Freudenfest returns for first time since 2019

July 12, 2022 at 8:00 p.m.
Freudenfest returns for first time since 2019
Freudenfest returns for first time since 2019

By Steven Harmeyer -

One the areas biggest summer traditions returns this weekend after a two-year hiatus. 

Freudenfest, meaning "festival of fun”, attracts thousands to Oldenburg to celebrate German heritage with music, food, drinks and activities on Friday and Saturday. 

The festival is organized by a non-profit organization that originated in 1976 by volunteers as communities across the country were celebrating the United States Bicentennial. 

Freudenfest has grown over the years to become one of the largest German festivals in Indiana. Festival-goers can find themselves performing the chicken dance, tossing a naked chicken, watching the Dachshunds race, or simply, enjoying meeting up with an old friend.

Festivities kick off Friday at 5 p.m. and Saturday will be full of events starting at 7 a.m. The festival ends at midnight both evenings. 

A free shuttle to the Freudenfest is available from The Quality Inn, The Sherman, and Best Western in Batesville. Shuttle times run 5pm to Midnight on Friday and 1pm to Midnight on Saturday.

One the areas biggest summer traditions returns this weekend after a two-year hiatus. 

Freudenfest, meaning "festival of fun”, attracts thousands to Oldenburg to celebrate German heritage with music, food, drinks and activities on Friday and Saturday. 

The festival is organized by a non-profit organization that originated in 1976 by volunteers as communities across the country were celebrating the United States Bicentennial. 

Freudenfest has grown over the years to become one of the largest German festivals in Indiana. Festival-goers can find themselves performing the chicken dance, tossing a naked chicken, watching the Dachshunds race, or simply, enjoying meeting up with an old friend.

Festivities kick off Friday at 5 p.m. and Saturday will be full of events starting at 7 a.m. The festival ends at midnight both evenings. 

A free shuttle to the Freudenfest is available from The Quality Inn, The Sherman, and Best Western in Batesville. Shuttle times run 5pm to Midnight on Friday and 1pm to Midnight on Saturday.

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