Every March and December, the Tomball German Festival happens in Tomball, Texas to celebrate the vibrant Bavarian Culture. This entertaining and action-packed runs through an entire weekend and showcases rich German and American heritage. Polka, Mexican, and American music rents the air sending attendees into a frenzy of merry that infuses a taste of Germany to the soul of Texas.
Tomball immerses itself in three days of tastes, sounds, shopping, sights, play, and merry-making in remembrance of its German heritage. What’s more, the festival belts out pure German, Mexican, and American music that highlights popular bands and performers expertly manipulating their accordions and alpenhorns.
As you walk through the heavily decorated festival grounds, mingling with the sea of humanity and shifting through the diverse vendors, your nose begins to pick up the aroma of sizzling bratwurst and the sweet scent of strudel. Besides that, the ears likewise pick and are drawn to the traditional dancers performing in lederhosen and dirndls, in an extravagant display of culture and dance.
Needless to say, you will wowed by the sprawling of tents of vendors, close to 200, displaying a unique array of German-inspired handicrafts and souvenirs, Texan cowboy boots and attire, among others.
And finally, as you make merry and enjoy the free flow of beer, food, and dance, you cannot fail to bond with the deep history the German city of Telgte has with its sister city Tomball.
History of the Tomball German Festival
The Tomball German Festival has its origins in the rich German heritage of the city which dates back to the first settlement of German families in 1840. Over the years it has become an annual and extravagant celebration of culture, love, and heritage between the Germans and the people of Tomball.
Sowing the Mustard Seed
The origins and founding of the Tomball German Festival can be traced to the vision and desire of Grady Martin, a prominent Tomball leader of German descent. Grady wanted a forum to bring people together to honor their Germanic origins and celebrate Tomball hospitality. It was founded in 2001, initially as a one-day event, but interest in it grew leading to the addition of more days.
Tomball German Festival Key Highlights
The Tomball German Festival is now one of the most attended and anticipated events in Tomball city and Texas state as a whole. Furthermore, the addition of days to a 3-day event has given attendees the satisfaction they desire to fully savor the activities of the festival.
The following are the key highlights of the Tomball German Festival that continues to draw thousands yearly to Tomball;
- Free admission and parking. And this is what attendees like most.
- Over 30 entertainers grace the occasion yearly. Every corner you turn to has an entertainer, and laughter, the best medicine. It is a children’s paradise.
- Over 150 vendors now raise their tents in the festival from those selling handicrafts to food, souvenirs, beer, clothes, and everything else you may need.
- Raffles and prizes to be won in several contests and activities.
- Four stages of live music
- Ethnic and festival food. So many trucks are selling food and vendors.
- Several children’s play areas are so inviting they never want to leave.
- Endless flow of Food, beer, and wine.
Additionally, it is worth noting that no two Tomball German Festivals are the same. Each, we may say, springs its surprises, bringing in more vendors, music talent, amusement, and fun.
Event Schedule and Programming
The Tomball German Festival offers attendees an action-packed three-day activity, centered around food, music, and a unique exhibition of Texan and Bavarian culture. Additionally, there are lots of small entertainment spots offering varieties that you watch as you stroll around. People joyfully exchange glances, pleasantries, and lock faces when something gets so entertaining or so amusing that you want a neighbor to know you shared the exact moment with them.
Event Opening Ceremonies at Tomball German Festival
Like in every big and entertaining event, no visitor ever wants to miss the Tomball German Festival opening ceremony. It is a beautiful display to behold, replete with a keg-tapping ceremony, a parade, and warm welcoming speeches in a ceremony known in German as Willkommen. The Willkommen is a traditional word of welcome spiced with entertainment, banter, sexy words, and alcohol led by the Emcee. This ceremony ordinarily takes place on Saturday from 10.00 am.
