Bierkeller Bratfest

Start: Saturday, July 12, 2025 12:00PM
End: Sunday, July 13, 2025 7:00PM

“Es geht um die Wurst!” It’s all about the brats, as Columbia’s Original Riverfront Brewery and Biergarten, Bierkeller Columbia, holds its 2nd annual Bratfest starting Saturday, July 13, from 12 until 9 pm, and continuing Sunday, July 14, from 12 until 7 pm. Bierkeller’s Bratfest celebration was the surprise hit of last year. All together, over 1,000 sausages, ranging from traditional Bavarian brats to Knackwurst to garlic to cheddar-stuffed and Beyond™, were consumed in one day by hungry Columbians. The festival also brought together Bier fans, families, and fans of Germany’s favorite street food for fun, music, and a vendors’ market. And now we’re back to do it all again! “Most everyone has eaten a Bratwurst at some point,” says Bierkeller owner Scott Burgess, “But this is a far cry from your Johnsonville grocery store offering. Germans take their Bratwust very seriously.” Bierkeller sources its sausages from authentic German butcher shops. “It’s a difference you can taste at first bite,” explains Burgess. “The freshness, the natural ingredients, the snappy sear…it’s all a testament to the tradition of this most German of snacks. Just like our German beers are a testament to that tradition.” The other tradition Bratfests honors is that of the summer Grillparties that you’ll see happening all over Germany when the weather gets warm. Families, friends, pets, kids, and everyone – young and old and in between – gathers to relax in the shade and enjoy the season. “It gets a bit warmer here in Columbia during the summer than in Bavaria,” says Burgess. “But we’ve got your needs covered. Let us do the grilling and pour the beers while y’all sit back and relax. Lots of relaxation and shade helps temper the hot temps.” This year’s Bratfest features some new offerings as well. “We will tap our fresh Pilsner – the perfect Bier for the hot days of summer – on Friday,” adds Bierkeller Events Manager, Brittany Jacobsen. “And on Saturday and Sunday, our BRAND NEW house band, Bierhall and Öates, will be playing polka-fied covers of your favorite 80s and 90s tunes, as well as some German drinking singalongs.” The event is FREE to attend. Various vendors will be on hand from 12:00-6:00 on Saturday and Sunday; Music Sodas, non-alcoholic beers, wines, and other beverages will also be on hand. “It’s all about the Brats! ” says Burgess. “Come celebrate with us, Columbi-ja. Prost!”