Sauerkraut Festivals: The Most Kick Ass in 2023
If you’re looking for a unique and exciting way to celebrate 2023 and fermented foods. Then why not attend one of the best sauerkraut festivals around? Sauerkraut festivals are becoming increasingly popular, and the upcoming 2023 season is sure to be bigger and better than ever! From traditional German-style celebrations to modern takes on the classic dish, there’s something for everyone. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at the best sauerkraut festivals from across the globe in 2023. We’ll provide you with tips on what to expect and how to make the most of your experience.
Go on, find a festival near you.
Sauerkraut Weekend – Phelps, Ontario County, NY
When: 3 – 6 August 2023
Where: Phelps, Ontario County, New York
The History of the Sauerkraut Festival
Dive into the rich history and vibrant traditions of the Phelps Sauerkraut Festival, a time-honoured celebration of one of the world’s largest producers of sauerkraut. The festival traces its roots back to 1967 when it was a one-day event organised by the Phelps Chamber of Commerce.
In 2013, the festival took a significant leap forward, transforming into the Phelps Sauerkraut Weekend. Now a four-day extravaganza, the festival spans the entire village and includes a variety of events such as the Mustang Rally of the Finger Lakes, Arts in the Park, a Public Market Place, events at the American Legion and of course, fun-filled carnival rides and community booths.
Phelps has a rich history in sauerkraut production, once housing the Seneca Sauerkraut Factory and the Silver Floss/Empire State Pickling Company. These factories, though now a part of history, have played a significant role in Phelps’s identity as a sauerkraut producer.
The Event
The festival features an array of exciting activities that begin on Thursday with arts and crafts for kids, a Kiddie Parade led by the Phelps Fire Department, pinatas at the Pavilion, and live DJ music. Friday is highlighted by the Cabbage Head Decorating Contest, the “Kraut Krawl” Craft Beverage Stroll, and live music.
Saturday brings a plethora of events. Starting with the Krauter 20k Race in the morning and continuing with a Giant Slip n Slide. Following that is the Mustang Rally of the Finger Lakes Car Show, a Hot Dog and Kraut Eating Contest, a Sauerkraut Recipe Contest, and a grand parade. The day concludes with the announcement of parade winners, a Sauerkraut Cake Cutting, and fireworks.
The Sauerkraut Festival wraps up on Sunday with the Phelps Diamond Club Cards & Collectibles Show, Worship in the Park, and a variety of kids’ activities, including balloon art, chalk art, bounce houses, and live music.
St. Mary’s Sauerkraut Festival, Bear Creek, WI
When: Saturday 5 August 2023
Where: St Mary’s Catholic Church, 301 Tielky Street, Bear Creek, Wisconsin
From: 20:00
Hosted by St Rose’ and St Mary’s Parish Families you can look forward to the 59th Annual Sauerkraut Festival in Bear Creek Wisconsin.
Pencil in the dates for the St. Mary’s Sauerkraut Festival, an annual carnival of joy, music, and an irresistible array of all things sauerkraut. With Saturday night under the stars, brought to life with the rhythmic tunes of Curious Crow, filling the air from 8:00pm until the stroke of midnight. Be sure to join the crowd by 6:00pm, just in time to experience the offerings of the beer garden, sandwich stand, and authentic Mexican food booth. A meagre cover charge of $5 at the gate paves your way to an evening of fun and frolics.
The sauerkraut saga unfurls further on Sunday morning at 10:30am with a heartwarming Polka Mass and keeps the momentum with endless fun for everyone well into the day. You wouldn’t want to miss the chance to partake in the signature sauerkraut dinner, join the car party, compete in kids’ games, watch the prince and princess contest, bid at the silent auction, shop at the country and craft store, feast at the food stand, savour genuine Mexican food, raise a glass at the beer garden, and cheer on the grand parade at 1:30pm. Don’t overlook the chance to win $1000 in cash, a quarter of beef, and gift cards with raffle tickets, priced temptingly at $5 each or a steal at 3 for $10.
World Famous Sauerkraut Dinner
As the clock ticks 10:30am, get ready for our famous Sauerkraut Dinner that continues until 1:00pm. This year’s gastronomic journey includes pulled pork, hot dogs, sauerkraut hotdish, seasoned and regular kraut, kraut salad, potato salad, homemade baked beans, cucumber salad, dinner rolls, and a selection of delectable homemade pies. This is sure to leave your taste buds craving for more. The dining prices are a reasonable $15 for adults and takeout orders, $5 for children aged between 4-10, and an absolute delight, absolutely free for the little ones aged 3 years and under.
