Upcoming Events
Discover upcoming festivals and events at the GAI—celebrating German language, culture, and community through engaging programs for all ages.
Good to Know: Challenges for German Nationals
Join Barbara Muller, Honorary Consul of the Federal Republic of Germany, for an informative virtual presentation designed to address key topics relevant to German nationals living in the United States. Stay informed about important legal updates and gain insights into matters such as birth certificates, naming laws that differ between Germany and the US, marriage and divorce certificates, dual citizenship, and inheritance law.
Polka & Pils (Class 1)
Dust off your dancing shoes and get ready for Deutsche Tage with polka lessons from your favorite polka dancing pirate - Jimi Jimi Jimi. These classes are filled with fun for everyone.
Registration includes both class sessions (Fridays, May 1 and 8 from 6:30-8 p.m.), plus a complimentary cold beverage each night (NA options available). The class is open to all ages - whether you're young or just young at heart! Class will include dance instruction as well as some time for practice. No partner? No problem! Come solo and make new friends - participants will rotate partners to practice the moves with different people.
NOTE: class will take place in the GAI Ballroom; not ADA accessible.
Minnesänger Concert: Immigrant Musicians in America
Spring is here, and it's time to celebrate! In our spring concert, the Minnesänger sing lullabies, love songs, church songs, and a rom-com by Brahms.
Music by the Pennsylvania Dutch, music for Männerchor & Damenchor, music for the singing societies that filled the American plains, that rang through the winter nights.
Hear Rheienberger's celestial motet Abendlied and music by both the Schumanns, Robert and Clara.
Hear Kurt Weill's American-sounding Jewish prayer over the Sabbath wine, Kiddush, and Axel Theimer's jazzy take on Sandmännchen.
Location: St Paul-Reformation Lutheran Church, 100 Oxford St North, St Paul
Polka & Pils (Class 2)
Dust off your dancing shoes and get ready for Deutsche Tage with polka lessons from your favorite polka dancing pirate - Jimi Jimi Jimi. These classes are filled with fun for everyone.
Registration includes both class sessions (Fridays, May 1 and 8 from 6:30-8 p.m.), plus a complimentary cold beverage each night (NA options available). The class is open to all ages - whether you're young or just young at heart! Class will include dance instruction as well as some time for practice. No partner? No problem! Come solo and make new friends - participants will rotate partners to practice the moves with different people. NOTE: class will take place in the GAI Ballroom; not ADA accessible.
European Friendship Ride
On Saturday, May 9, 2026, the Kolo Sokol bike group will co-host a 32-mile bike ride with the Alliance Française Minneapolis/St. Paul and the Germanic American institute in St. Paul. May 9 is recognized as Europe Day by the European Union as a day to celebrate the shared values and peaceful cooperation that unites the nations of Europe. This event is open to members and friends of all European American organizations in the area. The ride will be an opportunity to meet people and briefly visit the three host organization locations.
Stammtisch Curbside
Savor a home-cooked German Mittagessen every second Tuesday of the month at Stammtisch Curbside. For May, pick up your meal-to-go at the GAI between 11:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. (NOTE: the pick up time this month is 30 minutes earlier).
There will be a May dine-in option that begins at 12:15 p.m. The cost is $20 and includes a beverage. Please note that the dine-in seating is limited. For dine-in reservations, please call the office at 651-222-7027 or email office@gaimn.org.
Curbside reservations are also required—please call the office at 651-222-7027, fill out the form below, or email office@gaimn.org by 3 p.m. on the Wednesday before Stammtisch to reserve your meal.
Das Menü:
Boneless stuffed chicken breast in asparagus sauce, Broccoli and cauliflower, Strawberry lemon cream dessert. $15 (curbside) includes your meal and dessert.
Modelleisenbahn Gruppe
The Modelleisenbahn gruppe is group of model railroad hobbyists who enjoy building and operating models of European trains, primarily from German speaking countries. The Gruppe usually meets at the GAI Haus on the third Saturday of each month.
Film Screening: Sonne und Beton (Sun and Concrete)
Based on the bestselling graphic novel by Felix Lobrecht and nominated for 4 German Film Awards.
Summer 2003. Amidst the oppressive heat, four teenage boys navigate the challenges of adolescence in a gritty, troubled neighborhood. When a fateful encounter with rival dealers leas one of them owing 500 EUR in protection money, the boys hatch a risky plan: steal their school’s new computers and sell them. This will solve all their financial woes - or so they think.
In German with English subtitles.
GAI Cafe: Gary Heyn
Join us for a special presentation and book reading with guest author Gary Heyn. Gary will share a short reading from his book, Standing at the Grave, followed by a talk about how he researched and developed this powerful story tracing his family’s journey from the Grand Duchy of Posen to the prairies of North Dakota and Southeastern Minnesota.
