61st Annual Grafenwoehr German/American Volksfest

The 61st German-American Volksfest is a free community event at Grafenwoehr Camp Kasserine, August 2-4. The Volksfest is a family-style festival featuring live music performances.

The festival fosters German and American friendship and culture - living, working and celebrating together. Volksfest draws American soldiers, families, civilians, retirees, and Germans living in the surrounding areas of USAG Bavaria. Carnival rides, a beer tent, German and American food, displays of German and American Army equipment, retail booths, a visit from the 501st Legion, Pirates, the Flying Boots, music and dancing are highlights of Volksfest.

Check out the SHUTTLE BUS SCHEDULES HERE

SCHEDULE:

CLICK. SHARE. WIN!
with the Volksfest Best Photo Contest!

Share your best photos by posting them in the comments or in a private message on our Facebook page or tag us in your photos on Instagram for a chance to win best overall photo or best swag photo and win one of the great prizes, including a three-night stay at beautiful Edelweiss Lodge & Resort. 

How much does it cost?
Entrance into the fest is free. Food, beverages and rides are available for sale.

What can I expect?
This is Germany’s largest German-American Volksfest. There will be:

• Festival Rides

• Beer Tents (to include, German, American and craft beer)
• Live Bands
• Jumping Castle
• Great variety of FOOD (American ice cream, corn dogs, barbeque ribs, pizzas, nachos, hamburgers, steaks, gyros, schnitzels, bratwursts, smoked fish, fried Oreos, funnel cakes, crepes, Chinese, chili, blooming onions and so much more!)
• AFN Bavaria Live Broadcast
• Military Vehicle Static Displays (both German and American Army) including Historic Military Vehicles
• Car and Bike Displays
• Gifts & Souvenirs
• Best Photo Contest

Merchandise Preview
Don't forget to purchase the 2019 Volksfest beer stein to add to your collection for only $12!

How do I get there?
All gates are open to ID cardholders. The main entrance to the Volksfest, however, is through Gate 6 on B-299 across from the Gründerzentrum Grafenwöhr. Non-DoD cardholders must enter through Gate 6. The only exit is through Gate 4 at Tanzfleck. When entering Gate 6, follow the signs to the parking areas. During the weekend, all traffic between Tower and Rose Barracks must use B299 unless drivers have a fest pass, which allows access to Chancellorsville Road (between Gate 9/near the Exchange Express gas station and Gate 4 at Tanzfleck). For example, if you do drive in from Eschenbach, you must enter Gate 6 and exit Gate 4 (Tanzfleck).

We highly recommend that DoD cardholders park on-post and take the garrison shuttle to avoid traffic.

Who can ride the garrison shuttle during the Volksfest?
The USAG Bavaria garrison shuttle will operate during the Volksfest. Only DoD ID cardholders are authorized to ride the garrison shuttle. Local National employees with valid installation passes are also authorized to ride the garrison shuttle. The garrison shuttle schedule is available at home.army.mil/bavaria. Expect limited garrison shuttle service during the Volksfest.

Can I use public transportation to get there?
Yes, public buses run every 15 – 30 minutes to take visitors from the parking areas downtown to the fest grounds. On Friday and Saturday, the bus will run from 11 a.m. - 1:30 a.m.; on Sunday, the bus will run from 11 a.m. - 12:30 a.m. Public bus stops are located near the outdoor swimming pool at Waldbad (Am Waldbad, 92655 Grafenwoehr), on Marienplatz in front of the town hall (Marienplatz, 92655 Grafenwoehr), at the German post office (Alte Amberger Strasse 28, 92655 Grafenwoehr) and at the Gründerzentrum on B-299 (Am Gruenderzentrum, 92655 Grafenwoehr). Bus fee is €2 roundtrip. You will have to show your IDs prior to entering bus. All bags will be searched before boarding the bus.

My friends are not affiliated with the DOD. Can I bring them?
Yes, but enter through the main entrance at Gate 6. All non-DOD ID cardholders over the age of 16 must have an official ID such as a Personalausweiss or Reisepass to enter. A driver’s license is not enough.

What types of items are PROHIBITED from the fest?
Prohibited items include: backpacks, large bags, alcohol and any outside beverage/container, Coolers, water guns, weapons and any items that may cause bodily harm as determined by law enforcement.

Can I bring my pet?
Yes, but you must have your pet on a leash. Also, be advised that there will be large crowds and lots of noise. The Volksfest may not be in the best interest of your pet.

What kind of food will be available for sale?
Food and beverages include American ice cream, BBQ ribs, tacos, nachos, chili, corn-on-the-cob, BBQ chicken, hot dogs, hamburgers, steaks, baked potatoes, gyros, smoked fish, Chinese food, bratwurst and Bavarian Schweinehaxen.

Can I bring my own beer?
You are prohibited from bringing your own alcohol, food, coolers, backpacks, large bags and pouches. Food and beer will be available for sale.

Will there be a military equipment display again this year?
Yes, static German and American military vehicles and equipment will be on display during the entire Volksfest.

Will there be live bands?
Yes. See above for the schedule.