What is a Gaufest?

The Gaufest of Gauverband Nordamerika is held every two years on odd numbered years. All of the member organizations come together to celebrate the German and Austrian culture and heritage. Due to Covid-19 pandemic, the 28. Gaufest was moved to 2022.


Edelweiss Passaic was selected as host of the 28. Gaufest of the Gauverband Nordamerika. The 4-day festival will be held from Thursday, July 7, 2022 through Sunday, July 10, 2022 at the Harrah's Resort and Waterfront Conference Center in Atlantic City, NJ. The last time a Gaufest was held in New Jersey was in 1989!


The festival celebrates Bavarian and Austrian culture with a wide variety of events and activities for all. Schuhplattler dance groups from the Gauverband Nordamerika come together to share different dances, Tracht (traditional clothing), music, culture, fellowship and participate in dance competitions. This is the perfect opportunity to see old friends and make new ones.


The Gaufest is a world class event and is the largest gathering of its kind outside of Germany. Over 1,500 adults and children from across the United States, Canada and Europe will attend the Gaufest. We are inviting you to join us in this special celebration.

What Happens at a Gaufest?

Celebration of German/Austrian Bavarian heritage, culture, music and dance with many activities:

  • Dance Performances & Exhibitions

  • Educational Programs and Workshops

  • Children & Youth Activities

  • Group Dance Competition

  • Trachtenmarkt (Bavarian Market)

  • Schafkopf (Bavarian Card Game)

  • Fingerhakeln (Finger Wrestling)

  • Folk Music & Musikstube

  • Singing / Folk Songs / Volkslieder

  • Historical Archive & Library

  • Frühschoppen (Specialty Brunch)

  • Heimatabend & Tanzabend on Friday

  • Festtag & Buffet on Sunday

  • Lots of Gemütlichkeit

  • Dance Workshops

  • Cultural Exchange Workshops

  • Children Dance Workshops

  • Individual Dance Competitions

  • Vendors

  • Alpine instruments

  • Multiple Bands

  • Bauernmesse (Traditional Bavarian Church Service)

  • Welcome Dance on Thursday

  • Festabend Banquet on Saturday

  • Farewell Party on Sunday Night

  • And Much More…

What is Included in the Gaufest Ticket?

Fest ticket includes:

  • Admission to All Gaufest Events

  • Welcome Dance (Thursday): Beer, Wine, Soda, Water

  • Heimatabend & Tanzabend (Friday): Beer, Wine, Soda, Water

  • Festabend (Saturday): Banquet Plated Dinner, Coffee Service, Dessert, Beer, Wine, Soda, Water

  • Festtag (Sunday): Buffet, Beer, Wine, Soda, Iced Tea, Lemonade, Water

  • Farewell Party (Sunday): Beer, Wine, Soda, Water


Why Go to the 28. Gaufest in Atlantic City?

  • Celebrate German culture and heritage with others from across the USA and Canada.

  • Everything in one location.

  • Harrah's is a world class resort in Atlantic City

  • Atlantic City is a prime summer destination with free beaches and boardwalk

  • Just a short shuttle ride to the boardwalk and beach

  • Atlantic City is a family-friendly area with many things to do

  • Deeply discounted event room rates with options to add vacation days before and after the Gaufest


We hope that you will join us!


About Gauverband Nordamerika

Gauverband Nordamerika is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to preserve and perpetuate the cultural heritage of Bavaria (Germany) and Tyrol (Austria) including its customs, ethnic costumes, language, folk music, and folk dances. It provides the member societies in North America with educational programs and opportunities for fellowship through conferences, festivals, and published media; and cultivates ties with heritage societies in Bavaria and Tyrol.

The member organizations from come from 21 states in the USA and 5 provinces of Canada. Edelweiss Passaic is a charter member of Gauverband Nordamerika.