Amana Colonies Wurst Festival

Come have the wurst time.

Celebrate all things sausage during Wurst Festival in the Amana Colonies. Enjoy savory sausage specialties, live music, the Dachshund Derby, Masskrugstemmen, and so much more! 

June 19-20, 2026

Amana, Iowa

Celebrate all things sausage during the Amana Colonies Wurst Festival, a fun-filled summer tradition honoring one of the community’s most beloved foods. Rooted in German heritage, the Amana Colonies Wurst Festival brings together great flavors, live entertainment, and small-town charm for a weekend of unforgettable experiences.

Whether you’re a longtime fan of the event or visiting for the first time, the Amana Colonies Wurst Festival offers a flavorful celebration of heritage, hospitality, and summertime fun in the heart of the Amana Colonies. Fun for all ages!

The Amana Colonies Wurst Festival, the Midwest’s ultimate bratwurst bash!

Friday, June 19^th 5:00 – 8:00 PM

5:00 PM: Wurst Kick-off Party begins
5:00 – 8:00 PM: Serving food & drinks
6:00 – 8:00 PM: Brass bands perform live

Help kick-off the festival Friday night on the official festival grounds at the Market Barn (located at 707 46^th Ave., Amana, IA) with food by Amana Meat Shop & Smokehouse and drinks by Amana RV Park & Event Center. Live music will feature various brass bands, rotating throughout the evening. Free admission this evening only.

Saturday, June 20^th 1:00 – 8:00 PM

Entrance Fee: $7; Kids 12 years and under FREE

Please note, only participating Dachshunds and service dogs allowed at Market Barn on Saturday.

1:00 PM: Gates open
1:00 – 3:30 PM: Live music by Full Circle Band
2:00 – 2:30 PM: Masskrugstemmen
3:30 PM: Brat Eating Contest
Following brat contest: Kids Ice Cream Eating Contest
4:30 – 7:00 PM: Live music by Swamp Donkeys
5:30 PM: Raising Cane’s Dachshund Derby
7:00 PM: Awards for Wurst Competition
7:15 -8:00 PM: Music

The official festival takes place at the Market Barn (located at 707 46^th Ave., Amana, IA). Admission is just $7, and children 12 and under are free.

Festivalgoers can choose from a wide variety of food vendors located throughout the Market Barn, including Amana Meat Shop & Smokehouse, StoneRidge Wholesale, CharBoom’s Craft BBQ, Amos Dean’s, Wild West Dogs, and Totally Rolled Ice Cream. Guests can relax under shaded tents while enjoying cold drinks and delicious sausage specialties.

Throughout the day, attendees can cast their vote for the People’s Choice award for best bratwurst, while judges select a First in Wurst winner. Be sure to try from all of the booths and vote for your favorite. Stop by the Mustardmeister’s booth for all your mustard needs.

Live music will feature Full Circle Band and Swamp Donkeys.

Festival favorites also return, including the Masskrugstemmen where contestants compete to hold a full beer stein the longest, and a Brat Eating Contest. Following the brat contest, kids can join the fun during the Kids Ice Cream Eating Contest sponsored by Totally Rolled Ice Cream.

One of the day’s most anticipated events is the Raising Cane’s Dachshund Derby*** outside the Market Barn, where dachshunds will race in six different categories. Watch as majestic  Dachshunds compete! See their tiny little legs carry them as fast as they can go across the finish line. Any and all Dachshunds are welcome to enter. First place in each of the six categories: Lil Smokies (< 1 year), Frankfurters (1-3 years), Bratwursts (4-7 years), Ahle Wurst (8+ years), Thuringer Brat (dachshunds with disabilities), and Curry Wurst (mixed breed), will receive a trophy and an Amana Colonies gift certificate.
***If you’d like to enter your dachshund, please see the registration form on the righthand side of this page. $5 cash entry fee per dog. Dogs must be registered to participate and are required to have proof of vaccinations. You must check in by 4:45pm with your pup to make sure you get a spot in the races!

Kids of all ages will enjoy Regan’s Glitter Tattoos, as well as various yard games.

Visitors can also participate in the Dachshund Hunt taking place throughout the Amana Colonies on Saturday. Stop by the Amana Colonies Visitors Center to pick up an entry form.

Thank you to this year’s sponsors, including Compass Memorial, Bankhaus, Hills Bank, KCRG, Culligan, Raising Cane’s, and Totally Rolled Ice Cream.

The full brochure is linked directly on this page under Brochures + Forms. It includes all the extra happenings around the villages, including food specials, winery events, live music, shopping promotions, kids activities, brewery events, and more happening alongside the main festival.

Parking:
Market Barn paved lot
Grass lot south of Market Barn
Visitors Center parking lot
Overflow lot at Hotel Millwright

2026 Amana Colonies Wurst Festival Brochure

2026 Raising Canes Dachshund Derby Registration