Upcoming Events
Discover upcoming festivals and events at the GAI—celebrating German language, culture, and community through engaging programs for all ages.
An Evening with Author Steven E. Mayer
Join the Germanic-American Institute for a thought-provoking evening with author Steven E. Mayer as he discusses his powerful book, My Father Against the Nazis. Blending memoir, history, and biography, the book chronicles Mayer's decades-long journey to understand his father, Paul— a German Jewish refugee who escaped Nazi Germany.
Minnesänger Choir Practice
German choir rehearsals are on Thursdays from 7 to 9 p.m.
We're happy to welcome new singers high school age and up, regardless of your choral experience.
Minnesänger Choir Practice
German choir rehearsals are on Thursdays from 7 to 9 p.m.
We're happy to welcome new singers high school age and up, regardless of your choral experience.
St. Paul Oktoberfest
Every fall, the Germanic-American Institute transforms into a lively hub of German celebration, hosting St. Paul Oktoberfest on its picturesque grounds. Inspired by the legendary Munich festival — and timed perfectly for Minnesota’s beautiful September weather — it’s two days packed with music, dancing, and mouthwatering German fare.
Stammtisch Curbside (September)
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: Pork Schnitzel, Potato salad, Carrot salad
and Dessert
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.
Minnesänger Choir Practice
German choir rehearsals are on Thursdays from 7 to 9 p.m.
We're happy to welcome new singers high school age and up, regardless of your choral experience.
GAI Café: Juliane Schicker
Do you want to share your German heritage with your child but feel overwhelmed by the "English-only" world outside (and maybe even inside) your door?
Raising bilingual children is a journey filled with joy, but it also comes with real-world challenges—especially when your child replies in English or your partner doesn't speak German. Join us for a practical, supportive workshop led by Professor Juliane Schicker, where we’ll turn "I should speak more German" into "I can speak more German."
Let’s Dance! Lesson & Variety Dance
Step onto the dance floor with USADance Minnesota and the GAI on Friday, October 2 for an evening of fun, music, and social dancing!
7:00 PM: Beginner Cha-Cha Lesson
8:00-10:00 PM: Variety dance featuring cha-cha, waltz, swing, rumba, tango, polka, salsa, and more. Whether you’re a seasoned dancer or trying something new, everyone is welcome, and dance hosts will be available to help
GAI Café: Nora Vosburg
Presentation at 11 a.m: Nora Vosburg, Assistant Professor of German at St. Olaf College
Low German, High German, and the shift towards English: Kansas Mennonites and what they can tell us about a changing culture,
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.
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 Café: Jackson Piper
Presentation at 11 a.m:“Deutsche Mitbürger, heraus!” Minnesota Germans in the Civil War
What role did German immigrants play in shaping Minnesota’s response to the Civil War? Join historian and genealogist Jackson Piper for a fascinating look at the experiences of Minnesota’s German community during one of the nation’s defining conflicts. Explore the political beliefs of German immigrants during Minnesota’s territorial and early statehood years, their reactions to the outbreak of war, and the vital contributions they made to the Union cause.
Polka & Pils
Get ready for Oktoberfest season by learning to polka with everyone's favorite dancing pirate, Jimi Jimi Jimi! Whether you're stepping onto the dance floor for the first time or brushing up on your moves, these lively classes are a fun way to celebrate the season.
Game Night (Kubb)
Get ready to unleash your inner Viking! Our August Game Night (Spieleabend) is all about Kubb (Viking Chess or Wikingerschach)–the Swedish game of skill and cunning, which is also popular in Germany. Partnering with Twin Cities Kubb, we’ll learn how to play at 6:30 p.m., and then put what we learned into action outside on the GAI lawn (weather permitting).
Polka & Pils
Get ready for Oktoberfest season by learning to polka with everyone's favorite dancing pirate, Jimi Jimi Jimi! Whether you're stepping onto the dance floor for the first time or brushing up on your moves, these lively classes are a fun way to celebrate the season.
GAI Café: Daniel J. Hoisington
Join us at GAI Café for a special presentation by historian Daniel J. Hoisington, “Gut Heil! New Ulm as an Intentional Community.”
Polka & Pils
Get ready for Oktoberfest season by learning to polka with everyone's favorite dancing pirate, Jimi Jimi Jimi! Whether you're stepping onto the dance floor for the first time or brushing up on your moves, these lively classes are a fun way to celebrate the season.
Stammtisch Curbside (August)
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: Stuffed cabbage rolls, rice, green beans, dessert
Kaffee und Kuchen
A favorite summer tradition is back—Kaffee und Kuchen on the GAI porch. Stop by the Haus for coffee and a piece (or two) of home-made German cake or torte. This GAI Damenklub and Stammtisch Crew fundraiser is the best way to start your weekend! And our extended hours work for early risers and those who like to sleep in. Priced à la carte.
