Haubstadt Sommerfest is a vibrant three-day festival held annually in Haubstadt, Indiana, centered around live music, rides, food, and Southern Indiana’s premier Bierstube, bringing a festive and community-focused vibe to the Old Haubstadt Gym Grounds. The event typically occurs in mid-June and features a mix of family-friendly activities and adult entertainment, highlighting the town's cultural spirit with a strong emphasis on beer, food, and local music.

The festival’s atmosphere is lively and welcoming, with the community transforming the town into what is known as the "Busch Light Capital of the World," emphasizing its famous bierstube. It draws both locals and visitors who enjoy a blend of traditional German-themed beer gardens, live accordion music, and various entertainment for all ages. The event has a small-town charm but big celebration feel, often described as the ultimate weekend for socializing, fun, and cultural pride.

Activities at Haubstadt Sommerfest include:

Laufenfest 5K Run/Walk and Lil’ Dutch Run: These races take place on Saturday morning, starting with the Lil’ Dutch Run at 8:00 a.m., followed by the 5K Run at 8:20 a.m., and the 5K Walk at 8:25 a.m. All 5K participants receive a T-shirt and race packet, and awards and door prizes are presented post-race along with food and beverages for participants. The race events end with music by Helen Kiesel on accordion and entertainment for children, including clowns.
Live music and stage entertainment: Nightly performances showcase a range of music styles that complement the festival's festive German and Americana themes.
Kid-friendly rides: Each evening there are rides suitable for children, providing family entertainment alongside adult activities.
Food and drink: A wide selection of delicious festival foods alongside Southern Indiana’s finest Bierstube, offering a variety of beer and beverages. The biergarten is a central social hub, open to attendees 21 and older, providing a festive drinking atmosphere.
Parade: Traditionally, a community parade is part of the festival weekend, displaying floats and local groups, reinforcing community spirit.

Schedule overview (approximate, based on recent years):

Thursday evening: Festival opens around 5 p.m. with rides, food booths, and bierstube opening for socializing and initial performances.
Friday evening: Continued live music and family activities, with a focus on creating a lively party atmosphere.
Saturday morning: Laufenfest race events start early around 8 a.m., followed by awards and post-race celebrations.
Saturday afternoon and evening: Kid rides, more food and drink service, live bands, and the biergarten remains active into the night.
Sunday (if included, varies by year): Sometimes a wind-down day with lighter activities or final live performances.

History and founding: Haubstadt Sommerfest has been celebrated for more than two decades, evolving from a local community gathering into Southern Indiana’s premier bierstube festival and an important cultural event. Its origins are rooted in Haubstadt’s strong German-American heritage, highlighting traditional beer and music culture. The festival also encourages involvement from local merchants, volunteers, and charitable groups, showcasing the town’s community pride and creative spirit.

The festival is held on the grounds of the Old Haubstadt Gym, located on South West Street, which serves as the central hub for rides, booths, and entertainment stages. Accessibility is a priority, with handicapped access available throughout the festival area.

Overall, Haubstadt Sommerfest offers a rich blend of traditional German festivity with the warmth of a small Midwestern town, providing events that appeal broadly from families to beer enthusiasts and runners alike.

About This Festival