GAI Damenklub
The GAI Damenklub (Women’s Club) welcomes all German speaking women who are interested in gathering for Gemütlichkeit and conversation auf Deutsch. The Damen meet at the GAI the third Monday of the month at noon for a potluck lunch and conversation. In addition to regular meetings, the Damenklub hosts Summer Kaffee und Kuchen and they bake and sell Lebkuchen as a GAI fundraiser during the holiday season. Please contact Helga Parnell at 651-457-1590 for details on how to connect with the GAI Damenklub.
Deutscher Sprachklub
This German language club meets on the third Wednesday of the month at the GAI. Founded in 1979, the Sprachklub offers community members an opportunity to speak German in an informal, congenial setting, regardless of level of proficiency. A variety of topics are presented, and fluency ranges from a working knowledge of German to native speakers.
For more information, contact Helga Parnell, 651-457-1590.
Game Night (Spieleabend)
Join us for our monthly Game Night (Spieleabend)! March will be open play night – bring your favorite game or choose from our library of German and German-style games like CATAN, Dorfromantik, Ticket to Ride, Rummikub and more!
Weinfest 2026
Kick off your summer sipping at the GAI’s annual Weinfest on Saturday, May 30 from 4–7 pm! Celebrate the vibrant wine culture of Germany and Austria on the lawn with an afternoon of exceptional wines, live music, and yard games. Guests will enjoy tastings of 25 different German and Austrian wines, with most selections new to this year’s event—alongside a few returning crowd favorites from last year.
Stammtisch Curbside
Enjoy a delicious home-cooked German Mittagessen at Stammtisch Curbside! Pick up your meal-to-go at the GAI between 11:30 a.m. and noon. Reservations are required—please call the office at 651-222-7027 or email office@gaimn.org by 3 p.m. on the Wednesday before Stammtisch to reserve your meal.
Das Menü: Rotisserie Chicken, Harzer potato salad (creamy), Cucumber and carrot salad and Fruit Tart. $15 (curbside) includes your meal and dessert.
Deutsche Tage (German Days)
Celebrate one of St. Paul’s longest-running ethnic festivals at Deutsche Tage (German Days), held on the beautiful grounds of the Germanic-American Institute. This year’s festival will feature a focus on the many contributions of German Americans in the United States, with exhibits exploring how German heritage has shaped American culture, traditions, foodways, music, and community life.
Modelleisenbahn Gruppe
The Modelleisenbahn gruppe is group of model railroad hobbyists who enjoy building and operating models of European trains, primarily from German speaking countries. The Gruppe usually meets at the GAI Haus on the third Saturday of each month.
German Language Summer Camp
Campers explore themes such as art, cooking, adventure games, construction projects and more during our week-long camps. Ages 5 to 15 years old. German beginners to bilingual campers are welcome!
Modelleisenbahn Gruppe
The Modelleisenbahn gruppe is group of model railroad hobbyists who enjoy building and operating models of European trains, primarily from German speaking countries. The Gruppe usually meets at the GAI Haus on the third Saturday of each month.
GAI Damenklub
The GAI Damenklub (Women’s Club) welcomes all German speaking women who are interested in gathering for Gemütlichkeit and conversation auf Deutsch. The Damen meet at the GAI the third Monday of the month at noon for a potluck lunch and conversation. In addition to regular meetings, the Damenklub hosts Summer Kaffee und Kuchen and they bake and sell Lebkuchen as a GAI fundraiser during the holiday season. Please contact Helga Parnell at 651-457-1590 for details on how to connect with the GAI Damenklub.
SOLD OUT -GAI Cafe: Tom Rassieur
SOLD OUT - Join Tom Rassieur for a discussion of the Minneapolis Institute of Arts' current exhibition, Modern Art and Politics in Germany 1910–1945: Masterworks from the Neue Nationalgalerie, Berlin. Tom is Mia's presenting curator for this collaboration with one of Germany's foremost museums of modern art.
Modelleisenbahn Gruppe
The Modelleisenbahn gruppe is group of model railroad hobbyists who enjoy building and operating models of European trains, primarily from German speaking countries. The Gruppe usually meets at the GAI Haus on the third Saturday of each month.
Deutscher Sprachklub
This German language club meets on the third Wednesday of the month at the GAI. Founded in 1979, the Sprachklub offers community members an opportunity to speak German in an informal, congenial setting, regardless of level of proficiency. A variety of topics are presented, and fluency ranges from a working knowledge of German to native speakers.
For more information, contact Helga Parnell, 651-457-1590.