Twin Cities Volksmarsch
Twin Cities Volkssports, in partnership with the Germanic-American Institute (GAI), invites you to lace up your walking shoes and join us on Tuesday, July 28, for a fun and friendly 5-kilometer (3-mile) group volksmarch!
Outdoor Movie Screening: Weekend Rebels
Join us on Saturday, July 25 for an outdoor screening of Weekend Rebels at 8:45 p.m. as part of Kino und Grillabend! Start the evening with a delicious brat meal on the GAI lawn before the film. Purchase your meal in advance and learn more here. Plus, take advantage of our early bird special on brat meals through July 12.
Grill- und Kinoabend
You’re invited to our Haus for an evening of grilling and chilling on the GAI lawn! Enjoy music, a German bratwurst, and a cold beer! Beginning at 8:45, we'll show the German film Weekend Rebels on our outdoor big screen. Free admission! We recommend lawn chairs, blankets, and bug spray.
German Specialty Beer Tasting
Take your taste buds on a journey across Germany! Join us at the Germanic-American Institute and Old World Beerfor an afternoon of beer exploration as we sample distinctive brews from several of Germany’s most celebrated brewing regions.
Kaffee und Kuchen
A favorite summer tradition is back—Kaffee und Kuchen on the GAI porch. Stop by the Haus for coffee and a piece (or two) of home-made German cake or torte. This GAI Damenklub and Stammtisch Crew fundraiser is the best way to start your weekend! And our extended hours work for early risers and those who like to sleep in. Priced à la carte.
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.
Kaffee und Kuchen
A favorite summer tradition is back—Kaffee und Kuchen on the GAI porch. Stop by the Haus for coffee and a piece (or two) of home-made German cake or torte. This GAI Damenklub and Stammtisch Crew fundraiser is the best way to start your weekend! And our extended hours work for early risers and those who like to sleep in. Priced à la carte.
Stammtisch Curbside July
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: Geschnetzeltes ( Pork stripes in paprika sauce )
Spaetzle, Vegetable, Dessert. $15 (curbside) includes your meal and dessert.
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!
Kaffee und Kuchen with Puppet Show at 1 PM
Join us for a special summer edition of Kaffee und Kuchen on July 11!
Enjoy coffee, cake, and community from 9:30 a.m.–1:00 a.m., then stay for a special outdoor performance of Open Eye Theatre's Driveway Tour puppet show, Tucker's Robot, at 1:00 p.m.!
When Tucker needs to go back in time to stand up to a neighborhood bully, he turns to an unexpected helper: a time-traveling robot. Together, Tucker and his robot discover the power of friendship, courage, and facing challenges head-on in this fun and heartwarming adventure for all ages.
We hope you'll join us for this unique day of Kaffee und Kuchen, puppetry, and family fun at the GAI! Kaffee und kuchen are priced à la carte. Cash only, please.
Kaffee und Kuchen
A favorite summer tradition is back—Kaffee und Kuchen on the GAI porch. Stop by the Haus for coffee and a piece (or two) of home-made German cake or torte. This GAI Damenklub and Stammtisch Crew fundraiser is the best way to start your weekend! And our extended hours work for early risers and those who like to sleep in. Priced à la carte.
Cash only, please.
Kaffee und Kuchen
A favorite summer tradition is back—Kaffee und Kuchen on the GAI porch. Stop by the Haus for coffee and a piece (or two) of home-made German cake or torte. This GAI Damenklub and Stammtisch Crew fundraiser is the best way to start your weekend! And our extended hours work for early risers and those who like to sleep in. Priced à la carte.
Cash only, please.
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.
Kaffee und Kuchen
A favorite summer tradition is back—Kaffee und Kuchen on the GAI porch. Stop by the Haus for coffee and a piece (or two) of home-made German cake or torte. This GAI Damenklub and Stammtisch Crew fundraiser is the best way to start your weekend! And our extended hours work for early risers and those who like to sleep in. Priced à la carte.
Cash only, please.
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.
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.
Dance, Music & Stories: A German Adventure for Kids (session 3)
Join us for a joyful three-week journey into German culture designed for children and their families! Dance, Music & Stories: A German Adventure for Kids invites young participants to move, listen, sing, and imagine as they explore German music, dance, and storytelling in a fun and welcoming environment—no prior German language experience needed.
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.
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.
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.
Dance, Music & Stories: A German Adventure for Kids (session 2)
Join us for a joyful three-week journey into German culture designed for children and their families! Dance, Music & Stories: A German Adventure for Kids invites young participants to move, listen, sing, and imagine as they explore German music, dance, and storytelling in a fun and welcoming environment—no prior German language experience needed.