Bavarian Festival and 5 Must-Dos in Frankenmuth, MI
There are many events hosted in Michigan’s Little Bavaria Frankenmuth, but the Bavarian Festival is the local favorite. Celebrating their Bavarian heritage the second weekend of June, Frankenmuth shares their traditions including ribbon dancing, keg tapping and a weekend full of Polka music.
The festival began as a celebration of the Bavarian Inn Restaurant expansion in 1959. “We like to have parties here,” Amy Zehnder-Grossi, President of the Bavarian Inn Restaurant said. The party eventually spilled into the parking lot and was passed on to the Civic Events Council. “After the first two years the Bavarian Inn Restaurant asked the Civic Events Council to take over the festival; so we’ve had responsibility since then,” Jerry Thompson, Past President of Civic Events Council said.
Some other traditions visitors can enjoy include the raising of the Maibaum, performances by Schuhplatters, the Friday night block party and the grand parade.
Past President of the Civic Events Council Charlie Nickless said “the whole community is German. It’s not just once a month or once a week out of the year for the German Festival; we are German all year round.” With that in mind here are five must-do’s to include during your next visit:
Chicken Dinner
Whether visitors dine at the Bavarian Inn Restaurant or Zehnder’s Restaurant they will be satisfied with this famous entrée. “It became a popular Sunday tradition where people from the Detroit area would come up to Frankenmuth and have a chicken dinner,” Amy Zehnder-Grossi, President of the Bavarian Inn Restaurant said.
History Museum
Ten galleries explore the history of Frankenmuth from 1845 to modern day at the Frankenmuth Historical Museum. “We cover the story of how the settlers came over across the Atlantic from Germany to how they established businesses. A little bit throughout World War II, I’m sure you can imagine the challenges being a German community during that time; Frankenmuth Breweries and becoming Michigan’s Little Bavaria Today,” Heidi Chapman, Director of Frankenmuth Historical Association, said.
Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth
From fudge to truffles satisfy that sweet tooth throughout Frankenmuth, Michigan. A personal favorite is Zak and Mac’s Chocolate Hause. The quaint storefront on Main Street has truffles, toffee and so much more. There is another location at the River Place Shops.
River Place Shops
Walk through Bavarian styled architecture throughout the River Place Shops and enjoy themed retail and unique activities including The Bavarian Black Smith Experience. From key chains and wands to knives and swords, visitors can forge their own creation. “Our motto is ‘create enjoyable experiences’ and getting to do that every day, it’s not work, I get to come and just have fun,” Garret Kerr, General Manager of Frankenmuth River Place Shops said.
Murals
Frankenmuth has many beautification enhancements visitors can explore including the many murals throughout the town. “We’re just launching this summer [2023] a mural finder,” Jaime Furbush, President and CEO of the Frankenmuth CVB, said.
There is so much to explore in Michigan’s Little Bavarian, Frankenmuth. Be sure to watch the full episode featuring the Bavarian Festival on Finding Festivals.
Special thank you to Frankenmuth CVB, Bavarian Inn and the Civic Events Council the in-kind donations that supporting filming efforts.
Finding Festivals is independently produced by HayRobin Media Productions LLC.
Special thank you to Dead Shark Productions LLC (film crew), Micheal Desanto and WGTE.