Amana Colonies 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.
Festhalle Barn • Amana, Iowa
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.
A Look Back at Amana Colonies Maifest 2025
May 3–4, 2025 | Amana Colonies, Iowa
Celebrate the arrival of spring with one of Iowa’s most beloved festivals! Check out our list of events for more information download our festival brochure.
Parade – Saturday, May 3 @ 10 am
Join us as we honor the everyday heroes of our communities with this year’s theme, “Spring Into Action.” The Amana Fire Department will lead the parade as Grand Marshal. Enjoy colorful floats, lots of candy, and a heartfelt tribute to first responders, volunteers, and local champions.
Maipole Dancers – A Festival Tradition
Experience the joyful twirls of our traditional Maipole Dancers all weekend long in various locations around Amana!
Friday, May 2
- 7pm – Millstream Brewery
Saturday, May 3
- 11am – Festhalle (after parade)
- 11:45am – Amana Heritage Museum
- 12:15pm – Amana General Store
- 2pm – Visitors Center
- 2:30pm – Amana Meat Shop
- 3:15pm – Brau Haus
Sunday, May 4
- 11am – Amana Meat Shop
- 12:30pm – Amana General Store
- 1:15pm – Visitors Center
- 2pm – Blumen Haus
(Rain plan: All dances move to the Festhalle Barn.)
World on Wheels Food Truck Fair
Saturday, May 3 | 10am–5pm | Festhalle Barn
Sample delicious food, beer, and sweet treats while enjoying live entertainment. Be sure to try potato pancakes and Obstkuchen from the Amana Heritage Society!
Wine & Beer Walk
Sunday, May 4 | 10 am–4 pm
Purchase a $5 passport at any participating winery or brewery and enjoy samples as you visit each location. The first 275 participants to complete the walk receive a complimentary Maifest wine glass! Must be 21+ to participate
Family & Kids Activities
Saturday, May 3
- Face painting & balloon artist – Peace Garden, 10:30 am–4 pm
- Caterpillar craft at Ackerman Winery – 11 am–1 pm
- Geode cracking – Ox Yoke Inn, 11 am–3 pm
- Make your own Maipole – Four Winds Apothecary, 11 am–3 pm
- Kinder Gift Bags – Ox Yoke Inn (with purchase)
- Treasure mining – The Noble Stone, 11 am–4 pm
Sunday, May 4
- Sunday Brunch Buffet – Ox Yoke Inn (Kids under 10 eat free with adult)
- More kids crafts, mocktails, and treasure mining fun!
Live Entertainment
Saturday, May 3
- 11:30 am–1:30 pm & 3:30–5:30 pm – Blame Not The Bard (Festhalle)
- 2:30–3:15pm – RTD Irish Dancers (Festhalle)
- Music all day at Millstream Brewing Co. with Josh Sinclair & Barry Boyce Band
- Barefoot Becky & The Ivanhoe Dutchmen – Ronneburg Restaurant Lawn, 11 am–3 pm
Sunday, May 4
- Hudson & Overly perform live at Millstream Brewing Co., 1–4 pm
Local Shops & Specials
- Heritage Designs – 10% off quilts and wall hangings
- Warped & Woven Mill Mercantile – New state park blanket designs
- The Noble Stone – Door prize drawings hourly on Saturday
- Lisa Lammey Fine Arts – Raffle for wood panel print
- Midwest Leather – Win a $100 gift card
- Schanz Furniture – Workshop tours & Maifest basket demos
- Amana Woolen Mill – Production mill tours
Dining Highlights
- Ox Yoke Inn – Bloody Mary’s, brunch, geode cracking, live music, and kid’s meals with gift bags
- Ronneburg Restaurant – Grilled lunch, dancing & beer
- Hotel Millwright – Weekend dinner and drink specials
- Fireside Winery – Sangria, wine slushes, cheese pairings, and Jell-O shots
2025 Poster
Pick up a poster for only $5 at the Amana Colonies Visitors Center!
Brochures + Forms
Check out the Brochure HERE!
Wanna be in the Maifest Parade? Fill out the form below.
This Year’s Event
Thank you to our 2025 Festivals sponsors!
