BockBierFest Returns to Wauwatosa!

Spielmannszug Milwaukee Drum and Bugle Corps will celebrate the 43rd annual BockBierFest on Saturday, April 26th. After 4 years away, the spring beer festival will return to the newly restored Muellner Building in Wauwatosa’s Hart Park. As the long cold Winter gives way to warmer Spring temperatures, tradition holds that there should be a celebration to bring the community together. BockBierFest is the longest standing and most authentic gathering of its kind in our area. The one-day festival showcases Milwaukee’s rich German heritage, featuring food, drink, contests, dance performances and great musical talent!

Two Festivals in One – Starkbierfest – Beer Tasting Leads Off the Festivities
Early admission tickets are available for Starkbierfest – A VIP beer tasting featuring Bock, Maibock and Doppelbock beers. Beginning at noon, guests will enjoy two hours of unlimited sampling of premium beers from both Wisconsin and German brewers. Brewing legends going back to the 14th century claim that Bock beers were served in monasteries as “liquid bread” during the Lenten fast, when solid food was not permitted. Traditionally Bock beers are sweet, relatively strong (6.3–7.6% by volume), malty and toasty lagers with color ranging from light copper to brown. Starkbierfest is a must for any serious beer lover. Tickets include a tasting glass, 2-Hours of VIP beer tasting, admission to the Bockbierfest and a food voucher.

BockBierFest features Traditional Music, Dance and Fun for the Whole Family
Bockbierfest will come to life at 2:30pm with triumphant musical fanfare and procession by Spielmannszug Milwaukee, announcing the 2025 Blessing of the Bock. Following a reflection on the new beginnings of Spring and a formal blessing of the beer, a wooden keg of Hofbräu München will be tapped in what is known as the “Maibock Anstich.” Once the beer is flowing, there will be free samples from the wooden keg-while they last!

The day’s events feature Schuhplattler performances by D’Oberlander dance club, including the famous Maitanz, an intricate dance where performers weave ribbons around a Maypole. There will be a Steinholding contest and crowning of the BockBierFest King and Queen. Live music will fill the air with the Freistadt Alte Kameraden Band and Alpine Blast. BockBierFest is a rain or shine event taking place in the heated Muellner Building. Refreshments include Hofbräu Munich beers, wine, soft drinks, Usinger brats and hot Dogs, homemade red cabbage and Bavarian pretzels.

Spielmannszug Milwaukee Drum and Bugle Corps was founded in 1957 by a group of dedicated people who wanted to maintain the German Culture and it’s music here in the United States. 60+ years later, the Spielmannszug is still going strong with Fanfaren, Fifes, Drums, Lyres, Hunting Horns and Cymbals! Since 1961 the club has been an active part of Milwaukee’s Karneval Season (German Mardi Gras) from November through Fat Tuesday. BockBierFest is the signature fundraising event for the Spielmannszug Milwaukee!

EVENT DETAILS
Webpage: www.bockbierfest.org or www.szmke.org

Festival Location:
HART PARK ~ MUELLNER BUILDING
7300 W Chestnut St, Wauwatosa, WI 53213

Saturday, April 26 – Schedule of Events

Noon to 2:00pm – STARKBIERFEST – VIP BEER TASTING

1:30pm to 5:30pm Freistadt Alte Kameraden Band

2:00pm to 9:00pm – BOCKBIERFEST – GENERAL ADMISSION

2:30pm Opening Ceremony – Maibock Anstich

Spielmannszug Procession – Blessing of the Bock & Keg Tapping

3:30pm D’Oberlander Dance Performance

4:30pm Spielmannszug Milwaukee Performance

5:30pm D’Oberlander Dance Performance

Bock Bier King & Queen Contest – Round 1

.5L Beer Drinking Contest—Must Be 21 or Older to Enter

6:00pm to 9:00pm Alpine Blast

7:00pm Bock Bier King & Queen Contest – Round 2

Crowning of King and Queen

8:00pm Masskrugstemmen Stein Holding Contest

9:00pm Festival Ends – Vielen Dank u. Guten Nacht!

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.