The Brenham Maifest

The Brenham Maifest has evolved from the German Volksfest, a spring festival carried to this area by German Texans who settled near Brenham. When the Brenham Fire Department assumed the duties of the Volksfest Association in 1880, the exclusively German celebration was opened to the public, and the name Maifest was adopted. With the exception of three years during World War I, the fire department organized the annual festival from 1880 until 1942. Discontinued During World War II, Maifest was revived in 1948, and by 1951 the Maifest Association was established, with proceeds from the festivities designated for the young people of Brenham. Maifest activities begin in February with a serenade and presentation of the Maifest Queens and Kings. Later, on a May weekend, the Maifest Royalties, selected for outstanding leadership from among the city's young people, are formally crowned in Fireman's Park. The weekend includes dances, parades, and a Maifestival with food, games, and demonstrations. Many of the early German traditions are still visible in the annual Brenham Maifest. This cultural continuity, practiced for more than 100 years, provides an important historical link to a rich heritage. (1983)

The Brenham Maifest is a historical marker in Brenham, Washington County, dedicated in 1983. It is one of 156 historical markers documented in Washington County in the Texas Historical Commission Atlas, among 368 historic sites cataloged across the county.

The site sits at 30.1669, -96.3978 near Brenham. The nearest cataloged historic site is Texas Confederate County Commissioners Court (historical marker), about under a tenth of a mile away. Others within a short drive include Giddings & Giddings, Washington County Courthouse, and Washington County, C.S.A..

This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5477008308. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.