Laura Lootens: Diabolico
Known for a sound that commands attention from the very first note, German classical guitarist Laura Lootens is widely regarded as one of the most exciting voices in classical guitar today. Her performances combine fearless virtuosity with a striking stage presence, shaped by a deep fascination with contrast—where tension and release drive the music forward.
Stammtisch Curbside
Enjoy a delicious home-cooked German Mittagessen at Stammtisch Curbside! Pick up your meal-to-go at the GAI between 11:30 a.m. and noon. Reservations are required—please call the office at 651-222-7027 or email office@gaimn.org by 3 p.m. on the Wednesday before Stammtisch to reserve your meal.
Das Menü: Chicken thighs in orange sauce, vegetables, rice, and dessert
$15 (curbside) includes your meal and dessert.
Karfreitagsgottesdienst
Join the Good Friday German ecumenical service with hymns, liturgy, readings, communion, special music and short sermon, alles auf Deutsch.
Kabarett Fundraiser
Join us on March 27 at the historic Wabasha Street Caves for the Germanic-American Institute’s third annual Kabarett fundraising event.
Slip beneath the city streets into the caves, transformed for one night into a vibrant jazz-age cabaret. Filled with the playful spirit of early 20th-century musical theater, the evening offers delicious food, drinks, and unforgettable performances, all guided by the charming MC Douglas Kruhöffer (a.k.a. Paul Douglas). As you enjoy this one-of-a-kind underground experience, your support directly fuels the mission and vital programs of the Germanic-American Institute.
Ticket sales have closed.
GAI Damenklub
The GAI Damenklub (Women’s Club) welcomes all German speaking women who are interested in gathering for Gemütlichkeit and conversation auf Deutsch. The Damen meet at the GAI the third Monday of the month at noon for a potluck lunch and conversation. In addition to regular meetings, the Damenklub hosts Summer Kaffee und Kuchen and they bake and sell Lebkuchen as a GAI fundraiser during the holiday season. Please contact Helga Parnell at 651-457-1590 for details on how to connect with the GAI Damenklub.
Pysanky European Egg Decorating
Indulge your creative spirit and leave with a one-of-a-kind masterpiece that reflects your personal style. Come share in the joy of artistic expression at our Pysanky Egg Decorating Workshop! Discover the centuries-old Central and Eastern European folk art tradition of crafting vibrantly hued and highly detailed works of art on a simple egg using the wax-resist dye technique.
Modelleisenbahn Gruppe
The Modelleisenbahn gruppe is group of model railroad hobbyists who enjoy building and operating models of European trains, primarily from German speaking countries. The Gruppe usually meets at the GAI Haus on the third Saturday of each month.
Game Night (Spieleabend)
Join us for our monthly Game Night (Spieleabend)! March will be open play night – bring your favorite game or choose from our library of German and German-style games like CATAN, Dorfromantik, Ticket to Ride, Rummikub and more!
Deutscher Sprachklub
This German language club meets on the third Wednesday of the month at the GAI. Founded in 1979, the Sprachklub offers community members an opportunity to speak German in an informal, congenial setting, regardless of level of proficiency. A variety of topics are presented, and fluency ranges from a working knowledge of German to native speakers.
For more information, contact Helga Parnell, 651-457-1590.
German Sauna Week at the GAI
The Germanic-American Institute invites you to slow down, warm up, and reconnect during German Sauna Week, a weeklong celebration of traditional German sauna culture—presented in partnership with Superior Sauna.
SOLD OUT - Film Screening: Two to One (Zwei zu Eins)
SOLD OUT!
Set in the chaotic summer of 1990, Two to One (Zwei zu Eins) follows a group of East Germans who discover millions in soon-to-be-worthless Ostmarks and hatch a daring plan before reunification makes their fortune obsolete. Directed by Natja Brunckhorst and inspired by a true story, this breezy heist comedy captures the absurdity, opportunity, and shifting identities of the post–Berlin Wall moment. Sandra Hüller leads a star-studded cast in this sharp, nostalgic caper about what happens when socialist citizens suddenly find themselves in very capitalist circumstances. Film in German with English subtitles.
Modelleisenbahn Gruppe
The Modelleisenbahn gruppe is group of model railroad hobbyists who enjoy building and operating models of European trains, primarily from German speaking countries. The Gruppe usually meets at the GAI Haus on the third Saturday of each month.
Community Night Out For a Good Cause
Join us for our monthly Community Night in the GAI Ratskeller! Spend the evening enjoying a beverage, connecting with friends old and new and even playing award-winning German board games in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere!
Community Night Out will include a home and hygiene supply drive in support of the International Institute of Minnesota, helping immigrants and refugees make Minnesota their home. As a longtime GAI partner serving many of our founding members, the International Institute does vital work in our community.
