Beer, Pretzels and Dachshund Races

The Packers will soon be reporting to training camp to get ready for the upcoming football season. You, too, can use the dog days of summer to prepare for a rite of fall at Milwaukee’s German Fest. Putting in the work now is the best way to ensure peak performance at Oktoberfest.

This year marks the 41st installment of the event, which celebrates German culture in a very similar fashion to the traditional fall harvest festival. But don’t let the similarities discourage you from getting the additional reps.

After all, there’s never a bad time for a bratwurst or a big ol’ pretzel. And you can’t go wrong with beer served in a stein, which may taste even better when it’s hot outside. And, let’s not forget, summer is the ideal time to flaunt your assets in your skimpiest lederhosen.

There is the music, dancing, and food that you’d expect at Oktoberfest. And there are fireworks to close each day’s events. The most intriguing departure from the usual German cultural festival lineup is the Dachshund Derby on Sunday.

The event pits the diminutive dogs against each other in a dash for short-legged glory. There are several heats featuring different age groups, as well as a canine costume contest, providing competitors with ample opportunity to boost their doggy self-esteem.

As any Packers player will tell you, it’s the hard work in summer that gives oom-pah-pah extra oomph come fall. Well, probably not in those words.

German Fest 2023 runs from July 28th until the 30th at Maier Festival Park. Tickets can be purchased at the event or in advance online if you want to save a few Deutschmarks.