Fresh details for Philly’s Maifest in 2024

This time of year in Philadelphia is always filled with outdoor festivals, including South Street’s own German-clad extravaganza, Maifest. Set for Saturday, May 4, the all-day festival (11 a.m. to 8 p.m.) from Brauhaus Schmitz will be celebrating its 11th year and is set to be bigger than ever. 

Think authentic German culture, live music, tasty food, and plenty of beer (and steins) to go around. 

“Brauhaus Schmitz is proud to bring this tradition to the heart of Philadelphia’s South Street district for an unforgettable day of fun and merriment,” said Brauhaus Schmitz owner Doug Hager in a statement. “Our block party has become a cherished tradition for locals and visitors alike, and we can’t wait to celebrate with South Street and our community. Come raise a liter with us under the giant Maypole.” 

Maifest will also feature its typical fan-favorite activities—like the Liter Lift Competition, pig roast, face painting, flower crowns, key tapping and games. The celebration will also include Pennsylvania’s largest Maypole, and performances by Die Heimatklange Band and the United German Hungarian Dance group this year. 

The all-day outdoor block party is free to attend, with food and drink pay as you go. VIP tickets are also available for $100 and include food, drink and access to the Brauer Bund, where you will find seating, private bathrooms, an extensive German food buffet and TVs to catch sporting events of the day and the Kentucky Derby, a release notes. 

The Liter Lift will kick off at 1 p.m., and 20 of the city’s strongest men and women will be competing to secure spots in the national championship in NYC. The keg tapping will follow at 1:30 with Hager and his family. 

Food-wise, Philadelphians can find bratwurst, pretzels, schnitzel, sauerkraut, potato salad, fare from the pig roast and more. Drinks-wise, Maifest will feature plenty of German sips (10 to be exact) ranging from lagers to wheat beers to ciders and everything in between. 

Live music will be onstage from 1:30 to 6 p.m., family activities will be in full swing all day, and the event will go on rain or shine. 

 For more information on Maifest, visit brauhausschmitz.com or follow Brauhaus Schmitz (@brauhausschmitz) on social media for event updates and announcements.