Embrace the spirit of spring in our beautiful Bavarian village, where May arrives with blooming orchards, vibrant wildflowers, and snow-capped mountain backdrops that make every stroll feel postcard-worthy. It’s one of our strongest Bavarian months of the year — anchored by the 55-year tradition of Maifest — and filled with music, culture, and alpine celebration. From Bavarian parades and alphorn echoes to Celtic rhythms, birdsong in the valley, mountain races, and live carving artistry, May is a vibrant expression of heritage and community. Whether you’re here for a festival weekend or a full spring escape, there’s no shortage of ways to experience the energy, tradition, and fresh mountain air that define May in Leavenworth.

May 1-3

While Maifest celebrates our Bavarian roots, those roots reach back even further than many realize. Long before Bavaria became distinctly “Bavarian,” Celtic tribes inhabited the region, shaping early culture, traditions, and even place names. Over centuries, Celtic and Germanic influences blended to form the rich heritage that defines Bavaria today. That shared history makes our Celtic Festival a natural and meaningful part of May in Leavenworth — another joyful expression of music, storytelling, and Old World tradition brought to life in the mountains.

May 2

Rock Fest kicks off our Bavarian spring with a nod to the rugged alpine spirit that defines both Bavaria and the Cascades. From the world-renowned climbing routes of Germany’s Franconian Jura to the granite walls of Icicle Canyon, mountain culture is deeply woven into Bavarian heritage. This outdoor celebration honors that adventurous tradition with live music, fresh mountain air, and the energy of spring in our Bavarian village.

The day will be filled with live music, delicious food & drinks, vendors, speakers, clinics, a bouldering competition, and so much more!

May 8-10

Leavenworth comes alive each May with music in the streets, dancers in traditional Trachten, blooming flowers, and the unmistakable joy of Bavarian celebration. For 55 years, Maifest has marked the arrival of spring in our mountain village — a cherished tradition that brings generations together to honor heritage, community, and the season of renewal.

In 2026, we celebrate this milestone year with exciting new additions alongside the beloved customs you know and love. From the colorful Grand March down Front Street to the raising of our brand-new authentic Maibaum, Maifest blends Old World tradition with Northwest beauty in a way only Leavenworth can.

Prost to spring, fresh mountain air, and 55 years of celebration — Willkommen to Maifest!

Weekend schedules coming soon!

Hoping to walk in the Festzug with your Bernese Mountain Dog this year? Click the button to learn about the requirements to participate!

May 10

Registration is now open for the 2026 Mai BlumenLauf — a festive spring race experience set in the heart of Leavenworth. Designed for every age and ability level, this event blends fitness, fun, and mountain scenery into one unforgettable May weekend.

Choose from a family-friendly 5K benefiting Cascade Medical Foundation, a two-loop 10K, or a four-loop half marathon — all winding through Leavenworth’s charming downtown streets and scenic riverfront trails.

Run, walk, or cheer from the sidelines — it’s a vibrant way to celebrate spring in the Bavarian Village.

May 14-17

Each May, as blossoms burst open and the mountains shed their winter quiet, Leavenworth welcomes the return of migratory birds to our valley. Our annual Spring Bird Fest is a celebration of birdsong, mountain ecosystems, and the natural beauty that surrounds our Bavarian village.

Set against the backdrop of alpine peaks, riverfront trails, and forested hillsides, Bird Fest offers guided walks, educational presentations, and opportunities to spot a remarkable variety of species in one of Washington’s most diverse birding regions. It’s a chance to slow down, look up, and experience spring in a different way.

While Maifest celebrates Bavarian culture, Bird Fest honors the alpine landscape that defines both Bavaria and Leavenworth — where nature and tradition go hand in hand. In May, it’s not just music in the streets — it’s birdsong in the trees.

May 16-17

Experience the artistry of the mountains at our live chainsaw carving demonstrations this May. Watch talented carvers transform raw logs into detailed works of art right before your eyes — blending strength, skill, and creativity in a uniquely Northwest tradition.

Rooted in the timber heritage that shaped alpine villages in both Bavaria and the Pacific Northwest, chainsaw carving is a celebration of craftsmanship and mountain culture. Throughout the weekend, you’ll see sculptures take shape in real time, making it an engaging experience for all ages.

It’s another way May in Leavenworth comes alive — where tradition, creativity, and mountain spirit meet.

May 23-24

Each Memorial Day Weekend, Leavenworth welcomes alphorn players from throughout North America for a spirited celebration of this iconic alpine instrument. With roots in the Bavarian and Alpine regions of Europe, the alphorn has long been used to call communities together across mountain valleys — a tradition that comes beautifully to life in our own.

Throughout the weekend, enjoy open-air concerts, special performances, and the unforgettable sound of alphorns echoing against the Cascade peaks. Traditional Bavarian attire, alpine melodies, and the festive spirit of the village create an atmosphere that feels both timeless and uniquely Leavenworth.

It’s a celebration of mountain culture at its finest — where Old World Bavarian tradition meets breathtaking Northwest scenery.