Looking for something fun to do on a summer day in July? Head to nearby Morrison for a family-friendly cultural event that offers traditional German food, entertainment, live music, dancing, and lots of beer. Biergarten Fest is one of the Metro area’s most popular summer festivals. The festival turns 20 years old this year and just keeps going with more music, more beer and fun.

The festival runs from Friday, July 8 through Sunday, July 10, and will have many special events to keep you and the kids entertained. Join the Stein Hoisting Competition on Saturday and the first ever Biergarten Fest Dachshund Race on Sunday.

Listen and dance to traditional German music from Rick Borger and The Average German Band, Rhinelanders and Peter Kron all weekend long. Watch dancing by the TEV Edelweiss Schuhplattlers and the Chalet Dancers. There will also be a large food tent and many other German vendors. Paulaner and Hacker-Pschorr are the official beer sponsors, and plenty of these beers will be on tap, along with traditional German Schnapps. Kids can enjoy outdoor games and a playground.

This event is rain or shine at the TEV Edelweiss festival grounds and pavilion in Morrison, just off C-470 and Morrison Road in the West Metro area. Take the exit to Highway 8 and follow the signs to the festival grounds. Entry fee is only $5 per person (cash only; ATMs on site) and children ages 5-12 are $3. Children five and under are free.

The fun begins Friday night from 4 PM to 10 PM, Saturday from 11 AM to 10 PM and Sunday 10 AM to 7 PM. Hope to see you in your Trachten!

Photo via Flickr user Dieter Kasimir