Last updated September 3, 2026.
Looking for an original way to experience fall in Rowan County? GermanFest returns to the Old Stone House in September 2026, inviting families, history lovers and curious visitors to step back in time and discover the German heritage that helped shape Rowan County.
GermanFest 2026
September 19, 2026
Old Stone House
770 Old Stone House Rd., Granite Quarry, N.C.
10 A.M. - 7 P.M.
Held Saturday, September 19, 2026, GermanFest is hosted by the Rowan Museum at the historic 1766 Michael Braun House - one of Rowan County's most fascinating historic sites.
And while the name might make you think of a traditional Oktoberfest, GermanFest is something different. This is a family-friendly German heritage festival focused on history, culture and the everyday lives of the German settlers who called Rowan County home.
From colonial demonstrations and historic trades to handmade goods, food, music and craft beer from New Sarum Brewing Company, GermanFest offers a memorable fall day for the whole family.
GermanFest 2026 at a Glance
Date: Saturday, September 19, 2026
Time: 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Location: Old Stone House, 770 Old Stone House Road, Salisbury, NC 28146
Admission: $5 for adults; $3 for children
Best for: Families, history lovers and anyone interested in Rowan County's German heritage
Step Back Into 18th-Century Rowan County
The heart of GermanFest is the Michael Braun House, a colonial-era home built in 1766. During the festival, visitors can tour the historic house and experience what life was like for German settlers in Rowan County through living-history reenactments and hands-on demonstrations.
Costumed reenactors will share stories about the people who lived here, while demonstrators showcase traditional skills and trades that would have been part of everyday life. You'll see craftspeople practicing skills including blacksmithing, weaving, basket making, pretzel making and apple butter making, along with demonstrations of German lifeways, colonial dancing and more.
It's history you don't just read about - you can see it, hear it and experience it.
Things to Do at GermanFest
Whether your family loves history or you're simply looking for something different to do this fall, GermanFest offers plenty to explore throughout the day.
Watch Historic Trades in Action
Traditional skills take center stage at GermanFest, with demonstrations designed to show visitors how people made, built and prepared everyday necessities centuries ago.
The 2026 demonstration lineup includes:
- Blacksmithing with Jeep Sabo
- Weaving on the house loom with Mona Carver and Tonya Leach
- Pretzel making with Kristin Jones
- Apple butter making with Kate Dula
- Basket making with Nitra Bolinger
- German lifeways with Historic Bethabara staff
- House bake oven demonstrations with Kaye Brown Hirst
- Colonial dancing with Carolina Colonial Dancers
- The Chocolate Girl with Patricia Buttaro
Kids may especially enjoy watching the hands-on demonstrations and seeing historic toys, games and small farm animals around the property.
Tour the Historic Michael Braun House
Built in 1766, the Michael Braun House provides a glimpse into the lives of the German settlers who established communities throughout Rowan County.
During GermanFest, visitors can take tours of the colonial-era house while learning more about the families, traditions and cultural influences that became part of Rowan County's history.
Learn About German-American History
GermanFest isn't simply a celebration of food and festivities. The event was created to educate visitors about the German history of Rowan County.
Throughout the festival, booths will explore German-American culture and history, including the important role of churches and faith communities in the development of local German settlements.
It's a great opportunity to uncover a side of Rowan County's history that you may not know.
Shop Handmade Goods
Looking for a unique local find? Browse vendors offering handmade products and locally made goods, including honey, soaps, lotions and other handcrafted items.
Participating vendors and organizations include:
- Southeast Mercantile Cooperative
- The Old Goat Sutlery
- Town of Granite Quarry
- NC Bee Exchange
- Rustic Edge Soaps & Goats
- Daughters of the American Revolution
- Southern Sodas
Enjoy Food, Music and Local Beer
GermanFest also brings food and entertainment to the historic grounds.
Drew Griffiths Hot Dog Stand will be serving concessions, while the North Carolina Polka Time All-Stars provide a festive musical backdrop. To the Pointe Dance Company will also be part of the day's entertainment.
Adults can also enjoy a local brew while taking in the festivities. New Sarum Brewing Company will be onsite selling beer, including specialty beers made at the Braun House.
It's a fun way to add a modern Rowan County favorite to a day centered around local history.
Plan Your Visit to GermanFest
GermanFest takes place Saturday, September 19, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Old Stone House.
Admission:
Adults: $5
Children: $3
Location:
Old Stone House
770 Old Stone House Road
Salisbury, NC 28146
For more information about GermanFest, contact Rowan Museum at 704-633-5946, office@rowanmuseum.org or visit their Facebook Event Page.
Book Your Overnight Stay for GermanFest
Make a weekend of it with our Autumn Adventures in Rowan County Stay & Play Package. After stepping back into Rowan County's German heritage at GermanFest, keep the adventure going with an overnight stay. Book your hotel through the lodging widget below and receive 50% back on your hotel stay as a Visa e-Gift Card. It's the perfect excuse to turn your visit to GermanFest into a fall getaway filled with more places to explore, local flavors to enjoy and memories to make throughout Rowan County.