Lisbon Sauerkraut Day, IA
When: 17 to 19 August 2023
Where: Lisbon, Iowa,
Mark your calendars for the Lisbon Sauerkraut Days happening from Thursday August 17 to Saturday August 19 2023. This celebrated sauerkraut festival promises a delightful mix of traditional cuisine, community entertainment, and fun-filled activities.
Imagine the old Lincoln Highway coming alive with the appetising aroma of brats and sauerkraut wafting through the air. The streets bustle with excitement, featuring a plethora of attractions such as carnival games, street dances, and the highly-anticipated bathtub races. Listen to the lively music performed by community bands while trying your luck at bingo. Truly, the Lisbon Sauerkraut Days offer wholesome family entertainment at its best.
And Whats On In 2023?
The 2023 edition of this acclaimed sauerkraut festival includes an exhilarating lineup of events. Look up to the sky as fireworks illuminate the night, and participate in or cheer on participants in the Golf Tournament and 5K Run/Walk. Get your sports spirit ready for the Softball Tournament, and marvel at the impressive variety of vehicles showcased at the Car Show.
Relish the tunes of live music and watch the colourful Parade that makes its way through the city streets. Enjoy a classic Ice Cream Social, and don’t miss out on the Largest Cabbage Contest that celebrates the heart of this event – sauerkraut.
Experience more live entertainment, fun Carnival & Rides, and Street Dance. For the enthusiasts, there’s the thrilling Tractor Pull event, and don’t forget to explore the Exhibit Hall for an array of fascinating displays.
48th Sauerkraut Festival Sürkrütfecht, Alsace, France
When: 23 and 24 September 2023
Where: Krautergersheim, Alsace, France
Immerse yourself in the vibrant celebrations of the Krautergersheim Sauerkraut Festival. The festivities begin on a high note on Saturday evening starting at 19:30 with an enthralling orchestral performance. The music sets the tone for the rest of the event, creating an atmosphere of joy and unity.
On Sunday at 10:00, the ground become a hub of activity as 70 local exhibitors set up their stalls. This market is a showcase of local talent and artisanal products, contributing to the unique charm of the Sauerkraut Festival.
Amidst all the merriment, a grand big top emerges as the focal point of the event. Under this canopy, guests are entertained by another live orchestra performance, lending a rhythmic melody to the festivities. At 15:00, a procession takes centre stage. Featuring traditional folk groups, elaborately decorated floats, and spirited brass bands, all joining in the collective spirit of the Sauerkraut Festival.
In the afternoon, a unique spectacle awaits festival-goers – a live demonstration of cabbage cutting. This interactive experience offers an intriguing insight into the preparation of sauerkraut, the star dish of the festival.
53rd Ohio Sauerkraut Festival, Waynesville, OH
When: 8 and 9 October 2023
Where: Waynesville Ohio, USA
The History of the Sauerkraut Festival
Step into a celebration of heritage, food, and community at the Sauerkraut Festival in Waynesville, Ohio. From its humble beginnings in 1970 as a sidewalk sale with a sauerkraut dinner. It has since blossomed into one of the premier festivals in the United States. The inaugural festival saw 1,500 visitors savour 528 pounds of sauerkraut. With festivities including an antique car parade, folk dancers, and contests centred around cabbage and sauerkraut. The festival grew by 1976 drawing 40,000.
350,000 Visitors
Now, the Sauerkraut Festival attracts an impressive 350,000 visitors annually. These guests come from across the nation. They now enjoy 7 tons of sauerkraut, browse through over 450 craft booths including 30 food booths. The festival has grown beyond Ohio’s borders, with vendors travelling from as far as Hawaii, Florida, and California to participate.
Set in Waynesville, the ‘Antique Capital of the Midwest’, the festival provides a unique blend of history and fun. The village was founded in 1797 by Samuel Heighway, who envisioned it to be the capital of the Northwest Territory. Although his dream didn’t materialise, Waynesville grew to become a significant tourist spot in Southern Ohio. Offering visitors a glance into the past with its English village design.
The Event
Today’s festival showcases an impressive 60 different food items, with local non-profit organisations contributing every other food item. This involvement of schools, churches, clubs, and athletic organisations enhances the community spirit that the Sauerkraut Festival embodies.
With a rich history and a promising future, the Sauerkraut Festival continues to be a beacon of community, culture and sauerkraut.