How to play sheepshead, the Milwaukee way
Tim Wachter teaches sheepshead at German Fest and walks through how to play the card game.
Bill Schulz, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Did you miss Milwaukee’s German Fest celebration last month? Or are you looking for another chance to enjoy some classic German cuisine?
Well, you’re in luck. West Bend Germanfest 2025 returns this week.
The 39th iteration of the festival will take place Aug. 21-24. Attendees can listen to tunes from nearly two dozen musical acts while enjoying authentic German fare. Proceeds from the event go toward the Habitat for Humanity of Washington & Dodge Counties.
Here’s what to know:
When is West Bend Germanfest 2025?
West Bend Germanfest 2025 will be held Aug. 21-24.
It will be open from 5 to 11 p.m. Aug. 21; 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Aug. 22 and 23; and from noon to 6 p.m. Aug. 24, a spokesperson confirmed to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel in an email.
Where is West Bend Germanfest 2025?
The festival is held at Regner Park, 800 N. Main St.
How much is admission for West Bend Germanfest 2025?
Admission to West Bend Germanfest 2025 is free.
How much is parking for West Bend Germanfest 2025?
Parking at the festival is also free.
Who’s performing at West Bend Germanfest 2025?
Nearly two dozen entertainers are slated to perform at the festival, including:
- Ember
- Jon Dietz & The Twin Lakes Trio
- The Nix
- Copper Box
- Jerabek Family Polka Band
To see the full entertainment schedule, visit https://westbendgermanfest.com/entertainment/.
What other events will be at West Bend Germanfest 2025?
Aside from the musical acts, there are several other events festivalgoers can partake in, including a bags tournament on Aug. 22.
You can bring your own bags or borrow some at the tournament. To participate, you can either register online or at the festival. It costs $13, or $10 for members.
Sheepshead tournaments are also scheduled for each day of the event:
- Aug. 21: 5 to 9 p.m.
- Aug. 22: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Aug. 23: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Aug. 24: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Families can visit the festival’s Kinderzone for face painting, German bingo and more. It will be open Aug. 22 and 23 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Aug. 24 from noon to 4 p.m.
What food and drink vendors will be at West Bend Germanfest 2025?
A list of food vendors was not available on the festival’s website, but it did note that Hankerson’s would be providing desserts. You can find out more at https://westbendgermanfest.com/food-drink/.
For more information on West Bend Germanfest 2025:
You can visit the festival’s website at https://westbendgermanfest.com/.