About This Festival

The Jasper Strassenfest is a vibrant, family-oriented, German-themed street festival held annually in Downtown Jasper, Indiana, typically spanning four days from July 31 to August 3, 2025. It celebrates German heritage with a diverse mix of entertainment, food, cultural events, and community activities accessible and enjoyable for all ages, including handicapped-accessible facilities.

The event features a rich array of activities across multiple locations throughout downtown and citywide Jasper, including:

  • Three stages presenting continuous German music and performances
  • A Sunday parade with over 100 entries, a signature highlight drawing more than 10,000 spectators, celebrating this year the “40th Anniversary of the Jasper/Pfaffenweiler Sister Cities Partnership”
  • Food booths offering traditional German fare alongside a beer and wine garden
  • Dancing, carnival rides, and games suitable for families
  • Hot air balloon launch
  • Tractor and car show
  • Arts and crafts booths showcasing local artisans
  • A run/walk event and other themed community happenings

The atmosphere is festive and communal, with the city’s streets alive with music, dance, and the smell of food, drawing locals and visitors together in a spirit of celebration and cultural pride.

Rough Schedule and Locations

  • July 31 - August 3, 2025: Festival ongoing across downtown Jasper with entertainment spread over three stages, food and craft booths, and rides/games citywide.
  • Sunday, August 3, 2025:
    • Parade starts at 1:00 PM EST in downtown Jasper, following a route down Jackson Street, turning onto 5th Street, then Main Street, circling the square’s west side.
    • Parade lineup begins at 10:30 AM, with all participants in place by 12:30 PM.
    • Other festival activities continue throughout the day in the downtown area.

History and Founding

The Jasper Strassenfest has a longstanding tradition, with 2025 marking its 47th annual celebration. It was founded to honor and celebrate the German heritage of Jasper’s community, foster local pride, and strengthen cultural and sister-city ties, particularly with Pfaffenweiler, Germany. The festival is deeply embedded in community involvement, with proceeds supporting local nonprofits and arts.

Organized by the Jasper Optimist International Club, the festival relies heavily on volunteers and community partnerships. It also emphasizes cultural exchange and philanthropy, as seen in the 2025 theme recognizing 40 years of the Jasper/Pfaffenweiler Sister Cities Partnership.

Surrounding Area & Vibe

Downtown Jasper transforms into a lively, colorful hub featuring traditional German decorations, banners, and flags. The vibe is deeply family-friendly and community-centered, balancing energetic entertainment with opportunities for cultural engagement. Visitors enjoy strolling among vendors, watching performances, and participating in activities in a welcoming and festive environment.

The combination of music stages, food and drink offerings, traditional crafts, and interactive events creates a warm and vibrant experience steeped in German-American heritage, community spirit, and summer festivity.

Contact & Accessibility

  • The festival is fully accessible for handicapped attendees.
  • Contact for details or participation: (812) 482-6866.
  • Official website: jasperstrassenfest.org.
  • Social media: facebook.com/Strassenfest.

Pets are generally not allowed except for designated service animals or at pet-themed events.

This well-established event not only entertains but also reinforces Jasper’s identity as a unique cultural city that provides rich artistic and communal experiences year-round.