German American Chamber of Commerce Midwest, MN Chapter

09/10/2026

Who will be attending?

🍻 TOMORROW IS THE DAY! 🎉

St. Paul Oktoberfest kicks off TOMORROW at the Germanic-American Institute!

Get ready for a full weekend of German b**r, brats, live music, dancing, local vendors, games, and plenty of Gemütlichkeit!

Friday, September 11 | 4–10 p.m.
Saturday, September 12 | 10 a.m.–10 p.m.

🎶 And don’t miss our incredible entertainment lineup, including Polkarobics, Brass Messengers, and Saturday night’s big finale: TOTALLY ABBA! 🪩✨

🎟️ FREE ADMISSION
🍺 $10 wristband required to purchase alcohol

TODAY is the last day to purchase your PRESALE DRINK PACKAGE.
Buy here: https://bit.ly/4fKBnVn

St. Paul Oktoberfest is the G*I’s BIGGEST fundraiser of the year, so every b**r, brat, and celebration helps support German language and cultural programming all year long.

Grab your friends, dust off your dirndl or lederhosen, and get ready, St. Paul. Oktoberfest starts TOMORROW! 🍻🥨

For more information about St. Paul Oktoberfest, click here: https://bit.ly/4A1CR5C

Parking Info:
Free street parking is available on the streets surrounding the G*I. Please park only in designated legal parking areas, follow all posted signs and restrictions, and be respectful of our neighbors by avoiding driveways and private property. Additional paid parking is available at St. Paul College, just 4 blocks north of the G*I ($5 for full-day parking).

08/12/2026

Support Local German Students!

The German Club at Prior Lake High School is hosting a Burger Bash Fundraiser to help students raise funds for their trip to Germany in 2027!

📅 Friday, August 21
⏰ 4:00–7:00 PM
📍 Prior Lake VFW

Come out for a burger, support local students, and help give them the opportunity to experience Germany firsthand!

We’d love to see our GACC Minnesota community come out and support the next generation of German-American connections.

Please share and help spread the word!

07/30/2026

We're excited to share that GACC Midwest, Minnesota Chapter has elected its new Board Officers this month!

As we look ahead, our Chapter remains committed to strengthening the German American business community in Minnesota by highlighting the impact of German industry across the state and leveraging GACC Midwest's extensive transatlantic network.

Please join us in congratulating our newly elected officers:

• Norma Henning– President
• Franz Horlbeck – Vice President
• Lubbert Kruizenga – Treasurer
• Don Keysser – Secretary

We also invite you to join us for our next Stammtisch on September 17 at The Wunderbar @ Aki's Breadhaus, where we'll recognize Jim Schollett for his many years of service and dedication to the German American community, while also sharing what's next for GACC Midwest – Minnesota Chapter. Register here: https://www.gaccminnesota.org/event-6782897

We look forward to seeing you there!

07/20/2026

Join Us on the Green!

The GACC Minnesota Annual Golf Tournament is just around the corner, and we'd love to see you there!

Whether you're looking to strengthen business relationships, entertain clients, reconnect with colleagues, or simply enjoy a day on the course, our annual tournament is a great opportunity to combine networking with a little friendly competition.

📅 Monday, September 21, 2026
📍 Crystal Lake Golf Club | Lakeville, MN

Registration includes:
18 holes of golf with cart
Lunch
Networking with business and community leaders
Games, contests, prizes, and awards

Not a golfer? You can still get involved! Sponsorship opportunities are available and provide an excellent way to showcase your business while supporting the German American Chamber of Commerce – Minnesota and the programs that help strengthen our business community.

Gather your colleagues, invite your clients, or register your foursome today. We look forward to a fantastic day of golf, connections, and community.

Email from GACC Midwest, Minnesota Chapter Register today!     GACC Minnesota Annual Golf Tournament GACC Members & Friends of the Chamber, ⛳ Register Today for the GACC Minnesota Annual Golf Tourname

06/09/2026

✨ The countdown is on! 🍻

In just a few days, Deutsche Tage (German Days) returns to the Germanic-American Institute for a weekend filled with German food, music, culture, community, and fun.

Enjoy live performances, traditional dance, sing-alongs, World Soccer viewing, cultural exhibits, German model trains, family activities, local vendors, German w**e, Paulaner b**r, and some of the best German food in the Twin Cities.

Best of all? Admission is free.