Music and Dance Performances
You will be wowed by an endless flow of music and dance performances that begin at 11.00 AM every day and carry on the lively tempo until 11.00 PM. Saturday and Sunday: Continuous live band performances showcasing polka, waltz, and modern adaptations of traditional music. Guests gyrate to the sounds of Bavarian music, Mexican music, and a variety of local American music. Furthermore, the traditional Bavarian dance contests are a sight to behold.
Family Attractions and Other Activities
Parents looking for a place to let children immerse themselves in an endless flow of entertainment always find this place a haven. Families will be spoilt for choice in any one of these;
- Carnival and games. These include the Ferris wheel which is a famous spot for children to soar above the rest and take the view of the entire function.
- Merry go round for the young and the young at heart.
- Craftmanship sessions
- Cooking demos
In addition, guests are invited to sample a wide array of games like ring toss, among others.
Souvenir Stalls
A favorite of many, attendees always throng the stalls looking for mementos, including apparel, culinary items, and décor. No visit to the Tomball German Festival is complete without a souvenir to take home just to show you were here. Beer drinkers particularly like the long shoe-shaped beer cup with a German flag that serves both as a mug for the beer and as a souvenir.
Transport to Tomball
The city of Tomball is accessible via State Highway 249 and the Interstate-45 highways. The main location for the festival is as follows;
201 S. Elm Street
Old Town Tomball
Near the Historical Train Depot Plaza.
There is plenty of parking around the festival. Additionally, a free shuttle from the East parking lot of HCA Houston Healthcare to the venue runs through all the hours of the festival, Saturday and Sunday.
Hotel Options near the Tomball German Hospital
If you are looking for a place to rest after endless partying, food, music, and shopping, the Tomball area is served by several hotels to offer you the comfort you desire. Besides their proximity to the venue, they are very comfortable and affordable and offer special affordable rates during the festivals. You will not go wrong when you choose the following hotels;
- Comfort Suites
- Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Tomball
- La Quinta Inn & Suites Tomball
- Palace Inn Tomball
- Express Inn Tomball
- Residence Inn by Marriott
- Holiday Inn Express Tomball
- America’s best value Inn & Suites
- Executive Inn & Suites
- Economy Inn & Suites
- Maple Creek
- Days Inn by Wyndham
- White Door Cottage Airbnb
Festival Rules
- Service animals are allowed but for the safety of attendees, pets are encouraged to be kept at home.
- Alcohol: due to licensing restrictions, guests are not allowed to carry their alcohol to the venue. Alcohol is sold at the venue by licensed vendors.
- Photography: taking personal photographs allowed. However, professional photography requires prior approval from the organizers.
Participation and other Volunteer opportunities
The festival relies on a dedicated team of volunteers to run its activities. This is an opportunity to take part in the vibrant German and Texan culture and offer visitors a memorable experience that will draw them to the event again in the future. One can choose to volunteer or sponsor the event.
These are the steps you need to follow to volunteer;
- Go to the Official Website: Visit ‘Get Involved’ section.
- Complete the Application: Fill in the volunteer application form with your details.
- Attend Training: Participate in a mandatory volunteer orientation session.
- Sign Up for Shifts: Choose from various roles and shifts that fit your interests and schedule.
Volunteer Roles at the Tomball German Festival Include:
- Guest Services
- Festival Setup and Teardown
- Cultural Booths Assistance
- Food and Beverage Stations
Conclusion
Texans, Germans, and Americans alike stream to Tomball in March and December for the much-talked-about Tomball German Festival for food, fun, and Festivities. It is a celebration of culture and Tomball heritage like no other and visitors start looking forward to the next one as volunteers tear down the setup signaling the end of the current one.
The sense of community, camaraderie, and festivity always leaves an indelible mark on lovers of tradition, food, music, culture, the arts or just fun.
Do not believe us. Attend the next Tomball German Festival and give your reviews. If you don’t enjoy, the organizers will refund your time.
Also Read our article Is Tomball Texas a Safe Place?
