Wurst Festival

View on map
Food & DrinkAmana
DatesDates TBA · Usually JuneCheck locally before booking
DurationSummerEstimate from available data
Crowd-Public scale varies
Best forRegional food & drinkThe Dachshund Derby, a comic dog race built
LanguageLocal language; English access variesCurrency: USD
CategoryFood & DrinkFestival type
The story

Wurst Festival in Amana

Wurst Festival is a mid-June, sausage-themed German-heritage festival at the Market Barn in the village of Amana, distinct from the larger October Oktoberfest held at the Festhalle Barn. A free Friday kickoff and a ticketed Saturday festival feature local sausage vendors, live music, yard games, and the signature comic Dachshund Derby dog race.

Wurst Festival is described by organizers as a beloved summer tradition rooted in the same German heritage that defines the Amana Colonies more broadly, though its precise founding year is less clearly documented than that of the village's larger Oktoberfest.
Your trip starts here
What is special

The part that makes it specific.

01

The place changes

The Dachshund Derby, a comic dog race built entirely on the pun between wurst, or sausage, and the sausage-shaped dachshund breed, is a genuinely distinctive tradition with no equivalent at Amana's other three festivals, giving Wurst Festival its own clear identity beyond simply being a smaller Oktoberfest

02

The mystery stays covered

Centered at the Market Barn rather than the Festhalle Barn used for Oktoberfest, and held in mid-June rather than October, it functions as a compact, narrowly focused summer sausage celebration, with Saturday admission of just seven dollars and free entry for children twelve and under

03

The city starts moving

A free Friday evening kickoff party extends the celebration into a two-day format without requiring a second paid ticket

Traditions & symbols

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Living ritual

The Dachshund Derby

Water and renewal

Living ritual

a comic sausage-dog race built on the pun between wurst and dachshund

The sacred route

Living ritual

is the festival's signature and most distinctive tradition

The local code

Living ritual

drawing both participants and spectators specifically for the race

Tradition 5

Living ritual

Centering the festival on local sausage vendors

Tradition 6

Living ritual

rather than a broader German food and beer lineup

Tradition 7

Living ritual

keeps Wurst Festival's identity narrowly and consistently focused on its namesake food each year

Before you go

Essential information

When to go

Dates TBA · Usually June

Getting around

For Wurst Festival, plan transport around the exact Amana venue, route or gathering point rather than the city name alone.

What to wear

Warm mid-June weather suits casual summer clothing; if bringing a dachshund to participate in the Derby, appropriate leash and dog-handling gear is worth having on hand.

Safety

Use normal food-market caution, hydrate, and leave time between crowded stalls.

Where to stay

For Wurst Festival, stay near the part of Amana you will actually use, with reliable return transport.

Tickets/cost

Entry may be free while tastings, meals, or special tables are paid locally.

Language/currency

USD

Family friendly

unknown

Interactive map41.80 N, 91.87 WOpen in Google Maps

Amana, IA

Nearest airportCID — The Eastern Iowa
TransportFor Wurst Festival, plan transport around the exact Amana venue, route or gathering point rather than the city name alone.
Stay areaFor Wurst Festival, stay near the part of Amana you will actually use, with reliable return transport.

Your Trip Starts Here

External travel services to turn the plan into a trip — each opens in a new tab.

How to get thereRoutes, times and prices to Amana via local transport.Search routesFind a place to stayStays near Amana, close enough for the event-day route.Browse staysFind flightsCompare fares into the nearest practical airport for June.Compare faresFestival gearWarm mid-June weather suits casual summer clothing; if bringing a dachshund to participate in the Derby, appropriate leash and dog-handling gear is worth having on hand.Shop the kitCheck visa requirementsSee whether you need a visa for United States and apply online.Check entry rulesTravel insuranceCover for trip hiccups, gear and health on the road.Get covered

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FAQ

Quick answers.

When is Wurst Festival?

Wurst Festival is listed for June · Summer. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.

Where does Wurst Festival take place?

The festival is listed in Amana, United States. The map coordinate is a planning reference, not a guarantee of a ticket gate or exact venue.

How long should I plan for?

Summer is the listed festival span. Add time for arrival, local transport, queues, and any route changes during the event.

Is a source linked?

Official source linked. Eventisimus separates source confidence from travel suggestions, so check final details before booking.

Where exactly is it?

Amana, IA

Is it family friendly?

unknown

Sources and editorial review

About this guide

This guide is independently written by Eventisimus using publicly available information, official event and organiser sources where available, local tourism references, and additional editorial research. Eventisimus is not the official organiser of this festival and is not affiliated with it unless explicitly stated.

Festival dates, schedules, ticket conditions, access rules, and local arrangements can change. We aim to present useful and accurate information, but travelers should confirm important details with the official event source before booking transport, accommodation, or tickets.

Found something inaccurate or outdated? Email hello@eventisimus.com with the festival page link and the correction.

Official URLamanacolonies.com
Organizer accessAre you the organizer? Claim this listing →
SourceSource link available
Listed datesDates TBA · Usually June
Source statusOfficial source linked
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