Mark your calendars for June 13–14 and celebrate the rich heritage and lasting contributions of German Americans! See you at Deutsche Tage! To learn more, visit https://bit.ly/49BBzma

05/30/2026

See you at the G*I

Prost! 🍻 🎵 Get ready for nonstop entertainment at Deutsche Tage (German Days)! From lively polka bands and traditional dancers to alphorns and the famous B**r Choir, we have an incredible weekend lineup you won’t want to miss. This year's festival celebrates Germany's vibrant choral tradition with sing-alongs and musical experiences that bring people together through song. 🎶

Grab your friends, grab a drink, and join the fun!

👇🏼 The Weekend Lineup 👇🏼
Saturday, June 13
11:00 AM – Bavarian Musikmeisters
12:00 PM – Rivers Ballet & Minnesänger
12:30 PM – Bavarian Musikmeisters
1:30 PM – Jimi the Polka Pirate
2:00 PM – Josh Eidsor
3:00 PM – Jimi the Polka Pirate
3:15 PM – Opera on Tap & St. Croix Valley Opera
4:00 PM – Twin Cities Horn Club
4:45 PM – S.G.Edelweiss
5:45 PM – Twin Cities Horn Club
6:30 PM – S.G.Edelweiss
7:00 PM – B**r Choir

Sunday, June 14
11:00 AM – Bavarian Musikmeisters
12:00 PM – Jimi the Polka Pirate & Alphorn
12:30 PM – Bavarian Musikmeisters
1:15 PM – Jimi the Polka Pirate & River's Ballet
1:45 PM – Josh Eidsor Band
3:15 PM – Jimi the Polka Pirate
3:30 PM – B**r Choir

👉🏼 Learn more: https://www.gaimn.org/dt2026entertainment-schedule

05/28/2026

Will you be attending??

✨ Become part of the St. Paul tradition by becoming a personal sponsor at Deutsche Tage! ✨

Deadline for personal recognition on the grounds is THIS FRIDAY, May 29!

Your support helps preserve and celebrate German heritage while bringing our community together through cultural experiences.

Sponsors receive exclusive perks and festival recognition, including:
- collectible Deutsche Tage 2026 pin
- limited-edition German flag socks
- one complimentary wristband (ages 21+, valid all weekend)
- two drink tickets
- a G*I leather luggage tag " I suffer from Wanderlust"
- personal recognition on the grounds

👉🏼 Sign up today: https://bit.ly/3Qm9dWo!

04/11/2026

Mark your calendars.

We’ve added a new weekend! 🎄

This year, the European Christmas Market will open one week earlier—starting the weekend before Thanksgiving. 🎉

With an extra weekend to explore, you’ll have even more opportunities to enjoy European-inspired foods, unique gifts, rides, and festive performances. 🌟🎠🎁🍻

2026 Dates 📅
Nov 20–22
Nov 27–29
Dec 4–6
Dec 11–13
Dec 18–20

New to the Market? The European Christmas Market is a family-friendly outdoor holiday market held at Union Depot, inspired by the centuries-old Christkindl Markets of Europe.

A highlight for many is Glühwein, a traditional mulled w**e that dates back to medieval Europe, when warm, spiced w**e was enjoyed during the winter months. Today, it remains a staple of holiday markets—bringing warmth, flavor, and a sense of tradition to the season.

Experience a taste of the Old World—no passport required.

We’re already hard at work planning an unforgettable Market experience. Stay tuned for more details!

12/05/2025

On behalf of the U.S. Department of State,
with joint funding from the U.S. Congress and the German Bundestag, Nacel Open Door is pleased to once again announce the Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange (CBYX) Vocational Scholarship,for the 2026-2027 academic year!
The CBYX Vocational program is a gap year for U.S. citizens age 18-19, to spend a scholarship year in Germany:
learning German, going to school, and interning with German businesses, all while living with a host family.

Key Requirements to Apply:
• Current high school seniors who are U.S. citizens
• GPA of at least 2.5
• Interest in learning German (no German required to apply)
• See the Application Instructions for more eligibility details and requirements.

More information and application materials at NacelOpenDoor.org/CBYX.

Applications are due DECEMBER 15, 2025,
for the 2026-27 CBYX Vocational program.

12/03/2025

It's official! We're excited to announce our partnership with Germany-based Condor Airlines. ✈️

Here's what you need to know:

🌎 Starting TODAY, you can book transatlantic itineraries with Condor Airlines through our initial six gateways. Travel options begin on January 19, 2026.
❤️ These initial gateways cities are Boston (BOS), Las Vegas (LAS), Los Angeles (LAX), Portland (PDX), San Francisco (SFO), and Seattle (SEA).

This partnership is another step forward as we continue our mission to bring more choices (and new horizons) to our Customers.