Pennsylvania German Day 2026
Second Annual Pennsylvania German Day showcases the music, humor, and language of the Pennsylvania Dutch at Kutztown University
KUTZTOWN, PA – The Pennsylvania German Cultural Heritage Center will host the second annual Pennsylvania German Day on June 27, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Kutztown University. Located on the historic Sharadin Farmstead, Pennsylvania German Day 2026 will showcase a sampler of Pennsylvania German music, humor, and language that will honor the Pennsylvania Legislature’s declaration fifty years ago for the observance of Pennsylvania German Day in 1976.
Pennsylvania German Day will take place in the picturesque barnyard of the historic Sharadin Barn built and decorated in 1855 at the historic Sharadin Farmstead at 22 Luckenbill Road, Kutztown, PA 19530.
At 10:30 a.m. the program will open with a performance with the internationally-recognized Pennsylvania German music sensation, the Shooflies, an up-and-coming family band promoting the preservation and enjoyment of Pennsylvania Dutch music, language, and culture. At 11:15 a.m. the Shooflies will perform a Pennsylvania Dutch-language sing-along with leading Pennsylvania Dutch language online educator and musician, Doug Madenford.
At 1:00 p.m. a hilarious program of Pennsylvania Dutch-language jokes and translations will be offered by community language teachers David and Jean Adam. At 1:45, the program will continue with a performance of music and comedy by Doug Madenford.
Throughout the program, readings in Pennsylvania Dutch language, including stories and poetry, will be presented as part of the continuation of Schreiwer Fescht, a writer’s celebration originally founded as part of the Kutztown Folk Festival. Closing remarks will include “Ferwas mir kumme zamme” (why we come together) as a tribute to the Pennsylvania House Bill No. 2294, Session 1976, PA Legislative Act 113, providing for the observance of Pennsylvania German Day, approved June 29, 1976.
The event is free, fun, and educational for the whole family. Food concessions will be served by the Kutztown Lion’s Club.
For more information, follow PGCHC on Facebook and Instagram, visit pagerman.org/pa-german-day-2026/, or call 610-683-1589.