Upcoming Events
Discover upcoming festivals and events at the GAI—celebrating German language, culture, and community through engaging programs for all ages.
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: Meatloaf with mushroom sauce, oven-roasted potatoes, vegetable, 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.
GAI Café: Rev. John Matthews
Start your Sunday morning with good company, great coffee, and delicious German cake at the GAI Café, held on the third Sunday of each month from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Germanic-American Institute. Savor homemade and specialty German cakes alongside strong, aromatic coffee, all available for purchase. Whether you come for the cake, the presentation, or simply to catch up with friends, we can’t wait to see you at the GAI Café!
German Storytime
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 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.
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.
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: Meatloaf with mushroom sauce, oven-roasted potatoes, vegetable, dessert
$15 (curbside) includes your meal and dessert.
German Storytime
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 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.
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.
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: Porkroast, sauerkraut, mashed potatoes, dessert
$15 (curbside) includes your meal and dessert.
German Storytime
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Kneipe & Sing-Along
Take a break from the hustle and bustle of the holiday season to enjoy a beer or glass of Glühwein in the GAI Ratskeller. Drop in throughout the evening—we’ll be singing German Christmas songs and enjoying good cheer in cozy surroundings—the definition of Gemütlichkeit! Beverages and snacks will be available for purchase.
Sing Along Times
4:30-5:00 p.m.
5:30-6:00 p.m.
6:30-7:00 p.m.
Note: The GAI Ratskeller is not ADA Accessible.
Stammtisch Curbside (December)
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: Rouladen, Mashed Potatoes, Red Cabbage, Dessert
$15 (curbside) includes your meal and dessert.
Christmas in Germany
Experience the warmth and magic of a German Christmas at the GAI! Toast the season with a beer or warm up with some Glühwein (hot mulled wine), a bratwurst and pretzel, some homemade soup, or a slice of German cake. The Haus will be decorated from the Rathskeller to the ballroom, with music and seasonal goods for sale. Food and drink will be outdoors in our large heated tent. Come celebrate the traditions of a German Christmas with us!
Game Night (Spieleabend)
Join us for our monthly Game Night (Spieleabend)! October 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.
German Storytime (November)
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: Bonhoeffer Exhibit
Start your Sunday morning with good company, great coffee, and delicious German cake at the GAI Café, held on the third Sunday of each month from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Germanic-American Institute. Savor homemade and specialty German cakes alongside strong, aromatic coffee, all available for purchase. Whether you come for the cake, the presentation, or simply to catch up with friends, we can’t wait to see you at the GAI Café!
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.
Stammtisch Curbside (November)
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: Koenigsberger Klopse, Potatoes, Peas and Carrots
Dessert
$15 (curbside) includes your meal and dessert.
Kinderstube Lanternenfest
Everyone is welcome to meet for a re-enactment of the St. Martin story, singing, Laternenlauf through the neighborhood, and some time around the campfire. Bring your own lantern, or simply an electric tea light to carry as we walk through the neighborhood. We will also be celebrating the 20th anniversary of Kinderstube with cake for all guests!
Twin Cities German Film Festival
Join us November 6-9 for the 4th annual Twin Cities German Film Festival (TCGFF), a celebration of contemporary German-language cinema inviting audiences to explore stories of belonging, identity, and reinvention. There is something for everyone at the festival: family-friendly, documentary, drama. TCGFF films are shown in German with English subtitles at The Main Cinema in Minneapolis, a non-profit neighborhood movie theater.
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.
Lantern-Making Workshop
Join us on Sunday, October 19 at 11:30 a.m. for a magical lantern-making workshop in honor of Sankt Martinstag, a cherished German tradition! This family-friendly event follows German Storytime from 10:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m., and invites children and families to craft their own lanterns while learning about the meaning behind this heartwarming holiday. Participants are also invited to return to the GAI on Thursday, November 7 for our annual Kinderstube Laternenfest, where children can proudly carry their handmade lanterns in a festive evening parade.
German Storytime (October)
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: Dr. Bruce Gleason
The GAI Café is back again with delicious cake, strong coffee and a presentation at 10 a.m. featuring professor of music history and music education, Dr. Bruce Gleason. Professor at St. Thomas University, Dr. Gleason will share insights from his new book Cold War Cadence: A Military Musician's Berlin Memoir, 1988-1991. Through personal stories, historical details and rare photos, Dr. Gleason explores the legacy of Cold War Berlin and the role of music in military life.
Modelleisenbahn Gruppe (October)
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)! October 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.
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: Porkschnitzel, German potato salad, Green Bean Salad, Coleslaw, Dessert
$15 (curbside) includes your meal 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.
St. Paul Oktoberfest
Join us for 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: Stuffed Peppers, Rice, Green Beans, Dessert
$15 (curbside) includes your meal and dessert.
German Storytime
Join us for a fun-filled storytime auf deutsch. Children and their families will immerse themselves in stories, songs and activities that foster language skills.
Polka & Pils (class 3)
We’re excited to welcome local historian Joe Landsberger for a presentation on the immigrant roots of Saint Paul’s West Seventh corridor. Enjoy homemade and specialty German cakes and strong German coffee. At 10 a.m., enjoy an optional presentation or just enjoy the GAI Haus.
Polka & Pils (class 2)
We’re excited to welcome local historian Joe Landsberger for a presentation on the immigrant roots of Saint Paul’s West Seventh corridor. Enjoy homemade and specialty German cakes and strong German coffee. At 10 a.m., enjoy an optional presentation or just enjoy the GAI Haus.
August Game Night
Get ready to unleash your inner Viking! Our July 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).
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.