Thousands to visit Oldenburg for annual Freudenfest this weekend

(OLDENBURG, Ind.) – The population of Oldenburg will explode this weekend as the annual Freudenfest takes place.

The annual festival attracts people from across the region while some travel from as far away as Germany. 

It began in 1976 as a festival for community members to enjoy music, food and drink while celebrating the German heritage of the town. 

“The fest may be a bit bigger today than it was in ’76, but attendees can still find the abundance of the family fun started by the founding volunteers,” organizers said. 

Some popular activities include the chicken dance, tossing a naked chicken, watching the Dachshunds race, the 5K Lauf, along with German foods, drinks and music.

Freudenfest is one of the largest German festivals in Indiana. A significant portion of the money raised goes toward town improvements around Oldenburg.