A small and intimate festival hosted by the German-Texan Heritage Society at the German Free School in downtown Austin, Maifest features a number of traditional activities celebrating German culture.
These include folk dancing, live traditional music, the wrapping of a Maypole, a limited selection of German beers, and even a used German book sale. There are also numerous children's activities scheduled.
Maifest volunteers are always welcome, too.
The German Free School was constructed in 1857 and served as the first chartered school in Austin. It operated until the late 1870s when Austin adopted its own public school system. A two story addition was completed in 1872 and major renovations in 1948.
The German-Texan Heritage Society also hosts two other annual German cultural festivals: Oktoberfest and the Austin Christmas Market on the first Saturday in December.