Welcome spring at the traditional German celebration of the season, Maifest Chicago. The 26th annual festival runs from May 29 -31, 2026, in the heart of Chicago’s German community in Lincoln Square.

Photo courtesy of Maifest
Chow down on lots of German food and witness a traditional keg tapping, maypole dancing and the crowning of the Maifest queen. Live music and German cultural presentations round out the fun.
According to Maifest organizers, the Maifest tradition is still celebrated widely in Germany and Chicago’s large German population has allowed the city to bring its own version of the festival to life.

Photo courtesy of Maifest Chicago.
The three-day event is free and is scheduled from 5:30 pm to 10 pm on May 29 and noon to 10 pm on May 3oth and May 31st. The festival will take place across from the Old Town School of Music, at 4521 N. Lincoln.
Maifest Chicago
May 29- 31, 2026
4321 N. Lincoln Ave.
Free
Discover more Fun








Chicago on the Cheap is a member of Living on the Cheap, a network of websites published by frugalistas, journalists and consumer advocates. Find practical advice on saving money on groceries, travel and shopping, plus tips from our experts on how to live the good life for less at 
Leave a Reply