Bring a requested hygiene or household item and receive free beverages. To view the full list of items we’re collecting, please click here.
Deutscher Sprachklub
This German language club meets on the third Wednesday of the month at the GAI. Founded in 1979, the Sprachklub offers community members an opportunity to speak German in an informal, congenial setting, regardless of level of proficiency. A variety of topics are presented, and fluency ranges from a working knowledge of German to native speakers.
For more information, contact Helga Parnell, 651-457-1590.
GAI Damenklub
The GAI Damenklub (Women’s Club) welcomes all German speaking women who are interested in gathering for Gemütlichkeit and conversation auf Deutsch. The Damen meet at the GAI the third Monday of the month at noon for a potluck lunch and conversation. In addition to regular meetings, the Damenklub hosts Summer Kaffee und Kuchen and they bake and sell Lebkuchen as a GAI fundraiser during the holiday season. Please contact Helga Parnell at 651-457-1590 for details on how to connect with the GAI Damenklub.
German Storytime - Spotlight on Switzerland
Join us for Storytime in German, now part of the monthly GAI Café!
Parents of babies, toddlers, and young children can enjoy cake and coffee while meeting other families raising bilingual children.
Bring your little ones for a fun and interactive storytime auf Deutsch! Together, we’ll explore German through lively stories and playful songs that spark imagination, build language skills, and celebrate culture.
GAI Café: Concert & Donation Drive
Join Eryn Tvete as she sings a variety of love songs both old and new. You'll even have the opportunity to sing-along on a song or two. The concert will begin at 11 AM.
GAI Café will also include a home and hygiene supply drive in support of the International Institute of Minnesota, helping immigrants and refugees make Minnesota their home. As a longtime GAI partner serving many of our founding members, the International Institute does vital work in our community. To view the full list of items we’re collecting, please click here.
Stammtisch Curbside
Enjoy a delicious home-cooked German Mittagessen at Stammtisch Curbside! Pick up your meal-to-go at the GAI between 11:30 a.m. and noon. Reservations are required—please call the office at 651-222-7027 or email office@gaimn.org by 3 p.m. on the Wednesday before Stammtisch to reserve your meal.
$15 (curbside) includes your meal and dessert.
Karneval Tanzparty
Karneval 2026 is almost here and we are ready to party!
Get ready for everyone’s favorite winter dance party as the GAI Ratskeller will transform into a glittering Europop disco, bursting with German Karneval hits, dazzling lights, and nonstop dancing. Our live DJ will keep the energy high all night long. Strike your silliest (or fiercest) poses in the photo booth, check your fortune for the new year, and show off your best moves on the dance floor.
Waltz & Wine Dance Class
Join us for a three-week Waltz & Wine series featuring both Intermediate–Advanced Slow & Viennese Waltz (6–7 p.m.) and a Beginner Waltz class (7:15–8:30 p.m.), with expert instruction from Susanne Wagner, Russell Pylkki, Grace Jungers, and Jimi the Polka Pirate.
Build technique and confidence through progressive lessons, enjoy a complimentary beverage each night, and get ready to show off your moves at Karneval Tanzparty. No partner required; intro class and full-series registration options available.
Immersion Weekend
Join us for German Immersion Weekend, January 30-31!
Discover groundbreaking inventions from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland —all under one roof! Level B1+ or higher required.
Waltz & Wine Dance Class
Join us for a three-week Waltz & Wine series featuring both Intermediate–Advanced Slow & Viennese Waltz (6–7 p.m.) and a Beginner Waltz class (7:15–8:30 p.m.), with expert instruction from Susanne Wagner, Russell Pylkki, Grace Jungers, and Jimi the Polka Pirate.
Build technique and confidence through progressive lessons, enjoy a complimentary beverage each night, and get ready to show off your moves at Karneval Tanzparty. No partner required; intro class and full-series registration options available.
Deutscher Sprachklub
This German language club meets on the third Wednesday of the month at the GAI. Founded in 1979, the Sprachklub offers community members an opportunity to speak German in an informal, congenial setting, regardless of level of proficiency. A variety of topics are presented, and fluency ranges from a working knowledge of German to native speakers.
For more information, contact Helga Parnell, 651-457-1590.
GAI Damenklub
The GAI Damenklub (Women’s Club) welcomes all German speaking women who are interested in gathering for Gemütlichkeit and conversation auf Deutsch. The Damen meet at the GAI the third Monday of the month at noon for a potluck lunch and conversation. In addition to regular meetings, the Damenklub hosts Summer Kaffee und Kuchen and they bake and sell Lebkuchen as a GAI fundraiser during the holiday season. Please contact Helga Parnell at 651-457-1590 for details on how to connect with the GAI Damenklub.