usual route. See route here: https://bit.ly/AmanaParade

This event will take place rain or shine!

Live Entertainment

Saturday, May 2

Festhalle Barn

• 11:00 – 11:30 AM: Maipole Dancers
• 11:45 AM – 1:15 PM: Alpensterne (live music)
• 1:30 – 2:00: Maipole Dancers
• 2:15 – 3:15 PM: RTD Irish Dancers
• 3:30 – 5:00 PM: BNTB (live music)

Millstream Brewing Co. 

• 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM: Josh Sinclair
• 1:00 – 5:00 PM: Barry Boyce Party Polka Band

Ronneburg Restaurant | front lawn

• 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM: Barefoot Becky & The Ivanhoe Dutchment

Ox Yoke Inn | High Amana Room

•  5:00 – 8:00 PM: Father/daughter duo Jeff Weimer & Jessica Mar

Sunday, May 3

Millstream Brewing Co. 

• 12:00 – 4:00 PM: David Zollow

Millstream Brau Haus

• 3:00 – 6:00 PM: One Man Band, Shawn Ster

Maipole Dancers – A Festival Tradition

Experience the joyful twirls of our traditional Maipole Dancers all weekend long in various locations around Amana!

Saturday, May 2

• 11:00 AM – Festhalle Barn / Visitors Center (after parade)
• 11:45 AM – Amana Heritage Museum
• 12:15 PM – Amana General Store
• 1:30 PM – Festhalle Barn / Visitors Center
• 2:00 PM – Amana Meat Shop & Smokeouse
• 2:30 PM – Millstream Brau Haus

Sunday, May 3

• 11:00 AM – Amana Meat Shop & Smokehouse
• 12:15 PM – Amana General Store
• 1:00 PM – Blumen Haus

(Rain plan: All dances move to the Festhalle Barn.)

World on Wheels Food Truck Fair

Saturday, May 2 | 10:0 AM – 5:00 PM | Festhalle Barn (parking lot)

Have a delicious lunch or snack while enjoying live entertainment. Be sure to try potato pancakes and Obstkuchen from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM by the Amana Heritage Society located inside the Festhalle Barn, as well as an adult beverage by the Amana RV Park crew!

• Born to Fy
• Chef Green & Co.
• Dave’s Mini Donuts
• Fried Sweets & Treats
• Maria’s Tacos
• Moo Moo’s Ice Cream
• Smiley’s
• The Street Food Fighter
• Wild West Dogs

Wine & Beer Walk

Sunday, May 3  | 10 AM – 4:00 PM
Purchase a passport for $5 at any participating winery or brewery. Enjoy samples and get your passport stamped/signed at each location. The first 275 participants to return acompleted passport to the Amana Colonies Visitors Center will receive a Maifest wine glass! Your name will be entered in a drawing for one of five gift certificates. *Must be 21+ to partake in the wine and beer.

Family & Kids Activities

Saturday, May 2

• Regan’s Face Painting & glitter tattoos – Party Patio at Festhalle Barn | 10:30 AM – 4:00 PM
• May Basket craft – Fireside Winery (Amana) | 10:AM – 6:00 PM
• Toy demos & crafts – Little Red Wagon’s green space | 12:00 – 4:00 PM
• Complimentary Kinder Gift Bag (with purchase of childrens meal) – Ox Yoke Inn
• Free geode cracking – The Noble Stone | 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
• Door prizes – The Noble Stone | 1:00, 2:00, & 3:00 PM
• Mine for treasure with the indoor mining sluice – The Noble Stone | 10:00 AM – Close
• Geode cracking ($5) – Ox Yoke Inn | 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
• Make your own maipole with hemp stalks – Four Winds Farm Apothecary | 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Sunday, May 3

• Sunday Brunch Buffet (Kids ten and under eat FREE with corresponding adult Maifest Brunch purchase) – Ox Yoke Inn | 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
• Complimentary Kinder Gift Bag (with purchase of childrens meal) – Ox Yoke Inn
• Toy demos & crafts – Little Red Wagon’s green space | 12:00 – 4:00 PM
• Mine for treasure with the indoor mining sluice – The Noble Stone | 10:00 AM – Close

Local Shops & Specials

Saturday, May 2

• Art pop-up – Amana Arts Guild in the Peace Garden (by Visitors Center) | 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
• Bloody Marys, mimosas, and screwdrivers – Ox Yoke Inn (on the lawn) | 9:00 – 11:00 AM
• Guided tour of workshop – Amana Furniture Shop | 1:00 – 3:00 PM
• Spring Cleaning Sale – Amana Furniture Shop | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Tour of Production Mill – Amana Woolen Mill | 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
• Rustic chainsaw art – Colony Carvers | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Fun drinks and yard games – Fireside Winery (Amana) | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• New Iowa State Parks blanket series – Warped & Woven Mill Mercantile | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Special pricing for museum entrance – Amana Heritage Museum | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Sunday, May 3

• Book signing with Melinda Whichman (How to Live With a Ghost) – Amana General Store | 12:00 – 4:00 PM
• Special pricing for museum entrance – Amana Heritage Museum | 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM